Inspired Muslimah

When you are stressed come to rely on this book, when you need someone to talk to, talk to Allah! I soo wish I could read and write arabic, this is a goal inshallah. Next summer I plant to take arabic classes and I am soo excited. I know quite a bit,for a beginner but to fully appreciate the Quran,one must be able to read arabic. I will have to settle for my english translation for now. With the end of the year approaching, I am not waiting for the new years for resolutions, I am beginning now.

Salaams everyone. I am having a rough week but inshaallah it will get better. I am soo tired this morning but alhamdullilah I still woke up for fajr this morning so all praise to Allah (s.w.t). I found this article and it is helpful for me so I thought I would share. We all have bad days and fall short and tips to boost your iman may be just what the doctor ordered. I am currently in my school library and I have soo much work to do. I have a quiz tomorrow and Friday, a 25 page take home final due Friday, a drug information paper, a medication assignment and a group paper due Friday. Another exam Monday and then cumulative finals. Needless to say I am overwhelmed and I notice a serious change in my attitue when I haven’t time to read Quran. I guess that’s a good thing. Well I hope some of you find these tips useful:

7 Steps to Increased Iman

By Sumayyah Meehan

The Prophet Muhammad (S) said: "Faith wears out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allah to renew the faith in your hearts” (Mustadrak al-Haakim).

Our Iman is not always as sound and strong as we want it to be as it often fluctuates according to life circumstances. There are several causes for weakening Iman such as deficiencies in our prayers or the insinuating whispers from the Shaytan. Regardless of the cause, it is crucial for all of us to keep a check on our Iman and if we feel it is faltering in any way then we should take measures to restore it. It is our responsibility to know which things decrease our Iman and how to avoid them and those that increase our Iman and how to embrace them.

Here are 7 ways that you can brighten your Iman starting today!

1. Recognize and Repent

All humans commit sins no matter how hard we try to avoid them. Engaging in evil deeds decreases our Iman. Actions like lying, cheating and stealing, to name only a few, take a toll on the human heart which makes us more susceptible to being lead astray from the Path of Allah. It is important for us to reflect upon our deeds and weed out the ones that are contrary to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (S). Allah has gifted us with an innate sense of justice and the ability to reason and make sound judgements. Our fitrah (natural disposition) necessitates that we all know when we are committing a sin. And if we don't know, we certainly have a bevy of resources to find out from!


2. Perform Salah Regularly

Completing the five daily prayers, on time and according to the Sunnah, is an excellent way to increase our Iman. Not only are we performing an obligatory deed when praying, but by doing so we have a standing audience with the Creator of this world where we can ask for help and mercy. The effect of the salah on the human soul is cooling as Muhammad (S) once said that it cooled his eyes. The salah connects us with our Creator and, along with obedience to Allah, helps us to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil.

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an:

"The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses -this Qur’an- are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone); Who perform salah and spend out of that We have provided them. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and Forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise)” (Al-Anfal: 2-4).

3. Qur’anic Recitations

Medical studies have shown that simply listening to a recitation of the Holy Qur’an has a physiological effect on our bodies. Research has also proven that the Qur’an has healing qualities on the body, mind and spirit. What better way to increase your Iman than to listen to a recitation of the Holy Qur’an on an audio device! Listen to the melodious rhythm of the Qur’an and while doing so try to reflect upon the meanings of what you are listening to.

4. Engage in Dhikr

"…Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28)

Remembering Allah much through acts of dhikr brings peace to the heart. It also gives us a sense of taqwa, a consciousness that makes us realise that Allah Almighty is ever near and that we should always strive to please Him. Some beneficial dhikr include:

Subhan'Allah- 'Praise be to Allah'

Al-Hamdullilah- 'Thanks be to Allah'

Allahu Akbar – 'Allah is the Greatest.'

5. Voluntary Fasting

Fasting can be thought of as a prescription for us, which cures the maladies of the human soul. There are innumerable benefits to fasting nawafil fasts. Fasting helps us be thankful to Allah for His Bounty, control unlawful desires, have compassion for the less fortunate and it weakens the effects of waswas, the insinuating whispers from the Shaytan.

6. Carry Out Good Deeds

Doing good deeds for others can be like switching on a light bulb in a darkened room. No matter how awful we are feeling there is just something about offering a helping hand to someone in need that lifts our spirits and brightens our Iman.

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: "For those who believe and work righteous deeds is a reward that will never fail” (Fussilat: 8).

Types of good deeds that any of us can fulfill include acts of dawah, feeding a poor person or donating something of value to charity. Not only does the deed benefit another person but it also benefits our own souls by polishing up our Iman.

7. Trust in Allah

The best way to increase your Iman is to completely submit your will to Allah by following every command in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Live your life according to them and you will find success around every corner. Turn to Allah in times of distress and be thankful to Allah in times of bounty. Have patience in Allah's Decree and always remember that no matter what trials or tribulations we face in this World, one day we will be called to account for our deeds which were hopefully sent forth with much goodness and patience.

Article adapted from Sisters Magazine

Thanks Pixie, for commenting on my last post. I actually went through your blog because I remember you had touched on this topic somewhat a while back.

Ok sisters, before I even began, I know Iam entering a very dangerous territory in the subject of Hijab and whether or not it is mandatory.  Many of you may know Iam not a full time Hijab but Inshallah I will be soon.  Please make Duaas for me, inshallah. Iam currently reading the Quran and Hadiths to gain a better understanding of Islam. However, I cant help but to feel some of the more strict rules of Islam come from the hadiths and not the Quran. With that said, Allah (s.w.t.) Is perfect and so Is the Quran, and it just makes me wonder why he would leave such important intricate details out.  I mean, the Quran is extremely detailed on everything…except Hijab.  Hijab is a muslim womens symbol to the world that she is a muslimah.  However, is it from the Quran or the Hadiths??  I invite you to explore both and come up with your answer.  With the Quran being the only perfect book, since it was sent from Allah (s.w.t.) I would believe it would be more than sufficient as a guide to how a muslim should live its life, even in absent of the hadiths.  I know hijab refers to modesty, but what says a women who shows her hair is not modest? Do you agree?? I have been doing some major research regarding Hijab and this is what I have found:

Hijab is mentioned in the Quran 7x:

(7:46,33:53,38:32.41:5.42:51.17:45.19:17)

Hijab or ħijāb (, pronounced: [ħi.ˈdʒæːb]) is the Arabic term for "cover" (noun), based on the root حجب meaning "to veil, to cover (verb), to screen, to shelter".

The problem is I have read so many different definitions of the Hijab and I cant help but wonder Allah(s.w.t) would not leave such an important topic up for interpretation, but would have been very clear in saying women should cover their hair, specifically.

Some of the main surah’s that are often used to prove the purpose of Hijab follow.

“And tell the believing women to subdue their eyes, and maintain their chastity. They shall not reveal any parts of their bodies, except that which is necessary. They shall cover their chests, (with their Khimar) and shall not relax this code in the presence of other than their husbands, their fathers, the fathers of their husbands, their sons, the sons of their husbands, their brothers, the sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters, other women, the male servants or employees whose sexual drive has been nullified, or the children who have not reached puberty. They shall not strike their feet when they walk in order to shake and reveal certain details of their bodies. All of you shall repent to GOD, O you believers, that you may succeed." 24:31

This verse is very definitive in its instructions to muslim women. Allah (s.w.t.)mentioned in great detail, how we are to dress and act.  Allah (s.w.t.)mentions subduing the eyes and covering the chest, why would he forget to explicitly mention, COVER THE HAIR ?”  Allah (s.w.t.)knows best and I am not saying that women shouldn’t wear Hijab. Iam not saying that by any means but I do want to understand is where does it say Hijab to cover ones hair specifically.    The only reason this is so important because there are muslims who don’t really even acknowledge that another sister is muslim if she doesn’t not observe Hijab. Surely something that is this important and that separates the believer from the kaffir would be more detailed. 

Allah (s.w.t.)mentions that this is the only perfect book because it is from him:

"Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed? Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt." 6:114

And there is no animal that walks upon the earth nor a bird that flies with its two wings but (they are) genera like yourselves; We have not neglected anything in the Book, then to their Lord shall they be gathered. 6:38

So where did the meaning of Hijab to cover a muslim womens head come from? Perhaps the hadiths.  I learn soo much from reading the hadiths and Iam in no way discrediting them.

This is from the Quran also:

"Have they not looked at the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all the things God has created? Does it ever occur to them that the end of their life may be near? Which message besides this (Quran) do they believe in?" 7:185

As for proof from the hadiths that women are to observe Hijab, meaning specially cover their hair, I am still working on it. I have more research to do before I give my opinion on it.  I welcome all comments on this topic (respectful comments, that is). Iam not saying Hijab isn’t mandatory. I am just trying to find out where is says it is. Iam a new Muslim so I know I have a lot to learn and I am just trying to make the most educated decisions on how to live my life as a muslimah. If anyone knows other surah’s in the Quran or different places where it is mentioned please feel free. I want to learn from this.

The reason why this is so important for me is because of the variability of the hadiths. I have read mixed feelings on makeup,niqab, eyebrow waxing, and much more.  I really feel it is important to fully educate myself and not just do what I am told.  I want to feel good about wearing Hijab and not just wear it because other muslims may judge me for not wearing it.  May Allah guide us all on the right path.

Part 2 will be an indepth look into the hadiths to see what they say regarding hijab.

I am a Muslim Woman

Feel free to ask me why
When I walk, I walk with dignity
When I speak, I do not lie

I am a Muslim Woman,
Not all of me you'll see
But what you should appreciate
Is that the choice I make is free

I'm not plagued with depression
I'm neither cheated nor abused
I don't envy other women
And I'm certainly not confused

Note, I speak perfect English
Et un petit peu de francais aussie
I'm majoring in Linguistics
So you need not speak slowly
I own my own small business
Every cent I earn is mine
I drive my Chevy to school and work
And no, that's not a crime

You often stare as I walk by
You don't understand my veil
But peace and power I have found
For I am equal to any male

I am a Muslim Woman
So please don't pity me
For God has guided me to truth
And now I'm finally free!

This poem is NOT by me,just thought it was cute..I am not sure of the author.

Holiday Party by Inspired Muslimah

On my way to class by Inspired Muslimah

My weekend study get up by Inspired Muslimah