Balance
Don't let your eyes fool you
Or aura of smell lead you
Balance out your plates
Into three parts
As instructed
By the most eminent
Just do remember
The purpose behind
All of your day's work
Sadiiq Ashuhle
Copyright © 2010
So...
if Prerequisites are like good intentions,
To enter into the class of good deeds,
To survive the semester of life,
In the college of Islam,
And if the end is a degree,
Issued by none other than Allah,
To graduate and enter the University of Eternity
,In Jannatul Firdaus,
Let us examine our states closely,
Lets us ask ourselves sincerely:
Will we pass?
-Bint Qalin :)
Copyright © 2010
Let this Ramadan be the beginning of a new you!
You bow down to your Lord asking for forgiveness
Yet you hold the grudges of years and years in your heart
The beauty of forgiveness is felt the best
When you forgive those who have harmed you
Without expecting anything in return
As we enter the second part of Ramadan
The ten days for forgiveness
Reconcile with those you have kept your distance from for years
Don't just forgive – forget as well
For when you don't forget – you haven't truly forgiven
How do you explain your heart to forgive when you are always dwelling and remembering the pain of the past
Revisit that little corner in your heart
That you have become so successful in burying all your emotions in
Free your heart
Let go
Allah forgives us
And loves those who reconcile with their brothers and sisters
And love for one another what they would love for themselves
Therefore
Forgive
Reconcile
And let go my beloved ones!
Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010
Ya Allah this Ramadan
Help me to come in terms with my faults
Shortcomings
And the ability to accept and learn from them
Ya Allah this Ramadan
Open my eyes to the reality
And truth
Even when the truth is bitter to swallow
Help me to seek your guidance above all
And only adhere to the path that will gain your blessingsand mercy
Ya Allah this Ramadan
Let it be the month I learn to forgive those who wrongedme
Seek forgiveness from those I have wronged
And remove all hatred and envious feelings from my heart
Ya Allah let this Ramadan be the time
I stand firm for things I believe in
Never turn away from the truth and what is right
And never do the slightest harm to my family and thosedear to me
Ya Allah let this Ramadan be the month
I establish a stronger, deeper, sincere, truthful, andsignificant relationship with the Qur'an and my Creator
Ya Allah let this Ramadan
Be the Ramadan
I learn to live in the Ramadan Spirit long after it'sgone and until we are reunited next year, inshAllah
Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010
Redirect
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
With the blessing of this dearest month
With our hard work of fasting
Let us focus our dua
Beyond ourselves
Toward those
Wherever they may be
Living...
Under natural disasters
Under war zones
Under poverty
And most of all
Those who are...
Sick and less fortunate
May their trials
Insha'Allah be eased
Amiin
Sadiiq Ashuhle
Copyright © 2010
As I sit here
Pondering upon what to write for this poem
I am reminded of how quickly the days are coming and going
Too soon
It feels as though we got started just yesterday
I am forced to think about my "Ramadan goals"
Which I set enthusiastically 6 months before Ramadan
I ought to have finished nine surahs from albaraqah by now
But I haven't even gone past reading Surah al Maryam and memorizing Ayahtul Kursi as of yet
Unfulfilled promises and goals
Place the feeling of incompetence in my heart
I am guilty for not being able to keep my word to my Lord
I am forced to imagine
Had this being a project from school
Would I have been so laid back about it?
Would I have counted on the forgiveness of my professor?
Or would I have worked hard to complete my goal
To pass...
Then why must my soul feel lazy
Even when I know the devils are locked up?
SubhanAllah,
It's time to get real
Time to realize the importance of reading the Qur'an
Time to fulfilling my Ramadan goals with the same enthusiasm I set them to begin with.
Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010
What an incredible read, The Quran
In it are warnings, glad tidings andadvice,
For the truth seeker it will suffice,
Eloquent speech and verses that instilfear,
Without doubt the words of Allah The mostnear,
114 Surahs into 30 Juz with no fault insight,
A revelation to show Allah's great might,
From start to finish it leaves one amazed,
How can a book full of words, leave me sophased,
Oh Allah enable me to memorise,
Forindeed you are the most Wise,
In it are miraculous letters, from surahBaqrahs Alif Laam Meem,
To the well known surah named Ya Seen,
None knows their meanings except theauthor,
The one free of partners, He has no son noris He a father,
Tawheed is the central message,
You will find an ayah like la ilaha illaant in every passage,
That means there is no true god except you,
Correct belief, a true blessing given to afew,
Let's take the time to revise our Qur'an,
Especially in this blessed month Ramadan,
May Allah increase our love for this book,
A guide for mankind, worth every look.
Nimo Yusuf
Copyright © 2010
It is the blessed month called Ramadan
The beginning is filled with Mercy from Him who has created the heavens and theearth
The middle part is all about seeking forgiveness for your Lord
For He said in the Qur'an do not despair your souls from asking for forgiveness
The end marks freedom from the hell fire
For Allah never disappoints his obedient servants
Never calls them on account for things they are ignorant of
Never misguides those who seek guidance
Never abandons those who call for His help
Heis the oft-forgiving
Most Merciful
Most Beneficent
Allah Ta'aal has indeed blessed our souls with thisprecious month
Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010
Indefinite is our state
WE perfected in hate
Is our destiny a fate?
Or is it our deeds bad or good
That leads us to hell or heavens gate?
Time to pull the Alarm!
It's time to repair our Imaan!
Disperse from Haraam!
Revert to Islam!
Rage killed our patience!
Negligent dropped us in a maze
Duniya locked us into a confined cage!
Heedless in a smoke - unmindful in a fog!
Tried every key to open the lock-
But only Islam clears the Vague!!!
Abdikareem Abeeb
Copyright © 2010
Peace
Better be in the state of peace
Than in the state of war
With everything in life
It all begins with strong foundation
Being connected
Spiritually in harmony
With the highest seat of order
And during the turbulent times
Knowing the tools for remedy
While never forgetting about
In the more happier times
To pay thanks for all the blessings bestowed upon
One of which is witnessing another Ramadan
Sadiiq Ashuhle
Copyright © 2010
Can't believe it is already a week since Ramadan started, subhanAllah time just flies!
Ramadan oh Ramadan
You calm and ease my mind
My heart is open to the word of Allah more than ever during this month
And my limps instantly craving to bow down at the call of adhan
The air feels at peace with my brown skin
Embracing my soul
So gently yet it touches the deepest cell and tissue of my being
The hot air of August seems like blessings from heaven
And my lips never fail to glorify Him who has created me.
Oh Ramadan
Stopping racing on a fast train
And take your time
Stay
Hold......on
Linger around a bit more
For I need you to pump abundant faith in my heart
Make me an obedient slave
I need you!
Ramadan oh Ramadan
Just how you ease and calm my nafs!
Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010
TNP's note: Thank you, Sadiiq! For keeping up with the Ramadan Challenge so diligently and submitting one poem per day! You have made it through the first week, congrats :D
No stoppage
Even within the blessed month
Life and our responsibilities continues on
No need for a time out
In order to become sages
We are ordinary folks
Striving to balance out on both ends
A testament for human potentiality
Note: Hakeem Olajuwon recounts his playing days while fasting: http://www.emirates247.com/2.302/other/hakeem-the-dream-my-life-as-a-muslim-2009-09-11-1.24456
Love for religion and basketball can co exist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgpaxtL1tlc
Sadiiq Ashuhle
Copyright © 2010
"Tears of the Imam"
The 6th day of Ramadan..
and I do my daily stuff ...
Ramadan is the month were everyone gets busy...
Cooking, Eating, some reading the quran, some a bit lazy..
The problem is Ramadan is the month were you can start all over again..
And doing things that are usually forgotten with support of the Shaytaan..
The 6th day of Ramadan....
and I do my daily stuff...
Yesterday I stayed at home...
and the day before as-well...
A few minutes walking to the masjid made me lazy to be wet...
44 degrees and the sun had left...
What if we would fast from dawn to dusk..
Running away from heat but how about Hell-fire when it burns each tuft...
The 6th day of Ramadan...
And I still do my daily stuff...
After a long fight with myself about how hot it is outside...
I heard the athaan thrilling in my ears, that means I lost that fight...
Finally arrived alhamdullilah ,eventho I missed Isha-prayer...
Prayed as I was done minutes before the Taraweeh prayers...
Watched the clock ,standed up and said Allahu-Akbar with the Imam...
Eyes focused on the floor with alot of stuff illusioning in front of me..I know it's haraam...
The Imam recite's the quran slowly untill he reaches to these verses..
45. "Those who would hinder (men) from the path of Allah and would seek in it something crooked: they were those who denied the Hereafter."
46. Between them shall be a veil, and on the heights will be men who would know every one by his marks: they will call out to the Companions of the Garden, "peace on you": they will not have entered, but they will have an assurance (thereof).
47. When their eyes shall be turned towards the Companions of the Fire, they will say: "Our Lord! send us not to the company of the wrong-doers."
48. The men on the heights will call to certain men whom they will know from their marks, saying: "Of what profit to you were your hoards and your arrogant ways?
49. "Behold! are these not the men whom you swore that Allah with His Mercy would never bless? Enter ye the Garden: no fear shall be on you, nor shall ye grieve."
50. The Companions of the Fire will call to the Companions of the Garden: "Pour down to us water or anything that Allah doth provide for your sustenance." They will say: "Both these things hath Allah forbidden to those who rejected Him."
What happened....?
The Imam burst in tears and with a feared voice he keeps reciting..
I closed my eyes flashing those verses again in my mind...
Tears just rolled down more and more each time I hear his voice...
Why that ...?
The Imam and women around me each with another book of deeds..
But me listening to those verses and thinking would I be rejected with my hoards ??
Would I be with the Companions of the Garden ?
When my book is closed will I be forgiven or forgotten ?
Allahu Akbar...
The 6th of Ramadan...
And now I remember my daily stuff..
Yassie
Copyright © 2010
I love this way of life,
The Quran as a guide,
In Allah I confide,
The prophet's example,
Of how to be kind and humble,
Take the time to read his seerah,
Allah willing the path to jannah will be nearer,
I have to be a better servant,
To the one The Benevolent,
In Allah's mercy I'm ever hopeful,
But I remind myself to also be fearful,
Of a tremendous day,
When I will have no say,
Alhamdulillah we've reached Ramadan,
May Allah increase the good in our mezan,
Oh Allah forgive me and the Muslimeen,
Ya Rabi, Allahoumaameen.
Nimo Yusuf
Copyright © 2010
I look at you, yes my eyes caught you.
I look as though amazed, inspired and educationally driven.
I look at you to learn from you.
Don't mind me if I stare a little more than I should, would you stop me?
You just need to look back at me andsmile!
I look at you because I like how you look and admire how God beautified you!
I look at you injectin gmy positive outlook and welcoming dialogue.
But I cannot figure out why you look atme.
Why you stare so deeply almost killing me with your looks.
You look at me in despair, raising your eyebrows with uncertainty!
I intend no offence; all I want to do is to read this Holy Book.
I continue to read quietly with a state of peace but you shake your head indisapproval.
I don't argue, I stay calm, reminding myself it's Ramadan.
I wish you could speak though and raise your concerns!
Or perhaps I understand!
Yes I understand, for I am liberated in everysense.
Behind this veil you will find an intellectua lnation,
Ingredients of success.
And unfoldingstories!
I am soft but strong and have a great sixthsense!
I know you are ashamed of your judgement uponme!
How you dream to be different,
You want to learn more about me,
But you are disabled to your inner soul and imprisoned to your social upbringing!
Let go and be free
Like me.
Stranger
Don't be shocked,
Yes I speak English!
Sam Said
Copyright © 2010
I don't mind what you think of me and why
It doesn't matter if you consider me too loud or too shy
If you think what I'm saying is truth or lie
All that really matters is my relationship with the Creator of mine.
I couldn't care less if you think me to be worst or best dressed
If you bracket me too sullen, too moody or too full of jest
If you think me too pretty or ugly or what you think of my chest
All that matters is God has my heart under arrest.
And so today I fast in the hope that He lays a place
for me where the righteous rest.
Ameen.
Nimo Hussein
Copyright © 2010
Although my heart may be laden with sorrow
and my eyes heavy with pain,
I can force hurt to cease
with one sujuud on my knees
He heard my call when I thought no one could hear me at all.
His love teaches me patience
and so even if I take a drop in this life,
faith always breaks my fall.
I have so much to be thankful for.
Alhamdulilah
Nimo Hussein
Copyright © 2010
I believe in what my eyes cannot see
Because I can never deny His blessings on me.
Never so arrogant as to believe
in my own superiority!
Nimo Hussein
Copyright © 2010
No father
No son.
He is forever,
Never ending
Not begun.
The Lord of all things above and below the sun,
Allah, the Eternal One.
We bow only to You
With thanks in our hearts for showing us the truth.
We hope never to be of those who are astray
But earn and keep Your favour
Forever
Steadfast we pray.
Nimo Hussein
Copyright © 2010
Sinners turning to Allah
Hypocrites
They abandon Islam throughout the year
Only to reconnect with it in Ramadan
Sinners
Women adorn themselves in hijab
Men grow their beards
And abandon haram ways
Only for 30 days
*sigh*
Sinners
Hypocrites
What do they know?
These are the chants of "good" Muslims
Women who wear the hijab throughout the year
And men who strive to live in halal manners
Feel as though it is their duty to judge others
Don't frown upon her for wearing the hijab only during Ramadan
For Allah might make this month the beginning of her hijab days
Don't call him hypocrite for abandoning clubs
And coming to Masjid only for 30 days
For this might mark the birth of a new him!
Remember, we are all sinners
And therefore should not mock
Frown upon
Or disrespect our fellow Muslims!
Only Allah knows truly what is hidden in their hearts and ours.
It is Ramadan – live and let live.
Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010
Condition
The gates of heaven are open
The duas of forgiveness are rampant
Yet, nothing is guaranteed
Without any sincere change
Foremost dusting off any ill gained possessions
The hadith is still standing*
Note:
*"...Then he mentioned [the case of] a man who, having journeyed far, is dishevelled and dusty and who spreads out his hands to the sky [saying] : "O Lord! O Lord!" - while his food is unlawful, his drink unlawful, his clothing unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can he be answered?"" Imam An-Nawawi, hadith #10.
Sadiiq Ashuhle
Copyright © 2010
There's a reason we're told to ponder on creation,
The very nature of Allah's formation,
How He makes the Sun shine brightly,
And the moon rise so precisely,
The way the trees sway,
And Spring time in May,
The sound of the great ocean,
Leaves one feeling deep emotion,
The desert and its aridness,
Compared to the sea and its vastness,
Who can deny the existence of Allah?
Allahu Akbar wa SubhanAllah
Nimo Yusuf
Copyright © 2010
Day Four of Blessed Ramadhan
Each beautiful call Of Adhan
Should make us frequent the Masjid
By all means "Live" in the Masjid :)
Slave of Allah, Exceed the whispers of Dhikr
Glad tidings to you, seek the Pleasure of Allah
Fight against your Nafs
Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyumu Bi-Rahmatika Astaghithu.
Ramadhan Maqbul to All :)
Ilhan Bashir
Copyright 2010.
Blessed Day Three Alhamdullilah
We all need an Imaan Recharge
Cast away the negativeCharge
Keep going strong,
Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim You're back in charge.
No time to waste,
Next Ramadhan aint Guaranteed
Rebellious sheydaans are chained up,
By Allah's DecreedSo no excuses, From Therein Proceed
By Allah if you don't take advantage of this time, when will you? Take Heed.
Ilhan Bashir
Copyright 2010.
Blessed day Two and our souls are Submissive
So much to do, How can you be Bored Ikhwan Wal Akhawat?
Did you read the Qur'an and the Tafsir?
What about Dhikr? No?
You forgot Nawafil Prayers
No to mention Seeking Forgiveness(We love making Taubah don't we?)
Did I mention Taraweeh Prayers? Aah, so much to do Alhamdullilah
Do you still claim bored and Idle?
But the afore mentioned are numerous,Super abundant, it shold keep you Busy
It is all about Seeking Allah's PleasureHis Mercy is without Measure
Indulge in Dhikr even at Leisure
Yep, Ramadhan is a Blessing and certainly a Priceless Treasure.
Ilhan Bashir
Copyright 2010.
Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim.
As the Noble month of Ramadhan commences
A serene feeling is set in motion
A frenzy of a peaceful state of mind is activated
A mental satisfaction of some sort
Calm, Beautiful, beyond Incredible?
Verily, words lack persuasion..For the feeling is simply Ínexplicable. Alhamdullilah.
Therein, we seek spiritual ReflectionA month to rectify ourselves,-To control our worldly desires-To return to Allah(S.W.T)More Ibadaah, dhikr, Sadaqah, more good deeds
To Glorify your Lord for the Bountiful Blessings..
He has bestowed upon us..
And By Allah! everyday should be Ramadhan for us.Alhamdullilah.
Ilhan Bashir
Copyright 2010.
Muslim brothers and sisters,
We have been blessed,
In so many ways by the one who will always exist,
He has shown us the right from wrong,
It is up to us to take heed and stay strong,
For we have no guarantee,
That tomorrow you or I will still be,
So for that reason alone,
Let us strive without a moan,
I ask Allah the Most High,
To help both you and I,
Who best to ask for direction?
Other than The one free from flaws, full of perfection.
Nimo Yusuf
Copyright © 2010
This poem is no way disrespecting Masjids but rather calling for people, in this case men, to respect sisters who attend the masjid and provide them a proper space to pray in. We live in hard times where the only Islamic environment for many of us is the Masjid - don't deprive us of that by hostile attitude, inadequate space, etc. May Allah Ta'aal forgive me if I have said anything wrong.
Is it fair?
I ask is it fair
That women should be crammed in a small space
Without sufficient air to breath
In the house of Allah
Where as men take up most of the space
With air condition
With soft carpets
And the ability to hear the imam clearly
Is it fair?
I ask is it fair
That we women are pushed in a small corner of the Masjid
With out adequate necessities
Broken microphones
As though we do not exist
As though our efforts in cleaning the masjid
Cooking iftar
Fundraising
Is worthless
I ask is it fair
That our Muslim men should frown upon us
For attending tareweeh prayers
For doing our duties at home
And at the same time seeking the shelter of Allah ta'aal
To increase wisdom
We live in the west
And, brothers just as much as you are in need of constant reminder of your faith
We need it too!
-Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010
Chained
The big boss
And his minions
Are all chained
Promised from the highest order
Any wrongdoings
Committed within this month
We've none to blame
Except ourselves
Sadiiq Ashuhle
Copyright © 2010
Dear sis, she said, "Share a bite of this homemade biscuit"
I thanked her and politely said no
She insisted!
I mean, really insisted!
I smiled thinking she might be excused from her fasting days
And reminded her that our monthly cycle was on a whole different path
"I am fasting" today, I said
Her eyes looked at me as though she was scrutinizing every word I uttered
You mean you FAST in America?
Shocked and confused
At how a fellow Muslim could ask such a thing
My mind started asking questions
Do we abandon Allah's word based on our geographically locations
And only adhere to it when we are in our native lands
I asked her, beloved don't you fast?
Her mouth speeded through reasons why she could not fast
Classes
Work
Long stressful days
Not enough sleep due to homework assignment
The usual, she said, you understand, don't you?
I shook my head and said No I don't understand
At how you could choose to be blind
And deprive your soul from repenting during this Holy Month
Ramadan is more than abstaining from food and water
But rather it is a month you reconnect with your Lord
And appreciate all the blessings and mercy He was bestowed upon you
It is a month of forgiveness
A month for self evaluation
A month to exercise self discipline
A month to respect others
A month for Fasting
And, if you can't do that
At least do not mock those souls who restrain themselves only to please their Lord.
-Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010
