Ladies, whatever it was u all had, u've blown it my way too. I had to go back into the house 2 times before leaving for the Mosque- for money, then keys, then the door-lock jammed and I fidgeted incompetently. I then dropped by an old neighbour who lives alone to give him some of the food I'd cooked and while he ate and made all the right noises, I tried to finish his crossword. Needless to say I couldn't remember words I knew I knew. The usual crossword frustration was magnified. I looked at the clock and it looked like I still had time left before prayers. 5 minutes later I look at the clock again and the clock says it's an hour and 5 minutes later. I can't believe my eyes. I ask the old man to tell me what he sees. He brings the clock close to his face and tells me. It's true- I'm late for prayers. I'd misread the clock 5 minutes earlier(by an hour) but I was late even then. He thanks me over and over for the food and apologises. It's not yr fault I say. It's me! I leave and catch the end of the prayers. I'm disappointed but it's the first time this Ramadan I haven't had a headache and at least I can pray without feeling like my head will explode. I've been guzzling water, even taking a bottle of water to the Tarawih, eating dates like they're going out of nature's fashion, drinking fruit juice and eating moderately but but but my HEAD! It hurts and it's scatty and I've been having to stop sometimes to remember what it was I going to do or say or write. And now I'm losing the concept of time. And, and, oh I forget.

British, mate. Or so my passport says. While Blair's party has seen its support among Muslim voters fall from 75% in the 2001 election to 38% today, Liberal Democrats now are backed by some 36% of Muslims, according to The Guardian newspaper. more here: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/F6E65D25-EAE2-49FF-B0D3-C62FAC4CBD22.htm I dislike politics and do not spare it the energy to form an opinion much less a vote. I have no faith in any party.

If u need to test him, it is u that have failed already. I guess it depends on your intentions and your insecurities. A bunch of girls having a giggle over this should expect the same/worse to happen to them. I bet they'll take it harder than the guys.

QQ, when there's a sound in a valley and it's followed by its echo, the ehco may be the last thing u hear but it's still just that- an echo. LOZ, I agree that a dream in which the physical characteristics of the Prophet(pbuh)-as described by those in the know- are apparent is a genuine dream. However, I can not imagine it is the only time that a dream involving the Prohphet(saw) is genuine. Take for instance my dream, I saw nothing to prove that it was not the Prophet(pbuh). I didn't hear any instructions or see anything that confused me or conflicted with the Shariah. There is no way of knowing if it was the Prophet or not- I did not see his face. The dream is inconclusive. It may not have been him. But it could have been and if that were the case then a genuine dream it was. Wa Allaahu yaclam. OG_Moti, I have been praying for the Ummah as a whole. I used to mention Somalia specifically; you've reminded me that I don't anymore. I shall reintroduce her, inshallah. Thanks for calling me and my faith good but remember the dream is inconclusive! I'm as fallible as any slave. I pray that Allah forgives us our past sins and makes us dwellers of Paradise, inshallah.

Ooops, didn't make myself clear. I know the Aussies voted and the Americans are in the process of voting and that the Brits will vote next year. I was referring to Aussie Somalis, American Somalis and British Somalis. Do they vote? I blame it on the low sugar level.

Sorry I can't help u but I just had to say that I was going to post this topic under General myself. So there. It's been said. I too wanted to know if the Aussies just voted, if the Americans will vote this year and the Brits next year.

OG_Girl, no name tag. DA, yes, it was the knowledge that u have in dreams. U just know. In fact in the dream, the moment I looked up and saw him talking to my sister I just KNEW. I thought, 'She has met the Prophet(saw) and kept it to herself!'. I did not see his face and even if I did there would be no way of my confirming it as being his as I have never seen the Prophet(saw). And the same goes for the rest of us who never had the privilege to meet him. All I know is this: "He who sees me in a dream has certainly seen me, because Satan can not take my form." How u interpret form, I don't know. Only one who had met the Prophet(saw) would know for sure that it was him. The rest of us have a pleasant dream to look forward to, inshallah. It never occurred to me to pray for a dream in which I saw the Prophet(saw)- a lot of people devote much time to this. But I always wished beyond anything that I can describe that I was there in his lifetime, praying in his congregations and listening to his words. The dream did bring me comfort at the time but I do not cling to it or interpret it or think of myself as ahl al Jannah as a result. Such thinking would only be folly and leave me drifting. I can't afford yet another reason(albeit a delightful one) to go astray from the straight path. I have enough weaknesses as it is. There can be hidden tests in the most rewarding of experiences. At any rate, I wish u all pleasant dreams from Allah.

Yes, there is a hadith, bro- Satan can't take the form of the Prophet(pbuh). It was a nice night. It was Ramadan and I was stressed and confused by a few things that were going on. Everything seemed upside-down around me. I turned to Allah. I read Quran, turned the lights out and slept.

Good is boring? Not to me. Good is very alluring. Back to the subject- get tested. Not many people will confess to their sexual encounters and they certainly would have no definite knowledge that they hadn't picked something up. Both the individuals should get tested and exchange the results.

I did once a few Ramadans ago. I was in a crowd of men when I look up and see the Prophet(pbuh) on the other side of the crowd, dressed in white, head bent, advising someone. I make my way through the crowd, intent on reaching him, talking with him. There are men everywhere, I weave past them, through the crowd, closer and closer.. ..and wake up before I get to the Prophet(pbuh). I'm stunned, a little disappointed but delighted. Have u ever dreamed of the Prophet(pbuh)? Please share.

I would decline.

He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven W. B. Yeats Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half-light, I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread carefully because you tread on my dreams.

Destiny isn't about future events alone is it? What has already transpired is also part of destiny and the fact that they have been born together makes their destiny entwined.

I don't think we'll get through the Quran at the mosque I go to either. I do wish it were a little longer. I musn't complain though, the young Imam has a lovely voice and has me transfixed. The atmosphere is perfect, it isn't crowded and there is silence. I leave floating. As an aside, on the way back from the Mosque I sometimes pass by a man who has told me that he has considered converting to Islam but feels he should do it when he is completely ready- no half measures. His weakness is fun, he says. I try and stop to say a few words and he always asks about Islam and my daily routine during Ramadan. He finds the cleanliness required and the sense of unity very appealing; for instance, going into any mosque anywhere and praying alongside the locals. I don't think he has any contact with Muslims at the moment but I have suggested he visits the Mosque, perhaps catch the tail-end of the Tarawih and listen to the Imam give a short sermon. If he's lucky he might catch sight of me floating by on a cloud. It's truly beautiful, our faith.

I'm SO surprised that 4 yr olds have crushes! Are you guys/gals serious?

Who chewed up my words?! Oh, mystery after mystery..

Originally posted by Classique: quote:Originally posted by sheherazade: Call them names that have nothing to do with one another and let the kids have some space in their entwined destiny. Why would we call them twins then if they gonna have two completely different names :confused: How about Shehrezade and Shahryar The twins have no more of a say on the details of their destiny than non-twins. Some identical twins enjoy being part of a pair but some don't. The children don't think it's cute that they're part of a gimmicky 'aww' inducing duo. Each one is an individual; I don't see the point of shackling them with rhyming names. Identical twins tend to have close, cooperative relationships anyway- no cute name will aid or come close to this special bond. So why bother? Fraternal twins tend to be more independent and develop their individuality easily- genetically, physically and personality-wise. No cute name will make them more alike, in fact it might be a source of irritation for them. So why bother? It's all for the adults. Awww. Look how cute they are coming up with all those rhyming names! Awwww....

Originally posted by Jacaylbaro: I am proud to be African and i feel shame to be Somali. Guys, what do u feel when someone asks u where u r from ?? do you feel proud or really feel shame when u tell him u r from Somalia and asks u if Somalia is that country demolished by civil war ??? I wish i could change my Society Civil war, FGM and hunger. Top 3 queries from those 'in the know'. Or a completely blank expression. When people ask these questions, I answer with what I know but I also tell them things they don't know. Don't get hung up on the negative opinions that outsiders and we ourselves have. Come on, is there nothing that comes to your mind that isn't shameful about Somalia or Somalis? Speak about that next time someone queries after your ethnicity.

More intrigue in the world of the poets. We'll need a peaceke

I'm not keen on choosing boy/girl versions of the same name, eg. Nasir and Nasra or even similar sounding names. It's cute when they're very young. The poor things have to deal with being born together, associated together, and mistaken for one another(if identical); must we give them names that bind them together further and confuse us further when calling them? Call them names that have nothing to do with one another and let the kids have some space in their entwined destiny.

I'm sure many have read and benefited, bro. Here's part of an interesting article: Medical Benefits of Taraweeh Prayers Dr. Ibrahim B. Syed Muslims derive therapeutic and spiritual benefits starting from the Wudu to the physical movements in the Salat-Takbir, Qiyam, Ruku, Sajda, Jalsa, and Tasleem. We perform five daily contact prayers (Salat) and voluntary prayers (Sunnah, Nafl) throughout the year and Taraweeh prayers during the month of Ramadan. This results in moderate physical exercise particularly to every muscle in the body. Some muscles contract isometrically (same length) and some contract in approximation or isotonically (same tension). The energy needed for the muscle metabolism increases during the performance of Salat, resulting in a relative deficiency of oxygen and muscle nutrients. In turn this deficiency causes vasodilatation - an increase in the caliber of blood vessels, thereby allowing blood to flow easily back to the heart. The temporarily increased load on the heart acts to strengthen the heart muscle and to improve the circulation within the heart muscle. During the month of Ramadan, additional prayers are performed after salatul Ishaa, called Taraweeh prayers which vary from eight rakat to 22 rakat. There's a few minutes break after every four rakat for chanting and extolling the Majesty of Allah. After Iftar the blood glucose level continues to rise from the food ingested. Just before the Iftar meals, the blood glucose and insulin levels are at their lowest level. After an hour or so after the Iftar meal, the blood glucose begins to rise and also plasma insulin. The liver and the muscles take up the circulating glucose. The blood sugar reaches high levels in an hour or two and the benefits of Taraweeh prayers come into effect. The circulating glucose is metabolized into carbon dioxide and water during the Taraweeh prayers. Hence, the Taraweeh prayers help in expanding the extra calories and improve flexibility, coordination, reduce stress-related autonomic responses in healthy persons, and relieve anxiety and depression. ... for the full article: http://www.crescentlife.com/spirituality/medical_benefits_of_tarawih.htm

Only 10 countries surveyed. In my opinion 7500 people in 10 African countries can not represent Africa.

Why indeed. Thanks for the article.

Sue, u do sound anaemic. It won't take long to diagnose that- get yr self to a doctor soon. At the very least rule anaemia out. Blackouts don't sound too good! Dates are good for your blood and what a perfect time of year for getting your hands on some. Make sure u have dates, raisins, greens and almonds. Don't forget now, will you? I think I've put my foot in it with regards to the phone story. I FORGOT to say this: even on hearing my name, they still draw a blank. Who, they ask and I have to repeat the name and then what it relates to or we'd be there for the rest of the day. So the reason I brought it up is because they rarely remember me when they have the name and the voice. Obviously made an impression on them, eh? Phew. Am I off the hook now? No narcissism here, I can assure you. 7of9, hon, are you stalking Xoogsade?

Forgeting names seems to be common. I rarely forget names. It's probably because I make the effort to retain the name and always repeat it when a person introduces themselves. That or I have a name fetish. The problem I do have is that people I have met but have never spoken with on the phone almost always never recognise me when they hear my voice on the phone for the first time. They say: Is that really you? You sound so different! I would never have believed it. Have we ever spoken on the phone b4? Whether it's work related, personal,whatever, I get a few minutes of confusion which I sometimes find embarrassing. Many say I have a good telephone voice(what does that mean?). This doesn't in the least do anything for me. I'm left wondering just how bad I sound face to face. There's no pleasing some..