Peace and Blessings.....A new Journey

Salaam Aleikum

It's 2021. 

It's been a six year hiatus. Alhamdulillah, I am back. 

There will be some changes to the content I will be creating, but it will still be Islamic oriented.

I pray Allah SWT will grant me the wherewithall to carry this new journey out successfully

Ma Salaam

Khadeejah

Being the Muslim Minority in your Workplace

Peace and Blessings

I remember a good friend of mine calling me after attending an interview in a private school saying she wasn't employed because she is a muslim. Her friend who worked there earlier suggested she omitted her muslim name. She thought he was joking, but on getting there, same was the case. Meanwhile,  this is a school that admits muslim kids. Totally disregarding the fact that my friend was qualified for the job.

I wasn't surprised because I also had my fair share of experience in that regard when I was still job hunting.  This practice is common in the private sector especially SMEs dominated by non muslims.

Earlier this year, I read a piece online where an MBA graduate in India was also denied employment because he is muslim. And the reason was stated in an email sent to him. When the email went viral, the organization denied the claims and employed the young man.

I'm most cases, situations like this cannot be avoided because we have to go out there and work. Hmmm....man must chop right? Also not everyone is going to work in big multinational organizations. So I have put together a few pointers to work with when a muslimah finds herself in a non-Islamic organization or if she is one of the very few muslims in her workplace.  This can be also helpful for our brothers in Islam too.

1. Set your priorities : As a striving muslimah you should know that Allah comes first in all that we do. Always remind yourself why you are at work, and make sure all decisions taken pertaining to work is halal.

2. Modesty and Chastisy: Always let the muslim in you reflect in your actions.  Avoid office gossip, smile and be polite at all times. Also don't encourage flirting with the opposite sex.

3. Work hard: I know no one is indispensable,  But there are some people whose vacuum are so difficult to fill because of their attitude to work. Be that employee that everyone would miss when you aren't around.

4. Always be prayerful: Always seek Allah SWT guidance and protection through prayers. It's advisable to perform Duha before going to work. Minimum of 2 Rakats. It will help put Allah SWT Baraka in whatever you do.

I hope these few tips are quite helpful.
Till my next post, I say Asalaam Aleikum.

Love: Deejah

Peace and Blessings

Assalam Aleikum,

Sincere apologies for the long break in transmission. I can't believe my last post was over seven months ago. It's was all due to technical issues and a busy Nigerian life. But I hope my posts will be more frequent from now on.

I'll have to say Alhamdulillah for being safe, sound and healthy all these while, I hope my readers also have plenty of reasons to say Alhamdulillah too.

Till my next post, I wish you all the peace and blessings of Allah SWT.

MA SALAAM

Islam and Social Media

Social media is the interaction amongst people in which they create, share or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. Islam definitely appreciates and welcomes all forms of advancement as long as it is in accordance with the laws of Allah (SWT) and the traditions of the noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

As Muslims, our mission is to learn to put into practice and to pass our knowledge of the beautiful message (Islam) so that the world can experience peace. This is why education; both western and Islamic is very important.

Today, we are in a world where technology is advancing rapidly and if we aren’t going to use the technology positively, then it will be used in a destructive manner to promote what is incorrect and which will earn the wrath of Allah (SWT).

So, we can all come to the agreement that it is allowed and in fact very important for us to make use of whatever the latest technology is, in order to pass the message of peace across the globe.

But the problem is, if we read the statistics of social networking and social media sites, it is alarming that many of us don’t use this wonderful technology properly. Nowadays, we are sometimes too busy with our phones and computer devices that we neglect certain important things in life like Salaat, reciting the Quran or being a parent. Some of us commit sins on a daily basis due to our activities on the Internet. We should always remember that whatever we do on earth, we would account for it on the day of Qiyama. 

Taking a careful look at technology, there are so many forms of social media, hence we have not only the ability to source but even to be a part of its making or creation. We have to make sure we use it in the correct way, and Insha Allah, Allah (SWT) will bless you and I in this world and the hereafter.

Islam encourages social interaction but within limits and for the right reasons. We all know that prayers observed in a congregration attract more rewards than praying alone. You have for example the Jumuah that is compulsory upon us as Muslims. We need to know that it is a gathering. The Eid is also a gathering. To go out to visit the sick is highly rewarding. Today, you can send a WhatsApp or BBM message to a sick friend telling him/her that you are praying for them and get a similar reward.

Finally, it is important as Muslims to choose a profile befitting who you really are in terms of your link towards Allah (SWT). Let us not be among those who are doing wrong. Let us be from among those who are there in other to maintain our family ties, find out about our friends, get more educated and to spread the message of Islam when we have a chance.

Invite to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His path, and He is the Best Knower of those who are guided.                                                                                                     Surat Nahl, Qu’ran 16:125

Ma Salaam

Love: Deejah

Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness)

 Then, verily! Your Lord for those who do evil (commit sins and are disobedient to Allah) in ignorance and afterward repent and do righteous deeds, verily, your Lord thereafter, (to such) is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (An-Nahl 16:119)

We often forget the importance of this simple but powerful dua called Istghfar that is; saying Astaghfurullah ( I seek forgiveness from Allah).The holy Prophet (PBUH) recited this at least 100 times a day. It is stated in different parts of the Holy Quran why we should seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) frequently. Allah (SWT) is the only one who can forgive our sins.

Let us all see the benefits of reciting this supplication

•   The most important reason for reciting Istghfar is seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT). Both Quran and Hadith are clear that those who repent sincerely to Allah, acknowledging their sins, and promise not to return again to those sins will have their sins forgiven. As written above in Surah An-Nahl our Lord is the Most forgiving and Most Merciful.   
• Istghfar removes anxiety and makes our duas more worthy of response; when one seeks forgiveness from Allah, it makes it easier for our duas to be answered.
•        Istighfar opens the doors of mercy and sustenance

•   It opens the door of knowledge

•    It is also a gateway for productivity

•    Istighfar is an effective way of calming oneself and wipes away worldly worries from our minds.

•  Istighfar also helps us to refrain from all forms of sins. Reciting it regularly reminds us of Allah’s oneness. 

 And verily, I am indeed Forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death). [Ta-Ha 20:82]

 There are a lot of Hadith which buttresses my point on the importance of Istighfar

 Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said;

“If anyone constantly seeks pardon from Allah, He will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.” [Abu Dawud]

In another hadith, Abdullah bin Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

“The one who (regularly) says Istighfaar, that is, frequently repent to Allah Ta’aala for sins committed, Allah Azza Wa-Jal will open a path from poverty and difficulties. All sorrow and hardship will be removed, and in its place prosperity and contentment granted. One will receive sustenance from unimagined and unexpected sources.”

Alhamdulillah, we all should learn to do Tasbih of Astaghfirullah at least 100 times a day as it is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

The virtue of seeking forgiveness is well-known, it is a reason of obtaining forgiveness, entering Paradise, having good provisions, increasing one’s strength, repelling harm, having affairs facilitated, the descent of rain, and increasing in wealth and children.

The doors of repentance are always open hence, do not delay your repentance in hope of tomorrow, as tomorrow is uncertain. Repent now and make it a habit to ask Allah’s forgiveness by reciting Astaghfurullah.

May Allah (SWT) forgive us all for our shortcomings and make Jannat Firdaus our home in the hereafter. Ameen

Ma Salaam

Love: Deejah

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid

Salaam Aleikum

Hi Friends,

From my new series called  Women of Faith, I'm introducing Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid

"She believed in me when none else did, she embraced Islam when people disbelieved me; and she helped and comforted me when there was none to lend me a helping hand" - Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

She was born in 556 CE in the city of Mecca of the Quraysh tribe. She was known by the names; Ameerah Quraysh (Princess of Quraysh), Al-Tahira (The Pure One) and Khadijah Al-Kubra (The Great One). Before getting married to The Prophet (PBUH), she was already widowed twice and had borne several children. She became a very successful merchant, was known to be the richest woman in Mecca and was widely known for her trade in Syria and Yemen.She was a known philanthropist who fed and clothed the poor.

The Prophet was recommended by Abu-Talib to Khadijah because of his trustworthiness. At that time, the Prophet (PBUH) was 25 years old and Khadijah was 40 years old. When he embarked on the journey to Syria on business and after coming back, Khadijah was impressed as to how he conducted the business. The servant who assisted him on the journey; Maysarah said he saw angels shielding him when he was resting. One night she dreamt that the shining sun had descended from the heavens into her courtyard, radiating her home. When she woke up she went for the interpretation of this wonderful dream to her cousin, Waraqah bin Nawfal, a blind man noted for his skill in interpreting dreams, and for his depth of knowledge, particularly of  the Injil (Bible). When he heard her dream, he gave a serene smile, and told her not to worry, as this was a very promising dream. The glorious sun she saw descending into her courtyard indicated that the Prophet (PBUH) whose advent had been predicted in the Injil was to grace her home and she would gain from his presence in her life.

Khadijah sent her close friend named Nafisa to approach the Prophet (PBUH) and ask him to marry her. The Prophet (PBUH) was hesitant because he had no money to support a wife. Nafisa asked him if he would consider marriage to a woman who had means to provide for herself. The Prophet (PBUH) agreed and the marriage took place.

The Propher (PBUH) and Khadijah were married monogamously for 25 years in which she had six children namely: Qasim, Zaynab, Ruquyyah, Umm Kulthum, Fatima and Abdullah in that order.

When the Prophet started receiving signs and revelations of Prophethood through Angel Jibril, he confided in his wife who called her cousin Waraqah Ibn Nawafil who confirmed his Prophethood. She was supportive of his Prophetic mission, embraced Islam and invested her wealth in the mission.

She died in the month of Ramadan of the 10th year after his Prophethood. He calls that year the year of sorrow because his uncle Abu Talib also died that year. She died at the age of sixty-five, having given almost twenty-five years to Muhammad and the cause of Islam.When Muhammad (PBUH) saw her in the throes of death he consoled her saying Allah had so ordained it, and that the thing she was dreading, would prove favorable for her. Her eyes lit up and as she gazed at her beloved husband, her soul left its earthly body.

Her grave was prepared at a place called Hujjun, near Makkah. Muhammad (PBUH) stepped into it to see that everything was as it should be, and with his own hands lowered her gently into it. Thus passed away the 'Mother' of all Muslims, the one who had sacrificed her all for Islam, the lady who was the greatest supporter of Islam in its earliest days.Three years after her death, the Prophet migrated to Madinah. 

Ayshah narrates that whenever the Prophet (PBUH) talked about Khadijah, it was in terms of the highest praise. He said: 

"I have not yet found a better wife than her. She had faith in me when everyone, even members of my own family and tribe did not believe me, and accepted that I was truly a Prophet and a Messenger of Allah. She converted to Islam, spent all her wealth and worldly goods to help me spread this faith, an d this too at a time when the entire world seemed to have turned against me and persecuted me. And it is through her that Allah blessed me with children."

Lessons:  Khadijah has been a role model for all Muslim women. Her marriage to Muhammad and the stories of their relationship reflect love, loyalty, trust, and respect between two individuals and partners.It also shows a woman who believed in a cause (Islam) and gave her all for it.

Have a rewarding week ahead

Ma Salaam

Love:  Deejah

Friday's To Do List

Salaam Aleikum

May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon you all Friends

Its Jummah again, Alhamdulillahi. So I would like us all to remember the good deeds we must perform today being Jummah.

 

1. Cut your nails

2. Shave your pubic and  armpit hair

3. Perform Ghusl

4. Use a Chewing stick (Miswaak)

5. Use a scent

6. Make sure you get to the Masjid early

7. Recite lots of Salawaat upon the Prophet (PBUH)

8. Read Surat Al-Kahf

9. Seek Forgiveness from Allah (SWT) by reciting lots of Istigifar and

10. Never forget to do good deeds and abstain from evil

The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Friday is the best of days. It was on this day that Hazrat Adam (AS) was created, it was on this day that he was granted entry into Jannah, it was on this day that he was removed from Jannah (which became the cause for man's existence in this universe, and which is a great blessing), and the day of resurrection will also take place on this day. " (Sahih Muslim)

So there it is as a remembrance to us all. Lets make sure we plan our time and attend Jummah today.

Ma Salaam

Love: Deejah