Use Your Ipod To Get Into Jannah (InshAllah)

Assalamualaikum, 

I was checking out Productive Muslim's site and I had an idea about how we can improve ourselves. First of all, I suggest everyone to check out Productive Muslim's site http://ProductiveMuslim.com/. I love things that help me get organized, disciplined, on schedule and this resource has many articles and links to help a Muslim be more efficient throughout the day. 

I wanted to share how I try to become a better muslimah and be more productive while listening to my Ipod. Before I listened to music and within a few times of listening, I would have the song memorized. Realizing this, I added the 99 names of Allah to my Ipod. Its a short 2-3 minute video so why cant I memorize it?? Of course I can!! Alhamdulillah, every time I sit in my car I play the 99 names of Allah a few times and now I can read along with the naat. The more I listen to this and other naats, the less I want to listen to music.  I suggest you give it a try. There is nothing to lose! People listen to their ipod so much throughout the day. If you listen to the 99 names of Allah everyday for a few days, I am sure you will be reading along the names just like I am. We spend so much time listening to music and entertaining ourselves in this world. Why not turn it up a notch and use the same methods to gain Jannah? 

Our Prophet (saws) said:

"Verily, there are ninety-nine names of God, one hundred minus one. He who enumerates [and believes in them and the one God behind] them would get into Paradise."
(Sahih Muslim, Vol. 4, no. 1410)

This is my way of Improving Mymuslimself by bringing Islam into my everyday life and striving for Jannah. Inshallah this is of some benefit to you all. If you like this article, please share with your friends, follow the blog, and let me know what you liked! JazakAllah Khair <3

P.S. This is a link of a pdf file that has the 99 names and their explanation.

http://www.nurayn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/lulgift.pdf 

Plant a Tree for Sadqa E Jaaria

The Prophet Muhammed (saws) explains, 

• "If a human dies, then his good deeds stop except for three: a Sadaqa Jariya (continuous charity), a beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him." (Muslim)
• "There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him." (Bukhari)

Get your gardening gloves on and plant a tree. With the right intention at heart, you will set yourself up for continuous reward Inshallah!

Earth Day: Benefits of Allah's Natural Bounties

http://lowellpta.com/

Assalamualaikum my dear friends,
Since many people are celebrating Earth Day, I decided to consider it from the Islamic viewpoint. Earth Day is all about celebrating the natural bounties Allah (swt) has given us and preserving it through efforts like recycling. I am reading a book called Book of Healing by Ahmad H. Sakr Ph.D and I wanted to share some of the beneficial natural bounties Allah has bestowed on us.

Honey as a Healer:
Prophet (saws) said “Heal yourselves with honey and the Qur’an” (Ibn Mas’ood). In Surah Muhammad, Allah says “Here is the description of the Garden of which the righteous are promised: [...] rivers of honey pure and clear” (47:15). Thus, Paradise will have rivers flowing of honey. SubhanAllah!
Benefits of Honey:

• Antibacterial
• high sugar content that makes it an energy food (say goodbye to 5 hour energy drinks!)
• may be utilized better than glucose for diabetic patients
• easily digestible
• reduces stress and tiredness
• improves memory and eyesight
• a spoonful of honey in the morning restores health and is an ideal energy supplement

I dont know about you but I will be definitely adding honey to my everyday diet. There is nothing to lose but so much benefit to gain! Try adding it to your tea, coffee or milk and InshAllah you will benefit.
**Also, on a personal note, I love using honey on my skin to treat acne or its dark spots. About 3 days before my engagement ceremony, I had pimples/marks on my forehead. I was using prescription ointment to make them disappear as fast as possible. When I applied foundation, it started flaking and peeling, eww. I put honey mixed with turmeric and cinnamon on my marks and this smoothed out my acne peeling skin Alhamdulillah. I was able to put on foundation smoothly and no one could tell what a mess I was in 3 days earlier. Thank Allah for honey!! **

Benefits of Miswak:
Miswak is a natural bounty from Allah that comes from the Arak Tree. Prophet (saws) LOVED using miswak which is clearly seen in the many hadith there are about him using and recommending it.
Shareeh Ibn Hani ® said to Aisha ®: When Prophet (saws) enters his house, what is the first thing he does? She said: He uses Miswak. [Muslim]

Imam Ibn El Quaiym said miswak:

• Purifies the smell of the mouth
• Strengthens the gums
• Prevents cavities
• Energies reading Qur'an and praying
• Gets rid of sleepiness
• Loved by the angels
• Increases you good deeds

Newly discovered benefits: Miswak brightens the teeth because it contains Silica and Chloride. Say hi to a brighter new smile ;)
Best way you can start using Miswak:

• During Wudoo
• Before praying or reading Qur'an
• to improve the smell or taste in your mouth
• before going to sleep
• before entering your home 

Just keep it in your purse or pocket. Such an easy and beneficial way of taking care of your oral hygiene and gaining sawab at the same time!

The author has a remarkable quote I would like to end with: "Mankind has only begun to unravel the mysteries of the substance which the Holy Qur'an described 1400 years ago which has healing for men." 

Please share this post with your friends, follow our blog, and share the sawab! JazakAllah Khair <3

Did you thank Allah(swt) for the ROYAL life you live?

http://www.simplysaidsigns.biz/

 Yes you read it right... ROYAL. You may not think your life is royal because you dont have the latest Iphone 5, Coach purse, or Lamborghini. However, I suggest you take a step back and see all that you DO have and you will realize what a lavish lifestyle we live. Listening to Mufti Kamani’s lecture Thanking Allah: Why and How opened my eyes to how thankful we should be and I would like to share my realizations with you. 

Life of the Sahabas and Prophet (saws):	Our life today:
Use messengers to send messages that may take days to months to reach destination	Instant messaging with cell phones where one click takes your message across the world!
Prophet (saw) slept on a straw mat	Most sleep on comfortable mattress and fluffy pillows
Travel days to get across country by camel or horse	Fly all over the globe while we sit in a plane enjoying peanuts and a movie!

This list can go on forever describing our luxuries such as laptops, microwaves, vacuum, TV etc. We live in an age of booming technology, but our thankfulness is decreasing sadly. My view on this is that we are getting too accustomed to the luxuries and we mistake all of it as a normal part of our lives that we MUST have. In contrast, the Sahabas were overwhelmed with thankfulness to Allah. They would literally thank Allah as they took each and every bite of food. You can never be successful in counting Allah’s bounties as they are countless. 

We are indebted to Allah for these three main blessings:

1) That he made us insaan. We did not even try or ask Allah, but he chose us as the best of the species.

2) He gave us the correct imaan.  Many people do not know the beauty of Islam, but we are the lucky ones who are on the right path.

3) Allah made us part of Prophet Muhammed (saws)’s bestowing us with the complete religion and Quran.

Also, do not limit your thankfulness to physical things. The special servants of Allah thank Him for the emotions of the heart. This is one special idea I got out of this lecture. Whenever I am feeling happy, relaxed, or relieved, I immediately recognize my feelings and thank Allah (swt) for it.On the Day of Judgement, Allah will call out to those believers who were thankful at every stage and tell them to enter Jannah. After that, the hisab kitab will begin for the others. Thus, whether its a small or big blessing, say Alhamdulillah, and Allah will always give you more blessings in return and secure your spot in Jannah. Inshallah. 

DISCLAIMER: I am no scholar and I learned all this info from Mufti Kamani's lecture which can be found at this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR1Dj6ir9fw

Loving Your Parents

I know what you're thinking: "Yes, I know, we're told to respect our parents. Been there, heard that."


Islam teaches us to respect our parents, to value their opinions, their suggestions and their support.


We often forget how they stayed up all night when we didn't want to sleep, or slept in ER room chairs when we were sick or ignored their desires to buy us our essentials. At one point we could do nothing without them, now that we feel as if we are "independent", we ignore them. We hate it when they suggest things to us. We feel as if they are trying to "control our lives". We speak in tones and use words that are hurtful.


This is just a quick post to get you thinking about how you treat your parents on a daily basis. Go home today, call them, skype them (hey its the new tech era!), and give them a hug. Tell them you love them, that you appreciate what they did for you, and what they still do for you.


If they ask you why all this affection all of a sudden, tell them "To please Allah (swt)".


Below is a heart-touching video link on a father's love and a small dua that can benefit both your parents and you.


Rabbighfir lii wali-waali-dayya walil-muminii-na yauma ya-quumul hisaab.
Rabbir-hamhumaa kamaa rabba-yaani shag-hiiraa.


O Lord, forgive me, my parents and Muslims in the Hereafter. O Lord, show mercy on them as they have nourished me when I was young.

-Muslima Nurse

Introduction from Muslimah-Nurse

Assalamulaikum,

So we thought we'd clear any confusion starting out. There are two ladies managing this blog; one that is married with a child and the other one (aka me!) I'm single and looking to get married.  Thus, I shall be focusing on the single Muslimah life more. I'll be using the pen name Muslimah-Nurse.

So as you might have guessed already, I'm currently in training to be a Nurse inshaAllah. I'm just a regular girl, by no means a perfect Muslim. I do try to improve myself and my deen, and thought I'd take you guys along on the journey. 

So any feedback, constructive criticism, and comments is greatly appreciated! JazakaAllah!

-Muslimah Nurse

Feeling Sad? Allah Knows how you're feeling

Feeling Sad? For whatever reason it maybe, listen to this naat. It will console you and bring peace to your heart. Inshallah. I was feeling very upset over my life.. went on a long drive and listened to this naat on repeat. It helped me feel much better. Hope it helps someone out there

The Secret to Raising Pious Children

Assalamualaikum,
After reading my post title you must be waiting for a secret to be unveiled. However, there is no secret, to my dismay. Supposedly, raising pious children is all common sense! The way you desire your children to be: fearing Allah (swt), praying, fasting, etc,  parents must first be like that and set an example!! I know it seems so easy and logical, but seriously, I never thought of it like that. All my life, Aunties and Uncles would say "Beta, go read namaz" and then recline back to watch the latest drama on dish. If the elders are not steadfast in Islam, how will children be the 'coolness of their eyes' by practicing Islam?!?
I realized this from the great Sheikh Yasir Qadhi's lecture Parenting with Purpose and Example. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0hxqJLeX3g
Here are some pointers from his lecture that I learned and will use in raising my baby into a pious Muslim Inshallah. 

• Maintaining an Islamic environment: Pray salah together as a family. Make the Quran a part of daily life by reading and learning the meaning of it together. Set aside  10 minutes a day to do Zikr with your family. Read Islamic books or watch Islamic videos (youtube has lots of them :) ) 
• Raising Teenagers: Treat teenagers of age 14-15 like adults and they will start behaving like adults. For example, when Allah (swt) commanded Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his Ismael (AS), Ibrahim (AS) went to his son and asked for his opinion. Ibrahim (AS) was obviously going to do the sacrifice, but he consulted his son and treated him like an adult. He knew his son was an obedient Muslim and would accept the command of Allah as well. This shows that we must treat our teenagers starting the age of 14-15 as adults instead of little kids. 
• WALK the TALK: Do you want your child gossiping, backbiting, neglecting prayers, constantly listening to music, smoking, etc? If not, then stop doing it yourself, and set a positive example for them! Show them how a Muslim is and Inshallah your children will follow in your footsteps

Alhamdulillah I have learned a lot about raising children and will be implementing these ideas with my husband and baby. I hope you gain some benefit from these ideas also . Make sure to read this dua after your salah and Allah will help you in your efforts to raise a happy Islamic family. Inshallah

Dua for Pious Children/Family: 

"Rabbana hablana min azwajina wa dhuriyyatina qurrata A'yunin waj'alna lil-muttaqina imama."
Translation:
Our Lord! Grant us in our wives and offspring the coolness of eyes
and make us a leader of those who guard themselves against evil.(25:74)

7 Tips for Students to Gain Sawaab

independent.co.uk

Assalamualaikum,
Did you guys know that you can gain sawaab for going to school/college? I definitely did not  and that is why I was amazed to watch a lecture explaining how to do so.  I watched this video on HalalTube: 7 important advices for students in universities by Muhammad ibn Adam al Kawthari.

http://www.halaltube.com/muhammad-ibn-adam-al-kawthari-seven-important-advices-for-students-at-universities
Dont have time to watch a 50 minute lecture? Well, I summarized the 7 tips so check them out and apply them to your daily life. Inshallah you will be reaping sawaab in no time!

7 tips for students:

1) Correction of one’s Niyaah: Before watching this lecture, my intention of going to grad school was: "I need to go to school so that I can make lots and lots of $MONEY$. Then I will be filthy rich and can buy all the luxuries of the world." Haha, yes I am serious! However, this video was a wakeup call for me. When you have a righteous intention behind worldly actions, then it becomes an act of worship. The first intention a Muslim should have is to please Allah swt. Change your perspective from having a sole desire to make money etc to: 
           - learning so that you can help the less fortunate for the sake of Allah, 
           - going to school to please your parents for the sake of Allah, 
           - gaining knowledge because that is what Allah likes us to do etc.
You will be rewarded for coming to the university to study if you have correct intention. You can change your intention right NOW and you can start gaining reward for your studies.
2) Put in your effort in whatever study you are in by working hard. You must strive to become the expert of your field.
3) Value your time because it is precious: The age 18-30 is the prime time of your life to learn so make full use of it. Allah has bestowed us two gifts: health and time. Consider one minute as one dollar and spend wisely. This speaks out to all the procrastinators who waste sooo much time and then try to cram last minute frantically.
4) Avoid Lust: Lust is a difficult issue while studying in school/college with males and females. You must acknowledge that lust is a natural emotion in each person, but you must NOT become a slave to lust during your young age. Strive to lower your gaze. Girls should not speak in a soft, flirtatious voice with guys. Focus on marriage and not short term affairs that occur in school/college.
5) Maintain general Islamic etiquette: You should not harm others physically or verbally. Your behavior should set a perfect example for others of how a Muslim and Islam are.
6) Righteous friends: Try to have good, righteous friends so that they will help make you a better Muslim. Rather than pull you toward drugs, alcohol, clubbing, good friends will pull you towards things that benefit you such as working out, eating right, praying punctually, attending the masjid etc. 
7) Seek Islamic knowledge: Basic knowledge of Islam is mandatory on each Muslim so strive to seek this knowledge. You can be the biggest scholar, but if you do not know how to pray, perform wudu, talk to others about Islam, etc, then your worldly knowledge is all a waste in the large scheme of things. Whatever field you are in, learn about the laws of Islam in that field. For example, if you are in the field of medicine, learn what Islam says about it also. If you enjoy working out, learn what Islam says about taking care of your body. 
I hope this has benefited you in some way. If you know a student, share with them so that we can all gain sawab Inshallah. :)  

Starting my Islamic blog

Assalamualaikum to all, 
I have been an avid reader of many Islamic blogs and have gained lots of knowledge from them. However, I never thought I would start my own blog because I was too shy. I know its a dumb reason (no one can see me!!), but thats what held me back. However, I decided to challenge myself to become a better Muslim and I stepped up to the plate by starting my own blog.
My main intention in starting this  blog is to learn about Islam and share what I have learned with others. I watch a lot of Islamic lectures, attend webinars, and read Islamic texts but keep it all to myself. This platform with let me share what I have learned Inshallah. Even if one person benefits from what I have said, then my efforts will be worthwhile. Inshallah. 
Some topics in Islam I am interested in are marriage, parenting, and education. The reason for this is that I am married, have a baby, and a student. :) Also, I want to be a better Muslim and want to learn about repentance, patience, and coming closer to Allah (swt).