tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84329784331520709412024-02-24T18:36:57.427+02:00Muslimah Writers Alliance Celebrates RamadanMWA members share their Ramadan experiences, journals, recipes, pictures, poetry and more! May the peace and blessings of Ramadan be upon you and your family. Ameen.~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-38573504657959431882014-05-09T00:42:00.002+02:002014-05-09T00:42:52.995+02:00Free e-Book: Ramadan for New Muslims presented by OnIslam.net<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.onislam.net/english/ebooks/reading-islam/463574-ramadan-for-new-muslims-free-ebook.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CX_fa62gvLM/U2wHwbd570I/AAAAAAAAEFs/CEPCGGDJtYI/s1600/ramadan-for-new-muslims.jpg" height="400" width="288" /></a></div>
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<u><a href="http://www.onislam.net/english/ebooks/reading-islam/463574-ramadan-for-new-muslims-free-ebook.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DOWNLOAD IT HERE!</span></b></a></u></div>
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-35314977015487295262014-04-24T08:05:00.003+02:002014-04-24T08:31:39.004+02:00Get Your Free Copy of the Ultimate Ramadan Planning Tool – Offered by MWA's Saiyyidah Zaidi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is the ultimate planning tool for Ramadan!</b></span></center>
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Presented by MWA's <a href="http://www.saiyyidahzaidi.com/" target="_blank">Saiyyidah Zaidi</a>.</center>
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The ebook and videos will give you psychology inspirations,</center>
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simple intervention to make you happier,</center>
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Islamic inspiration as well as a short discussion of an ayat of the Qur’an.</center>
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and visionary. <span style="text-align: left;">I would recommend all her material.’ </span></center>
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<span style="text-align: left;">–Umm Nusaiba, Columbia.</span></center>
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-28054146421556979002013-08-10T07:35:00.000+02:002013-08-13T07:36:26.572+02:00MWA's Fahmida Sultana shares a few of her Eid photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-54225643684996013752013-08-08T22:31:00.001+02:002013-08-08T22:31:48.855+02:00Aishah's Eid Feast for One, Al-hamdulillah! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Eid!</b></span></div>
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-52335277314470012242013-08-08T20:00:00.000+02:002013-08-10T13:17:18.036+02:00The last sunset of Ramadan: a photo by MWA's Saba N. Taylor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Eid Mubarak!!!!!!!! The last sunset of Ramadan May Allah forgive us all and grant us His mercy and accept our fast. Ameen.<br />
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This dua was posted by another sister on Facebook. It is read as the sun sets on the last sunset of Ramadan, marking the beginning of Shawwal:<br />
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"O Allah, the Lord of Ramadan, who revealed in it the Quran and ordained in it fasting, I seek refuge in You from that the sun of this day will set and You have upon me a sin that You wish to punish me for on the day I meet You. O Allah, grant us from Your Prophet Muhammad (s) intercession, and make awareness of You our most rewarding ware (possession) and do not render us in this our month from being of the people of waste and squandering, and quell our fears on the Day of Judgment with Your Mercy, O Most Merciful and peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family and his companions."</div>
~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-54166687128260581622013-08-08T12:30:00.002+02:002013-08-08T12:30:45.132+02:00Eid ul-Fitr Prayer at El-Mina Masjid - Hurghada, Egypt <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Video uploaded by MWA's Aishah Schwartz from her mobile phone.</center>
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August 8, 2013 at 5:45AM</div>
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-89918219983534755212013-08-08T10:55:00.001+02:002013-08-08T10:55:34.402+02:00Takbir of Eid ul-Fitr at Masjid Uthman ibn Affan Masjid - Hurghada, Egypt <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Video uploaded by MWA's Aishah Schwartz from her mobile phone.</center>
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August 8, 2013 at 5:30AM<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RaZNmZS9eg0" width="420"></iframe></center>
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-33515352627776731662013-08-08T03:50:00.003+02:002013-08-08T03:51:33.672+02:00Happy Eid from Muslimah Writers Alliance!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJZhhlfH5-U/UgL4sVDWTDI/AAAAAAAADO0/Noihf0zNdsE/s1600/Eid-Mubarak-2013-Free-eCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJZhhlfH5-U/UgL4sVDWTDI/AAAAAAAADO0/Noihf0zNdsE/s400/Eid-Mubarak-2013-Free-eCard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-12588193639712964032013-08-08T03:19:00.000+02:002013-08-08T03:19:22.126+02:00The last iftar of Ramadan 2013: MWA's Aishah Schwartz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon garlic chicken with ranch dressing & mashed carrot & potato with onion.</td></tr>
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Dua for breaking the fast:</div>
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<b>Transliteration</b>:</span></div>
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<span class="mainpagetextmiracle">Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu [wa 'alayka tawakkaltu] wa ‘ala rizq-ika aftarth</span>u
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="mainpagetextmiracle"> Source: Abu Dawud</span></span></div>
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-82260892302529745462013-08-07T09:17:00.003+02:002013-08-07T09:48:27.712+02:00An impromptu suhoor at Costa Coffee: a journal entry by MWA's Aishah Schwartz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Subhan'Allah...I was feeling somewhat dreadful the last couple of days, and I spent most of that time attempting to sleep it off. In fact, after iftar, I went to bed (again), and Al-hamdulillah, fell fast asleep. I woke up at 2AM and pushed myself out of bed with the thought, "whatever will I eat for suhoor?"<br />
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Turning on the wifi back on my phone and the Gmail icon appeared at the top of the screen. I clicked. A dreaded reminder of something I needed to do, in fact, something I wanted to do, so I suddenly had a plan. I would throw an abaya on, walk down to grab a cab and see if by some miraculous chance the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am7_G7mP2_Q" target="_blank">Costa Coffee</a> shop was still open. Anticipating a few hours of work, I had the feeling I would need a stronger caffeine boost than my ordinary household cup of Nescafe would offer on short notice. <br />
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The taxi stopped in front of Costa. As I was paying the driver I also noted that the outside lights of the coffee shop were off, but the inside lights were still on and I saw one of the servers standing inside behind the counter.<br />
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Reaching the door I found it was unlocked, so I pushed it open and ventured inside. I knew there would be no issue with my English since it was Costa. The young man behind the counter listened as I described what I wanted. I knew by the look on his face he was waiting for me to finish speaking before he dealt me the bad news that the shop was already closed.<br />
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Sure enough. "I'm sorry, but we are closed."<br />
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Let the pleading commence.<br />
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Al-hamdulillah! It worked!!!!!<br />
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So I figured, as a show of appreciation, I should at least spend a bit more, so I ordered a large coffee smoothie and a piece of blueberry cheese cake.<br />
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I sat down at a seat by the window, since I was informed I could, took a long draw of the chilled coffee drink from its straw and picking the small fork to take my first bite from the cheese cake, suddenly there was just an avalanche of tears streaming down my face.<br />
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Saying goodbye to Ramadan. Yup. There it was. Reality sinking in; again.<br />
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I wiped the tears away ... but they just kept coming back. <br />
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Then one of the staff walked through the door leading from the kitchen area carrying plates filled with food. He went through the front door of the coffee shop and set the plates on one of the outdoor tables then returned for another set. Clearly he was setting the table for a staff suhoor.<br />
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And there it was: a photo op! Tears dashed, the photographer in me awakened, I knew there was work to do so I reached for my mobile (it has a 8-megapixel camera), and stood to make my way through the front door.<br />
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I've learned that Egyptians love to let you take photos, so it was easy to get approval for what I wanted to do. Snap. Snap. Snap. Photos done. Woot! Woot!<br />
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And then it happened.<br />
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One of the staff turned an empty seat around to face the table and I found myself being invited to join them for suhoor. I hesitated for a moment, but then a chorus of ya'lla's came at me and there was no turning back. I sat down.<br />
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And there they were again...those darn tears. I was just overwhelmed. I had been feeling so lonely...<br />
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It was, Al-hamdulillah, the nicest suhoor of Ramadan 2013.<br />
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P.S. Eid will be celebrated in Egypt on Friday, August 9. ‘Taqabal Allahu minna wa minkum‘ (may Allah accept it from you and us).<br />
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-58766441676217717422013-08-05T01:52:00.001+02:002013-08-05T01:52:29.499+02:00A reminder in the last days of Ramadan from MWA's Zabrina Abu Bakar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eI497_aTmyk/Uf7pBX3zUpI/AAAAAAAADMM/iNovYyTshRI/s1600/1098311_10151817397140761_1184990089_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eI497_aTmyk/Uf7pBX3zUpI/AAAAAAAADMM/iNovYyTshRI/s320/1098311_10151817397140761_1184990089_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">My dear family and friends,<br /> <br />
We have 3 days left so in the midst of our busy schedule, let us fill
up the fast depleting Ramadan seconds that we have by making this zikir
while we drive, cook, walk, shop, bake, work, type, rest, etc etc.,
inshaAllah.<br /> <br /> May Allah accept all our Amal and enter us into His Jannah without hisab, Ameen.<br /> <br /> Please share this poster freely, insha'Allah.</span></span><br />
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-41792865957415915982013-08-04T21:34:00.001+02:002013-08-04T21:37:20.987+02:00 Aishah's favorite recitation of Surat Al - Qadr سورة القدر بصوت الشيخ مشارى العفاسى <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is my all-time favorite, over the moon version of the recitation of Surat Al - Qadr سورة القدر بصوت الشيخ مشارى العفاسى<br />
It plays like a beautiful, catchy melody and sends a feeling through me that really makes you feel Ramadan in your heart and soul. At least that's how it made me feel. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i21yTdZwRZo" target="_blank">Check it out</a>. <br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/i21yTdZwRZo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-58658460157589670462013-08-03T08:09:00.001+02:002013-08-03T08:09:25.585+02:00Aishah's prayer buddy: Mr. Sakinah, waiting for iftar! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is Aishah's prayer buddy, Mr. Sakinah.</div>
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He seems to always know when it's about time for iftar...</div>
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And the "Gang" outside my flat knows when it is time for iftar, too!</div>
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-48085300961445707632013-08-03T06:50:00.000+02:002013-08-03T06:52:24.756+02:00MWA's Zabrina Abu Bakar shares a dua for the Night of Power<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Dear all, with the help of my lovely Sis <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=17506492&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/mazalina.maram?directed_target_id=0">Mazalina Maram</a>, she has helped me design this poster of duaa' to be recited during Night of Power.<br /> <br /> InshaAllah please keep reciting this duaa' as much as you can throughout the day during this last 10 days of Ramadan.<br /> <br /> And please share this poster freely... </span></span></div>
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-90302700705502150702013-08-02T22:03:00.001+02:002013-08-02T22:03:16.152+02:00Iftar at MWA member Jennifer Intante's house!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLkm4mu_KOE/UfwP9QemrlI/AAAAAAAADLI/yMOClpQczIs/s1600/24314_10152373371270288_869275620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLkm4mu_KOE/UfwP9QemrlI/AAAAAAAADLI/yMOClpQczIs/s320/24314_10152373371270288_869275620_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp"}">Vegetarian Lasagna Iftar at home. <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":477104915677987}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ramadan"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">ramadan</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":149599085201085}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/organic"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">organic</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":386113638153319}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/garden"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">garden</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":172652402883004}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/vegetarian"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">vegetarian</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":477910302258129}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/italian"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">italian</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":496345630422936}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/urban"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">urban</span></a> #2013 <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":474263329290090}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/foodporn"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">foodporn</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":167638206719116}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/delish"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">delish</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":431645676923363}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/glutenfree"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">glutenfree</span></a> #italian <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":486954178031046}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mediterranean"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">mediterranean</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":168939473256779}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/egyptian"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">egyptian</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":436078266471525}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dominican"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">dominican</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":160959907391826}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/foodie"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">foodie</span></a></span></span></div>
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-1011410721362211432013-08-02T06:45:00.001+02:002013-08-02T06:45:25.705+02:00Aishah's neighborhood decorating, fanoos and lights <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-7433480017006748442013-08-02T06:32:00.000+02:002013-08-02T06:35:50.162+02:00Aishah's forgotten iftars and suhoors...Ramadan 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrambled egg sandwich and peaches.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Caesar salad and lentil soup.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lentil soup with kidney beans and crackers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Caesar salad and cheese pizza.<br />
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-19299016302633861282013-07-29T11:08:00.000+02:002013-07-29T11:08:54.087+02:00Even an empty plastic bottle can be charity: a journal entry by MWA's Aishah Schwartz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm a collector of few things having learned the hard way over the years that becoming too attached to things of this world brings more heartache than anything else. But one of the things I collect is emptied plastic bottles.<br />
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You see, back home in the United States we have a rather sophisticated and quite successful recycling system that is supported by local governments across the nation and widely used. However, here in Egypt the recycling system is somewhat different.<br />
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In most neighborhoods there is, outside the front of each apartment building, a large plastic trash can for residential use. These trash cans do more than collect trash though. In fact, these trash cans provide a livelihood for the poor.<br />
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That's right. You could just as well say Egypt has professional trash collectors. These are poor men, young and old, who go around from trash-can-to-trash-can sifting through the refuse looking for whatever is salvageable that can be resold or recyclable's that can be turned into an actual recycling center for cash. Now, I fully realize that this is not a practice exclusive to Egypt, but it happens to not be something I grew up seeing.<br />
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It is usually during the early morning hours after fajr that, if you are still awake, you will hear local trash recyclers drifting through the neighborhood. But the one that always gets my attention is the little old man who collects discarded empty water bottles (among other select plastics).<br />
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I regularly hear the man who works my neighborhood, because as he finds his plastic treasures, he turns to deposit them into his huge canvas bag, and the squished sound of plastic as he pushes the top of the pile down to make room for newly collected bottles, isn't easy to miss. <br />
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Personally, although I am well aware that these trash collectors are quite used to their work environment, the thought of rummaging through trash all day long to make a living just seems wretchedly dreadful. <br />
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So, I collect my emptied plastics to be able to deliver them without this neighborhood's plastic collector having to rummage through the trash to find them. And sometimes my collection gets rather big as I don't always catch him before he wanders off to the next building! But this morning I caught him!<br />
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I heard the crunching plastic sound outside and flew off the sofa to grab my house abaya and a box, running out to the balcony, I parted the curtain and waited for his head to appear from inside the trash can.<br />
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"Pssst. Pssst," I called to him. Finally he looked up. I smiled. He smiled and turned from the trash can, dragging his canvas bag along behind him, to get closer to the balcony where I was standing from above. I let the box I held fall from my hand and it landed on the ground beside him. He watched it fall and then looked up, looking for my signal. I held up an index finger and he knew to wait.<br />
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By the time I returned again to the balcony, he had already bagged the first batch of bottles. I dropped two more boxes down. He looked up with a bigger smile. I imagined him thinking, "Wow! The mother load!"<br />
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Holding up my index finger once again, I returned inside my flat for two more boxes. Masha'Allah he was so happy! And subhan'Allah, after topping off a bag that could hold no more bottles, he bent to begin collecting the empty boxes and he flattened them so they would fit neatly into the trash can -- for the card board collector man.<br />
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As he prepared to carry off his bag of plastic bottles, he looked up to the balcony where I was still waiting and he held out both of his arms as if in dua and smiled again. I called out to him, "Ramadan Kareem!" and off he went.<br />
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There isn't anything within my power to change the fact that this is a poor man; but there was something within my power that I could do to spare him from having to dig into one less trash can today.<br />
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May Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala reward our fasting, worship and good deeds in this Ramadan and beyond; and may we always remember those less fortunate than ourselves.</div>
~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-47461902219956478692013-07-29T10:17:00.002+02:002013-07-29T10:17:56.106+02:00MWA's Lonna Amira Bowen shares her collection of Ramadan journals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Day 1 Ramadan: Subhan Allah loved that crazy thunderstorm, took the temp down nearly 20 degrees…little thunder, power driving wind that literally moves you and the beautiful copious amounts of rain to soak you to your bones…thank you God! Later, I was out and saw all the damage from the possible jericho and praying for the family who lost their young son that was killed when a tree fell on him as he made his way home out of the sudden storm.<br /><br />Day 2 of Ramadan: I walked out of the masjid to go home early (as I had to work early the next day). My husband was standing by my car with a teen boy from Burma. As I approached, I could see two beautiful children with smiles beaming at me from inside my car. They were not my children, but two Burmese refugee children. My husband told me to drop them off at their home. We drove off and they pointed at different things and tried out the English that they have learned since arriving only a few months ago. I listened to their giggles and Hindi in between their outbursts of English words to describe what they saw in the night life of the city. The smiles and joy on these kids faces although they are in a foreign land, trying to learn a new language, having survived a genocide in their homeland made me grateful and blissful. (<a href="http://shiningthemoon.wordpress.com/2013/07/27/the-first-leg-of-ramadan-is-complete/" target="_blank">Read More</a>) <br />
<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>ABOUT MWA'S LONNA AMIRA BOWEN</b><br />Lonna describes herself as a light that encompasses being a Muslimah, wife and mama of five. Yet, light has many more dimensions than a prism. She was born and raised in Kentucky to a clan of hillbillies that she loves and adores. Lonna grew up listening, singing and dancing to Bluegrass music and old timey hits. Her papaw used to pay Lonna's twin sister a quarter each for every tune they could "sing" that sounded more like yellin'. Her grandfather and dad made sure Lonna knew how to shoot guns, swim in creeks and rivers, rappel off natural bridges and ride horses. All of these lessons taught Lonna more than just those actions, but more importantly how to be strong and use her voice. Over the years of living for everyone else and forgetting herself, Lonna lost her essence and so blogging became a way of letting herself resurface by belting out her "song" on the keyboard.<br /> </span></div>
~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-33779045267738943472013-07-29T07:20:00.000+02:002014-04-08T07:23:29.402+02:00How reflective writing gave my Ramadan renewed meaning by MWA's Nouran Emad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Two Fridays before the start of Ramadan 2013, at Jummah prayer, the Imam spoke about how the true purpose of Ramadan had become forgotten. He spoke of how people fast every year because it had become merely a "tradition", rather than because there was a religious purpose intertwined with wisdom behind it.<br />
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I went home that day thinking about what the Imam had said and found myself asking a series of questions. Have all my past Ramadan's been the exact same? No, of course not, there is not one Ramadan the same as the one before or the one to come. Each Ramadan has this one special unique vibe to it that makes it memorable, but then what did the Imam mean by "don't let this Ramadan be another forgotten purpose", and how can I not let this happen?<br />
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So, I thought about it the next few days while Ramadan was getting closer by the second, and thanks to Allah (SWT) it finally struck me. I took notice of why the purpose of Ramadan had become forgotten; because we only view Ramadan as a 30-day religious celebration that gives us a boost in our faith, unites us as a one big family during Iftar, and reminding us about giving charity.<br />
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It became clear to me that generally we understand our religious duties, and without a doubt thanks to Allah (SWT), we strive to perform these duties well. However, the issue is that we fail to contemplate, reflect, or in the very least, ponder on the reasons behind the religious duties we perform in Ramadan.<br />
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Then it occurred to me that what the Imam was saying, is that we don't complete the "thinking" part of Ramadan, which I find equally as important as being religiously observant. Of course, it depends on our individual level of maturity and thinking abilities, and Allah (SWT) knows well. So I decided that this Ramadan I would try to make sure I understood, to the best of my ability, everything I do in this Holy month.<br />
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Since I have always believed and encouraged writing to be the only solution to understand, reflect, and contemplate on everything that falls in my circle of faith, I decided to do exactly that.<br />
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I started something in my journal called "daily Ramadan reflections". This would be where I write reflecting on my fasting or a Quranic verse I happened to come across. I would record anything really. Even if it was cooking for iftar, or as simple as cleaning my room. I determined to record my own reflections and relate each to its importance in Ramadan. Most importantly, I set out to ask myself questions that would help work my brain cells to think more about the purpose of Ramadan. For example, why is this relevant in Ramadan? How does fasting purify my soul? How did I feel during the unity of iftar?<br />
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Recording my daily Ramadan reflections has not only given my Ramadan purpose, but the task has helped me achieve a surprising new goal. In re-reading my older journal entries I was reminded of things I still needed to work on; things that strengthen the things I am trying to focus on this year, as well. The reflections will serve you well if you record the exact feelings in the moment and why so you were feeling that way. Insha'Allah, this will help you better understand your connection with the Holy Month of Ramadan and to help you see the difference between what you were taught about Ramadan and your actual commitment to performance of what you have learned. <br />
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Alhamdulillah, I thank God for letting me attend that pre-Ramadan Jummah Friday speech. It opened my heart, allowing me to see the blessings of Ramadan a little differently, and to realize the beautiful advantages of writing.<br />
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I encourage everyone to journal their daily Ramadan reflections - I'm certain many of you have already - and to always spread the word. I know for sure, insha'Allah, that as long as I live, I will strive to do this every Ramadan. Writing helps us connect our circle of faith, a gift from Allah (SWT) that helps us see, through words, its beautiful blessings. Ramadan Kareem!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>ABOUT MWA'S NOURAN EMAD </b><br />Nouran Emad is 19-year-old Muslimah who is happy to be part of MWA's third annual Ramadan blog. Nouran has contributed several written works to online Islamic publications and magazines. She enjoys reading, traveling, and is passionate about poetry and creative writing. She believes that writing is a blessing from Allah (SWT) that can be used to connect our circle of faith and to better understand ourselves. Nouran hopes that through her writing she can speak to hearts and not minds.</span></div>
~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-31298132974260709432013-07-29T04:24:00.000+02:002013-07-29T13:01:41.045+02:00Quran - the book of timeless guidance: a poem by MWA's Muslimah Poetess<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quran - the book of timeless guidance.</td></tr>
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A book of Divine Guidance, a Companion for the slave,<br />
A friend for a lifetime; the only light in your grave,<br />
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The ‘Kalaam’ that’s more beautiful than any literature, prose or poetries,<br />
The ‘Kitaab’ that’s filled with hope, mercy and inspiring stories,<br />
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The communicating medium with Ar – Rahmaan; the ultimate path to success,<br />
The contemplation of His ‘Aayat’ taking you away from anxiety, sorrow and distress,<br />
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A guide without whom you would be lost,<br />
A true ‘Ni'maa’ at hand, which the slave embraces at any cost,<br />
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A cure for your diseased heart; healing all your wounds and cuts,<br />
A holder of solutions to all your queries, without any ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’,<br />
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A book free of any flaws, errors or changes; a gift from Al-Hafeedh - the Noble Qur’aan!<br />
A beautiful way to strengthen your Taqwa and Imaan,<br />
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The book for the ‘Muttaqeen’, the model for the Saaliheen, the criterion for Ahl-ul-Jannah,<br />
Indeed it is a blessing, a relief, and a joy for the prisoners of this Duniya,<br />
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Each chapter magnificent in its own unique way,<br />
So full of worth if recited and reflected upon every day,<br />
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The more you read, the more you are left in awe,<br />
Of the miracles of the Qur’aan; the changes within yourself that you saw,<br />
A means of ‘Barakaah’ and ‘Hidaaya’, bringing the slave nearer to his Creator,<br />
The Sustainer, The Provider and the one who is the Originator,<br />
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So listen carefully and take my advice,<br />
think about the Aakhirah, be amongst the wise,<br />
Spend your time now with this friend, who will intercede for you on the Reckoning Day,<br />
When nothing except Allah can help; there is no refuge, no escape, no other way!<br />
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Don't simply murmur, but understand; read unto the depths and ponder,<br />
As you turn the Divine pages, at the greatness of the Book you shall wonder,<br />
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Make it the delight of your ‘Qalb’; the ‘Noor’ of your chest,<br />
Leave all distractions aside, for the Companion that is best.</div>
~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-25690045562767411622013-07-28T13:36:00.003+02:002013-07-29T07:09:01.970+02:00MWA asks: what is it about Ramadan and fasting that you particularly enjoy? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>[If viewing from the "Home" page, be sure to click on the "Read More" link after the introductory text to read...the rest of the story!]</i></span><br />
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I'll kick-start the post, and as some of you may already know, I oftentimes lean toward a touch of humor, so this is something silly that popped into my head one evening in Ramadan as I started to peel the toppings off a pizza that just arrived for suhoor. One of the reasons I might particularly enjoy the fasting aspect of Ramadan is that: I have food issues to start with! lol<br />
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Food. It bothers me to spend money buying it. It bothers me to spend time putting it away. It bothers me spending time to prepare it. It REALLY bothers me having to clean up after preparing it! And it UBER bothers me that all of that money, time and effort are consumed within 5-10 minutes from the start of eating it! AND THEN!!! And then we flush it down the toilet!!!! WTH?!?!<br />
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In the first week I was trying to make iftar and suhoor a little more photo-op-ish (lol) (for the MWA Ramadan blog's <a href="http://mwa-ramadan.blogspot.com/p/photos.html" target="_blank">photo section</a>), but as Ramadan rolled along this month, iftar's began to slim down to a mug of tomato or lentil soup, a handful of jelly beans (what! no dates?!), a cup of coffee and a tall glass of water (or two) before jumping out the door to pray Isahah and taraweeh. For suhoor, now maybe I'll eat a little more since I went light on the iftar, but light is the pattern that seems to be working best for me going into the second half of Ramadan.<br />
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On the serious side, subhan'Allah...it seems I have <a href="http://mwa-ramadan.blogspot.com/2013/07/on-kinship-and-quran-journal-entry-by.html" target="_blank">enjoyed</a> listening <a href="http://makkahlive.net/makkahlive.aspx" target="_blank">Quran</a> more than ever, and I have particularly enjoyed visiting different <a href="http://mwa-ramadan.blogspot.com/p/journals.html" target="_blank">masjids</a> for taraweeh prayers.<br />
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Last, but not least, helping maintain the <a href="http://mwa-ramadan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">MWA Ramadan blog</a> has really helped keep me focused on the essence of this Holy Month. Al-hamdulillah. And I'm so grateful for the contributions of MWA's members. Salute! <br />
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<b><i>Here's what some of the other sister members of MWA shared: </i></b><br />
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<b>Saba N Taylor: </b>Honestly, I like the first drop of water at iftar, that first drop that fills you with life again and reminds you of Allah's mercy and blessing. I also enjoy the peace and quiet as tv, radio and other forms of distraction is cut out and replaced with qur'anic recitation. I especially enjoy cooking for family and friends who have been fasting.<br />
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<b>Fahmida Sultana: </b>What I like is how we are living proof of the ayat that Allah told us to fast to have tawqa. It spiritually, physically and mentally revives me. I emphasize on everything extra because of the blessing of this month and how Merciful Allah is. It makes me more aware of the signs and how our life is so limited. It is something that our beloved prophet practiced and the companions and many other Muslims in the past and we are copying that. It makes me more deep and reflective. Also an opportunity to hold circles, get close to family and the Quran and Allah; to re-evaluate why I'm here.<br />
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<b>Isahah Janette Grant:</b> If I had to pick one thing that I like most about Ramadan I'd have to say reading the Qur'an. Each year I learn more and understand more on a deeper level and am revived and reinvigorated by it; if I can pick two then I would have to say getting up to prepare suhoor and praying fajr in jumaat with my family is second, especially as I witness the growth in the children and in my son in particular who is the oldest and gets better and better at fasting and getting up in the morning, it is a true delight and fills me with gratitude to Allah Ta'aala.<br />
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<b>Muslimah Poetess:</b> Subhaanallah! What can you probably say about a month where the monsters are chained and the angels surround? How can mere words even do justice to talk about a period where hides a night better than thousand months? SubhaanAllah!<br />
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The breath taking ride of tranquility, goodness, joy and peace that your hearts take in this blessed month is just unexplainable! EVERYTHING about this blissful month is so beautiful Subhaanallah!<br />
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Right from the early Suhoors to the barakaah filled Iftars, the tranquility that fills your soul, delight that encompasses all the happiness in those long Qiyams is something that we cant even comprehend!<br />
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I am awestruck at the thought that how Awsomely generous is Al - Azeez who gave us these 30-days with Rahma, Maghfirah a chance to be free from Hell Fire.<br />
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A chance to be a new YOU, a beginning of a fresh season, an opportunity to get rid of the past sins, a starting point of all together a fantastic change and an everlasting one Insha Allah!<br />
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But most of all, the one thing that I can't have enough is DEFINITELY the Taraaweeh time, from the fascinating recitation of the Imam that spills sakeenah every where in the Masjid, to the miraculous ayaahs that's worth pondering. Every time an ayah is recited, it connects, it hits hard, going deep and touching the chords of every heart! You can't resist but shed tears at the heart wrenching dua's that's made with all hands raised towards the sky, hoping for his Mercy to come down ALLAHUAKBAR!<br />
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All-in-all it's a wonderful and joyous experience to stand shoulder to shoulder with the your sister in deen; praising, asking, pleading and prostrating to one LORD who created, fed, clothed and guided in this not so amazing world!<br />
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In short, it's a month of revival, redemption and forgiveness so I can't help but wish that Ramadan never leaves! Sigh! Taqaballaha minna wa minkum.</div>
~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-54215844965033474942013-07-28T09:21:00.002+02:002013-07-29T07:06:47.239+02:00Tips for the Last 10 days of Ramadan by MWA's Muslimah Poetess<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Tips for the Last 10 days of Ramadan by MWA's Nihad Gazal</b></div>
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<li>Be ever ready to make dua'as during the prescribed times and If you are normally busy with chores till the last moment then cut short the du'a list a bit, mark it in your head the Super important ones.</li>
<li>Complete your 5 - 6 hours of sleep anyhow and take naps if required so that you are active during the mornings and the nights.<a name='more'></a></li>
<li>Get your self off from the tech world, try to disconnect from the social networking sites - Facebook, twitter etc until and unless its like really really important or else 10 - 15 minutes is more than enough which has to be something beneficial or else forget IT. Trust Me, You WILL survive perfectly without updating/liking/surfing.</li>
<li>Don't waste time in lavish Iftaars, you can cook lovely savories for the rest of the year and feed your family, for now cook simple, healthy, easy and QUICK!</li>
<li>Don't compromise on your cave time, that is your time spend alone with Allah and Qura'n.</li>
<li>Keep the Dhikr On, constant Istighfaar and other Adhkaars.</li>
<li>Let NOT your tongue be free even for a split second.</li>
<li>Make beautiful intentions even while doing the chores so that you are rewarded for them Insha Allah.</li>
<li>To get back the missing Khushu, try to memorize short Surahs and test yourself in Salaah, this way you will always concentrate on the Ayaahs if you are missing any or not, hence your head will not wander anywhere else, beidhnillah.</li>
<li>Another tip for Khushu is to prepare yourself before you pray, try to read a few Ayaahs from Quraan or understand a Hadeeth so you get yourself in that pattern. Moreover it serves as reminder for the heart and brain that they are about to talk to Allah swt.</li>
<li>While you pray for the never ending pleasures of this world, don't forget the 'forever life' which is the Aakhiraa. Concentrate on the life of Grave, seek protection from the fitnah of Yaajuj and Maajuj, fitnah of Dajjal.</li>
<li>Ask Allah for a good ending, a peaceful death and a hayaat filled with HIS obedience.</li>
<li>Get rid of your past sins. Seek HIS forgiveness during Qiyaams while you are in Sujood. Ponder over every major and minor sin and Ask Allah to wipe it off.</li>
<li>BEG AL - QADEER FOR HIGHEST LEVELS IN JANNAH, ask for Al - Firdaus!</li>
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Aim Higher Yaa Muslimeen! Let's pray; Let's stand for Qiyaams more than we can; Let's cry out to Al - Wadood for his A'fwa, and change our destinies through a proper Ibadah Plan; Let's get back; Let's rise again; Let's live the spirit of Ramadan before the shayaateen get out!<br />
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At the end of the Day, to HIM is our return. Success comes to those who strive hard and glad tidings is for the Muhsinoon who will be the dwellers of the best of the destinations without ANY DOUBT!</div>
~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-39581917150668277282013-07-28T07:13:00.002+02:002013-07-28T14:19:33.707+02:00On Kinship and Quran: a journal entry by MWA's Aishah Schwartz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0e7dQHaFek/UfSoQ_TBsNI/AAAAAAAADD4/hRivX7gEjiM/s1600/16th+century+quran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0e7dQHaFek/UfSoQ_TBsNI/AAAAAAAADD4/hRivX7gEjiM/s1600/16th+century+quran.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16th Century Quran.</td></tr>
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I think it was like two years ago that I passed through a familiar local souvenir shop whose management has been somewhat of a heart-adopted family to me during my time here in Egypt. As with many friends these days (especially if they're not online in one way or another), we don't see or hear from each other often, but that doesn't diminish the sense of Muslim kinship we share when I make one of my impromptu visits to their shop. <br />
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I'm not the sort to be able to make plans, as it seems my destiny that they almost always come undone, so with me it's like, if Aishah walks in the door, just smile and say, "Assalamu Alaikum!" <br />
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On that particular evening I found the shop had received a bit of redecorating and there was at the back, behind the shop keeper's desk, a newly installed sofa. After perfunctory greetings I hear the familiar words, "Aishah, sit." To be honest I have to fight the urge to bark. lol Thereafter, I am always asked what I would like to drink and one of the shop boys is tasked with retrieving my order. <br />
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"How are you, Aishah? It's long time we didn't see you." We exchange updates and I surprise them now and then by using a new Arabic word, to which they laughingly respond, "Masha'Allah, your Arabic has improved!" At the rate of one word per year, we all get a hearty laugh out of my inadequacy, but it's clear they love me as much as I appreciate them. I always leave the shop feeling blessed; fully recognizing that the very thing that has drawn me for a return visit is a sense of loneliness. Al-hamdulillah. <br />
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So on this particular visit my attention was drawn to the Quran recitation playing in the background from the shop's audio system. I commented on the beauty of the recitation and that I did not recall the name of the Imam, but that his version was my favorite. <br />
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The shop owner, Mohammed, rose instantly from his seat and walked over to remove the CD from its playing station. He then walked over to where I was sitting and without hesitation handed the CD to me. Subhan'Allah. I tried to refuse (it was not my intention to abscond with his copy!), but Mohammed insisted I keep it as a gift. <br />
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Most of the time when I listen to Quran it is either from mp3/4's on my laptop or videos on YouTube, so I also didn't want to take the CD because I knew it was not likely I would use it, so my thinking was that it was better off being listened to in the shop, right? <br />
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Anyways, do you know what? Wow. Two years later, in Ramadan 2013/1434, I came across that CD again when I was scrounging through the disaster otherwise known as my bedroom, looking for a misplaced external hard drive from which I needed to retrieve a set of January 2012 photos I took, for a magazine editor in Berlin who contacted me requesting permission to use them for an article he is publishing in August. I was motivated by the editor's email, as one of the photos requested for use happens to be a <a href="http://www.demotix.com/news/1028951/tahrir-square-tents-demand-retribution-cairo#media-1028836" target="_blank">favorite</a> of mine.<br />
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I set the re-discovered CD on top of my dresser - at first not sure it was the Quran CD Mohammed had given me - but intending to check to see if it was the same one, particularly since this is Ramadan, and I remembered why Mohammed had given it to me in the first place; because I liked it!<br />
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This morning as I was sitting here after fajr and consciously reminding myself that there was absolutely nothing I needed to watch on TV, the CD came back to my mind again. I went to retrieve it from the bedroom and inserted it into the CD player on my laptop, plugged the external speaker jack into the other side, opened the CD, and clicked on the first track.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qatayef.</td></tr>
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Suddenly I was back in the home of another heart-adopted Muslim family that I came to know during the time I spent living in Saudi Arabia (2004-2005). My mind drifted back to sitting on the floor with mom as she shelled a variety of fresh walnuts, cashews, pistachios and almonds, depositing them into a dish beside me for grinding. We were compiling ingredients for a favorite Ramadan treat called <a href="http://mideastfood.about.com/od/dessertssweetspastries/r/QatayefNuts.htm" target="_blank">Qatayef</a>, a cooked-on-one-side small pancake, filled with nuts or cheese or both, then deep fried to a light gold color and dipped in a sugar and corn syrup mixture, sometimes accentuated by a touch of orange blossom or rose water.<br />
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And always, always, playing from the wide-screen TV over our shoulder to the right, was the Mecca <a href="http://makkahlive.net/makkahlive.aspx" target="_blank">channel</a>. No words were needed between mom and I as we sat busy with our chore and listening to the very same recitation of Quran that I am listening to now; the memory granting me a moment of serenity that actually prompted me to write!<br />
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Suddenly I felt, as sometimes happens when I am listening to Quran (even though I cannot understand what is being said), a flush rising to my face and tears welling up in my eyes. The thought of Ramadan winding down to its eventual end overwhelming me with a sense of grief. <br />
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And it occurred to me that, if listening to this CD was something that made me feel so connected, why did I have to lose that connection just because Ramadan would end? So now what I must do is identify the name of the Imam reciting, and either download from the internet or purchase by CD, his complete recitation of the Quran, so that I can continue listening to this amazing sound that moves a heart to tears without even being able to understand the words. <br />
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My post-Ramadan dua for you. If there was even one thing you did in this Holy month of Ramadan to increase your imaan, your deen, my dua for you is that this one thing carries with you beyond Ramadan and uplifts you through to the next. </div>
~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8432978433152070941.post-88428354078592058962013-07-27T07:20:00.000+02:002013-07-27T07:22:42.538+02:00Fasting Ramadan and Keeping the Momentum Going by MWA's Isahah Janette Grant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Thirty days of fasting from sun-up to sun-set takes discipline, dedication, faithfulness, and most importantly the grace of God. The initial excitement at the onset of Ramadan and the eagerness to begin a month of conscious dedication to Allah for the purification of the body, mind and soul can begin to wane, especially for new Muslims and young people fasting for the first time, once the half-way mark is reached.<br />
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Around day 15 or 16 of Ramadan there can be more of a difficulty in getting up for suhoor to eat before the fast begins in the early morning hours; it can become harder to keep one’s patience as hunger pangs develop and escalate during the middle of the day and it can be harder concentrating on salaat and the proper manners that the believers should exhibit when fasting.<br />
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The Holy Qur’an states about Ramadan in Surah 2, Ayat 185:<br />
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The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.</blockquote>
Reading the Holy Quran regularly and rehearsing the signs of Allah that are contained within it are a clear and complete help for maintaining the momentum throughout the month. The fact that the Quran was originally revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during this month is important to mention because of the both the guidance and the admonitions contained therein. The Holy Quran is a guidance to all of mankind and the blessings that descend with the recitation of the it can often be experienced immediately and many believers’ hearts swell with emotion and their eyes fill with tears when they hear the guidance and admonitions of the Holy book; this alone can invigorate the spirit when fasting and can keep the flame of enthusiasm burning.<br />
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One ayat that is particularly inspiring reads in Surah 2:1:<br />
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This is the Book in which there is no doubt. It is a guide for those who are God-conscious, who believe in the unseen, who establish salah and spend in charity out of what We have provided for their sustenance; who believe in this Revelation which is sent to you and the Revelations which were sent before you and firmly believe in the Hereafter. They are on true guidance from their Rabb and they are the ones who will attain salvation.</blockquote>
Some additional tips to help in maintaining the enthusiasm and zeal initiated in the beginning of Ramadan throughout the entire month are:<br />
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<li>Remain sincere in your intention each and every day with each and every prayer, suhoor and iftar.</li>
<li>Repent for one’s short-comings: Allah tells us to repent to Him</li>
<li>Stay in remembrance of Allah throughout the day and remember to make dhikr</li>
<li>Offer duas frequently</li>
<li>Have patience to the best of your ability and pay attention to your manners: avoid vain and evil talk, try to avoid raising one’s voice and being easy to anger</li>
<li>Ponder on Allah’s blessings</li>
<li>Give in charity</li>
<li>Visit the sick</li>
<li>Increase your worship in the last 10 days</li>
<li>Ask Allah to make you witness Laylatul Qadr</li>
<li>Try to have a nap in the afternoon</li>
<li>And remember to be generous</li>
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It is important to state that Ramadan is a very personal experience and that it is difficult to generalize when prescribing advice for making that experience more fulfilling. There are, however, certain challenges that many believers struggles with when it comes to denying the body food and water or seeking to control base instincts and emotions but we are fortunate to have had a beautiful pattern of conduct laid down in the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Spending the night or part of the night in prayer, making Tareweeh prayers at the masjid, visiting the sick, and being generous with others are some of the behaviors recorded in the sunnah and have tried and tested to produce successful results for a blessed Ramadan.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Suggested by the author:<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/welcoming-the-holy-month-of-fasting-with-maryam-masjid" target="_blank">Welcoming the holy month of fasting with Maryam Masjid</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/gearing-up-for-ramadan" target="_blank">Gearing Up For Ramadan</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/fasting-ramadan-and-keeping-the-momentum-going" target="_blank">Originally published at the Houston Examiner</a></span><br />
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~Aishah Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242232635527262006noreply@blogger.com0