My favourite quote is from my mom..everytime I do something wrong she says Walee taa waa kaasoo ureeysay _ speak softly and carry a big stick( I live by this)

After a long day at work I like to come home and take a long hot shower. When i say hot I mean hot...doesn't matter what season it is I gotta have my shower. Then I get in my boxers and tank top take a cup of hot tea into my room, light some candles and just realx.If its nice outside I open my windows instead of lighting the candles. Either way I have to have my alone time inorder to relax. PEace and luv

Hey jidaawy, Whats going on? Hows life been going for you? Instinct poet thanks for the wlc.

HEy ppl whats cracking, I just moved down to mnpls a couple of months ago. So I really don't know anyone around here so hit me up if you live around here. Peace and luv

Onemangang, You must live in cedar....that place can be scary sometimes. Everytime I go there I see something scary. But in general MNPLS is a tight place..we got all kinds of people...you just looking in the wrong place, trust me. peace

This is what they said about me...I don't know if I should be happy about. The name of.... brings opportunities for success in business and financial accumulation. It fires you with ambition and promotional ideas, ideas that are original, progressive, and large-scale. With this name, success to you is a foregone conclusion, for you cannot conceive any reason for not reaching all your goals, as you have self-sufficiency, supreme confidence, boundless energy, and enthusiasm. As long as you have a sense of freedom from monotony and drudgery, and can see progress being made, you feel buoyant and optimistic. However, obstacles and frustration can give rise to feelings of impatience, intolerance, and depression. The ever-present desire to progress does not allow you proper relaxation or the proper expression of the softer feminine qualities of sympathy, encouragement, and affection. Others see you as rather shrewd and calculating. Your intense, restless nature can bring on tension which affects the solar plexus and digestion, or the female organs. While the first name of ... has some constructive qualities, it has characteristics that undermine your long-term happiness and success in life.

To be honest I wasn't really expecting anything, so when I tried teh webpage and listened to the sample.. Dang!! The brothas got talent I'll give them that. I dont know if i will find the CD where I live...but its worth a trip to MNPLS. peace

The older generation's time is up...they did their part and made their mark. I think its about time we start making our own marks. There is a reason why people get old and new ones are born and raised...its the cycle of life. Don;t get me wrong, we still need them they are wiser than us, so we need their advice but they can;t keep running things forever.

This is in response to c/nuur's question. From what i understand..if you miss a prayer you make it up as soon as you realized you missed it. Like the Fajr prayer..if you over slept and you missed it then you pray as soon as you wake up. OVer sleeping can happen but if you wait longer to make it up its the same as not praying on purpose, I hope that helped...if you want I can try to find hadiths talking about that. Xafsa

I dont see how I have any say in this matter. It is a great sin not to go to jihaad..so I expect him to go ( assuming this is real jihaad and not some political probaganda). Nothing would make me prouder then to know that my husband and my sons have died for the sake of allah. salaam

Qofka oo ilaahay soo salaamay waxaa waaye Khadija (RC) the wife of the prophet SCW. MY question is who are the 3 most rightious muslim women and which one of them will be the leader of the believing women in paradise. 2 of then are mentioned in the qur'an.

This is in response to lakkad's question...I think the answer is musaulimatu alkadaab(spelled in somali)

This is an article that speaks the truth. I hope that once you read it you truely understand it. Certainly the ultimate goal of every Muslim is Paradise. As with all aspects of the Unseen, it can be only imagined through analogy, yet its realities are far beyond description in any human language. Allah (subhaanahu wa ta`aala) has prepared for His servants, "what no eye has seen and no ear has heard and has never occurred to a human heart." [al-Bukhaari, Muslim and others] This eternal home is not limited to what is described here of material and spiritual enjoyments, for it includes "all the soul has longed for" and finally, the greatest and most complete pleasure beyond all imagination - the presence and nearness of the Creator Himself. Who are the inheritors of such blessing? Who are the souls worthy of such reward? It is common belief among Muslims today that anyone who professes "La Ilaha ill-Allah" and "Muhammadun Rasoolullah" will enter Paradise. Yet this testimony is more than a statement of the tongue. It is an oath, a commitment that must be fulfilled. It has conditions and requirements which affect all aspects of life. It concerns authority - what actually governs our behavior and deeds. The Arabs of Quraish who refused to pronounce this kalimah did so because they fully understood its implications. Yet Muslims repeat it today without a second thought, their actions and lifestyles bearing witness to something totally different. And they expect Paradise! In the Qur'aan, Allah (swt) has warned against complacency in religion like that of the Jews and Christians who mistakenly claim that God has favored them over others and that Paradise is theirs alone: "It is not by your wishes, nor the wishes of the People of the Scriptures. Whoever does a wrong shall be punished for it, and he will not find other than Allah as a protector or helper." Yet many of today's Muslims consider themselves a chosen people, while neglecting the commands of their Lord, turning their backs on the sunnah of their Prophet (peace be upon him) and insisting on a secular life far from the blessings of divine law... perhaps even going so far as to deny certain aspects of that law. Customs and traditions, materialism, man-made social systems, national leaders and even their own inclinations are now sharing the authority which rightfully belongs exclusively to our Creator, Owner of the Day of Judgment. The reward of Paradise is too great not to have a price. That price is true faith which is proven by obedience to Allah and His Messenger. The Qur'aan states, "And whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effor due to it while being a believer - those are the ones whose effort is appreciated [by Allah]." [17:19] We must return to the Qur'aan, not simply in an emotional or academic manner, but with a sense of instruction for obedience and action. We must find out what kind of people Allah has asked us to be and then become as such. This is the road to Paradise.

5 MAJOR SIGNS OF JUDGEMENT DAY 1)Appearance of the mahdi 2)Appearance of masiixu dajaal(anti christ) 3) sun rises in the west 4)Appearance of GOg and Magog 5) Esa(SCW) Will re appear Heres my question: during the time of the Khaliifs there was a women that fought along side the men in a battle against the romans. The leader of the troops at that time was the sword of allah. What was the name of this women and who is the sword of allah? Salaam

You guys should check out islamworld.net It has articles on every aspect of islam from taqwa to towxiid. It really keeps you strong. I should check out all your websites also. salaam xafsa

My Body Is My Own Business I often wonder whether people see me as a radical, fundamentalist Muslim terrorist packing an AK-47 assault rifle inside my jean jacket. Or may be they see me as the poster girl for oppressed womanhood everywhere. I'm not sure which it is. I get the whole gamut of strange looks, stares, and covert glances. You see, I wear the hijab, a scarf that covers my head, neck, and throat. I do this because I am a Muslim woman who believes her body is her own private concern. Young Muslim women are reclaiming the hijab, reinterpreting it in light of its original purpose to give back to women ultimate control of their own bodies. The Quran teaches us that men and women are equal, that individuals should not be judged according to gender, beauty, wealth, or privilege. The only thing that makes one person better than another is her or his character. Nonetheless, people have a difficult time relating to me. After all, I'm young, Canadian born and raised, university educated why would I do this to myself, they ask. Strangers speak to me in loud, slow English and often appear to be playing charades. They politely inquire how I like living in Canada and whether or not the cold bothers me. If I'm in the right mood, it can be very amusing. But, why would I, a woman with all the advantages of a North American upbringing, suddenly, at 21, want to cover myself so that with the hijab and the other clothes I choose to wear, only my face and hands show? Because it gives me freedom. WOMEN are taught from early childhood that their worth is proportional to their attractiveness. We feel compelled to pursue abstract notions of beauty, half realizing that such a pursuit is futile. When women reject this form of oppression, they face ridicule and contempt. Whether it's women who refuse to wear makeup or to shave their legs, or to expose their bodies, society, both men and women, have trouble dealing with them. In the Western world, the hijab has come to symbolize either forced silence or radical, unconscionable militancy. Actually, it's neither. It is simply a woman's assertion that judgment of her physical person is to play no role whatsoever in social interaction. Wearing the hijab has given me freedom from constant attention to my physical self. Because my appearance is not subjected to public scrutiny, my beauty, or perhaps lack of it, has been removed from the realm of what can legitimately be discussed. No one knows whether my hair looks as if I just stepped out of a salon, whether or not I can pinch an inch, or even if I have unsightly stretch marks. And because no one knows, no one cares. Feeling that one has to meet the impossible male standards of beauty is tiring and often humiliating. I should know, I spent my entire teenage years trying to do it. It was a borderline bulimic and spent a lot of money I didn't have on potions and lotions in hopes of becoming the next Cindy Crawford. The definition of beauty is ever-changing; waifish is good, waifish is bad, athletic is good -- sorry, athletic is bad. Narrow hips? Great. Narrow hips? Too bad. Women are not going to achieve equality with the right to bear their breasts in public, as some people would like to have you believe. That would only make us party to our own objectification. True equality will be had only when women don't need to display themselves to get attention and won't need to defend their decision to keep their bodies to themselves. By Naheed Mustafa

My Body Is My Own Business I often wonder whether people see me as a radical, fundamentalist Muslim terrorist packing an AK-47 assault rifle inside my jean jacket. Or may be they see me as the poster girl for oppressed womanhood everywhere. I'm not sure which it is. I get the whole gamut of strange looks, stares, and covert glances. You see, I wear the hijab, a scarf that covers my head, neck, and throat. I do this because I am a Muslim woman who believes her body is her own private concern. Young Muslim women are reclaiming the hijab, reinterpreting it in light of its original purpose to give back to women ultimate control of their own bodies. The Quran teaches us that men and women are equal, that individuals should not be judged according to gender, beauty, wealth, or privilege. The only thing that makes one person better than another is her or his character. Nonetheless, people have a difficult time relating to me. After all, I'm young, Canadian born and raised, university educated why would I do this to myself, they ask. Strangers speak to me in loud, slow English and often appear to be playing charades. They politely inquire how I like living in Canada and whether or not the cold bothers me. If I'm in the right mood, it can be very amusing. But, why would I, a woman with all the advantages of a North American upbringing, suddenly, at 21, want to cover myself so that with the hijab and the other clothes I choose to wear, only my face and hands show? Because it gives me freedom. WOMEN are taught from early childhood that their worth is proportional to their attractiveness. We feel compelled to pursue abstract notions of beauty, half realizing that such a pursuit is futile. When women reject this form of oppression, they face ridicule and contempt. Whether it's women who refuse to wear makeup or to shave their legs, or to expose their bodies, society, both men and women, have trouble dealing with them. In the Western world, the hijab has come to symbolize either forced silence or radical, unconscionable militancy. Actually, it's neither. It is simply a woman's assertion that judgment of her physical person is to play no role whatsoever in social interaction. Wearing the hijab has given me freedom from constant attention to my physical self. Because my appearance is not subjected to public scrutiny, my beauty, or perhaps lack of it, has been removed from the realm of what can legitimately be discussed. No one knows whether my hair looks as if I just stepped out of a salon, whether or not I can pinch an inch, or even if I have unsightly stretch marks. And because no one knows, no one cares. Feeling that one has to meet the impossible male standards of beauty is tiring and often humiliating. I should know, I spent my entire teenage years trying to do it. It was a borderline bulimic and spent a lot of money I didn't have on potions and lotions in hopes of becoming the next Cindy Crawford. The definition of beauty is ever-changing; waifish is good, waifish is bad, athletic is good -- sorry, athletic is bad. Narrow hips? Great. Narrow hips? Too bad. Women are not going to achieve equality with the right to bear their breasts in public, as some people would like to have you believe. That would only make us party to our own objectification. True equality will be had only when women don't need to display themselves to get attention and won't need to defend their decision to keep their bodies to themselves. By Naheed Mustafa

How We Full fill Our Wishes BismAllah - hir - Rahman - nir - Rahim Enes Ibn Malik reports that a Bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah and greeted him in the mosque. The Messenger of Allah asked him where did he come from. The Bedouin said:"I came from far seeking answers to some questions". Our master told him to ask his questions": I wish to be an intelligent man, what should I do? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Fear Allah". I wish to be a loyal servant to Allah and do what He wants me to do? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Read the Qur'an." I wish to be enlightened and have peace of heart? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Remember Death". I wish to be protected against enemies? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Trust in Allah". I wish to follow the Straight Path? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Do good to others for Allah's sake". What should I do so that Allah does not abase me? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, " Do not respond to the desires of your flesh". I wish to have a long life? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Praise and thank Allah". I wish for prosperity? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Be in a state of ablution at all times". How can I save myself from the hellfire? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Protect your eyes and your tongue and your hands and what is below your waistline against evil". How can I cleanse myself from my sins? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Shed tears for what you have done and repent by undoing what you have done wrong". I wish to be a respectable person? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Then, don't ask for anything from anybody". I wish to be honorable? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Then don't divulge the wrong doings of anybody". What should I do to protect myself from the tortures of the grave? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Recite the Surah Mulk". What should one do to be rich? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Read the Surah Muzammil". How should I calm my fear of the day of last judgment? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Remember Allah before you eat anything and before you sleep". What should I do to feel the presence of Allah when I make my prayers? Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) Replied, "Give the utmost care in taking your ablutions and in being clean and pure.

This is an article that really got me thinking...I hope it intices you to view your actions in a completely different manner. [Major shirk can be divided into four categories: - The first category of major shirk is associating in supplication, which involves directing ones supplications to other than Allah as a means of gaining provisions or being cured from a sickness or obtaining help during a crisis or for any other purpose. - The second category of major shirk is association in the intention, that is, performing deeds that may be good in themselves but which are done for the sake of this worldly life and not for the sake of Allah. The third category of major shirk is association in loving Allah. That is to love someone or something else more than or as much as one loves Allah. The fourth category of major shirk is association in obedience which is to obey people when they make unlawful things lawful, and to believe that it is permissible to follow those who make such legislations. Here we discuss the third category.] The third category of major shirk is “association in loving Allah. That is to love someone or something else more than or as much as one loves Allah. Allah says: There are men who take others besides Allah as equal with Him. They love them as much as they should love Allah. But the believers have more love for Allah. (Qur’an 2:165) There are people who recognize Allah as the Creator, the Owner and the Sustainer of the universe, and yet love others more than Him. Some people love money more than they love Allah and for this reason, they do not pay zakat or they gain their money from unlawful sources. They are the slaves of Dirhams and Dinars, or in todays terminology, the slaves of Dollars. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, said:He who became the slave of the Dinar or the Dirham will perish and be destroyed. (This is part of a hadith related by Al-Bukhari). Some people love their desires more than they love Allah. Consequently, they would follow their desires even when they lead to disobeying Allah: Do you see the one who is taking as his lord his own desires? (Quran 25:43). Therefore, loving Allah and His Messenger more than anything is a precondition for tasting the sweetness of faith. It has been narrated in an authentic hadith that the Prophet sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, said: “There are three qualities whosoever has them will taste the sweetness of Iman: loving Allah and His Messenger above all else, loving someone solely for the sake of Allah, and hating to return to disbelief after Allah has rescued him from it, as much as he would hate being thrown into Hellfire.” (Related by Al-Bukhari). Allah has put two criteria to test whether one’s love for Him is more than the love of anything else. The first is the following of the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam. Allah says: “Say (Muhammad), if you do love Allah, follow me, Allah will love you (in return) and forgive your sins” (Qur’an 3:31). Thus, following the Sunnah in all aspects of our lives is absolutely essential. The second criterion to know if one’s love of Allah is more than anything else is through jihad for the sake of Allah: “Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives or your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline or the houses in which you delight, are dearer to you than Allah or His Messenger, or the jihad for Allah’s sake; then wait until Allah brings about his decision; and Allah does not guide the rebellious,” (Qur’an 9:24).

Jazakalaah sister for that deep and touching post.

In my opionion females are lead mostly by their emotions, so they would be more likely to go after the man they love even though her family may not agree with her choice. A man on the other hand looks at it from a logical perspective. He knows if he marries his true love then he might loose the families support and thus be disowned leaving him with no money or status...or he can marry this other rich lady have his families approval, more money and higher status. This union would also give his family and the girls family more power. Choice number one would be no good for him..if he looses money and status what is he going to offer his wife and kids...nothing but his love....this might be good enough for the females but it isn't for the males. This is all just my opionion so if if i've offended anyone I extend my apologies. xafsa

I think education and knowledge are some how connected. Knowledge is what stays with you through out your life time...where education is the process of gaining more knowledge. Anyonecan get an education...but the knowledgeyou aquire is unique to each individual. peace

I agree with your friend. Zinnah is the act or actions that could lead to the actual sexual act. Being alone with a man that is not muxram to you could lead to other actions...the prophet peace be upon him said that when a man and a women are alone the 3rd party is shaydhaan. As for wearing tight clothing this leads the man/women to have impure thoughts about that person. Anyway enough of my ramblings....All in all i agree with your friend. salaam xafsa

This is an article that I think puts to rest exactly what islam thinks of music..for those who dought. Music in Islam (Plain and Simple) By Zahraa Music in Islam and why those who deny it is haram are commiting an act of kufer. (The rule in islam "denying something in islam that haram to being halal or something halal to being haram is kufer" it renders one a non beliver.) The qur'an and hadeeth, along with the statements of the companions and salaf confirm the prohibition of music. Surah Luqmaan:06 'and there are among men those who purchase idle talk (music and poetry) in order to mislead others from Allah's path without knowledge, and who throw ridicule upon it 'Idle talk has been interpreted to mean singing, listening and playing of musical intruments by various scholars and companions including Abdullah Ibn Masood ans Abdullah Ibn Abbas. Masood when questioned about the term Idle Talk replied 'I swear besides whom there is no other God, that it refers to singing (ghinaa). Contrary to popular belief there are a number of Sahih (Authentic) Hadeeth which clearly point to the fact that music, instruments, singing to the accompaniment of instruments etc. are prohibited by the Shari'ah. Sahih Bukhari> 'there will be those of my Ummah who will seek to make lawful: fornication, the wearing of silk, wine drinking and the use of musical instruments..' The words, 'seek to make lawful', shows that music is not permissible. Furthermore the prohibition of music is mentioned along with major sins like drinking and fornication. Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood and Ibn Habban>> 'A people of my Ummah will drink wine, calling it by other than that, it's real name. Merriment will be made for them through the playing of musical instruments and the singing of female singers. Allah will cleave the Earth under them and turn others into Apes and Pigs' There are Hadeeths by Haakim Al Mustadrak, Musad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal and Majma uz Zawaaid that say 'Two cursed sounds are that of the wind instrument and that of wailing upon the occurrence of adversity' Bukhari & Muslim both quote 'Remember! To fill a persons stomach with puss is better than to fill it with poems.' There are those who will argue that the prophet (saw) liked the sound of the Duff (a small hand drum without steel jingles) The beating of the Duff at weddings was not for the purpose of music, it was to announce the wedding. An Nasee&Tirmidhi>> 'that which distinguishes the allowed marriage from the forbidden is the sound of the duff' Though the scholars argue that the use of the duff was even only allowed for women.The duff was used by Arabs without rhythm, melody or any trace of immorality. In the highly regarded book on fiqu and fatawa FATAWA RAHIMIYAH, it states 'Quawwali ,tabla and musical intruments etc. are absolutley prohibited (haram). It is reported in the Musand of Ibn Abi Al-Dinar that the holy prophet (pbuh) said "In the last era a community from this Ummah will be transformed into monkeys and swines" The companions said "oh apostle of Allah! Will they not be believing in the Kalima 'there is no deity but Allah and Mohammed is his apostle'?" the prophet (saw) said "why not?" the companions asked "then what will be the reason for this punishment?" the prophet (saw) replied "they will adopt the profession of singing and music" he also said "It is a sin to hear music, it is a fault to sit at a musical fete and it is infidelity to derive pleasure from it" (Nisab, b.52,p 103, DM&S vol 5 p 306)

This article really touched me. I post this article in hopes that you will (sisters) reflect on your life. Enjoy! Women of Paradise -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 1: 'The Black Woman' Paradise is for believing men and women. We often hear speakers in Friday prayer or in admonitions talking about Paradise and all of us find our hearts, minds and thoughts tuned on to that 'frequency'. However, majority of the speakers talk about Paradise as if it were a house for men only. Reality is not like that. Paradise is for the believing men and women. The only price for it is sound belief in Allaah, love of Allaah and His Messenger salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam, and obedience to Allaah and His Messenger salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam. In what follows are the glad tidings given by the Messenger of Allaah salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam, to some of the women among his companions. Narrated 'Aisha radhiya Allaahu anha: I did not feel jealous of any of the wives of the Prophet as much as I did of Khadija (although) she died before he married me, for I often heard him mentioning her, and Allaah had told him to give her the good tidings that she would have a palace of Qasab (i.e. pipes of precious stones and pearls in Paradise), and whenever he slaughtered a sheep, he would send her women-friends a good share of it. [sahih al-Bukhari] Anas reports that the Messenger of Allaah, salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam, said: 'The best women of mankind are four: Mariam daughter of `Imraan, Assiya wife of Pharaoh, Khadija daughter of Khuwailid, and Fatima the daughter of the Messenger of Allaah.' [bukhari and Muslim] Narrated Abu Huraira: Jibreel (Gabriel) came to the Prophet and said, 'O Allaah's Apostle! This is Khadija coming to you with a dish having meat soup (or some food or drink). When she reaches you, greet her on behalf of her Lord (i.e. Allaah) and on my behalf, and give her the glad tidings of having a Qasab (palace in Paradise) wherein there will be neither any noise nor any fatigue (trouble).' [al-Bukhari] Narrated 'Ata bin Abi Rabah: Ibn 'Abbas said to me, 'Shall I show you a woman of the people of Paradise?' I said, 'Yes.' He said, 'This black woman came to the Prophet and said, 'I get attacks of epilepsy and my body becomes uncovered; please invoke Allaah for me.' The Prophet said (to her), 'If you wish, be patient and you will have (enter) Paradise; and if you wish, I will invoke Allaah to cure you.' She said, 'I will remain patient,' and added, 'but I become uncovered, so please invoke Allaah for me that I may not become uncovered.' So he invoked Allaah for her.' [al-Bukhari] The aforementioned ahadeeth clearly state the stature of some of the women given the glad tidings of Jannah (Paradise). What can the women of today do in order to achieve that pinnacle of success, Paradise? To do so one MUST learn how these women lived, how they behaved, how they spoke, how they dressed, how they walked, etc. In this issue of al-Mu'minah we will try to learn from the black woman mentioned in the last Hadith, insha'Allaah. The black woman is not even known by her name, or her exact whereabouts, rather she is known by her deeds, her faith, her modesty, her chastity, and for her being an inmate of Paradise. And, in the end, that is what matters most. When Abdullah Ibn Abbas radhiya Allaahu anhu said 'this black woman', he did not mean to point at her race or to belittle her in any way. Indeed, he but meant to teach the people around him a great principle of Islam which is mentioned in the verse, [in the meaning of] : 'O people! We have created you from a man and a woman and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know each other, verily the most honorable among you in the sight of Allaah are the most pious.' The same principle is mentioned in the Hadith: 'Allaah does not look at your pictures (shapes) and bodies but He looks at your hearts (and your deeds).' [Muslim] She (the black woman) was physically sick, yet she sought cure in the du`a of the Messenger of Allaah, salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam. She knew that the one who cures, ash-Shaafee, is Allaah, and Allaah would answer the du`a of His Messenger salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam. We conclude from that that du`a heals all diseases be they of the body or of the heart. When commenting on this Hadith, al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar said: 'It is inferred from this hadith that the cure of diseases through du`a and supplication to Allaah (wa al-iltijaa' ilaa Allaah) is the most successful way of healing, but this cannot be fulfilled unless two conditions are satisfied: pure intention and sincere trust in the effectiveness of the du`a, and righteousness and reliance on Allaah. The fact that the Prophet salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam said: 'If you wish, be patient and you will have (enter) Paradise' is a proof for the virtue and reward of patience during sickness. In another Hadith, he, salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam, says: 'Whenever a hardship affects the Muslim, he will be forgiven for it even when he is picked by a spike.' [Muslim] And in another Hadith, also narrated by Muslim, Ummu as-Sa'ib cursed fever, to which the Prophet salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam told her: 'Do not curse fever, for it takes away the sins like the blaze [fire] takes away the impurities of iron.' The black women preferred the suffering of this world to getting the eternal reward of Paradise! She suffered from sickness, yet her pain and discomfort did not force her to forego pleasing Allaah! And no matter who one is, if one is in the path of Allaah, one will encounter difficulties, because Paradise is rounded by hardships. If things are easy and life is rosy, then one must check oneself; are we following the true Islam? Especially in this western environment it may be difficult for a young woman to wear the dress of modesty, the hijab (even though it is mandatory), not to talk to men and keep away from them (which is also mandatory), except if necessary. All these may be difficult to achieve for some in the beginning, but when one overcomes herself for the sake of Allaah, then all the other obstacles become baseless. So, how to overcome oneself? By knowing Allaah by His names and attributes; by loving and obeying Allaah and His Messenger, salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam; and then the help of Allaah will come, insha'Allaah. She (the black woman) preferred being patient, but could not tolerate that her honor, her modesty and her chastity be damaged or even touched, nor that any part of her body be uncovered, though she had no control over it. Indeed she was a real slave and servant of Allaah; she was a faithful, a believer, a Muslimah, a righteous and pious woman, a truthful woman, and she was loyal to Allaah and His Messenger, salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam. Not only having these awe-inspiring qualities, she was also a wise and a great woman, as her memorable words rang ...: '... but I become uncovered, so please invoke Allaah for me that I may not become uncovered.' If words are to be written in Gold, these words should be written in gold ... Remember this simple equation: Iman + Suffering + Patience = Paradise It can also be inferred that the righteous Muslim woman inherently loves to be covered, loves modesty and chastity and hates revealing her body and her beauty. The black woman, radhiya Allaahu `anha could sustain being so sick but could not bear to be uncovered in front of people. The issue, one must understand, is not of black or white or Arab or non-Arab, rich or poor, noble[with lineage] or not, it is rather of a creed so deeply rooted in the hearts of Muslims like blood flows in the arteries and veins of people. They are those who are totally committed to Islam. Fourteen Hundred years of history showed that Muslim women could sustain hunger, poverty, sickness but could never sustain disobeying Allaah. The wife would tell her husband when leaving for work: 'Fear Allaah in us, for we can sustain hunger and thirst but we cannot sustain Hell fire [i.e. do not acquire unlawful earning].' Dear sisters, ask yourself what made Khadija radhiya Allaahu `anha be greeted by Allaah Subhanahu wa Ta`ala and by Jibreel alaihi as-Salaam. Ask yourself what made Khadija be rewarded a Palace in Jannah as no one can imagine. Reading the biography of Khadija and others like her in greatness, one would wish to be at their service; to carry their shoes, wash their clothes, to serve them in any possible way and get du`a from them. It is sad that we just don't know the great personalities of this Ummah. If only we strive to study the lives of the righteous that preceded us, we would find in them immense guidance for our existence, and if we know them and follow them we could be in the forefront of mankind ... It is said, 'Iman (faith) is not by hope, it is rather what occurs in the heart and is proved by the deeds [maa waqa`a fil qalbi wa saddaqahul-`amal].' We leave you to think about this and pray to Allaah to make us all among the dwellers of Paradise and to bestow upon us the faith and the patience that lead us to Paradise. And to bless the present Muslim Ummah with many women like the black woman, radhiya Allaahu `anha (may Allaah be pleased with her), who help us focus on the straight path ... Acknowledgment: Some of the ideas were expressed in an article written by Haled Abu Sail which appeared in the Da`wah magazine, Iss. 1514, page 32.