Eid Thinking...Thinking Eid...

The following is an email I sent to the youth group this past week as a reminder of an activity (that part has been kindly removed). But the thoughts I shared with them are relevant here as they are a part of my thoughts and the inner-dorky-workings of my mind. :)

Asalam Alaikum!

Insha'Allah everyone is now enjoying the last ten days of Ramadan. I pray that Allah accept our fast and make us among those who follow the straight path and are granted Jannah! Ameen.

"So have you bought new Eid clothes yet?"

"Ohmigosh, I found the most perfect
outfit at the mall yesterday!"

"I can't believe you are gonna wear a skirt!
You of all the sisters in the world!"

"Yeah, it's blue and has light blue stripes..."

"The shoes are the best part..."

"You should see my scarf!"

OH MY ALLAH!
I haven't even started shopping!
Is Ramadan really almost over!
*begins to panic as Eid prayer starts*

These are just a handful of the conversations I've been hearing the last week. Actually, some of them I've heard since Ramadan started. And okay, one is kinda fictionalized...they were saying that the pants were the best part :). All this talk of Eid clothes is just a sign of the winding down of this holy month of Ramadan. This makes me both sad and excited. It is sad to see the time of reflection and self-rennovation that is Ramadan swiftly pass us by. It is exciting to stand by my brothers and sisters for Eid prayer. It is sad to know that our Masjid will not be packed wall to wall with the faithful as it is in Ramadan. It is exciting to hear that early morning Eid chant begin. It is sad to realize another Ramadan has gone by. It is exciting to seek the love and forgiveness of Allah in the months to come.

On a brighter note: I hope you have all found your new Eid outfits by now...if not, happy hectic last-six-days of tiresome shopping! :)

Salams!

P.S. I also want to remind you all that while we are able to enjoy such blessings as a great iftar with foods of all sorts, new clothes, and gifts, we have brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering and can only dream of such things as ours. Please keep our brothers and sisters in your dua. And if you recieve the blessing of money this Eid, do not hesitate to give at least a part to those who need everthing we can give them. There are donation boxes at the Masjid for our brothers and sisters in Pakistan. If you can, donate. At the very least make dua.

May Allah make it easy for those who face any hardship this Eid. May Allah help them and protect them. May Allah make this ummah rise to the call of duty and come to the aide of our brothers and sisters in Islam as well as our brothers and sisters in humanity. Ameen.

Isn't life grand? *hug*

A friend of mine read my blog today. But she couldn't post a comment so she sent it to me through other means...I just had to post it since it made my day! *hug* *group hug* *floats outta the room

Asalam Alakum!
Okay so I thought it would be a really cool thing to do to write you a nice encouraging letter. If I had a blog thingy I would leave you a comment because it seems like no one ever comments you. I really enjoyed reading through all of your old posts as well as your new ones. It was completely wonderful getting the opportunity to see things through your eyes. Ive always wondered what it would be like inside that head of yours. (I am not being sarcastic) I look up to you sooooo much. You are with any doubt in my body my older sister. You are there for me when I need advice, a shoulder to cry on, to laugh with, girl talk (which I happen to do a lot of), and moral support. Alhamdulilah I have found someone that I can rely on like you. You are a truly remarkable person. You have forever changed my life for the better. You have made me become a better muslim. Which is something that is priceless… and that is the true gift that keeps on giving. Ah, I really do not know how to thank you for all that you have done for me except to say… that you will be and always have been in my duah. May Allah grant you Jinnah. May Allah bless you to live a life of happiness and health. May Allah grant your family and all of your friends Jinnah and too also live a life of happiness and health. Ammen. I wish only the best of things for you and your family. You are someone who deserves every good thing that you have. I again thank you for your never ending support and love. In return I would like to offer you the same. (well yeah I kinda think you already knew that but… oh well) Anyways, I love you and thank you sooo much. (gosh I hope that didn’t sound to sappy and cheesy… forgive me if it does… you know Im a dork)

Your favorite lil sis,
xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxxo

In the words of a sarcastic fellow teacher: "Oh my Allah!"

Why does such a bright young girl need to wear SO much mascara and eyeliner to the Masjid??? It's appalling. She is beautiful and doesn't need the make-up to prove it. I think I will give her a lesson in subtlty....yes, tonight we shall talk...

Do I stay logged on the messenger for a reason I don't want to admit? Do I do it because I expect the unexpected?

Why does my cell not work anymore? Why does it tell me to 'insert card' when the card is already inside???

When will I grow up?

Where is the end of the rainbow? What rainbow? Where is the rainbow? Why don't I see a rainbow? Ohmigosh....it's perfect weather outside!

Why am I inside writing this?

Where is the playground?

Why am I writing all of this? Am I tried of students asking questions? Is this a way for me to vent after being asked millions of unnecessary questions (and about the same number of important questions) today alone?

'Tis a possibility...

Will today be the day?
Will I finally release myself of the burden
of tears in the back of my eyes
of fears in the back of my mind?
Will I finally let go of the bitterness
I so painstakingly try to hide?

Will today be the day?
Will I finally feel the joy
of true release
of a worry-free day?
Will I finally feel refreshed after
a night of calm reflection
and thanks a million times?

Today shall not be.
My tears will not come.
My fears remain.
Bitter, no. Sorry, maybe. Afraid, completely.

When shall I be able to cry...out of fear...out of happiness..out of devotion...out of sincerity...
There are those who cry in prayer...why can I not be of them?
There are those who cry in misery at the misfortune of brothers...why can I not be of them?
There are those who cry tears of joy...why can I not be of them?

I do believe...I do fear...I do hope...I do pray...

Oh Allah accept from me my prayers and fast! Oh Allah please give me that which will make me a better Muslimah...

Oh reader, forgive me my rants...

What a deal!

Allah has promised us salvation in the Quran. He has made things super easy.---That's what I was teaching my Islam class today. The lesson was an intro to the 5 pillars of Islam...we just began talking about the meaning of "Islam" as a way of life, deen, and the definition of ibada--worshipping Allah in all that you do... I gave them four ayahs from Surat al-Saf (61: 10-13) that talks about our 'deal' with Allah, the ultimate deal He has offered:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا هَلْ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى تِجَارَةٍ تُنجِيكُم مِّنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ

O ye who believe! Shall I lead you to a bargain that will save you from a grievous Penalty?-

تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَتُجَاهِدُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِأَمْوَالِكُمْ وَأَنفُسِكُمْ ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

That ye believe in Allah and His Messenger, and that ye strive (your utmost) in the Cause of Allah, with your property and your persons: That will be best for you, if ye but knew!

يَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَيُدْخِلْكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ وَمَسَاكِنَ طَيِّبَةً فِي جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ ذَلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيم

He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, and to beautiful mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the Supreme Achievement. ُ

وَأُخْرَى تُحِبُّونَهَا نَصْرٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَفَتْحٌ قَرِيبٌ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

And another (favour will He bestow,) which ye do love,- help from Allah and a speedy victory. So give the Glad Tidings to the Believers.

I was really into my lesson today...I was so inspired and felt like I was listening to myself while I was talking. The best part doesn't come until after school today.

I was sitting in my classrom when one of my students comes in:

Hey Teacher, are you busy?

No, not really. (I say this as I mark my place in the Quran and look up with a smile.) What's up?

So you know how you were, like, talking about those Ayahs in class today? (As his English teacher, I am trying VERY hard to break him of saying 'like' when it's not needed...well, I just ignored it now...I had a feeling he had something important to say.)

Yeah. The ayah about Allah's promise?

Yeah...well, I had a question...but it seems I've like forgotten it. But I know it was very important.

Let's see if you remember...The Ayahs were about how Allah promises that if we believe in Him and His Messenger and do our best that He will not only save us from Hell-fire, but He will grant us a place in....

Oh yeah, I remember now. That deal is like a business, right? I mean, it's like a business is offered a deal that will make it NEVER go bankrupt! Right?

Not only that, they are also promised that their business will become a multi-million dollar corporation!

Yeah, that's easy...It's like having an EASY button

Yes...it's an easy button...and I wish for the multi-million dollar corporation that is Jannah!

Oh what joy it is to hear the truth from the mouths of babes!

Thank you Allah for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow...even at the hands of children!

:)