A Tale of MushuThaLohari

A book review

2012-01-24T15:37:00.000+02:00

Oh. Hi there, Blog. How are you doing?

Me? I'm ok, wal hamdu li Allah. Yeah, sure, feeling better than a while back. Why? Haha, well, I decided to stop whining and actually do something to fix this mess I'm in. My plan? I'll share it with you... in another post, maybe. For now I have a book review I wish to share. Yeah, it's sort of part of my Operation Get Your Life Back On Track. Stop bugging me, I promise I'll tell more about that later, insha Allah :p

So, without further ado, here we go:

Title: Missä kuljimme kerran (original title Där vi en gång gått, English title Where we once walked), 2006
Author: Kjell Westö
Literary awards: Finlandia Prize (2006)

This book left me with mixed feelings.

The first thing that got me interested in this book was it's title, which I found to be really pretty. It has that touch of nostalgia that never fails to intrigue me.

I loved the fact that I had to continuously remind myself that this book is fiction. I loved the tone of the book, the way it was written (kudos to the translator for the good work), the easy flow of the words. I loved the sly way it makes the readers live the most important events in Finland's modern history without making us feel like we were in a history lesson.

On the flip side, I didn't fall in love with any of the characters in the book. I hated how immature, how self destructing the majority of them were. Alcoholism and adultery are issues I do not like to read about anyway, yet in this book not only one or two characters were susceptible for both, but almost the entire cast. No wonder the world knows the Finns as violent alcoholics. On the other hand, I felt like despite the generous number of characters, I could easily keep up with all of them. That's definitely a positive thing.

In a way I feel that besides being a good story, this book was a love letter to the real main character, Helsinki - the city which was always there, hovering in the back ground, being the perfect stage for all the happenings that occurred.

Why did I want to share this here? Because of this short passage that stole my breath with its beauty, and restored my hope in Finnish literature:

"Joka ikiseen paikkaan jossa ihminen on kulkenut jää muisto hänestä. Se on useimmille näkymätön, mutta ne, jotka tuntevat tuon ihmisen ja rakastavat häntä, näkevät sen kuvan aivan selvästi mielessään kun he kävelevät ohi. Niin kauan kuin nuo rakastavat ihmiset ovat olemassa, niin kauan säilyy myös kuva, myös silloin kun itse kulkija on kuollut. Sen vuoksi kaduilta kohoaa joskus lämpöä meidän kävellessämme niitä pitkin. Siitä me muistamme kaikki ne ihmiset, jotka ovat siellä kävelleet, rakastaneet ja vihanneet ja toivoneet ja kärsineet. Muista se, Henriette kiltti: niin kauan kun joku tietää meidän kulkeneen täällä ja niin kauan kuin joku muistaa meitä lämmöllä, kadut kantavat meidän nimiämme."

Al hamdu li Allah

2011-12-18T02:25:00.000+02:00

‎"Do not detest the misfortunes that befall you, for what you detest may be the cause of your salvation and what you like may be the cause of your ruin." - Hasan Al-Basri

Okay, no more whining from me :)

Lost and yet-to-be found

2011-12-11T19:02:00.000+02:00

I need to get my life back on track.

I need to know what I want to do, what I want to be, who I want to be.

Once upon a time I knew what I wanted. I pursued it with single minded determination, and even though there were some heavy weight obstacles on the way that only Allah and I know of, I got through.

I've selfishly been blaming everything but the real culprit - myself.

I have changed. Admittedly, some things just happened and I had no say in them, but there are many things I could have - and should have - done. Or left undone.

Actually, I just need my life back, period.

Late night thoughts

2011-12-04T02:24:00.002+02:00

Abu Darda reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "There is no Muslim servant who supplicates for his brother behind his back except that the Angel says, ‘and for you the same." - [Sahih Muslim, Book 035, Number 6588]

I pray a lot for other people. Sometimes because they ask for it, sometimes because I see they clearly need it, and sometimes just because I simply love them.

I wonder if anyone ever prays for me? If anyone out there ever makes real, sincere du'a for me?

I hope there is.

And I hope that if they do, the angels would be present and saying "and for you the same".

!لن نعـــود للقيـود .. قـد تحـررنـا وحـررنـا الوطـــن

2011-10-23T16:36:00.001+03:00

Me in Helsinki railway station the night Gaddafi was killed.

In approx. 30 minutes Libya will be declared fully liberated from the nightmare that was Gaddafi.

ALLAHU AKBAR!

Oh my God, I can't think straight. I am so so SO happy I can't stop shaking and crying and laughing (I'm doing all those at the same time). I dreamed about this day, but never did I really think I'd get to witness it.

Al hamdu li Allah, al hamdu li Allah, al hamdu li Allah.

أجمل ما قيل في الليبيين

2011-10-10T02:44:00.002+03:00

Source unknown.

قال الحجاج بن يوسف الثقفى حين قال عن الليبيين فى وصيته لطارق بن عمرو حين صنف العرب فقال عن الليبيين: لايغرنك صبرهم ولا تستضعف قوتهم فهم إن قاموا لنصرة رجل ما تركوه إلا والتاج على رأسه، وإن قاموا على رجل ما تركوه إلا وقد قطعوا رأسه، فانتصر بهم فهم خير أجناد الارض وأتقى فيهم ثلاثاً:

1- نسائهم فلا تقربهم بسوء وإلا أكلوك كما تأكل الأسود فرائسها

2- أرضهم وإلا حاربتك صخور جبالهم

3- دينهم وإلا أحرقوا عليك دنياك.

P.S. I was just informed that this was originally said about the Egyptians. I feel cheated, but what the heck - in my opinion it still fits the Libyans 100%, so I'm leaving it here anyway.

May we be granted the ultimate victory soon, insha Allah!

2011-10-07T15:51:00.004+03:00

Libyan fighters perform a prayer on the last day of the fasting month of Ramadan [AFP]

"Libya Alahrar: Heavy fighting in Sirte right now. The freedom fighters expect to gain full control of the city in hours, insha Allah."

اللهم ثبت إخواننا واربط على قــلوبهم

اللهم احفظهم ومـكّن لهم وانصـــــرهـم

اللهم عليك بالقذافي اللعين وكتائبه

اللهم زلزل الأرض من تحت أقدامهم

اللهم إقذف الرعـــب في قــلوبهم

اللهم إجعلهم وعتادهم غنيمة لإخواننا الثـوار

اللهم لاترفع لهم رآية ولا تحقق لهم غاية واجعلهم لمن خلفهم عبرة وآية

اللهم عليك بهم فإنهم لا يعجـزونك يا جبّار السماوات والأرضين

CPR

2011-10-02T04:58:00.003+03:00

I realized that despite spending hours on Twitter and Facebook every day, I actually miss writing proper posts - and I realized that there is no better place for that than this blog.

So much has happened in the past eight months that I didn't really know where to begin, but I am determined to make a real comeback, so I decided to take it easy and start with some blog revamping. I even made that banner ALL BY MYSELF! You can't imagine how proud I am for this accomplishment (okay, so I am still not sure about the font, buuuuuuut it's a good start, no?). *wipes away happy tears*

It's almost 5.00 am, and I was planning to wake up early tomorrow because I've got million things to do, but hmm, we'll see what happens.

Ah, I'm so glad to be back.

Surreal

2011-09-03T04:16:00.002+03:00

This life, that is.

A request!

2011-02-16T03:53:00.002+02:00

Please keep Libya in your prayers. Something is happening there right now!

God's mercy on all who've been sacrificed for their homeland

2011-02-10T20:29:00.000+02:00

I can't watch this without shedding tears. My heart breaks into thousand pieces after each view...

Aah, ya Benghazi!

2011-02-10T16:15:00.004+02:00

One of those moments

2011-02-10T00:28:00.001+02:00

Biochem. professor comes up to me, beaming:

Prof.: Greetings from my sister!
Me: 'scuse me, who?
Prof.: My sister sends you her regards.
Me: Um, and your sister is...?
Prof.: Oh, she's an Arabic prof. at Helsinki uni. Taught you too, right? Somehow we ended up talking about you, haha.
Me: ...

Weird. And a little bit unnerving, too. There's more than 400 kilometers' distance between the two. They teach totally different subjects, in two different universities. What's the chance that they'd talk about the one student who's been taught by them both?

A letter

2011-02-08T12:32:00.000+02:00

Dear God,

I've never felt so alive as during this past week. Thank you so much.

Sincerely Yours,
Me

Negative

2011-02-04T01:06:00.004+02:00

I missed the marriages of my relatives, the births of my cousins, the funerals of my grandparents. I missed the chances to hear the daily athaan, to pray in the nearby masjids, to fast with my friends. I missed Ramadans, Eids, celebrations. I was never present when a calamity struck, I could never offer my help, I could never lend my shoulder to anyone.

Do you know what that feels like? Do you?

I have a good life here, wal hamdu li Allah. I really do. I have my immediate family right by me. We are healthy, we eat well, dress well, and live well.

Yet sometimes I selfishly yearn for more.

When the Tunisians stood up for themselves, I was too busy with my studies to follow them fully. When Ben Ali was overthrown I was glad for my Tunisian brothers and sisters. When I saw Egypt rising and fearlessly fighting for it's freedom I started to hope...

Then you come to me and say that I shouldn't talk, because I know nothing of what is going on inside. That I can't possibly love our country as much as you do. That everything is fine out there. That you're living in a paradise, really, and that there is nothing missing.

With those few words you took from me my right to dream.

Social media is driving me mad

2011-01-29T13:21:00.002+02:00

.. and so is Hosny "I'm-in-denial" Mubarak.

I was going to post a more personal entry (because it's been so long since the last one, no?), but I had to leave it in my drafts for now, because now is not the time for it. My head is filled with news regarding Egypt, and my heart is full of hope that this would become a trend. The Arab world (among others, mind you) is in need for a proper clean up.

I hope... I really do hope that Tripoli would wake up. If Benghazi moved first, Tripoli probably won't, but if Tripoli makes the first move, I'm sure Benghazi will follow immediately. And if these two team up... Gaddafi won't stand a chance.

I created an FB account around a month ago, and yesterday I planted myself in Twitter as well. I didn't sleep much yesterday, because I was too busy following the news. I switched off my laptop at 4 a.m. and climbed to my bed while... taking my iPod Touch with me :D

I'll leave you with these two cartoons/caricatures by the talented Carlos Latuff:

No corrupt regime will last forever. Please, keep the Egyptians and the rest of us in your prayers!

We lack the capacity to produce knowledge

2011-01-17T13:40:00.007+02:00

Received this email some time ago. A very interesting read, I think.

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world; the growth is over 200 %. Many Americans and Europeans etc. embrace Islam everyday, but where are we?

The figures are speaking themselves very loudly but we refuse to listen. Some thoughts – Extracts of speech by Hafez A.B. Mohamed, Director-General, Al Baraka Bank South Africa.

Statistics were collected from http://www.defence.pk/forums/members-club/19673-extracts-speech-hafez-b-mohamed-director-general-al-baraka-bank.html.

Demographics:
o World Jewish Population. 14 million
o Distribution: 7 m in America
5 m in Asia
2 m in Europe
100 thousand in Africa

o World Muslim Population: 1.5 billion
o Distribution: 1 billion in Asia/Mid-East
400 M in Africa
44 M in Europe
6 M in the Americas
o Every fifth human being is a Muslim.
o For every single Hindu there are two Muslims
o For every Buddhist there are two Muslims
o For every Jew there are 107 Muslims
o Yet the 14 million Jews are more powerful than the entire 1.5 billion Muslims

Why?

Here are some of the reasons.

Movers of Current History
o Albert Einstein Jewish
o Sigmund Freud Jewish
o Karl Marx Jewish
o Paul Samuelson Jewish
o Milton Friedman Jewish

Medical Milestones
o Vaccinating Needle: Benjamin Ruben Jewish
o Polio Vaccine Jonas Salk Jewish
o Leukaemia Drug Gertrude Elion Jewish
o Hepatitis B Baruch Blumberg Jewish
o Syphilis Drug Paul Ehrlich Jewish
o Neuro muscular Elie Metchnikoff Jewish
o Endocrinology Andrew Schally Jewish
o Cognitive therapy. Aaron Beck Jewish
o Contraceptive Pill Gregory Pincus Jewish
o Understanding of Human Eye. G. Wald Jewish
o Embryology. Stanley Cohen Jewish
o Kidney Dialysis Willem Kloffcame Jewish

Nobel Prize Winners
o In the past 105 years, 14 million Jews have won 180 Nobel prizes whilst 1.5 billion Muslims have contributed only 3 Nobel winners

Inventions that changed History
o Micro- Processing Chip. Stanley Mezor Jewish
o Nuclear Chain Reactor Leo Sziland Jewish
o Optical Fibre Cable Peter Schultz Jewish
o Traffic Lights Charles Adler Jewish
o Stainless Steel Benno Strauss Jewish
o Sound Movies Isador Kisee Jewish
o Telephone Microphone Emile Berliner Jewish
o Video Tape Recorder Charles Ginsburg Jewish

Influential Global Business
o Polo Ralph Lauren Jewish
o Coca Cola Jewish
o Levi's Jeans Levi Strauss Jewish
o Sawbuck's Howard Schultz Jewish
o Google Sergey Brin Jewish
o Dell Computers Michael Dell Jewish
o Oracle Larry Ellison Jewish
o DKNY Donna Karan Jewish
o Baskin & Robbins Irv Robbins Jewish
o Dunkin Donuts Bill Rosenberg Jewish

Influential Intellectuals/ Politicians
o Henry Kissinger , US Sec of State Jewish
o Richard Levin, PresidentYaleUniver sity Jewish
o Alan Greenspan , US Federal Reserve Jewish
o Joseph Lieberman Jewish
o Madeleine Albright , US Sec of State Jewish
o CasperWeinberger , US Sec of Defence Jewish
o Maxim Litvinov , USSR Foreign Minister Jewish
o DavidMarshal , Singapore Chief Minister Jewish
o Isaacs Isaacs, Gov-GenAustralia Jewish
o Benjamin Disraeli, British Statesman Jewish
o Yevgeny Primakov, Russian PM Jewish
o Barry Goldwater , US Politician Jewish
o Jorge Sampaio, President Portugal Jewish
o Herb Gray, Canadian Deputy - PM Jewish
o Pierre Mendes, French PM Jewish
o Michael Howard, British Home Sec. Jewish
o Bruno Kriesky, Austrian Chancellor Jewish
o Robert Rubin , US Sec of Treasury Jewish

Global Media Influential
o Wolf Blitzer, CNN Jewish
o Barbara Walters ABC News Jewish
o EugeneMeyer , Washington Post Jewish
o Henry Grunwald, Time Magazine Jewish
o Katherine Graham , Washington Post Jewish
o Joseph Lelyeld, New York Times Jewish
o Max Frankel, New York Times Jewish

Global Philanthropists
o George Soros Jewish
o Walter Annenberg Jewish

Why are they powerful? Why are Muslims so powerless?
Here's one reason: We have lost the capacity to produce knowledge.

o In the entire Muslim World (57 Muslim Countries) there are only 500 universities.
o In USA alone, 5,758 universities
o In India alone, 8,407 universities
o Not one university in the entire Islamic World features in the Top 500 Ranking Universities of the World

o Literacy in the Christian World 90%
o Literacy in the Muslim World 40%
o 15 Christian majority-countries, literacy rate 100%
o Muslim majority - countries , None
o 98% in Christian countries completed primary
o Only 50% in Muslim countries completed primary.
o 40% in Christian countries attended university
o In Muslim countries a dismal 2% attended.
o Muslim majority countries have 230 scientists per one million Muslims
o The USA has 5000 per million
o The Christian world 1000 technicians per million.
o Entire Arab World only 50 technicians per million.
o Muslim World spends on research/developmen t 0.2% of GDP
o Christian World spends 5 % of GDP

Conclusion.
o The Muslim World lacks the capacity to produce knowledge.

Another way of testing the degree of knowledge is the degree of diffusing knowledge.

o Pakistan 23 daily newspapers per 1000 citizens
o Singapore 460 per 1000 citizens.
o In UK book titles per million is 2000
o In Egypt book titles per million is only 17

Conclusion.
o Muslim World is failing to diffuse knowledge

Applying Knowledge is another such test.
o Exports of high tech products from Pakistan is 0.9% of its exports.
o In Saudi Arabia is 0.2%
o Kuwait , Morocco and Algeria 0.3%
o Singapore alone is 68%

Conclusion.
o Muslim World is failing to apply knowledge.

What do you conclude?

Advice:

Please educate yourself and your children. Always promote education, don't compromise on it, don't ignore your children's slightest misguidance from education (and please, for God's Sake, don't use your personal contacts or sources to promote your children in their education; if they fail, let them and make them learn to pass; because if they can't do it now, they can't ever).
We are World's biggest and strongest nation, all we need is to identify and explore our ownselves. Our victory is with our knowledge, our creativity, our literacy...

The above is from Hafez A.B. Mohamed. Also, in addition of the above, please do not abandon your religion, our Almighty God Allah, and his last messenger Muhammad sallallahu allaihiwasallam.

May Allah Bless all of us.

................

2011-01-08T01:55:00.001+02:00

I don't know how to get back on track with my blogging. I have stuff to say, photos to post, things to share but I do not know where to start from! :(

How much would you remember of a language you last studied and used in 2006?

2010-09-25T17:03:00.000+03:00

Jag studerar biovetenskaper på universitetet. Biologi är mitt huvudämne och miljövetenskap är mitt biämne. Jag är också mycket inresserad av miljöhistoria och -estetik, genetik och mikrobiologi.

Jag hoppas att arbeta som forskare antigen i Finland eller utomlands - till exempel i Libyn, varifrån jag kommer. Libyen, likväl merpart en av de Arabiska länderna, släpar efter med miljövården. Min största dröm är att jag kan kontributera och hjälpa att sprida miljövårdmedvetenheter bland mitt folk.

Jag har funderat också om jag kan jobba som ämneslärare i biologi, men jag slög inte mig i backen på den där drömmen, för i realitetet är jag mycket blyg...

In my case, obviously not much. Sigh.

Eid mubarak!

2010-09-10T14:51:00.002+03:00

كل عآم والجميع بخير

اعاده الله علينا وعليكم أعوام عديده وأزمنة مديده ونحن بخير وعافيه من رب العالمين

P.S. Yes, I'm still alive! Will be back soon, insha Allah! (:

P.P.S. Picture from here.

Istanbul says PARISTEXAS

2010-07-20T16:55:00.004+03:00

Yesterday ♥

Alhamdu li Allah.

Self-reflection

2010-07-17T23:00:00.003+03:00

It is narrated on the authority of 'Abdullah b. Mas'ud that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed: None shall enter the Fire (of Hell) who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of Iman and none shall enter Paradise who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride. (Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Number 165)

I arrived here yesterday

2010-07-11T19:40:00.001+03:00

Istanbul <3

Books that do not change you but make you look at the world around you in a new way nonetheless

2010-07-07T20:34:00.001+03:00

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng

These are actually not the kind of books I thought I'd like, but I did anyway. So much so, actually, that I intend to buy these for myself - I'll definitely want to re-read them again. Have you read any of those? What did you think?

And hey, any suggestions for new reads are more than welcome! (:

Give the mic to Narcissus!

2010-07-01T22:00:00.008+03:00

There's been a meme-kinda thingy circulating in the Finnish blogosphere where the bloggers are challenged to write up 100 things about them. I thought I'd do one, but with 50 things only. Just because I can, :P

Drum roll, please!

1. I am Libyan (first things first, hey!).
2. ...though I'm always being mistaken for a Palestinian/Greek/Italian/Bosnian/Turkish.
3. I've been living in Finland since I was 4 years old.
4. Kindergarten, comprehensive school, upper secondary school and now uni... I went through them all in Finland BUT I also have a certificate of passing the Libyan school system's first year of comprehensive school (yay for me! :D). I guess my parents intended to get their post-graduate studies done here and then move back to Libya, and that's why my mum painstakingly home-schooled me and then she and dad took me and my sis to Sweden (because there was/is no Libyan consulate/embassy in Finland) so that I would take that test. After that we got too busy with life here, though, and that was to be my first and last exam of that kind.
5. As far as I can remember ( ~3 y.o.) I've wanted to become a dentist. Then in upper secondary I decided that I'd actually make a very lousy doctor, because I hate unnecessary skin ship and treating patients without touching them might prove to be a bit of a problem.
6. I am many things, but first and foremost I am a big sister.
7. I yell at my younger siblings (two sisters and one brother) quite a lot, and expect them to do as I say.
8. ... but touch them with ill intentions, or make them cry/sad/angry, and know you've earned an enemy of me. I kid you not. And even if/when the kids make up with those who've wronged them, I won't like or forgive the stupid brats anyway - I do not forget that they'd once made my sibling(s) cry/sad/angry.
9. ... but just in case you think I'm a horrid big sis, I hasten to say that it is definitely not so! :D The kids (who are all taller than me by now - a blow to my authority, that's for sure) are my best friends, and I'm happiest when I'm doing something fun with them - like treating them randomly to eat huge ice creams during the coldest winter days and then practically feeling how my poor internal organs are slowly and painfully turning into ice bricks...
10. I do not care for make-up, but I love body lotions and butters and any such thing that smells nice.

11. I try not to attract people's attention. I'd rather just observe from the side lines.
12. I'm shy to the point of being awkward.
13. I hate speaking on phone. Especially with people I do not know, or with whom I rarely converse anyway
14. ...yes, phone calls from relatives I barely know are pretty much a nightmare come true.
15. I'm right-handed but I use my left eye to look through the camera's viewfinder. My right eye is -4,25 and my left eye is "only" -2,50, so I naturally use the stronger eye.
16. I hate long fingernails, and I do not understand the purpose of nail polishes.
17. I do not like to shop for clothes, and though I do like beautiful clothes and want to look presentable, I am overall not much interested in them anyway.
18. But a new electronic gadget, a new pair of shoes, or a new bag can make me feel happy for weeks.
19. Finding a book I've been looking for ages makes me happy even after years of finally getting it. Honest.
20. I dream of one day having a house that has a grand library.

21. I love packing AND unpacking my (travel) bags.
22. I can't stand it when people eat noisily in a smacking manner. I get really truly very irritated, and it has very often lead to me leaving the table/café/class/whatever. I even carry with me a pair of ear plugs when I have exams which I know will be attended by many people (students here LOVE to stuff themselves while doing their exams, which sometimes nearly drives me insane...).
23. ... this is one of the reasons mum thinks I'll never get married :D
24. ... the other one is that because I suck at making Libyan dishes.
25. ... that's because I can't make myself to do dishes that include any kind of meat.
26. I have no mentionable troubles with blood in general, or with dissecting animals and the likes (well, fish excluded, as you already know) though.
27. I can't imagine why mum isn't thrilled of the prospect of having me to tend to her and dad when they get older? :D
28. How come I'm finding it difficult to find 50 things to write about?
29. I'm not beautiful, but I've never really stressed much about my looks.
30. I guess it's because the way mum and dad raised me and my siblings: Allah's creatures are all unique, and cleanliness (inner and outer) is a part of Imaan (faith), and the base of all beauty.

31. If I had to choose a country to visit, my first choice would be Saudi-Arabia (to do hajj with my family). If not, then Libya (to see my homeland after ~20 years of absence). If not, then Turkey (and specifically Istanbul, because my heart was at ease there.). If not that either, then well, whatever. Any place is fine. Hmph.
32. Motion sickness and I are buddies with a History. Yes, with a capital letter.
33. My not going to study medicine was a tough decision for my parents to accept, and while I know that I simply wouldn't have been able to pull it off, a part of me will never forgive myself for disappointing them so.
34. I'm scared of losing anyone of my family members.
35. I have a secret, but it's not the deep and dark kinda one.
36. I hate unnecessary text message language, especially when using the Islamic greetings and such. AS? IA? ASRWAB? JK? Just don't. SRSLY. Thank you.
37. I have always been content with being a girl. The only time I had a major jealousy attack towards my dad and brother and men in general was when we were in Istanbul. Making the ablution was soooooo easy for them, because there were these sinks (whaddayacall'em?) practically everywhere, and they could just roll up their pants and get it done and over with in few minutes. Whereas us girls had to either a) make our ablution at home and keep our fingers crossed that we'd last till the time of salah or b) pay to be allowed to enter some stinky toilets to make the ablution while trying not the breath in at all - and that's if we were lucky, because there weren't too many toilets with enough space and running water to begin with...
38. I do not know how to walk with high heels.
39. ... I've been determined to learn to do so for the last four years, though. (Yes, because even keeping this trifle complication in mind, I've bought for myself couple of beautiful high heels anyway. This year I'll definitely do it!!!)
40. Hey, I'm almost done with this list!

41. I know when I've erred, but apology comes hard.
42. Besides shoes, electronics, bags and books I love notebooks, too.
43. The most beautiful ones end up as my diaries.
44. ... I've been keeping a diary since 1998.
45. I love sleeping.
46. My favourite bird is hudhud, the hoopoe. It's because the hoopoe had a notable role in the story of prophet Sulayman, peace be upon him, (just how cool would it be to have the ability to converse with the animals?) AND because my old Arabic textbook used it as an example when teaching the letter haa' (هـ), which is the first letter of my name.
47. My usual state of mind: absent-minded.
48. I'm a picky eater.
49. I have freckles.
50. Are you still awake?

Hey, this was actually quite fun to do! Talking about myself all day long without any interruptions or questions - seriously, is there anything nicer?:D

I do not know how people feel about being tagged, so I won't (I don't dare...) tag anyone in particular. But I sincerely hope that whomever reads this, does it and sends me a link, because

51. I am a curious ~~creep~~ individual, who loves discovering things about other people.

Reaction to Gaza aid ship deaths - Translated

2010-06-01T21:02:00.000+03:00

WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN WILLIAM BURTON
"The United States deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained, and is currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy."

What it means:
Thank God no one's talking about BP today. Those damn bastards better find a way to plug that oil well today. They got one more day now.

BAN KI-MOON, UN SECRETARY-GENERAL
I am shocked by reports of killings and injuries of people on boats carrying supplies for Gaza. I condemn this violence.

It is vital that there is a full investigation to determine exactly how this bloodshed took place. I believe Israel must urgently provide a full explanation.

What it means:
I am not shocked at all by the killings. Just sad. Israel as we expected. Time for a trip to New York to head this "investigation". I wonder if my wife has to do some shopping while I am there.

OFFICE OF BARONESS ASHTON, EU HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
High Representative Catherine Ashton expresses her deep regret at the news of loss of life and violence and extends her sympathies to families of the dead and wounded. On behalf of the European Union, she demands a full inquiry about the circumstances in which this happened.

She reiterates the European Union's position regarding Gaza - the continued policy of closure is unacceptable and politically counterproductive

What it means:
Israel's blockade is bad. We condemn it. That's all the US will allow us to say.

AMR MOUSSA, ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Arab League's Secretary-General has called for an urgent meeting at the level of representatives to look into this heinous crime committed by Israeli forces against unarmed civilians that left scores of dead and wounded.

The Arab League strongly condemns this terrorist act.

What it means:
We who are without balls can all gather to watch the World Cup together.

WILLIAM HAGUE, UK FOREIGN SECRETARY
I deplore the loss of life during the interception of the Gaza flotilla.

We have consistently advised against attempting to access Gaza in this way, because of the risks involved. But at the same time, there is a clear need for Israel to act with restraint and in line with international obligations.

This news underlines the need to lift the restrictions on access to Gaza.

What it means:
Arabs, please continue to do your "Islamic banking" with us. See? We criticized Israel, as you asked. We will join you at the World Cup party.

MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, IRANIAN PRESIDENT
The inhuman action of the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people and preventing the humanitarian aid from reaching Gazans does not show this regime's strength, but is a sign of its weakness, and all this brings this sinister and fake regime closer than ever to its end.

What it means:
It's the Jews.

What it really means:
The inhuman action of the "clerical" regime against the Iranian people and preventing the universal values of freedom from reaching Iranians does not show this regime's strength, but is a sign of its weakness, and all this brings this sinister and fake regime closer than ever to its end.

TONY BLAIR, MIDDLE EAST ENVOY FOR THE INTERNATIONAL QUARTET
I express deep regret and shock at the tragic loss of life. There obviously has to be a full investigation into what has happened.

What it means:
I still have a job.

MARK REGEV, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER'S SPOKESMAN
Though our naval servicemen were instructed to exercise maximum restraint, they were attacked. They were attacked with knives, with iron clubs, and also with live fire.

We have unfortunately 10 servicemen injured, one of them very, very seriously. The violence was initiated unfortunately by these activists, and this is regrettable.

What it means:
When I say this is regrettable, I mean this is a Public Relations nightmare. It will be that much harder to get donations for the Holocaust Museum now. Actually, it won't, but you know what I mean.

What it really means:
We don't care about any international law or treaty. And we are right because we said so. If you don't agree you are an anti-Semite.

Cartoon by Latuff
Text by Mezba

The boy from nowhere

2010-05-31T23:08:00.009+03:00

Alex never stood a chance. After one ‘accident’ too many, he’s taken into care aged four. His mum promises to get him back, but he’s adopted by a childless couple and renamed Franky. It should be a fresh start, but he soon discovers his new dad has a twisted idea of fatherhood. Abused and alone, Franky finds freedom – but at a price.

And it doesn’t last long.

The runaway is caught and sent to a series of foster homes, but no one can get through to him now. He’ll always say he’s ‘the boy from nowhere’. But deep down he’s still waiting for his mum to take him home.

As Franky grows up, it seems inevitable he’ll end up on the streets of London, slipping into a dangerous world, earning a living the only way he can. One day he might find a way out, but can he ever trust again?

I just finished Rosie Goodwin's The boy from nowhere.

If I had to choose a word to describe the feelings I had while reading this book, heart-ache would be the only one that could come even remotely close to what I'm looking for. I have read sad books before, but this was way more than "just" sad. I couldn't even cry because of the intense feelings the story stirred up in me.

I do not really know what to say. It's an amazing book. So much so that I do not know if I can touch any of Goodwin's other books yet (this was my first), because I'm afraid of what they might do to my heart.

If you are looking for a light summer read, then this might not be your cup of tea. However, if you are looking for a book that'll leave an impact, then try this out - it might be just what you're looking for.

Cows!!!

2010-05-28T16:22:00.006+03:00

It all started with this innocent-looking key chain. It was given to me by mum and the twins, um, sometimes around 2005, I think.

Next I get this as a eid gift from the twins.

Then I notice this, and mum says that she's bought it for me.

What else could I do, then, but buy these upon spotting them at Bijou Birgitte?

Dare I think of what comes next?

I thought you didn't exist anymore!

2010-05-25T22:05:00.002+03:00

Latimeria chalumnae, otherwise known as the coelacanth, is a ‘living fossil’ previously believed to have gone extinct at the time of the dinosaurs.[1]

On December 23, 1938, Hendrik Goosen, the captain of the trawler Nerine, returned to the harbour at East London, South Africa, after a trawl between the Chalumna and Ncera Rivers. As he frequently did, he telephoned his friend, Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, curator at East London's small museum, to see if she wanted to look over the contents of the catch for anything interesting, and told her of the strange fish he had set aside for her.

Correspondence in the archives of the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB, formerly the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology) show that Goosen went to great lengths to avoid any damage to this fish and ordered his crew to set it aside for the East London Museum. Goosen later told how the fish was steely blue when first seen but by the time the Nerine entered East London harbour many hours later the fish had become dark grey.

Failing to find a description of the creature in any of her books, she attempted to contact her friend, Professor James Leonard Brierley Smith, but he was away for Christmas. Unable to preserve the fish, she reluctantly sent it to a taxidermist. When Smith returned, he immediately recognized it as a coelacanth, known only from fossils. Smith named the fish Latimeria chalumnae in honor of Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer and the waters in which it was found. The two discoverers received immediate recognition, and the fish became known as a "living fossil." The 1938 coelacanth is still on display in the East London, South Africa, museum.[2]

This amazing specimen was dubbed the ‘most important zoological find of the century’, and the species is a member of an ancient lineage that has been around for over 360 million years. [3]

I actually hate fish from the bottom of my heart. I hate their smell, their looks, their feel and basically everything related to them. In home economics one of the first things I made sure our teacher learned was that I am "kind of, you know, pretty much, that is, quite allergic to anything that has fins and/or scales". In middle school I also had to skip the biology classes where we had to dissect fish due to showing signs of a queasy stomach. Of course being a biology major now passing the fish dissecting in ELMO was not an option, but man, was it disgusting business or what (yes, ichthyology would be the last field I'd choose for myself... ). This coelacanth fellow is probably one of the ugliest creatures I've seen so far, but at least it has an interesting story behind it.

Enough fish talk, though.

As it happens, I met yesterday another kind of a rare creatures. He was mostly grey, wrinkled, walked with the help of his cane, and belonged to the way too un-endangerend Homo sapiens sapiens.

I was walking to the library with my sister, and upon reaching our destination I saw a shape of an old man reflected on the doors, walking behind us. He was shorter than me (and I'm on the shorter side, much as it pains me to admit it) leaning on his cane. I automatically swung the door wide open and stood to keep it open for the old gent.

Now, in this day and age people usually just go in without acknowledging the one who (usually voluntarily, might I add) opens the door. Sometimes some people might go little wild and throw a small smile or murmur an apologetic thanks.

When I faced the old man and motioned for him to go on in, he surprised me by shaking his head with vigour. He insisted on being the one to open the door for us, and with a big smile and a distinctly Finnish accent said Ladies first! I was totally baffled, and since apparently not only my brain but my legs were in shock as well for this unexpected chivalry, I swear he almost had to push me in.

Things like these do not go unnoticed. For me they become cherished little memories, that bring the smile on my face days, weeks and sometimes even years after they've happened.

Me and my sis had smiles THIS big on our faces for the rest of the day.

References and more info:

Photo
1.
2.
3.
Bonus 1.
Bonus 2.

"Should this be fight or flight"

2010-05-02T13:58:00.008+03:00

I'be been working 24/7 on an assignment for the last FOUR (4!!!!!) days. I feel like lying on the floor and throwing a major tantrum. Or breaking some glassware. Or pulling all my hair out. Or taking a train to Russia. Or jumping out of the window.

But I ~~must~~ am going to survive.

I'm trying to think positively:

Okay, so the sun isn't shining, but at least there's no more snow outside.

Yesterday I had the last lab of a course I thought I'd love but ended up hating - but it went really well, wal hamdu li Allah, and I got home early enough to pack and head leisurely (read: pulling the awfully heavy luggage huffing and puffing and almost dying on the process...) to the railway station - destination being not Russia, but the safe old Helsinki.

After I get this thing done I could go and buy some beads to finally try my hands on making some hijab pins. If they turn out well, I'm thinking of donating some to new muslimah's, and selling the rest, and using the profit to give some much-needed gifts. Project still very much under construction.

Once I send this thing to my prof. I could go out for a long walk while listening to my iPod and marvelling at the nature's little wonders that are happening everywhere at this time of the year.

When I get rid of this thing, I'll finally get to go out and treat my siblings to some hot cocoa and sweets.

Okay.

I can do this.

Second cervical to first thoracic vertebrae

2010-03-14T23:12:00.003+02:00

Pencils: Derwent Graphic Sketching H-9B

Paper's size: 210 x 297mm

Time: About 100 minutes

It has been literally years since I've touched my pencils and drawn anything more serious than random doodles (boring lectures + printed handouts with plenty of blank space = eyes). Browsing through my folders, I rediscovered this one, and thought that I might as well share it here - a little change after all the photographs.

The next introduction is a (lightly edited) version of the one I've posted on my pretty much dead deaviantART account:

I did the arts diploma in '06 (good ol' times!). To pass the diploma, one had to make three things: a portfolio, the main work, and an essay related to the work. The themes were limited and every task had its own conditions (like what materials one was allowed to use etc.). One of the tasks was about old myths and the likes, and since I'm quite interested in history, I naturally picked this one. As my subject, I chose the totem poles.

So why the backbone-thingy?

I was looking at Frank H. Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy (that's one amazing book, folks!) while I suddenly came up with the idea to add some backbone (bad pun NOT intended :D) to my work: as we all know, the spine consist of several pieces, nickels, and those nickels are on top of one another. Just like an ancient totem pole.

Naturally this drawing was only one part of my whole work. I also drew one real totem pole (located in British Columbia), an imaginary one and a modern one (a pilar full of traffic signs) plus an old story about the totem poles.

I messed up with my portfolio and essay, so I wasn't expecting much of this diploma. You can imagine how surprised I was when I heard that I got 4 points out of 5 from the portfolio-and-main work part and 5/5 (!!!) from the essay.

I know that this picture may, and surely does, have some mistakes, but I still think that its not that bad - being drawn by me of all people, you see :D

Oh, and please do ignore the horrid editing! I have no idea as to where I've tucked in the original drawing, so I'm stuck with this old version for the time being.

Oh, darn!

2010-03-09T15:28:00.007+02:00

Because the exams are now over, I've got plenty of time to write some idiotic posts. Har har.

Have you ever experienced days when nothing you touch seems to stay put? When almost every friggin' thing you try to move or grab falls - or nearly almost falls?

I'm having one of those days today.

When I was putting the groceries in their places, I accidentally knocked over a plate, which along with its contents fell to the floor - upside down, naturally. Almost immediately after that, the cheese packet I was holding in my hand slipped from me and almost hit the floor with the unfortunate plate. Luckily I occasionally seem to be able to react quickly enough, and managed to catch it.

So far I've been lucky when doing lab work, and have yet to knock down some opened can of strongly corroding acid or something. At least I hope that no one will be standing close by, would such a happy accident happen.

Um, yeah... Allah yestor.

The film-maker’s guide to Muslims in the movies

2010-03-08T11:11:00.001+02:00

So you’ve landed yourself a prime movie script. It screams star headliners, it promises lots of action, and it’s contemporary: Muslims are a key element.

There are some vital things all film-makers should know when approaching such a juicy topic as Muslims and the War Against Terror though. In the wrong hands, it could end up clichéd, hammy and a box-office bomb. Of course, the only bombs you want going off are those in your movie, so pay close attention as Satirical Muslim offers a brief rundown of some essentials when making films about or involving Muslims.

Opening credits

There’s nothing more creative than beginning your film with a shot of a mosque against a pale orange sky. The Muslim call to prayer (adhan) must accompany this shot. It’s haunting, and totally sets the mood for the rest of your film. The viewer just knows some American bad asses will be kickin’ some Bin Laden butt. This opening shot will also be perfect for the opening shot of your trailer.

Plot

Don’t worry if the plot is wafer thin, or in fact completely M.I.A. Just look at the Mission: Impossible series. Who cares if the viewer doesn’t know what’s going on? The audience wants action, romance and, most importantly, justice for the freedom-loving, victimised West.

However, some things are not negotiable, so be sure to include the following fundamental elements:

Lots of complicated language generously littered with incomprehensible American Agency (CIA, FBI, etc) jargon
Arabs who look and sound Indian
An American President who is wise, loves his wife, and cares about collateral damage (also a potential name for your movie)
A US army commander who chews tobaccy and swears a lot
Muslim Bad Guys
Veiled women
Oppressed women
Oppressed veiled women
American Agents; this is important. You need at least one American Agent who is male and one who is female. She’ll have to veil when in Arab territory (this will make her look exotic because she’ll be wearing something that appears to have come out of 1001 Arabian Nights. American Agent Man will pretend he doesn’t notice how hot she is and offer lame quips. A lot). Importantly, these American Agents will follow their own rule books if ya know what we mean.

Characterisation

We know. That sounds tricky and layered. You’re not even sure what it is. True, characterisation is where a lot of movies, particularly ones about Muslims, fall down. So we recommend dispensing with this aspect almost entirely and embracing wooden characters. This is where you might allow some cliché in - but in a cool way.

Action sequences

Car chases through the desert sands, American Agent Man knocking over an oppressed veiled woman’s shopping basket as he pursues a Muslim Bad Guy, gun fights, stuff being blown up. Chills down the viewer’s spine. Now imagine all of that with a haunting soundtrack featuring a woman chanting meaningless Arabic-sounding words with occasional drum accompaniment. Are we right or are we right?

Torture

Don’t feel bad about including scenes of torture. Everyone knows it happens! Hell, the US Government practically legalised it. One word: rendition. That’s all we’re gonna say. Just make sure you include some torture in your movie. You want it to be believable in at least some aspects after all.

Romance

Notwithstanding our above notes on characterisation, it’s still a good idea to add some dimension to your characters, especially the bad guys. The Hollywood stars can get past on looks alone. But the baddies need some redeeming moments. Such moments will confound the viewer momentarily — only until you make them hate the baddies again.

But, for example, a Muslim Bad Guy could share a quiet moment with his veiled oppressed wife before he goes off to unleash jihad on the infidel American Agents and subsequently die at their hands.

American Agent Man should also have a romantic interest in his female partner (who must veil), who he so totally didn’t want to be working with initially. Love-hate relationships will never get boring.

Once again, don’t be afraid to experiment here and add some layers (just don’t get too excited). Have the American Agents exchange humanising stories, and give them opportunities to balk and laugh at the Muslims who are totally backward. Allow them to display a level of pity (for example, when walking through the marketplace and seeing veiled women).

Name

The name of your film is uber critical. Go wrong on that front and you’ll have a flop on your hands. Follow the well-trodden route of the sensationalist book. Really, some words never get tired: Veiled, Hidden, Desert, Arabian, Infidel, Terrorist. Note: putting in a colon has serious impact. For example, Terror: Hidden Desert. Keeping it short and sweet can also work wonders: The Attack; The Terrorist; The Infidel; The Agent.

Ending

By the conclusion of your film, your characters will have come to their journey’s end (and for the Muslim Bad Guys, it’s a bloody one that may or may not involve redemption). Something to note is that while the American Agents realise they can blow up stuff better than the Arabs, they don’t share the same willingness to die.

But, of course they must triumph. American Agent Man should perhaps be slightly injured. This can lead to a moment with the camera panning out, where we see him being aided by American Agent Woman (who rips off her veil in a very Scarlett O’Hara moment (it’s symbolic)). Together, following some dry, self-effacing humour, they walk towards an army truck flying the American flag. At this point you move from the haunting music to a kick-ass hip-hop track that screams “In your face, Al-Qaeda!”

Roll credits.

Get your tux ready.

Photo
Text

A quotation

2010-03-01T20:54:00.005+02:00

Come work for Islam.
The work is hard,
the hours are long,
and the pay is low.

But the retirement benefits are out of this world.

- Unknown

Awakening

2010-02-26T14:12:00.009+02:00

It is a Friday morning.

The little sun rays are shyly kissing her cheeks, and tickling her eyes, trying to wake her up. It takes a while, but eventually she emerges from among the piles of papers, chocolate wraps, books, pens, tea mugs and dust. Scarf askew, wiggling her toes - which are safely tucked inside three pairs of wool socks - and eyes blinking from the assault of the bright light, she owlishly looks around her, assessing her surroundings.

The exams are almost over, with only one little gen.&evol. test to tackle on next Thursday.

Oh, it is so nice to be alive!

I've lost my inspiration!

2010-01-24T20:12:00.006+02:00

I have. Sort of.

See, I have started more than dozen new posts, but at some point I always get irritated because I do not seem to know how to write anymore. So I end up not posting. And then I get annoyed at myself.

I guess it's because of this cold. It hit -30°C yesterday, and I can't take any photos because my fingers freeze the moment I step out of the safety of my home, and it irritates me because the world around me is so beautiful and my inability to capture any of this beauty is driving me mad and aargh!

I am happy that we've finally got a real winter, though. Plenty of snow, red cheeks, and lots of knitwear and scarves. If only I could hold my camera...

Sigh.

So because I'm a mature young woman and all, I'm posting a very summer-y photo from my archives. Just because I can. In you face, Mister Winter!

(By the way, I did not add frames to this photo. Is it a good idea, or should I stick with my faithful white borders?)

Were does Libyans' money go?

2010-01-15T21:49:00.006+02:00

Oh, I don't know. Maybe you could ask our beloved dictator Gaddafi's son, who also holds the title "the national security advisor of Libya".

This is not about who sings, or how many bucks she got out of it. It is about the existing corruption among the rotten puppets controlling my country, and the MAJOR lack of emaan and hayaa they sport.

No wait! Maybe it was for ensuring the national secur... wha?

Untitled

2009-12-17T22:39:00.001+02:00

[Click the photo for the full-sized version.]

Old dogs and new tricks

2009-12-04T10:56:00.001+02:00

These past three months have been full of new experiences, new places, and new faces. I've been in such situations before, but each time I seem to learn a new thing. This time I learned

... that there is such a thing as too many bicycles. Definitely.

... that in a small city populated mostly by Finns (and considerably many Russians, too, I think) a little hijabi girl is like an exotic animal, and it's apparently okay to stare at her without blinking for as long as possible. Oh, and it's only the good manners that make people tell her to believe in Jesus who's alive and coming to save her poor soul - shouting that while driving past her on their bicycles, naturally.

... that sometimes people can be surprisingly thoughtful.

... that it might not be such a bright idea to buy a cake as a present, and to take it with you to the crowded train.

... that five hours on train can feel like an eternity.

... that additional thirty minutes (the train was late) to that five hours can feel like a life sentence.

... that I can multitask after all.

... that it's really easy to start speaking and thinking in a new dialect.

... to really appreaciate my friends, who are determined to keep in touch with me even though I'm such a lazy friend and a commitment-o-fobic idiot. Thank you!

... that it's not very probable that I'd die of loss of blood caused by a microscopic wound even though it could seem like it. Yesterday I cut myself (don't go imagining things, it was an accident) and for a while thought that all my blood was gushing out through the minuscule wound on my thumb. Can't tell you how happy I was to see it finally stop. How embarassing would it be to die of such a silly thing? It'd so kill me to die in such a lame way. Right.

... to cook. Not just bake, but cook. Ramsay and Oliver my friends, you'd better be prepared!

(I got that picture from my sister, so I don't know who to credit.)

Happy belated Eid al Adha!

2009-12-04T07:12:00.003+02:00

Welcome to Mushu's kitchen!

2009-10-25T11:29:00.001+02:00

I usually stay out of the kitchen (mom had almost given up on me, I hear), but due to some complicated issues, I've ended up in a position where I'm, uh, kind of forced to venture to the kitchen. I thought I might share some recipes I've found good. The only connecting thing between them will most likely be the easiness of them (because, honestly, you can't expect me to start with anything more, can you? Right.).

And fear not, my dearies. There won't be too many recipes, because this is not a cooking blog and I'd rather share only the succesful attempts :D

Sooooooo (fanfares, please), let me present you with some über delicious muffins:

Mushu's Muffins

The basic dough:

200 g margarine
1,5 dl sugar
3 eggs
4 ½ dl wheat flour
2 teasp. baking powder
2 teasp. vanilla sugar
200 g chocolate bar
cocoa powder
0,5 dl milk

How to:

Have all the ingredients at room temperature. Mix the soft margarine with the sugar in a generously sized, clean bowl. Add the eggs, and mix well. Take another bowl, throw into it the flour, the baking soda and the vanilla sugar. Add slowly to the butter-sugar-eggs mass, and keep mixing the batter while doing so. Cut the chocolate bar into little chips, and add them to the mixture. Throw in the cocoa powder the amount you like (the more you add, the darker and more chocolatey it gets), and then add the milk. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, set the oven to 175°C and let the little cuties get a little puffy in there.

Extras:

- The white stuff on the muffins in the above photo is melted white chocolate. Looks nice, and tastes good.

- My favourite (and the favourite of the kids who love these muffins) chocolate to use here is Fazer's blue.

- I like these chocolate muffins, but I LOVE ginger muffins:

Leave out the cocoa powder and chocolate, and instead of them add a handful of crystallized ginger chopped into really small pieces. Mmm..

- Is there another word I can use along with 'mix'? I feel like a parrot, repeating the same word over and over again :D

A visitor much missed

2009-10-13T14:20:00.007+03:00

It's been a while since I've posted. Uni has been one major reason for that, keeping me ridiculously busy. In addition to that, I've also been suffering from internet problems that, in all truth, just might have been a bigger reason for my lack of updates.

Ramadan is over, has been for a while. I must admit that I did worry beforehands a little about the long hours, but al hamdu li Allah, all went very easily and smoothly. It was rather weird, though, to fast when there was plenty of light outside. I'm more used to fasting during winter, and somehow I seem to assosiate 'winter' with 'snow', 'ramadan' and 'eid'. The world looks a bit different, when the sun is shining from above. The smell is different, too. In winter one can smell the cinnamon, and cardamom, and ginger, and cloves. In summer food is not so present, not to the nose. During summer it's the eyes that feast more.

It's been only several weeks since it ended, yet I miss it so.

I wonder if there ever was a visitor more loved, awaited, and missed, than the month of ramadan? Fasting during other moths is rewarding, but somehow the feeling is different. Nothing is missing, no, but it's different.

Anyone else having the same sentiments?

To the people who follow this blog, and to those who just read this post by accident, may you all have a very nice day (:

Eid al-Fitr mubarak!

2009-09-20T14:26:00.004+03:00

May Allah make this Eid full of happines and joy for all of us.
Aameen.

Ramadan mubarak!

2009-08-21T21:59:00.003+03:00

Symbolizing the faith of Islam, the crescent moon is seen at sunset on top of the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)

Wishing you all a very blessed Ramadan (:

A boy

2009-08-19T15:05:00.002+03:00

We walk by faith, not by sight

2009-08-03T09:42:00.006+03:00

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage?

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.

The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold.

It would be the only way he could become a man!

Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, Allah is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

Cherokee by David Wright

Sweet Istanbul

2009-07-22T11:13:00.010+03:00

Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. - Ernestine Ulmer

A famous quote by a less known person. I tried to look for some information on Ernestine Ulmer, but for now I only know that she was a writer born on January 13, 1925 in Arlington, Tarrant, Texas. She married Luther Guy Haggard around 1945, and had four children: Susan, Allison, Kahtherine Ann and Shannon. Couldn't find any mentions whatsoever regarding her books, though. Interesting. And a bit frustrating, too. Has anyone managed to find more info on her?

But anyhow. I kept that quotation in my mind while roaming through the magical streets of Istanbul. Three weeks well spent, I'd say. Do you need more evidence than these photos?

This one was taken in Eminönü. My mom and brother were looking at some clothes nearby, and since I wan't too interested in that, I busied myself otherwise. Taken through the glass, just moments before one of the patissiers smiled at me and my obviously longing expression I threw at this colourful beauty.

Traditional Turkish sweets were found everywhere. These are from a little dimly lit store almost beside Sultanahmet tram stop.

This was also very close to the Sultanahmet tram stop. After a spending an odd number of hours in Ayasofya, me, my sisters and our cousin were famished. Found a really lovely restaurant with excellent food, service and location (will post couple of photos of it in another entry, insha Allah). We passed the dessers, though, because we were quite full, and proceeded towards the main street once again. As it happened, after only around ten minutes we found this café with these very handsome cuties, and decided that maybe, just maybe we might have some space left for couple of gâteaux after all...

White chocolate and stawberries. I would have preferred a combination of cream and strawberries, but oh well. I survived (the cake didn't).

Cappuccino.

Chocoholic's wet dream. Uhuh.

If I remember correctly, this was coffee-flavoured.

This one's flavour we coudn't quite define. It was good, though, which was the most important thing for us. Obviously.

Another chocolate cakey.

Taditional oriental pastries through the window of a pattisserie in Istiklal Caddesi. Had to crop this with a heavy hand and heart thanks to my brother and sister, who had glued themselves to the glass. I should have bought some of the basbousa you can see on the upper shelf, but for some reason I didn't. And boy, do I regret it now...

These smiling ladybirds can be found in Barcelona Cafe & Patisserie, located in Istiklal Caddesi as well. Too cute to be eaten, was my opinion :D

A bigger ladybird, with a boarder smile.

They not only had edible ladybirds, but all sorts of other sweets as well. And yes, I was definitely descreet in taking these photos. Why do you ask?

From the same place that sells the basbousas.

Okay, now we're talking business! This, dear readers, was taken in the mother of all cafés. One of them, at least. Or something along those lines. You see, MADO had to offer the best lemon cheesecake there is. I am no fan of cheesecakes, but when we first went to MADO I decided to try something new (as opposed to the chocolate this and chocolate that I'd been eating so far). I nearly swallowed my tongue along with the first bite of this heavenly thing, I swear!

Oh, how I miss you!

A sorry picture of a great sight, but no can do. Chocolate fountains at Cevahir. Wish I could've taken one with me. Or two...

Now that I think about it... that's embarassingly many pictures for a subject such as this :D
But really, it couldn't be helped! In Istanbul you see a café/patisserie after every couple of steps. It's totally impossible to pass without seeing one.

And, well... remember Ernestine's wise words? My point exactly.

Today was a fine day

2009-07-13T21:38:00.004+03:00

... because it rained (though I had hoped it would last a little bit longer).

... because someone I do not know said 'Al salaamu alaykum' for me, before me saying it first (hasn't happened for God only knows how many years... 17? I still can't believe it!!!)

... because I found a new read by Adachi Mitsuru (where are my sneakers? I want to go out and do some running. Now, please.)

... because I'll soon start decorating my Secret Base (it's mine, ALL MINE!)

... because I'm eating yummy chocolate (70% cocoa with orange bits. Bliss, I tell ya!)

Yesterday I was thinking of blogging about depressing days and rude people, but I guess I'll leave it for another day. Today I am kind of liking this life.

Al hamdu li Allah (:

Lines to live by

2009-07-11T09:02:00.004+03:00

A beatiful post by the beautiful blogmistress of Diary of a Muslim Girl. Jazaaki Allahu khayran for giving me the permission to share this one (:

During one of his lectures, Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick also spoke about a message that the Prophet (SAW) had someone write on paper (as he was illiterate) and put onto the sword of one of his companions, who was a youth.

Today we see soldiers writing "Born to kill" and other sentences of the like on their weapons, however I just wanted to share the beauty and simplicity of what the Prophet (SAW) instructed to write down:

Speak the truth even if it is against you,
Do good to people even if they harm you,
And make relations with those who cut you off.

As one comment stated, how sad it is to be known to the world as terrorists when this is what we really aim to be?

Books this, books that

2009-06-27T19:32:00.006+03:00

A fun meme I found at A Reader's Journal (:

1. What author do you own the most books by?
I own 12 books by L.M. Mongomery. Then comes Louisa M. Alcott with her 7 books (actually 9, because I have two copies of Rose in Bloom and its sequel Eight Cousins).

2. What book do you own the most copies of?
I've got three copies of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. A month or so ago I saw yet another very beautiful copies at Akateeminen Kirjakuappa I hope to get. You see, every one has different covers, and each suit a certain mood. Yup.

3. Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions
Not at all.

4. What fictional character are you secretly in love with?
Gilbert Blythe, Fitzwilliam Darcy and John Thornton <3

5. What book have you read the most times in your life?
There are certain writers whose books I keep reading again and again. To mention some of those authors: Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë (mainly Jane Eyre), L.M. Montgomery, Louisa M. Alcott, Joanne Harris (mainly Holy Fools and Five Quarters of the Orange) and Charles Dickens.

6. Favorite book as a ten year old?
I had no favourite book, but I had favourite series. I loved Montgomery's Anne of the Green Gables and Emily of New Moon, as well as Carolyn Keene's Nancy Drew and Enid Blython's The Famous Five.

7. What is the worst book you’ve read in the past year?
Shadow Man by Cody McFadyen.

8. What is the best book you’ve read in the past year?
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.

9. If you could force everyone you know to read one book, what would it be?
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

10. What book would you most like to see made into a movie?
Actually I'm not that much of a movie fan, and wouldn't necessarily want my favourite books to be turned into movies. Books usually have lots of fine nuances in between the lines, and when adapted into a movie they often lose them, I think.

11. What is the most difficult book you’ve ever read?
Decamerone by Giovanni Boccaccio. God, how I hated it! I actually cried when I finally finished reading it - of joy to finally be able to get rid of it.

12. What is your favorite book?
Do not ask me such a question. I'm too indecisive to choose only one book.

13. Play?
I must admit that my knowledge regarding plays is quite nonexistent. The only ones I can say I've familiarized myself with the most are Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello. As I'm not much of a tragedy digger, none of them is quite into my liking.

14. Poem?
في القدس - تميم البرغوثي (In Jerusalem by Tamim al Barghouti)

15. Essay?
Don't know any.

16. Who is the most overrated writer alive today?
Stephanie Meyer and Dan Brown. I personally enjoy both authors' works BUT I can't see them as authors that will be remembered after, say, 30 years or so.

17. What is your desert island book?
The Holy Quran.

18. And . . . what are you reading right now?
Orhan Pamuk's Istanbul: Memories of a City‎.

If you have some free time fill this meme, and please drop me a line when you've done it. I love to know about what people read :3

Back here

2009-06-25T17:49:00.001+03:00

My, what a bitter post I wrote last time. But the again, I was bitter for having to leave Istanbul :D

Tuesday and Wednesday went by quite quickly. Istanbul was amazing, and as you must've noticed by now, I loved it. I thought that besides writing about what I did there, I'd write up some tips as well. I remember that prior to going there I tried frantically to look for some useful info on Istanbul, and came up with a shamefully small saldo. What do you people think? Would anyone be interested? Any questions regarding Istanbul you'd like to ask? Hm?

But back to Finland, yeah.
I went yesterday to the library, my sole business being to borrow some books that had nothing to do with school stuff. It's been so long since I went there to do that - usually I either go to study there or just to get some reference books. But yesterday I skipped directly to the literature section:

(On the top you can see also the books I brought with me from Istanbul that I wish to read.)

Oh, and say hi to Green Guy! I got him last summer, isn't he cute?
I was at work, and was stationed at the rollercoaster Kirnu (miss you <3) with four other co-workers. We had always certain regular customers for every day, and that day they happened to be couple of little guys. They loved the ride and came again and again - and Green Guy was always with them. I liked to chat with the boys and one of the things I said, was how cute I found the green fella. They then told me I could buy it from a stall a little farther from the ride for only one euro. I then told them that I was not allowed to buy one for my self because of the amusement park's rules (sniffle!).
When the park was almost closed and the boys had to go home, they came to find me and handed Green Guy to me, saying that I could keep it. I tried to refuse, but they insisted and were so serious I then took him and thanked them equally seriously.Or maybe not so seriously. Truth to be told, I was almost bawling because they were so cute and I was so happy and surprised I didn't know what should I say, haha.

But anyway. It's because of little incidents like those that I like working with children. I can deal with them with much more ease than with the adults (:

Oh, and before I forget! I've got like gazillion alarms in my feeds reminding me (again) of how much I've neglected the blogosphere. I'll be slowly but surely getting back on track, so be patient with me, okay?

It's goodbye now

2009-06-22T10:08:00.008+03:00

I'll be heading to the airport in six hours, insha Allah. Can't say I've missed Finland a bit, and leaving Istanbul will be a very difficult thing. When I wrote a year or so ago about falling in love with France I really meant it. Yet as much as I loved France, I did not feel like crying on the thought of leaving it and heading back home - as opposed to today.

Why?

Well, it's like after almost twenty years of being an outsider, I've finally found the people who accept me wholeheartedly for what I am, and make me feel home.

It's not like I feel unwelcome in Finland or anything, no. But the fact is, I am different. My religion makes me different. The way I view the world and many of its issues are sometimes odd from the Finnish point of view.

Here I do not stand out because of the way I dress. Here people laugh when I ask if the meat used in that burek is halal or not. Here I hear the adhaan and see masses of people, young and old, men and women alike, going to the mosque to pray before going back to their businesses. Here I ask the man selling bottled cold water for 0.50 YTL, if he knows how I can find my way back to Hasip Paşa, and he doesn't let me go before he finds someone who'll be able to help me. Here men stand up when I enter the minibus to let me sit down through the bumping journey to Üsküdar's centre. Here ladies smile and answer to my 'salaamu aleikum' with the warm 'wa alaykum al salaam'.

It's actually quite complicated. I'll see if I can write a proper post about this issue later on, insha Allah. I've also got a lot more photos as well, because my beloved cameras have been accompanying me faithfully everywhere. Will be sharing some of them with you as well.

Take care! (:

A little more of Ayasofya

2009-06-11T16:09:00.002+03:00

Merhaba!

2009-06-05T12:23:00.005+03:00

I promised (in my previous entry, which is so full of spelling mistakes that I intend to keep it as it is to remind me of the dangers of blogging while being half asleep) to write much earlier, but due to many things I failed to fulfill my promise to do so. It's just that on Saturday I couldn’t do much because of my aching neck, on Sunday I started packing, and on Monday I boarded the Finnair and landed after a three-hour flight to Istanbul, Turkey. After that I've been too busy roaming around this beautiful city to have enough time and/or energy to sit in front of the computer.

As an apology, I'll share with you couple of photos taken during yesterday's journey to Ayasofya otherwise known as Hagia Sophia.

First some fun facts, though ;)

The Church of the Divine Wisdom (Hagia Sophia in Greek) in Sultanahmet, Istanbul,
is one of the most impressive and important buildings ever constructed. Its wide, flat dome was a daring engineering feat in the 6th century, and architects still marvel at the building's many innovations.

Called Hagia Sophia in Greek, Sancta Sophia in Latin, Ayasofya in Turkish, it was built on the site of Byzantium's acropolis (map) by Emperor Justinian (527-65 AD) in 537 AD.

Ayasofya was the greatest church in Christendom, and was meant to be. According to Prof. Robert Osterhout, it was built to surpass the gigantic Church of St Polyeuchtos erected by Julia Anitzia, scion of the line of Theodosian emperors. Julia meant her church, a "recreation" of the Temple of Jerusalem, to symbolize her wealth, power and legitimate claim to the throne of Byzantium. Justinian had to out-build her to establish his own legitimacy—and he did. His church remained the largest church ever built until St Peter's Basilica was constructed in Rome a thousand years later. (Julia's church, by the way, was destroyed by an earthquake. You can see a few pitiful ruins of it near the traffic under/overpass between the Istanbul Belediye Sarayi [City Hall] and Aqueduct of Valens [Bozdogan Kemeri](map).

Being the world's most impressive building, it's no wonder that Mehmet
the Conqueror proclaimed it a mosque soon after his conquest of the city from the Byzantines in 1453.It served as Istanbul's most revered mosque until 1935 when Atatürk, recognizing its world-historical significance, had it proclaimed a museum, as it is now.

Although most of the building is still a museum, a room on the east side was opened in 2007 as a prayer-place (Ibadete Açik Kismi), and the call to prayer is proclaimed from the minaret above it.

Ayasofya is awe-inspiring—one of the first things to see when you're in Istanbul.
Luckily, it's right next to Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Byzantine Hippodrome, and right across the street fromYerebatan, the Sunken Palace Cistern.

The 30 million gold tesserae (tiny mosaic tiles) which cover the church's interior—especially the dome—are now being restored to the brilliance they boasted 1500 years ago. This means the interior is filled with scaffolding, and will be so for years to come. This may spoil photos, but not the church's grandeur. You'll still enjoy your visit here.
Source

And believe me, these pictures are nothing compared to the real thing! It's awesome, really.

Alive and kickin'!

2009-05-29T22:23:00.007+03:00

It has been really busy two moths. Today was the last test, and after four hours of intensive writing, I must admit that I'm feeling a tad bit tired and spent. And numb. Definitely numb. I can't feel my hand anymore, and it's been hours since the exam was over already! And my neck is so stiff that there is bound to be a fight between it and my pillow before I can finally zone out...

Actually I'm so tired I can barely keep my eyes open, but the one reason that made me insists on posting immediately is that I wanted to thank those nice, nice people who have been visiting my blog regularly, waiting patiently for my random posts. I did not think that after such a long time there would still be someone who would bother to come here. And then I check out my StatCounter, and it says that I've got multiple visitors everyday, most of them coming back more than once and none of the not being my mom (I made sure :D).

I am truly humbled.

So thank you.
Really, truly thank you.

And a little thank you for StatCounter, too, because if not for it, I wouldn't know about my silent readers. Thank you :D

So basically I'm alive - though not kickin'... just yet, at least. Ha, ha.

Ya Allah, I'm feeling like a walking dead, and my sense of humour is like that of one, too. I really do hope no one was waiting for a post of that includes a good dose o wit and humour...

Got stufss to say, but I'll leave it for tomorrow, insha Allah.

G'night.

On hiatus!

2009-04-04T18:55:00.005+03:00

The exams' time is coming nearer and nearer. As I am sort of trying to get some nice grades for meself, I'll be taking a little break from the blogosphere to concentrate on my studies. I'll be back once everything is back to normal, insha Allah.

Meanwhile, take care of yourselves, dear readers, and please do pray for me!

Comic strip by Porter Mason

Reminding myself

2009-03-23T11:01:00.004+02:00

"They ask you (O Muhammad) what they should spend in charity. Say: 'Whatever you spend with a good heart, give it to parents, relatives, orphans, the helpless, and travellers in need. Whatever good you do, God is aware of it.'" The Holy Quran, 2:215

Morgan Street

2009-03-19T22:00:00.007+02:00

You know what I'm talking about, Hippy, don't you? I just couldn't resist...

Some posts ago I whined about hand creams and stuff. Hippy (whose name I shortened without asking for any permission or stuff... I hope it's okay?), being the nice person she is, graciously suggested some places I might find interesting and that might have something I'd like. Because I had opened a PayPal account, it was way too easy to give it a try.

From among the suggestions I got, I chose Morgan Street. I guess the most important reason was that ~~the packages/stuffs looked really pretty~~ the shop offered nice looking stuff in good sizes (small enough so that if the product weren't that much into my liking, it wouldn't matter too much) and reasonable prices. Oh heck, and the pretty looks played a rather big role in this as well.

It took me a while to decide what to order from among all the yummy-looking goodies Morgan Street had. After a lot of thinking ("Man, I wish I could afford buying all this!") I ended up adding three items to my shopping cart:
Pumpkin Spice Whipped Body Butter, Creme de Limon - Whipped Body Butter and Solid Lotion Bar With Tin .

First of all, I have to say that this has to be the best service I've ever had while buying anything via the Internet. And no, I wasn't paid to say this :D

The same day I had placed my order and paid it, I received the following message from Sharon, the mastermind behind these goodies:

Sent by morganstreet on March 14, 2009:

Hi Mushu (name changed :D)! Thank you so much for purchasing items from my shop. I appreciate your business. In about 15 minutes I'm going to start a sale in my shop but since your purchased already, I will give you the sale prices. I'll send you a refund via paypal for the extra money you paid. I'll send the refund either tonight or right before your ship your goodies (within the next couple of days)

Thank you once again and have a fabulous weekend!

Sharon

Very professional. And very very nice.

I placed my order last Saturday - and received them today! I'm still marveling at the incredible speed.

And oh, what a nice package it was! (Yes, when it comes to certain items, I'm a sucker for appearances.)

Creme de Lemon is fresh and feels very nice on the skin. I've tried only a little bit of it, and can't yet say how well does it really work on banishing dry skin. Will keep you updated.

Solid Lotion Bar. This one I have yet to try. I've let my chocoholic sister have a sniff, though. Tres delicious, indeed! is what she said. Or something along those lines.

Do you ever get the feeling of finding something you’ve unconsciously been looking for for ages? I had that feeling with the Pumpkin Spice Whipped Body Lotion. It was love at the first sniff.

People often get a bit testy when spices are mentioned, but I’m one of those who love them – in food and in cosmetics alike. I had thought that the main smell I’d detect in this body butter would be the pumpkin (I have no idea what kind of a smell was I waiting for, actually. What does pumpkin smell like?). Instead, after opening the lid, a sweet blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and other lovely spices reached me. Nothing too strong, but certainly delicious enough to make me drool. An unsightly sight, I admit, but oh well.

I didn’t know, though, that fragrance researchers claim that the scent of pumpkin pie filling will turn men into helpless love slaves, content to sit immobile for hours while you use their arms as a yarn-winder. But apparently that’s how it is. Hmm…

To my great surprise and joy, the package had something extra in it:

Mango Sorbet – Lip Balm. Yes, oh yes.
The funny thing is I had just yesterday ordered couple of things I needed to make my own lip balm as well. But we will see what happens about that project.

In addition to that, I received a cute little card with a short handwritten message accompanied by a coupon that promises me a 15% off of my next order.

A very clever move, wouldn’t you say?
And I’m a goner, I’d add.

Also, take a look at Sharon’s mouthwatering soap blog. You won’t be disappointed. I promise.

It's a Libyan thing, you wouldn't understand

2009-03-13T19:19:00.004+02:00

Since we had the pleasure of having my aunt and two of her daughters, may Allah bless them all, visiting us for around couple of weeks, I find myself feeling a bit more Libyan than usually. And tell you what? I like that. Been missing that feeling.

This stuff was apparently written on a shirt originally, hence the last sentence. Top 20 reasons you know you're Libyan:

It's a Libyan thing, you wouldn't understand!

20. Your social existence consists of gurma over shahee
19. You feel 9 months pregnant - you know its bazeen
18. You constantly reply "Te bahyyyy....digeega"
17. A wedding isn't complete without playing foonsha and zamzamat
16. Your family is going through depression when they're low on tin and hareesa
15. Your ears perk when you hear the words "Tamam", "Meeya meeya", and "Kharaf"
14. You are somehow related to or know every other libyan
13. You do something wrong, the first thing that comes to your mind is "Taya7 sa3dek"
12. You're on vacation, you cook macaroona jarya in your hotel room
11. Couscous and macaroona are common meals in your home
10. You've had more than your share of "Inharak aswid"
9. You do something wrong, your parents threaten that they'll send you back to Libya
8. You're always found with your trusty darbooka (or turn everything into one)
7. You know what a felga is
6. You're talking to Libya and the whole street heard your conversation... "Aloooo Libya!!!"
5. Everything you do is classified as 3abe
4. You say ga3miz for sit
3. You're traumatized everytime you see a 3asaa, shibshib, or tubu
2. Your mother can throw a shibshib farther than Troy Aikman can throw a football
1. You're wearing this shirt....saga3 3alaik!

Dear me :D

Henna kelmteen

2009-03-12T17:41:00.003+02:00

Walla shtaqtelkan.

So you know what Mushu did?

2009-02-27T19:10:00.005+02:00

Left her work (permanently) on Wednesday and started wearing the veil, the hijab, on Friday.

And oh, how lucky she is for having made it.

There are two blessings which deceive many people: health and free time.

Bukhari

الحمد لله

Patience

2009-02-21T20:00:00.003+02:00

After a sleepless night accompanied by a very painful cough, a sore throat, an aching head and a miscellancious assortment of other funny little thingies it was no wonder this day did not begin very well.

When I finally felt good enough to sit straight and open my computer, I did not consciously think of looking for anything to make me feel better. Naw, I was tired and very very moody, and I wasn't really thinking about anything in particular.

And still, I accidentally found what made me feel at ease again.

Narrated Abu Huraira (may Allah swt be pleased with him):

Allah's Apostle (may peace and blessings of Allah swt shower on him) said, "The example of a believer is that of a fresh tender plant; from whatever direction the wind comes, it bends it, but when the wind becomes quiet, it becomes straight again. Similarly, a believer is afflicted with calamities (but he remains patient till Allah removes his difficulties.) And an impious wicked person is like a pine tree which keeps hard and straight till Allah cuts (breaks) it down when He wishes."

Bukhari :: Book 7 :: Volume 70 :: Hadith 547

Al hamdu li Allah (:

Untitled on purpose

2009-02-19T21:42:00.003+02:00

This is ridiculous. I've just recovered from a nasty flu, and now it's attacking me again.

Now I really feel like crying :(

My personal punching bag

2009-02-12T22:04:00.002+02:00

Hope

2009-02-10T20:42:00.004+02:00

Allah will give shade to seven on the Day when there will be no shade but His. [These seven persons are:]

- a just ruler,

- a youth who has been brought up in the worship of Allah (i.e. worships Allah sincerely from childhood),

- a man whose heart is attached to the mosques (i.e. to pray the compulsory prayers in the mosque in congregation),

- two persons who love each other only for Allah's sake and they meet and part in Allah's cause only,

- a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for illicit intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of Allah,

- a man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e. nobody knows how much he has given in charity),

- and a person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes are then flooded with tears.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol.1 : No. 629

A one entirely self-centered post

2009-02-03T21:35:00.009+02:00

self-cen·tered
adj.

Engrossed in oneself and one's own affairs; selfish.

self-centered·ly adv.
self-centered·ness n.

In black and white, only, and with lots of noise.
Makes me feel a tad bit less selfish, you understand. Or maybe you do not. But that's okay, I love you all anyway.

I got new glasses. They are totally so not my style, but they are so beautiful I had to buy them anyway. The colour is metallic light purple with silver-y flowers. Aww.

I do not quite understand why do I catch flu every other month. Seriously, I feel like I've spent half of my life wiping my nose and eating throat pastilles. I bet that if some old classmates were asked about me, they'd think a little and then say something like: "Oh, yeah, you mean that Mushu? The one who had always her nose buried in a tissue? Yea, sure we remember her. Can't forget the noise."

This latest cold was a present from my little brother. It took him two days to recover, while I am in my second week. Talk about irony.

There is something magical in the night. The moment when everyone is breathing heavily, deep asleep. Sometimes it is really nice to light a candle, the lightly cinnamon scented one, take the diary to the bed and write and write and write.

Probably the best - and God willig the most beneficial - gift I have ever received from a human being is this one.
A colour coded little mus'haf. I'm not letting it get dusty at all.

May Allah bless my uncle for giving me this valuable gift.
Aameen.

A beauuuuutiful card wishing me a Happy New Year all the way from Thailand!

This little surprise from my friend B. made me so happy. I've already sent her a response. I hope she likes it :3

I wish someone would invent a machine that when connected to our brains can check out if we have learnt what we were suppose to learn. No exams. On the long term, they do not really measure anything. Not really. They exist only to torment the poor, lazy students like myself.

I had to buy myself a vacuum jug to be able to drink tea during the nights. Wouldn't be able to study late, otherwise. Awake, that is. I can fully well sit and keep a book in my hands while dreaming about La-la land and blue rooftops, no problem.

A close-up. Some goals o' mine. And please be kind and do ignore the ugly handwriting. Thinking about the future I'd had a panick attac and was desperate to remind myself of my goals. Had to write them down quickly so not to forget them.

Yes, what your retinas are currently registering is not a hallucination - Twilight. Ha ha.

Yea.

Well, it wasn't really as bad as I had thought. Compared to the book it was, naturally, not worth much. But then again, that's nothing new. But it was watchable.

(Ya, I know. My reviewing skills are amazing.)

On the way home we visited Lush. After I noticed that The Body Shop was owned by L'Oreal and therefore joined my boycott list, I was devastated. Luckily enough I found an equally good, if not an even better substitute. Their solid shampoos and their soap Honey I Washed The Kids... ah, bliss.

So how are you, people?

An analogy

2009-02-01T12:35:00.003+02:00

Palestines fault by WiZaNe

An analogy posted under this photo by a commentator:

...what if you burned down the house that ten year old was living in, and built a new one on his property, and moved into it. And then, you locked him in a cage and prevented anyone from feeding him. And then one day you let him out, and he bites you.

And then, you blame the kid.

Helping hands

2009-01-30T18:15:00.005+02:00

I am fully aware that lots of people are fed up with reading these constant Gaza posts. Yes, I know there are in the world numerous other conflicts and problems that need our attention. No, I am not overlooking or belittling any of those issues.

But so it is that Gaza is what I am posting about right now.
Deal with it, dearies (:

While the war on Gaza is kinda over, if there is believing the media and the rather tiny space that Gaza related news take nowadays, that does not mean that the crisis there has ceased to exist. There is now, more than ever, a huge need for humane actions. Thousands have lost their beloveds. Thousands have lost their homes. Thousands are hungry. Thousands are cold. Thousands are in need for medical help.

And the sad sad list goes on.

I have already posted this great 60-minute Action-Gaza plan. If you haven't checked it out yet, then please do take a look.

Also, while you are at it (you are at it, are you not?), I would be very glad were you to go through Laila's newest post as well. Very inspiring, may Allah bless her.

I encountered some technical problems with Islamic Relief, and could not donate through them, but luckily enough Muslim Hands worked just fine (and it took them only few days to send me the receipt!). I was even more happy when I learned that the donations go directly to Gaza and the Gazans.

If you do not feel comfortable donating anything via any organization bearing the words "Islam" or "Muslim" (or anything of the like) in their name yet still wish to do something, then you might want to contact the International Committee of the Red Cross. Or you can contact your mosque/church/synagogue/temple and ask them about ways to help. I am sure you will find a way.

Oh, and if you wonder about that piccie you see above..
It's a public graffiti mural that can be found in the streets of Birmingham, England. It's done by Mohammed Ali aka. Aerosol Arabic for the people of Gaza. A print of it can be purchased via Islamic Design House. Every penny from sales of this poster will go to charities helping with much needed emergency AID. I've twice ordered stuff from them (the most beautiful hijab pins ever, couple of hijabs and two Keep It Halal bags - love 'em all), and the service have been in both times superb. Just ordered this poster - can't wait to see it on my wall.

This post was rather money centered, I'm afraid. By no means does that mean that money is the only way to help, no. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

Whosoever among you sees an act of wrong should change it with his hands. If he is not able to do so, then he should change it with his tongue. If he is not able to do so, then with his heart, and this is the weakest of faith.

And with those words I bid you good day/night.

Yours truly

2009-01-24T17:12:00.005+02:00

State of certainty by mismail

Thank You Allah for granting us the chance to live.
Thank You Allah for giving us healthy bodies.
Thank You Allah for giving us working minds.

Thank You Allah for giving me this wonderful family.
Thank You Allah for the countless blessings.

Thank You Allah for making us Muslims.

Thank You Allah for giving me the ability to remember.
Thank You Allah for giving me the ability to walk,

see,

cry,

laugh,

shout,

sing,

talk,

touch,

smell,

hear,

and breath.

Thank You Allah for giving me the ability to dream.

Thank You Allah for grantig us daytime and nighttime.

Thank You Allah for the chances.
Thank You Allah for the moments.
Thank You Allah for the feelings.
Thank You Allah for the encounters.

Thank You Allah for the guidance.
Thank You Allah for the knowledge.

Yours truly,
Me.

On boycotting Israeli goods

2009-01-20T20:13:00.007+02:00

Farmers claim UK, Jordan boycotting Israeli fruit

Fruit growers disappointed by canceled orders from abroad, leaving produce to rot in warehouses

Yair Hason
Published: 01.16.09, 07:37 / Israel Money

Fruit growers in Israel have reported delays and reductions in orders from abroad since the military operation in Gaza was launched, due to various boycotts against Israeli produce. Farmers say much of their produce is being held in warehouses due to canceled orders, and fear a sharp decrease in fruit exports to countries such as Jordan, Britain, and the Scandinavian countries.

"We export persimmons, and because of the fighting a number of countries and distributors are canceling orders," Giora Almagor, of the southern town of Bitzaron, told Ynet. He said some of the produce had already been shipped while some was awaiting shipment in warehouses.

Almagor said a large number of cancellations came from Jordan. "The produce stays packed in warehouses, and this is causing us massive losses," he said.
"The longer the fruit waits in storage after sorting, the more its quality decreases. We also have to pay for cooling the merchandise that should have already left, and the cost in considerable," he added.

Ilan Eshel, director of the Organization of Fruit Growers in Israel, said Scandinavian countries have also been canceling orders. "It's mostly Sweden, Norway, and Denmark," he said. "In Scandinavia the tendency is general, and it may come to include all of the chains."

Eshel says the boycott did not exist before the Gaza offensive was launched. "It's getting worse, and more voices can be heard calling to boycott Israeli merchandise," he said. "Until the operation began we had excellent business, though the economic recession in Europe was causing a slight fall in the market."

He added that winter was an especially difficult season to be unable to export fruit, because the avocado, persimmon, and citrus markets are at their height.

Source

Of course one may wonder about whyever did Jordan buy Israeli goods in the first place. Like this fellow Muslim brother who expressed his thoughts thus:

Well, well, isn't that a noble gesture - Jordanian companies appear to have stopped buying a product they should have never been buying in the first place.

And it only took a thousand-plus dead Muslims to make them realise.

Yeah, well.
Indeed.

On another note (kinda)... it doesn't come as a big surprise, then, that in Sweden some Israeli fruits were displayed as originating from Spain and Kenya. What a brilliant move.

But see, people? There are some peaceful means to make ourselves heard, too!

Gaza, USA and the Arab regimes

2009-01-18T11:59:00.002+02:00

Carlos Latuff

Over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed and around 6,000 have been injured in a series of air raids on the Gaza Strip.

The strikes, the most severe to hit the region since 1967, began at around 11.30 am on December 27 2008 and casualties look set to rise due to a lack of medical capacity on the ground after recent prolonged border closures.

Dozens are still being pulled from the rubble and significant civilian casualties have been reported.

Targets across Gaza were hit, including Gaza City – where most have been reported dead – and the southern towns of Khan Younis and Rafah.

The raids came just days after a truce with Hamas came to an end. World leaders called for an immediate ceasefire but on January 3 2009 an Israeli ground offensive was launched.

Gaza’s depleted hospitals are struggling to cope with the increasing numbers of casualties. The main Al Shifa Hospital is functioning via a back-up generator and many medical staff are working 24-hour shifts.

The majority of citizens are without water, electricity or gas. Food is running out and around 80,000 are estimated to have been left homeless.

Islamic Relief

I do not know what to say anymore.

Hasbuna Allah wa ne'ma al-Wakeel.

Just a reminder

2009-01-13T19:40:00.004+02:00

Blame Hamas by Carlos Latuff

18 days
971 dead
4418 wounded

Al Jazeera

18 days
952 dead, of which some 400 children and women

Reuters

18 days
950 dead, around a third of them children
more than 4200 injured

BBC

18 days
more than 970 killed, more than 400 of them women and children
more than 4,400 wounded

CNN

18 days
at least 940 dead
more than 4350 wounded

Al Arabiya

of 901 Palestinians killed (as of Monday morning) only 400 were identified as Hamas operatives

Haaretz

Can we walk the talk?

2009-01-05T16:09:00.011+02:00

Gaza MASSACRE by Carlos Latuff

60-Minute Action-Gaza Plan

Read and do something.
Please!

A Poem

2009-01-01T13:48:00.005+02:00

A Poem for Gaza

I never knew death until I saw the bombing of a refugee camp
Craters filled with disfigured ankles and splattered torsos
But no sign of a face, the only impression a fading scream
I never understood pain
Until a seven-year-old girl clutched my hand
Stared up at me with soft brown eyes, waiting for answers
But I didn't have any
I had muted breath and dry pens in my back pocket
That couldn't fill pages of understanding or resolution

In her other hand she held the key to her grandmother's house
But I couldn't unlock the cell that caged her older brothers
They said, we slingshot dreams so the other side will feel our father's presence
A craftsman
Built homes in areas where no one was building
And when he fell, he was silent
A .50 caliber bullet tore through his neck shredding his vocal cords
Too close to the wall
His hammer must have been a weapon
He must have been a weapon
Encroaching on settlement hills and demographics

So his daughter studies mathematics
Seven explosions times eight bodies
Equals four Congressional resolutions
Seven Apache helicopters times eight Palestinian villages
Equals silence and a second Nakba
Our birthrate minus their birthrate
Equals one sea and 400 villages re-erected
One state plus two peoples…and she can't stop crying
Never knew revolution or the proper equation
Tears at the paper with her fingertips
Searching for answers
But only has teachers
Looks up to the sky and see stars of David demolishing squalor with hellfire missiles

She thinks back words and memories of his last hug before he turned and fell
Now she pumps dirty water from wells, while settlements divide and conquer
And her father's killer sits beachfront with European vernacular
She thinks back words, while they think backwards
Of obscene notions and indigenous confusion

This our land!, she said
She's seven years old
This our land!, she said
And she doesn't need a history book or a schoolroom teacher
She has these walls, this sky, her refugee camp
She doesn't know the proper equation
But she sees my dry pens
No longer waiting for my answers
Just holding her grandmother's key…searching for ink

Remi Kanzani

What can you do for Gaza?

2008-12-30T07:35:00.005+02:00

Palestine Gaza Strip Appeal

Three hundred Palestinians have been killed and around 1,400 have been injured in a series of air raids on the Gaza Strip.

The strikes, thought to be the most severe to hit the region since 1967, began at around 11.30 am on December 27 2008 and casualties look set to rise due to a lack of medical capacity on the ground after recent prolonged border closures.

Dozens are still being pulled from the rubble and due to the timing of the attacks significant civilian casualties look likely.

Targets across Gaza were hit, including Gaza City – where most have been reported dead – and the southern towns of Khan Younis and Rafah.

The raids come just days after a truce with Hamas came to an end. World leaders are calling for an immediate ceasefire.

IR Emergency Response

29 December
2008

IR is on the ground and is launching a $3 million appeal to help the people of the Gaza Strip.

To date IR has:
Delivered five trucks of medical supplies to hospitals.

Future plans:
IR Palestine will conduct a survey to assess urgent food
needs on the ground.

27/12/2008

A needs assessment team has been deployed to the affected areas and we
are coordinating with the Ministry of Health to ascertain where the need is
greatest and what equipment is needed. IR has already begun providing medical
supplies to those most in need.
Urgent immediate needs are:

Medical disposables
First aid kits

Every cent counts and even the smallest help helps.

Islamic Relief - Palestine Gaza Strip Appeal

And keep Palestine in your du'as.

"And your Lord says: Pray unto me: and I will hear your prayer"(Quran 40:60)

"When My servants question thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them):
I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me" (Quran 2:186)

"Is not He (best) who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on
Him, and who relieves its suffering." (Quran 27:62)

Jazaakum Allah khayran.

Gaza: Over 200 killed and more to come

2008-12-27T20:10:00.008+02:00

A five-day Israeli offensive in March killed more than 120 people, but
Saturday's death toll was the highest for a single day since 1948, when the
Jewish state was established.

إلهنا

رب المشرقين و رب المغربين

إلهنا

رب المقدس و الحرمين

اللهم اصلح أحوال إخواننا المنكوبين في غزة

اللهم آمن خوفهم

أللهم بدل خوفهم أمنا

يا أمل المستغيثين

يا مجيب دعوة المضطرين

لا اله إلا الله

Photographs: Reuters
Text: Reuters

Sorry I'm slow at talking and bad with words

2008-12-10T16:35:00.004+02:00

This past week has been full of mixed emotions.

Of sadness.
Of hurt.
Of frustration.
Of relief.
Of helplessness.
Of anxiety.
Of love.

I thought that maybe, just maybe, if I wrote it all down I would be able to clear my head. Now, I've been trying to write a proper post for at least five times, yet everytime I seem to be unable to produce anything worth publishing. I can't put my thoughts into words.

I tried to look for some duas. Thought it might help to lessen the ache I have inside me, to make me feel stronger. And to make me able not to make the burdens of my beloved ones any heavier but the opposite. And I found this:

Ya Allah!
Aameen, thumma aameen.

You can download this beautiful dua here.

Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment
shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire
and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): For the life
of this world is but goods and chattels of deception. [Al Imran Chapter 3 verse 185]

EDIT// The complete dua can be found here: Part I and Part II.

Eid mubarak

2008-12-08T10:08:00.003+02:00

Art by DonQasim

Inna li-Allahi wa inna Ilayhi raji'oun

2008-12-05T16:30:00.008+02:00

Today, on Friday the 7th of Dhul-Hijjah, at the same time the muadhin was calling people for the Friday prayer in Benghazi, my grandfather passed away. May Allah have mercy upon him.

انّا للہ و انّا الیہ راجعون

Bumps and tags

2008-12-04T16:58:00.005+02:00

I hit my head, and am now nursing an incredibly big bump on my already way too big forehead. I don't know how I managed to do that, really. One moment I was doing something in front of my room, and on the next I realize that I just bumped my head HARD on the corner of my door frame. And seriously, it's not like my forehead needs highlighting any more. It's big enough as it is! Some great Eid al Adha-photos I'm going to get this year.

Yes, I'm bitter. Sob, sob.

On a happier note, I got tagged by the beautiful Soraya, and since this is my first tag ever (!!!) I'm only happy to indulge.

So, here are the rules:

The most difficult part of this meme is, that you can only answer the questions with a single
word.

1. Where is your cell phone? Pocket.
2. Where is your significant other? Somewhere?
3. Your hair color? Dark.
4. Your mother? Best.
5. Your father? Bestest.
6. Your favorite thing? Book.
7. Your dream last night? Absurd.
8. Your dream/goal? Jannah.
9. The room you’re in? Mine.
11. Your fear? Loss.
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Somewhere.
13. Where were you last night? Home.
14. What you’re not? Beautiful.
15. One of your wish-list items? Peace.
16. Where you grew up? Finland.
17. The last thing you did? Photographed.
18. What are you wearing? Clothes.
19. Your TV? None.
20. Your pet? Siblings.
21. Your computer? LG.
22. Your mood? Improving.
23. Missing someone? Maybe.
24. Your car? Imaginary.
25. Something you’re not wearing? Necklace.
26. Favorite store? Bookstore.
27. Your summer? Wonderful.
28. Love someone? Yes.
29. Your favorite color? Blue.
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today.
31. Last time you cried? Today.

The other part of the challenge is to nominate five people to take up the challenge on their own blogs.

Erm, I've been seeing this one around a lot, so I don't really know whom should I tag. If you haven't done this yet, then YOU are tagged ;)

Man, this shameless bump keeps growing.
And there's some colour in it too! Mommy!!!

A question being answered: The Concept of Animal Sacrifice in Islam

2008-11-28T20:12:00.005+02:00

I just read this article, and thought that since it's quite the right time to post this, proceeded to do just that.

Question:

Dear scholars, As-Salam `Alaykum.`Eid Mubarak to you all! When “`Eid Al-Adha” is at the doorstep, many rams, cows, camels, of course, are tied to be slaughtered for feast. This brings to my mind the following question: What is the concept of sacrifice in Islam? By the way, my non-Muslim friends try to pick fault in Islam, saying that Muslims are no different to idol worshippers, who also offer sacrifices to their gods. Please clarify this point. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Answer:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

`Eid Mubarak to you brother, and to all Muslims all over the world! Thanks for forwarding your question to us, may Allah help us make our humble efforts come up to your expectations.

Actually, there are many misconceptions filling the mind of many non-Muslims, who fail to perceive the significance and wisdom behind acts of worship in Islam. That is why addressing those misconceptions becomes obligatory in order to erase distortions about Islam. Thus, on the case in point, we find it relevant to cite for you the following:

Sacrifice is not a pillar of Islam. We must look at the occurrences in a contextual manner, understanding not only the pre-Islamic institution of sacrifice, the Qur'anic reforms concerning this practice, and the continuance of sacrifice in the Muslim world, but also the context in which the Qur'anic revelations occurred. For it seems that with many people, both non-Muslims and Muslims alike, context is the key that they are missing.

With this in mind, let us start with the situation as it was in pre-Islamic Arabia with regard to animal sacrifice. Not only did the pagan Arabs sacrifice to a variety of gods in hopes of attaining protection or some favor or material gain, but so, too, did the Jews of that day seek to appease the One True God by blood sacrifice and burnt offerings. Even the Christian community felt Jesus to be the last sacrifice, the final lamb, so to speak, in an otherwise valid tradition of animal sacrifice (where one's sins are absolved by the blood of another).

Islam, however, broke away from this longstanding tradition of appeasing an "angry God" and instead demanded personal sacrifice and submission as the only way to die before death and reach "fana’" or "extinction in Allah." The notion of "vicarious atonement of sin" (absolving one's sins through the blood of another) is nowhere to be found in the Qur'an. Neither is the idea of gaining favor by offering the life of another to Allah. In Islam, all that is demanded as a sacrifice is one's personal willingness to submit one's ego and individual will to Allah.

One only has to look at how the Qur'an treats this subject, to see a marked difference regarding sacrifice and whether or not Allah is appeased by blood. The Qur'anic account of the sacrifice of Isma`il ultimately speaks against blood atonement. Allah says: (Then when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: "Oh my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view!" (The son) said: "Oh my father! Do As thou art commanded: Thou wilt find me, if Allah so wills one practicing patience and constancy!" So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him, "Oh Abraham! Thou hast already fulfilled the vision!" Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For this was obviously a trial and We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice.) (As-Safat 37: 102-107)

Notice that the Qur'an never says that Allah told Abraham to kill (sacrifice) his son. Though subtle, this is very important, for the moral lesson is very different from that which appears in the Bible. Here, it teaches us that Abraham had a dream in which he saw himself slaughtering his son. Abraham believed the dream and thought that the dream was from Allah, but the Qur'an never says that the dream was from Allah. However, in Abraham and Isma`il's willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice—Abraham of his son, Isma`il of his own life—they are able to transcend notions of self and false attachment to the material realm, thus removing a veil between themselves and Allah, enabling Allah's mercy to descend upon them as the Spirit of Truth and illuminate them with divine wisdom (thus preventing a miscarriage of justice and once and for all correcting the false notion of vicarious atonement of sin).

For, certainly, Allah, the Ever Merciful, Most Compassionate, would never ask a father to go against His command of "thou shall not kill" and kill his own son in order to be accepted by Him. For the Qur'an teaches us that Allah never advocates evil (see 7:28 and 16:90) and that only Satan advocates evil and vice (24:21). The notion that Allah would want us to do an immoral act runs counter to Allah's justice.

As far as the yearly tradition that has followed this event (that is, the sacrificing of a ram to commemorate Abraham and Isma`il's great self sacrifice), we must understand it and the Qur'anic versus that pertain to animal sacrifice, in relation to the time and place circumstances under which these revelations were received and how people were trying to make a personal sacrifice by sharing their limited means of survival with the poorer members of their community.

That is to say, the underlying implication of Islam's attitude toward ritual slaughter is not that of blood atonement, or seeking favor with Allah through another's death, but rather, the act of thanking Allah for one's sustenance and the personal sacrifice of sharing one's possessions and valuable food with one's fellow humans. The ritual itself is NOT the sacrifice. It is merely a method of killing where the individuals kill as quickly as possible and acknowledge that only Allah has the right to take a life and that they do so as a humble member of Allah's creation in need of sustenance just like every other species in Allah's creation.

So let us examine some of the appropriate verses in the Qur'an to see what it has to say about sacrifice and how it related to life in 500 C.E. Arabia. (Also included is commentary by Yusuf Ali to show that even someone who was pro-sacrifice with an understanding of animals as subject to humans, did not champion wanton cruelty or notions of blood atonement.) Allah says: (In them ye have benefits for a term appointed: In the end their place of sacrifice is near the Ancient House.) (Al-Hajj 22: 33)

“The word ‘In them’ refers to cattle or animals offered for sacrifice. It is quite true that they are useful in many ways to humans, e.g., camels in desert countries are useful as mounts or for carrying burdens or for giving milk, and so, for horses and oxen; and camels and oxen are also good for meat, and camel's hair can be woven into cloth; goats and sheep also yield milk and meat, and hair or wool. But if they are used for sacrifice, they become symbols by which people show that they are willing to give up some of their own benefits for the sake of satisfying the needs of their poorer brethren." (Yusuf Ali commentary)

Allah also says: (To every people did We appoint rites (of sacrifice) that they might celebrate the name of Allah over the sustenance He gave them from animals (fit for food). But your God is One God: Submit then your wills to Him (In Islam): and give thou the good news to those who humble themselves.) (Al-Hajj 22: 34)

“This is the true end of sacrifice, not propitiation of higher powers, for Allah is One, and He does not delight in flesh and blood, but a symbol of thanksgiving to Allah by sharing meat with fellow humans. The solemn pronouncement of Allah's name over the sacrifice is an essential part of the rite." (Yusuf Ali commentary)

Allah says further: (It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you, that ye may glorify Allah for His guidance to you: And proclaim the Good News to all who do right.) (Al-Hajj 22: 37)

“No one should suppose that meat or blood is acceptable to the One True God. It was a pagan fancy that Allah could be appeased by blood sacrifice. But Allah does accept the offering of our hearts, and as a symbol of such offer, some visible institution is necessary. He has given us power over the brute creation, and permitted us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life, for without this solemn invocation, we are apt to forget the sacredness of life. By this invocation we are reminded that wanton cruelty is not in our thoughts, but only the need for food …" (Yusuf Ali commentary)

It is quite clear from the Qur'anic passages above that the issue of animal sacrifice is in relation to the role animals played in Arabian society at that place and time (as well as other societies with similar climates and culture), in that humans are commanded to give thanks to Allah and praise Allah for the sustenance He has given them and that they should sacrifice something of value to themselves to demonstrate their appreciation for what they have been given (which in their case was the very animals on which their survival was based).

Recource: IslamOnline.net

Snowing

2008-11-24T18:07:00.007+02:00

.Snow flakes.

I counted till they danced so

Their slippers leaped the town,

And then I took a pencil

To note the rebels down.

And then they grew so jolly

I did resign the prig,

And ten of my once stately toes

Are marshalled for a jig!

Emily Dickinson

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah

2008-11-24T17:54:00.003+02:00

Why do they matter?

Even for those not performing the pilgrimage, Hajj, the first ten days of this month are considered very sacred and a time for increased reflection, seeking Allah's forgiveness, doing good and various other forms of worship.

Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) has said about the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah: There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing [Sahih al-Bukhari].

So sacred are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah that Allah swears an oath by them when He says in the Quran: "By the dawn; by the ten nights" [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Swearing an oath by something indicates its importance and great benefit.

What kinds of worship should be performed?

While any good deed done for the sake of Allah according to the way He approves will be rewarded immensely during the first ten days, InshaAllah, some of the more specific actions mentioned in the traditions of the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) are fasting and verbal Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah.

Fasting

In terms of fasting, it is particularly encouraged to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, known in Arabic as Yawm Arafah. The Prophet used to fast on this day [an Nisai and Abu Dawud].Fasting on this day will expiate a Muslim's sins for two years.

Abu Qatadah reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: Fasting the Day of Arafah will be credited with Allah by forgiving one's sins of the previous year and the following year [Muslim].

One of the wives of the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: Allah’s Messenger used to fast the (first) nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of Ashura, and three days of each month [Sahih Sunan Abu Dawud #2129].

The day of Arafah is the day when the pilgrims stand in worship on the Mountain of Arafah. It is the best day of the whole year.

Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the [minor] sins of two years: a past one and a coming one. And fasting the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the past year [Muslim].

There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire as He does no the day of Arafah. He comes close (to those standing on Arafah) and then revels before His angels, saying: "What are these people seeking?"[Muslim]

Dhikr

The verbal remembrance of Allah is another meritorious act during these first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. "And mention the name of Allah on the appointed days" [12:28].

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) encouraged Muslims to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (SubhanAllah), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) and Takbeer (Allahu-Akbar) during this time.

The Takbeer may include the words "Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah; wa Allahu akbar wa Lillahil-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise)," as well as other phrases.

Men are encouraged to recite these phrases out loud and women quietly.

Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer individually when they heard them.

Good Deeds

Generally, all good deeds are rewarded highly at this blessed time. These actions include praying, reading Quran, making Du'a (supplication), giving in charity and being good to our families, and other voluntary (nafl) righteous deeds of worship. These are amongst the deeds that are multiplied in these days.

Seek Allah's Forgiveness and Repentance

In addition, seeking Allah's forgiveness (istighfar) and Tawbah (repentance) at this time is also encouraged. This means more than just a verbal statement of sorrow for past misdeeds. It also requires a firm resolution to avoid making the same mistakes in the future by giving up bad habits, and behavior while sincerely turning to Allah.

Sacrifice

The slaughtering of a sacrificial animal (Adhiyah) is also legislated for the Day of Sacrifice (10th) and the Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th). The tenth of Dhul-Hijjah is Eid ul-Adha or the day of an-Nahr (slaughtering). It marks the conclusion of the major rites of Hajj, and commemorates Allah’s bounty on Prophet Ibrahim (alayhis salam), when He gave him a ram to sacrifice as ransom for his son.

It is repoted that Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) slaughtered (sacrificed) two horned rams, black and white in colour, and said Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and placed his foot on their sides (while slaughtering them). [Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]

'The day of al-Fitr [Eid ul-Fitr], the day of an-Nahr, and the days of Tashreeq are Eid days for us Muslims. They are days of eating and drinking.' [Ahmad, an-Nasa'i, sahih al-Jami' #8192]

Text: Importance of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah by Mutmaina
Picture: Ya Allah by samirmalik

To My Mother

2008-11-21T20:51:00.006+02:00

Abu Huraira reported that a person came to Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?” The Prophet said: "Your mother." The man said, “Then who?” The Prophet said: "Then your mother." The man further asked, “Then who?” The Prophet said: "Then your mother." The man asked again, “Then who?” The Prophet said: "Then your father." [Sahih al Bukhari]

23. Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.
24. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood." [The Holy Qur'an, 17:23-24]

I love you, mom.
May Allah bless you.

Picture: Mom and me by Albirru

My heart is going doki-doki

2008-11-10T19:32:00.008+02:00

...because of these beauties:

Oh, you Hippy of Doom, you!

A healthy dose of Pride and Prejudice

2008-11-01T18:01:00.022+02:00

I've cought a Nasty Cold (yes, with capital letters), and have been suffering for an entire week now. Trying to take my mind away from school, work, the horrid headache, the sudden coughing bursts and the continuously running nose (ew!) I decided to rewatch Pride and Prejudice the minidrama (BBC).

I would never go as far as to say that the movie version of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley as Lizzie and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy is failure, for indeed, it is not. When a book such as Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is being compressed into a movie around 2 hours long, there is bound to be lots of changes and cuts in it. The filming was done nicely, the music, the cast (to tell you the truth, though, I'm not particularily fond of Knightley, yet in my opinion she portrayed Lizzie's character better than I'd thought she would), the filming locations all were nice. The movie was nice. Nice. But that's all.

I have to confess that my heart was stolen by the minidrama. Though I found the movie enjoyable, it simply didn't stand a chance compared to the minidrama.
None at all.

On a surface level, Pride and Prejudice is a fairy tale. Poor (relatively speaking) girl ends up, against all odds, living happily ever after with the rich, handsome prince. This fairy tale attribute is universally appealing, as is the brilliant wit with which Austen delivers her story.

Those who see only a light comedic romance in Pride and Prejudice do, alas, miss the most important reasons for its enduring appeal. Jane Austen herself, in a letter to her sister Cassandra following the publication of Pride and Prejudice, comically presaged this popular misconception: "Upon the whole... I am well satisfied enough. The work is rather too light, and bright, and sparkling; it wants shade; it wants to be stretched out here and there with a long chapter of sense, if it could be had; if not, of solemn specious nonsense, about something unconnected with the story: an essay on writing, a critique on Walter Scott, or the history of Buonaparté, or anything that would form a contrast..."

A discerning reader will find that this story is also a story of empowerment, of control over one's destiny, and of an emerging meritocracy. For the heroine of Pride and Prejudice and her hero, their rewards come not merely through any advantages of birth and inherited wealth, but rather through the hard work of self-examination, revelation, and voluntary shifts in attitudes and behavior. Imagine the appeal of such a story back in Austen's class-stratified day. Consider its appeal today, in our world of make your own destiny, re-invent yourself, and hard work wins the day.

For if we, like Elizabeth Bennet, see that the very flaws that annoy us in others (in her case, the vanity and pride of Mr. Darcy) are merely reflections of our own failings, we will be rewarded. Elizabeth's vanity causes her to trust the wrong man. Her pride makes her blind to the merits of the right man. Her ultimate self-revelation and humility are painful but highly rewarding. If we, like Elizabeth, engage in the hard work of honest self-examination (as in her famous line, Till this moment, I never knew myself), the rewards are immeasurable, though they may not necessarily take the form of Mr. Darcy and Pemberley.

As for Mr. Darcy's hard work and consequent reward, is there anything more satisfying than watching "the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world" humbled by the realization that it would take a lot more than a big bank balance to win the girl? Says Darcy to Elizabeth, "You shewed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased." Hearing his confession gives us hope that maybe, just maybe, there is justice in the world.

So yes, we can let the Mr. Darcys of the world waltz into town and buy their way into our heart or business or country, or we can own our power to make them prove that their worth goes deeper than their wallet. We can be like Elizabeth's best friend Charlotte Lucas, who sells out for money and security by marrying a man she does not love. Or we can be like Elizabeth Bennet, who, like Jane Austen herself, held out for more.

... is what Laurie Viera Rigler says. I don't have a way with words, but she certainly does, and has expressed here my thoughts exactly.

I could go on and on singing praises for this adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, but suffice to say I love it. Just a quick word about the two main characters:

Jennfier Ehle was definitely the perfect choice to portray Miss Elizabeth Bennet. In the book Lizzie is not a beauty (you do remember Mr Dracy's famous "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me--", do you not?). Still, it didn't take too long for him to notice that while she's no classic beauty, she did hold certain charm in her. I totally second what someone had written on Ehle Jennifer at Risky Regencies:

Ehle has a lovely merry face and is fantastic at only just showing her amusement at the social comedy going on beneath her nose.

To me, Jennifer Ehle is the one and only Lizzie. Period.

Now, as for Mr Darcy...

And Colin Firth. Well. He's just such a great actor. Even when Darcy's at his most obnoxious, he makes him seem very human.

[Now, I am not going to say anything about the much celebrated Firth-in-his-wet-shirt scene as it has been mentioned often enough already. Not that I'm complainig about it or anything.]

I ought to go to continue studying at once, as there is a rather omnious exam coming in mid-November:

...but my head hurts in a way I think concentrating on biochemistry would be rather difficult. On the other hand, I could just make some green tea flavoured with lemon and raspberry pieces and grab my...

Life as a coffee

2008-10-26T10:51:00.008+02:00

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university Professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the Prof. went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, some plain-looking and some expensive and exquisite, telling them to help themselves to hot coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the Prof. said "If you noticed, all the nice-looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. That all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the better cups and are eyeing each other's cups."

"Now, if Life is coffee, then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee in it."

So friend, don't let the cups drive you...enjoy the coffee instead.

Something written by someone I do not know.
Found it to be a pretty nice one, hm?

Photo

Froggie

2008-10-11T20:50:00.003+03:00

I'm still learning.

But this is a start, no?

Our Eid al-Fitr

2008-10-03T12:25:00.014+03:00

Living in a non-Muslim country for almost my whole life means a lot of things, and not being able to witness Ramadan/Eid traditions is one of them. Also, because my family does not socialize with the Muslims here, Arabian or otherwise, I do not really know the way people 'normally' celebrate these occasions.

But this is how we usually spend them (:

The preparing for Eid al-Fitr this year started couple of days before the d-day. The house had been cleaned before Ramadan, so there wasn't much to clean (for once, ha!). After that came the time for hunting for new Eid clothes. And yes, that tiring process is not merely shopping but hunting. You do know how hard it is to find the perfect pair of jeans, don't you? You do know that feeling that hits you when even after FIVE freakin' ours of endless searching for those jeans, you haven't found anything close to what you want and you shout hysterically to your equally tired shopping friend (in this case: my sister) that you're ready to pay whatever sums needed just to end this miserable search - don't you?

After spending lots of ~~blood, toil, tears, and sweat~~ money, we finally managed to complete that task successifully. Phew.

Then came the fun part: buying the presents!

It's become a tradition for me and my sis to buy something for mom, dad, the kids and to each other. The money we use is often the Eid money dad and mom give us as our presents.

Yeah, I know that sounds a bit odd. In fact, just before the Eid we have the same discussion we've had numerous times before; our parents tell us that we should not waste the money they gave us for our own enjoyment to buy presents for them, while we insist that that is precisely what we were doing. We go through this procedure before every Eid. No kidding.

Anyway, buying presents for sis is probably the easiest thing ever. She's two years my junior, and we've been always together. There is no one who knows me as well as her, and there is no one I feel at ease with as much as with her. And I know that it's the same with her as well. Guess that's the reason for how we always manage to buy the perfect presents for each other.

The presents for rest of the family, though, always need a little bit more of thinking, but we always manage to find something nice for everyone, wal hamdu li Allah.

After the wrapping - which was, as usually, done by me in my locked room with the kids harassing me from behind the door with their constat questions about their presents - is done (and of course I called them to have a quick look at the colourful packages to let them have something to dream about...), and the kids were safely tucked into their beds, we took out the decorations that had been hidden since last Eid al-Adha and started decorating the living room.

Though we were ready before midnight, it wasn't until 2.00 am that I finally got to sleep. You'd think that I'm old enough not to feel too excited... but no. Ahem.

The first thing to be done after the prayers in the morning of Eid al-Fitr, was to set the table. This Eid there wasn't too much of sweets as we were going to go on a trip to Sweden in few hours, and therefore it would've been a waste to put too much food on the table. The presents were taken from my room as well, and set up close to the sweets.

After getting everything ready in the livingroom everyone changed into their new clothes, and gathered in the living room. The television was switched on so that we could se the Eid prayers.

Couple of hours went by while we enjoyed our time there, eating sweets, opening our presents and chatting with each other. Mom tried to call her relatives to congratulate them, but for some reason she couldn't get through to talk with those living in Libya. Also, got a call from our father's relatives. One of his brothers had just got his first child, a baby girl. I gave them my e-mail, and ordered them gently (!) to send me pictures of the cutie.

At 3.oo pm I called the cab to come and take us to the harbour where M/S Silja Serenade was waiting for us. The ship left Helsinki at 5.00 pm and we arrived in Stockholm next morning around 9.30 am local time. We took the bus and went to the town centre, where we split into two groups: dad and brother went on their way and me, mom and my sisters went on ours.

We went to Drottninggatan (Queen's Street) which is a major pedestrian street in Stockholm. Since the weather was a bit cool, there wasn't this horrible jam these kind of streets usually sport - and soon it started to rain, too. It was so much fun walking from a shop to another, chatting with each other and enjoying the refreshing rain. When the rain started to get heavier, we just went to eat some delicious pizzas and then continued our wandering.

At around 3.00 pm we went back to the station to meet up with dad and brother, to go toghether back to the ship. Turns out they'd tried to find the Stockholm Mosque, but had lost their way for two hours. Aww, poor guys :D

We spent another night on the ship before finally going ashore in Helsinki the next morning. It had been a superb Eid, with the best company ever. May Allah bless them, and keep them away from any harm. Aameen.

Here are some piccies so that this wouldn't be just a blahblah-post. Not so much, though, because I just realized that in most of the photos I took were at least one (usually more :D) of my family members present. Click on the photos to see the better version:

The task of wrapping the presents is traditionally my job. This year's wrap papers were quite beautiful, if I may say so myself.

On the left you can see one of the traditional three Eid-pastries; Magrood, a date-filled cookie-kinda thingies.

Oh, chocolate! Can't live without you!

Butter cookies, Ghreybas. These are the second ones of the Eid-pastries. Mom has told us that one of the signs of a successiful and delicious Graybas is that they get those cracks on their surface. And yes, they were good.

We had also baked my favourite cookies Ka'k hilu (the last of the three), but I couldn't find any pictures of them. Rest assured they were very delicious as well.

This was taken in the ship, during the opening show just after leaving Helsinki.

It was a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed thingy with an Indian touch. Quite impressive.

A chocolate boutique on Drottninggatan. It was wonderful. I could live in there, were I given the choice!

... a coloured version, because I couldn't decide on which one to upload here. Can you feel the warm feeling that boutique is emitting through the photo?

I am not much of a fan of stuffed animals, but I have to admit that these looked so very soft and cuddly I couldn't resist taking a photo of them.

I saw myself in him! :D

An old pharmacy. It had a beautiful atmosphere, and the people working there were very kind. They even let us take couple of photos while we were there.

We found a beautiful Moroccan shop as well.

The view through our cabin's (rather dirty) window. Stockholm.

One of the reasons for why we love going to Sweden so much has to be the ship's tax-free shop that sells all kinds of yummy candies and chocolates. Bought once again tons of them - not for myself only, though. Bought some souveniers to give to my friends and to send to my cousins. See how nice I am? Right.

Sweden and Palestine. I simply had to buy this pin. Are there any that have the Finnish flag accompanied by the Palestinian flag?

Told you I bought tons of them. My lovelies...

Receipts. Of the Eid clothes, presents, sweets, souveniers and everything. Will get later on glued to my diary's pages. Ah, the memories.

Hope you all had a beautiful Eid!

Eid mubrak!

2008-09-30T12:33:00.006+03:00

May the auspicious occasion of Eid bless you with peace and bring joy to your heart and home.
Eid Mubarak!

The credits for this piccie

[I'm waaay behind when it comes to the blogosphere at the moment, and I apologize about that. I'll be going to Sweden today, but when I come back I'll try to get active again.]

Summer season's closing party

2008-09-11T11:43:00.005+03:00

... at Linnanmäki amusement park on Sunday 07.09.2008.

Oh yes, I'm feeling nostalgic already. Silly me.
But I had the most amazing summer, really.

[Piccies taken with Canon Digital Ixus 70]

It's finally here

2008-09-01T11:08:00.011+03:00

What is Ramadan - The Muslim Month of Fasting

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan. Dates for Ramadan 2008 (or 1429) are 01 - 30 September.

The first evening of Ramadan

In many places around the world Muslims will be looking to the heavens this evening. They will be interested in knowing if they will be able to see the crescent moon. If it is visible this will be the signal for the beginning of the month of Ramadan. (In most countries religious authorities will make a proclamation concerning the beginning of Ramadan). No fasting will take place till tomorrow morning. Muslims will rise early to eat their breakfast before the day begins. Afterwards they will not have anything else to eat or drink till nightfall. This will be their daily experience during the next 30 days.

Fasting - Ramadan

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the religion of Islam and one of the highest forms of Islamic worship. Abstinence from earthly pleasures and curbing evil intentions and desires is regarded as an act of obedience and submission to God as well as an atonement for sins, errors, and mistakes. Called Ramadan (or Ramazan), Muslims fast during this holy month from the moment when it first starts to get light until sunset. Muslims fast as an act of faith and worship towards Allah, seeking to suppress their desires and increase their spiritual piety. Fasting together as a worldwide community - Ummah - affirms the brotherhood and equality of man before Allah.

Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The month of Ramadan is the ninth month and begins with a combination of the sighting of the new moon and astronomical calculations. The exact time of Ramadan sometimes varies from place to place as some rely heavily on the moon sightings while others depend on science. An Imam (Muslim holy man) will declare the exact time of Ramadan just prior to its commencement. The fasting period ends upon the sighting of the next new moon, which occurs after 29 or 30 days.

The lunar cycle changes each year. For example, this year Ramadan will be 01-30 September, but last year the dates for Ramadan were 13 September thru 12 October.

The Meaning of Ramadan

The name Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ramida or ar-ramad, denoting intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same word there is ramdaa, meaning ’sunbaked sand’ and the famous proverb Kal Mustajeer minar ramadaa binnar - to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. Some say it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground.

The Special Feeling of Ramadan

Ramadan brings out a special feeling of emotional excitement and religious zeal among Muslims of all ages. Though fasting is mandatory only for adults, children as young as eight willingly observe fasting with their elders. Children look forward to the excitement of sighting the moon and eating special meals with their families. Adults appreciate the opportunity to double their rewards from God and seek forgiveness for past sins. As Ramadan emphasizes Muslim brotherhood and community all feel a particular closeness.

Muslims have to change their whole physical and emotional selves during this 30 long days of fasting. A typical day of fasting begins with getting up early, around 4:30a.m. and sharing a meal called Sahur together before the fast begins at dawn, about 5:10a.m. As dawn breaks, the first of five daily prayers, Fajr, is offered.

As the day proceeds, fasting Muslims are constantly bombarded with messages from their stomachs that it is time for breakfast, snack, lunch, and so on. And each time, Muslims remind themselves that they are fasting for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah and seeking his mercy. They offer the second and third prayers during early and late afternoon, respectively.

Fasting helps one to experience how a hungry person feels and what it is like to have an empty stomach. It teaches one to share the sufferings of the less fortunate. Muslims believe that fasting leads one to appreciate the bounties of Allah, which are usually taken for granted - until they are missed!

Throughout the day Muslims are encouraged to go out of their way to help the needy, both financially and emotionally. Some believe that a reward earned during this month is multiplied 70 times and more. For this reason, Ramadan is also known as the month of charity and generosity.

To a Muslim, fasting not only means abstaining from food, but also refraining from all vice and evils committed consciously or unconsciously. It is believed that if one volunteers to refrain from lawful foods and sex, they will be in a better position to avoid unlawful things and acts during the rest of the year.

Breaking The Daily Fast During Ramadan

The fast is broken at sunset. The Prophet Muhammad recommended breaking the fast with dates. Muslims are urged to invite others to break the fast with them. These gatherings are called Iftar parties.

Just after breaking the fast, and before dinner, Muslims offer the fourth of the five daily prayers, which is called the Maghrib prayer. After dinner, Muslims go to their houses of worship, called Mosques, to offer the Isha prayer, which is the last of the five daily prayers. The day ends with a special voluntary prayer, the Taraweeh, offered by the congregation reciting the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam.

The Last 10 Days of Ramadan

The last ten days of Ramadan are considered highly blessed, especially the 27th night which is also called the ‘Night of Power’, or the ‘Night of Destiny’. It is believed that on this night the prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Qur’an. For many Muslims, this period is marked by a heightened spiritual intensity and they may spend these nights praying and reciting the Qur’an.

After 30 days of fasting, the end of the month of Ramadan is observed with a day of celebration, called Eid-ul-Fitr. On this day, Muslims gather in one place to offer a prayer of thanks. It is traditional to wear new clothes, visit friends and relatives, exchange gifts, eat delicious dishes prepared for this occasion, and wait patiently for the next year.

What the Bible Says About Fasting

In the Bible, we do not find any one method of fasting required of us, but the Lord Jesus did say however, "when you fast…" (Matthew 6:16), seeming to assume that His followers would imitate His own example. We fast as an outward symbol of our devotion to God, being willing to deny ourselves food for His sake. Fasting adds intensity to our prayer, and often leads to breakthroughs. We do not fast to convince or persuade Him, but rather to identify with His broken heart and with His desire for all mankind to know Him. "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free and that you break every yoke. Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out." (Isaiah 58:6 &7)

Text source
Picture source

May you all have a blessed Ramadan, full of accepted prayers and fulfilled dua's. Wish you all a Ramadan mubarak, and sawman maqboulan wa zanban maghfouran insha Allah.

And to my non-muslim friends: may you all have a peaceful month, full of happiness and joufyl events.

Fi aman Allah.

No business o' mine

2008-08-10T18:11:00.002+03:00

Around a week ago, on Wednesday the 30th of July, I was on my way to work as usual. The weather was nice and I was enjoying listening to Ahmed Ali al-Ajamy's reqitations. After getting out of the Metro at Sörnäinen I strolled towards the escalators intending to catch the tram before it leaves.

When I was about ten meters away from the stairs I suddenly saw how an elderly woman with a walker-kinda thingy in the middle of the escalators starting to fall down. It seemed to happen in a slow-motion, the granny falling while still clutching the walker, her face shadowed with a clearly scared expression.

I started to run towards the stairs as quickly as possible. When I got there I quickly climbed up, and started to carefully help the lady to stand up. The stairs were still moving but soon I saw one African-looking man running down the other stairs to push the emergency stop button. I asked the lady whether she had hurt herself, but the only answer I got was a teary 'Thank you' in between her pained whimpering. Luckily three guards came soon and took care of the situation into their hand.

And while all this was happening, people were going normally up/down the escalators, looking at the scene whithout reacting to it at all. And by looking I mean following the scene so intently with their eyes their heads kept turning back while their bodies kept on moving.

As if it was none of their business.

After the guards came I stayed for couple of minutes and then left as they apparentally took the situation under their control, and I was useless to them.

When I reached the tram stop I met a girl who works with me. She asked me about what had happened down there, as she had heard some commotion. I just told her that some old woman had fallen down the escalators and that I had helped her, to which the girl responded something like: 'Oh, yes, it's always risky to use the escalators while holding a walker(-kinda thingy)'.

Now, I hadn't said a simple word about any walkers or such.
Either that was a really good guess, or she had actually seen something.

After some time one guy, who is our work buddy as well, joined us. After chatting a little he turned to me and said "I saw you saving some old woman down there?". I repeated the story. He then asked me whether the woman had asked for any help. I looked at him, surprised, but answered nevertheless, that yes, she had shouted for someone to help here. Though I hadn't said anything, I guess he sensed my surprise, as he hastened to say that he'd had his earphones on.

...

People!

Briefly about the openings of the Beijing Olympics 2008

2008-08-08T21:13:00.004+03:00

A breath-taking show.

Say hi to my new love

2008-07-18T12:54:00.010+03:00

Thank you netANTTILA.com for the incredibly fast delivery - I had to wait for my love's arrival for four days only!

25 Rules of being close to Allah

2008-07-11T13:19:00.003+03:00

Guidlines even non-Muslims will surely find nice. Might even try some of them out, yes?

“Then which of the favours of your Lord will you deny?” [Surah ar-Rahman; 55:13]

1. Start off each day with ‘adhkaar al-istiyqaadh’ (waking up Supplications), thanking Allah for waking up in good shape.

2. Put Allah first in your life.

3. Broaden your horizons - learn 5 new verses from the Quran every day, travel to pray far in the mosque to brighten your day,take up a booklet having supplications and read them.

4. Pray Salaat Al-dhuhaa (after sunrise).

5. If someone says something mean to you, just shrug it off and dismiss it in a friendly, laidback manner, and pray that Allah shall forgive them.

6. When you get angry, remember Allah, and how short and worthless life is to waste in being Angry.

7. Remember that you can never have too many friends, but you can have few quality friends that help you fulfill the purpose of your creation (i.e. live for Allah).

8. When you’re happy, try to share your happiness with others. Thank Allah for that, and pray its continuation.

9. When something bad or embarrassing happens to you, just think that it could always be worse, remember the reward of patience, and thank Allah that it’s not worse than it is.

10. Do something extra of goodness once in a while, like feeding a poor person, or caressing an orphan’s head.

11. Never stop believing that you can win Allah’s love and thus work For it. Then you can win the love of Allah’s slaves.

12. Spend some time thinking of Allah’s amazing creation.

13. Always love those who love Allah unconditionally. This way you will ensure that you live for Him, love for Him, and hate for Him (those who are enemies of Him).

14. Find the righteous ways to express yourself, and if you think that what you are about to say shall cause no benefit, maintain silence.

15. Every now and then, give yourself a break. Play sports, give time to your family, friends, but always remember Allah and watch that He is watching you.

16. Pray for blessing to come to those being lost, and pray to Allah to guide them to the right path.

17. Hug your parents, kiss their hands and heads and always obey but stop at Allah’s orders.

18. Smile to everyone, for your smile makes a big difference to him or her and you are rewarded.

19. Forgive, forget and smile.

20. Tears are not for women only… tears are for all human beings with feelings remaining in them. Don’t restrain your tears when remembering Allah.

21. When people criticize your actions and effort, revise your actions and see if they please Allah or no. If they do; then ignore and remember how the Prophet (SAW) and the Sahabah were criticized, made fun of and even physically harmed, so have patience.

22. Read the Qur’an daily and try to have a schedule for completing it as much as you could. As you open the Qur’an daily, read with observing not just passing your eyes through the words.

23. Don’t let popularity go to your head, for it never lasts and you may lose from it more than gain.

24. Never look down on anybody, for, to Allah, they may be better than you.

25. Spreading this message to the Ummahs with the intention of having a healthy society living for Allah and pray.

Taken from the beautiful blog Bariisi Yo Basto.

A beautiful morning

2008-07-11T12:47:00.004+03:00

This morning I took my chococcino with me and went to the balcony to enjoy the sunshine and the fresh breeze, while listening to something nice and drawing a little - something I hadn't done in ages.

And I felt content.

Thank you, Allah

2008-06-16T21:30:00.008+03:00

None of us can honestly claim not having problems in their lives. Some of our problems are big, and some of them are not. Some of them only concern/affect a certain person, some of them concern/affect many people. Or animals. Or whatever.
Some of them are real. And some are not.

Speaking for myself, I admit that sometimes I complain about things too much. Way too often, actually. Not necessarily out loud, but there is this small piece inside of my heart that is never satisfied. And while there are many things in myself I do not like, that one characteristic alone is probably the one I hate the most.

In a way, whining and complainig can be taken as a social thing, I think. People are ALWAYS ready to complain about stuff - it can be about money ("There is not enough of it!"), about social life (or lack of thereof), about the weather ("Darn, it's too cold/too sunny/too wet/too dry today!"), about people ("She's just too much, you hear me, just too much! True enough, she's my boss, but---!"), about our own insecurities ("I'm too round/too thin/too fair/too dark! My nose is ugly, my butt is ugly, my boobs are nonexistent, my knees are crooked, my eyes aren't straight enough, my lips are too thin...!!!"), about politics (Palestine, Lebanon, Israel, Irak, Iran, United States, Sudan, Chechnya, Ireland, Afghanistan, Burma... the list goes on, and keep in mind that politics are much more than "just" wars), about fashion ("------!")... about anything at all, really. That is why complainig/whining/groaning is a safe bet, if you are afraind of the infamous uneasy silent moments.

It would be nice if I could say that I will stop complainig from now on, but I do not want to lie. I know myself well enough to know that I can't.

There was a period in my life that I was ungrateful about everything. I despised myself, I hated my life, I hated the people around myself, I hated the school... the list goes on. I saw everything in a negative light, and nothing made me happy. Self-pity was my love, my constant companion.
And belive me, such view of life can make anyone turn into a really dreadful being.
Then, at some point, I realised that I'm not doing anything good that way. That I was destroying something precious I was given as a gift from my Creator, and it affected not only me, but the few people I love and value the most in my life. I do not know what made me awaken, what made me understand how badly I was behaving, but the most important thing is that I finally realised it. So I decided to start working on getting rid of those feelings.

.. it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you
like a thing which is bad for you. Allâh knows but you do not know.[2:216]

This verse from the Holy Qur'an is a one I've heard a lot since I was a kid, as my mother used to use it very often. To tell you the truth, in my ignorance, I never really understood the greatness of that particular verse. It seemed to me that my mother used it whenever she wanted to justify not giving in for me and my sister when we wanted something (and usually it was something silly). Had mother quoted anything and anyone else else, we could've tried to persuade her, but we couldn't very well say anything against Allah's words...

After I decided that I had to change the way I viewed my life, I started to look at this verse in another light altogether. I started to look for the positive side of everything. I'm a mere human girl, and sometimes I am simply too blind to be able to see the bigger picture, to understand what Allah means by making some things go the way they do. But it's more often than not I can find a good reason behind everything that happens, be it good or bad, or 'good' or 'bad'.

And I thank Allah. Everyday. Everywhere. For everything.

I've been keeping a diary since '98, and there are occassionally some entries where I thank Allah for some thing or another, but couple of days ago I thought about dedicating a whole new notebook for that. I know there'll be certainly no problem in filling it.

Alhamdu li Allah.

And then I fell in love

2008-05-16T12:55:00.017+03:00

When I visited Germany in 2003 I was happy. We stayed in Bonn, a very nice city with lots of history (Beethoven, yo!) and kind people (who were surprisingly nice to me even though, despite years of studying ich kann nich Deutsch sprechen!). I really enjoyed that trip, but to tell you the truth, that's it. I liked it, and I wouldn't mind going there again, but I didn't miss it terribly.

I went to France on 10.5.-14.5.08 - and my heart warmed towards that country immeadiately after the landing. I couldn't help it. The people, the history, the buildings, the nature, the air, and the language! I decided then and there to start working on getting some free time to study French (not likely to happen any time soon, but one can always dream). I never studied it at school and so the only things I know are the basic oui, non, bonjour, bon appétit, merci beaucoup, s'il vous plaît and au revoir AND I had to check how each word is written. Pretty lame, hm?

Yup, thought so.

So anyway, I went to Lyon and there my uncle and his wife, whom I hadn't seen since I was a kid, were waiting. I won't write much about the visit, because if I am to start doing so, I'd be staying here till the day after tomorrow. Instead, I'll post some photos I took while being there.

I hope some of the photos will let you see what I saw, and feel what I felt.

The photos are all taken by me. The camera I used was my cute little Canon Digital Ixus 70. Editing includes mainly resizing, cropping and adding the borders - sometimes I tried to do some contrast adjusting and sharpening, but because I'm quite untalented when it comes to digital editing I tried to cause as little damage as possible.

Also, I am well aware that most of the shots in this post lack almost everything from good composition to nice focusing to good lighting etc. but these are not intended to be "artistic photos" or anything. Just something simple.

So.
Enjoy (:

Could you see?

[Spring is] when life's alive in everything

2008-04-16T10:15:00.005+03:00

So said Christina Rossetti, and I kind of feel like agreeing with her.

April is a month always full of stuff. New. Old. Happy. Sad. But it's never dull, never dead.
At least that's how it appears to me.

This month

three out of six of my family memebrs will have to admit they're getting older by adding another year to their age - me included. And while getting older is not always a bad thing, sometimes it is undouptedly a little scary thing. In my case, though I am pretty much a scatter-brain, I have a really good memory when it comes to old things. And by old, I mean stuff starting from when I was around three years old. So that means I remember pretty well things that happened when I was a kid, and the feelings and thoughts I had back then... and sometimes I can't help feeling a little sad that those days are gone forever.

I have/had no exams at all. Sweet freedom! (The price is high, though, since May will be full of them. Allah yestor.)

I've been suffering from a really really bad desire for shopping. I do not wear a hijab as of yet (another post coming about this issue soon, insha Allah), but I have decided that it's finally time for me to take that step. I've spent some time now surfing the net and looking at all kinds of sites and piccies that have something to do with hijab, trying to learn about it and trying to get some ideas and whatnots. So. I have this huge list of things I want to buy, mainly clothes, shoes and bags (other things as well... but they are still a secret. Ha.).

the trees are slowly starting to green. Bees and other little creatures are lazily waking up. The nature is starting to wear its brightest colours, and it radiates. And smells nice. I've been going to nice walks with my sister (yes, I occassionally do that, too.), and it's been really nice to see all these changes.

my summer job at Linnanmäki amusement park (= Lintsi) is starting on 24th of April. I've got one training day left, and then the real work starts - this is my second summer working there. Last summer was tough, as we had many, many long workdays (11-12 hours), and the weather was often quite hellish: sometimes is rained like there was no end to it, and some days the sun radiated so powerfully we felt like dying from the heat. But it was also really, really fun. Sure, we had our share of difficult conditions, demanding customers, unkind comments etc., but I also got to meet all kinds of people, from many different nationalities. I got to make new friends (my work buddies were awesome!), and met many old acquaintances. I got many nice memories, and unforgettable experiences. Plus I got money, which, of course, was a great thing in itself :D
Insha Allah this summer will be as nice.

the sun is shining. Not for some pathetic couple of hours (like it does during the winters), but enough to give me the needed excuse to start wearing my beloved sunglasses I bough last year. They are my first, because sunglasses generally look funny on me. But these both looked nice and felt good, so I had to get them. And now I'm addicted, because only after using them I've realised how nice it is not having to keep squinting my eyes whenever I'm out. Ah, the bliss.

I fell in love with The Potter Puppet Pals. Wizard Swears and The Mysterious Ticking Sound have given me such laughs I must've gained at leats twenty years to my lifespan. Yaaay!

Okay, I've got to go now.
I'm going out on a walk with my sis again (oh, yes), so ta!