Even an empty plastic bottle can be charity: a journal entry by MWA's Aishah Schwartz

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.

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.

MWA's Lonna Amira Bowen shares her collection of Ramadan journals

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.

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. (Read More)

ABOUT MWA'S LONNA AMIRA BOWEN
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.
 

How reflective writing gave my Ramadan renewed meaning by MWA's Nouran Emad

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.

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?

Quran - the book of timeless guidance: a poem by MWA's Muslimah Poetess

Quran - the book of timeless guidance.

A book of Divine Guidance, a Companion for the slave,
A friend for a lifetime; the only light in your grave,

The ‘Kalaam’ that’s more beautiful than any literature, prose or poetries,
The ‘Kitaab’ that’s filled with hope, mercy and inspiring stories,

The communicating medium with Ar – Rahmaan; the ultimate path to success,
The contemplation of His ‘Aayat’ taking you away from anxiety, sorrow and distress,

MWA asks: what is it about Ramadan and fasting that you particularly enjoy?

[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'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

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?!?!

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 photo section), 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.

On the serious side, subhan'Allah...it seems I have enjoyed listening Quran more than ever, and I have particularly enjoyed visiting different masjids for taraweeh prayers.

Last, but not least, helping maintain the MWA Ramadan blog 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!

Tips for the Last 10 days of Ramadan by MWA's Muslimah Poetess

 

Tips for the Last 10 days of Ramadan by MWA's Nihad Gazal

• 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.
• Complete your 5 - 6 hours of sleep anyhow and take naps if required so that you are active during the mornings and the nights.

On Kinship and Quran: a journal entry by MWA's Aishah Schwartz

16th Century Quran.

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.

Fasting Ramadan and Keeping the Momentum Going by MWA's Isahah Janette Grant

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.

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.

Remembering my father on Tariq's second birthday: a journal entry by MWA's Zabrina Abu Bakar

Today, 17th Ramadan 1434 is Tariq's birthday. He turns 2 years old today, alhamdulillah.

I brought Tariq to visit his Grandpa today morning.

I remembered how happy my dad was when Tariq was born. Especially when so many said Tariq has many of his features.

Last year my dad organized Tariq's birthday's celebration by berbuka puasa (breaking fast) at an orphanage home. We all went there to treat the orphans. It was a very beautiful and memorable day.

God has given my dad 2 years with Tariq but God Willing, I will keep telling Tariq stories about his grandpa so that he'd remember my dad, his grandpa.. as if he is still alive...
---
RELATED: 
My dad on how to be a transporter of goodness: a journal entry by MWA's Zabrina Abu Bakar
A lesson from my dad on charity: a journal entry by MWA's Zabrina Abu Bakar
Love and mercy in Ramadan and always, insha'Allah: a journal entry by MWA's Zabrina Abu Bakar

Residents in Hurghada, Egypt gather for outdoor iftar - photo essay by MWA's Aishah Schwartz

This is a photo essay so click on the "Read More" link at the lower left corner of the first image.

Click on any image to view larger size.

 

Her mom insisted on the photo; maybe because our outfits were color coordinated.

Ramadan Blessings: a poem by MWA's Fahmida Sultana

Amidst the sweltering heat
Dehydrating thirst
Delicious aromas swaying in the air
Constant Chitter chatter
Children's wants and needs
Extreme exhaustion
Lack of soothing sleep
I cherish my fast from dawn till dusk
When the sunset welcomes the Adhan and the Adhan welcomes the Iftar
Knowing in my heart that Allah was watching me and protecting me throughout the day
Giving me strength from hidden sources

When the last few seconds are ticking towards Iftar I have hope that Allah will accept my fast for Him
And in return he blesses me with abundant gifts in the form of thirst quenching drinks and nourishing food
Replenishing anything that was lost
How can I not be grateful to my Creator when he blesses me when I'm fasting and continues to bless me when I'm eating?

©Fahmida Sultana 2013

Reflecting on life and Ramadan: a journal entry from MWA's Nafisa Cooper

Ramadan is always a welcomed and sought out time for me to not only participate in all of the many activities that bring us closer to Allah and His Messenger, but also to do a lot of self reflection.

This time of the year I remember more of who has been a constant and positive influence in my life than most anytime. I have found that I measure my spiritual growth not from season-to-season, but I unintentionally measure the changes and growth during this month from year-to-year. Maybe because I know this is the month of mercy.

MWA's Farah Kinani shares an iftar from Morocco

Moroccan Iftar

The table was amazingly decorated with a Chinese soup, Moroccan pancakes filled with either turkey and lettuce, or cheese and mortadel, so yummy.

A lesson from my dad on charity: a journal entry by MWA's Zabrina Abu Bakar

Click on image to view larger size.

Today is both a happy and sad day for me.

Happy because a few days before turning 2 years old on 17th Ramadan, today is the historic day that Tariq first helped me allocate and organize the household products we wish to donate to the poor.

Sad because while watching him carry those items which some are as heavy as he is, I remembered my dad's words to instill and develop very early inside Tariq 2 things: One is the love for the poor and needy; and second is the spirit of volunteerism.

Dad, if you are here to watch your grandson, you'd be beaming with pride by the sheer dedication and insistent Tariq showed the whole time, alhamdulillah.

I remember what you said dad, 'It is never too early to start...'

Though I doubt you then, I agree with you now...

My dad on how to be a transporter of goodness: a journal entry by MWA's Zabrina Abu Bakar

This morning, my heart saddens as I fill up a donation brochure of one of my favourite NGOs to join their Ramadan donation drive.

I remembered years back, when I first wanted to help them out, I filled up this similar brochure and then asked my dad if he knew the location of the address as stated on the brochure. At that time, online banking was not available and I don't like posting my cheques in mails.

'Yes, I know this place. Its near to our home. Let me send it for you..' he said.

Aishah! Whaddjya eat today? Ask Sakinah...

IFTAR: Hot dog sandwich, chicken noodle soup, pineapple orange juice and water

SUHOOR: Veggie Pizza & Sprite

Sakinah after Suhoor. That's one fat cat!

Okay, it's settled. I have a terrible diet. But look! I only ate the toppings on the pizza, not the bread!

Ramadan Kareem: live stream from Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Ramadan Blessings: cancer remission confirmation and a movie for MWA's Isahah Janette Grant

MWA-NET (July 20, 2013) Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) is pleased to announce that Bridges Foundation has released the official movie trailer for its upcoming movie, Part III in The Fog is Lifting series, Islam in Women, featuring MWA founding member, Isahah Janette Grant. 

The documentary features the interviews of twelve revert Muslim women from Belgium, Britain, Greece, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Germany, USA, Netherlands and Sweden, discussing how their lives were enhanced by embracing Islam.   

Also included in the production, the interview of a non-Muslim woman, a professor from Al-Azhar University, and a professor in the Divinity School at Harvard University. The documentary reveals the secrets behind why Islam attracts more women than men, and aims to refute misconceptions about women in Islam.  
 
 
The July 19 trailer release marked a double celebration for Ms. Grant and her sister MWA members. After a prolonged absence of health insurance preempted her ability to seek medical attention, Ms. Grant announced receiving confirmation that her previously treated Hodgkins Lymphoma remains in remission. It was welcome news and an unforgettable blessing in this, the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan.

Aishah's after taraweeh adventure at Senzo Mall - July 20, 2013

No joke. The first thing I saw when I walked in the front door.

Quran Healing My Pained Heart - a journal entry by MWA's Lonna Amira Bowen

Tonight, I am pained by a conversation I had with a sister at the masjid. I listened to her go between being the tough strong Muslimah to confessing to me that she has experienced domestic violence, which was quickly played off as completely her fault and ensured that it has not happened since… except it happened twice.

MWA's Saba N. Taylor shares her southern-style July 20 iftar

Homemade mac 'n' cheese, fried fish (tilapia) and collard greens.

Alhamdulillah, I channeled my southern roots with this iftar :D

Homemade mac 'n' cheese, fried fish (tilapia) and collard greens.

I was going to make hot water cornbread but just wasn't feeling up to it.

Unfortunately, I could not partake in the fried fish as I am still recovering from dental surgery but I was happy to see my family really enjoy it. :)

Alhamdulillah for all of His blessings on me and my loved ones.

A.C. for Taraweeh Please! A journal by MWA's Aishah Schwartz

To be honest? This is a totally impromptu post. I have three other member posts to publish, two other personal journal posts to finalize and another one burning my fingertips to get off onto my keyboard! But I said to myself, "This is a quickie." Well...we'll see about that. Here goes. [Don't laugh. I didn't get this published until July 29...ten days later!]

I'm a collector. I collect mobile numbers, names and receipts; oh, and plastic bottles.

It happened when I started visiting my favorite masjid for taraweeh prayers, that I noticed the women's prayer hall, which has two large air conditioning units, was so humid because the units were not being turned on in time for the prayers.

Uthman ibn Affan Masjid, Hurghada. ©Aishah Schwartz

One evening, I think it was after my July 13 visit for taraweeh prayers, oh, yes! I wrote about that! It was the evening I took photos from inside the men's prayer hall.

Anyways! It happened that the masjid's Imam, Sheikh Ahmed (who snapped that fabulous photo of me standing beside his recitation Quran), invited me for tea (with a few other people, of course), and so, I collected his mobile number. #SansMotive

Aishah's July 19 suhoor journey; no kidding, it was a journey

Hey, I like the blurred lighting effect. *smile*

Where to begin. Oh, yes! Intentions! lol lol

Okay, so earlier in the evening, after Thursday's taraweeh prayers, I set out to spend the evening at my newest favorite coffee shop in front of the sea. Mission accomplished; in part.

You see, I intended for the second part of my evening–err, morning–to be spent taking my suhoor at the same coffee shop; however, as in all things Ramadan (in most Muslim majority countries), schedules change, and I did not know the usual open 24-hours-a-day had been cut back to a closing time of 2:00AM. Suddenly I was frantic to save the two draft Ramadan journal entries I was trying to work on simultaneously (no, I have not gone back to read how I might have pulled that off!), grab my check and, well, check-out!

Thieboudienne: a Senegalese recipe presented by MWA's Queen Sheba Cisse

Click on image to view larger size.

As Salaam Alaykum beloveds, I pray all is well this blessed month.

I was so awaiting this Ramadaan this year for several reasons and the first one is very grateful to be alive to see it, secondly I have been battling some health issues that I previously wrote about and being that Fasting has so many health benefits associated with it I knew medically I would be in good standing. Very early 2013, before the month of Rajab, I had completely divorced bad habits to welcome in my new way of eating and food preparation.

One of the healthiest meals recipes I would love to share is a popular Senegalese meal called Thieboudienne (pronounced Cheb-oo- jen) it is easier to say than it looks, but is also known by the abbreviated "Thieb". 

What to do after taraweeh...with Aishah, ya never know!

Seriously, it's a large story...but I already have three journal entries in draft waiting to be finished, so photos will have to suffice. The good news is that as of Sunday my new favorite coffee shop will be serving suhoor! Woot! Woot!
(Click on images to view larger size)

Spotted outdoor taraweeh prayers, masha'Allah.
(Not all services finish at the same time.)

MWA's Zawjah min Tauseef shares her Ramadan iftar – just for two

Husband and I had a rare opportunity last evening of breaking our fast at home. We normally have our suhoor at home, iftar with my in-laws and dinner with his.  :)

While this might seem like a blessed arrangement, I find it too cumbersome. Besides, I’ve done so many iftars with family, extended family – mashaAllah – that now I’d like a few with just hubby and me. But alhamdolillah for family.

So getting back to yesterday’s iftar, it was a last minute plan and with a little over an hour and limited ingredients, I felt like a master chef contestant beating the clock to whip up something special. Gladly there was no Marco around or some serious violence would have invalidated my fast.

I decided on potato rolls and pizza.

I started with boiling potatoes and chicken separately.

For the rolls, I mixed finely chopped carrots, capsicum, shredded chicken, coriander and onion, black pepper, salt and red chilly flakes with the mashed potatoes.

Shaped them into little rolls.

MWA's Fahmida Sultana shares iftar pics - wonder if she delivers?

<<<< click on 'read more' link

A Ramadan iftar journal entry from MWA's Saba N. Taylor: July 15, 2013

For the past few years, the some of the sisters in  my community have gotten together and hosted all-sister iftars. These iftars encourage sisters in the community to make new friends while strengthening their bonds with old friends. It is also a great way for converts and new sisters to the area to make new Muslimah friends. (See 'read more' link under photo.)

On forgiveness in Ramadan. Masha'Allah.

“The twelve months of the year are like the twelve sons of Prophet Yaʿqūb. And just as Prophet Yūsuf was the most beloved to Yaʿqūb, the month of Ramadān is the most beloved to Allāh. And just as Allāh forgave the 11 brothers by the duʿāʾ of one; Yūsuf, He can forgive your 11 months of sins by your duʿāʾ in Ramadān.”

— Imām Ibn Jawzī

Ramadan Special: from MWA member Zabrina A. Bakar's Life is an Open Secret Series

Life is an Open Secret - Ramadan Special (2009)

 

ISBN: 9789834353858

Author: Zabrina A. Bakar

Publisher: Wise Words Publishing (June 2009)

Pages: 183 Binding: Paperback

Description from the publisher:

This book carries 25 motivational and inspirational stories specifically tailored for the month of Ramadan when Muslims worldwide are required to observe the act of fasting from dawn until sunset for a period of one month. This special month brings along with it many benefits and blessings that are sometimes forgotten. Thus, the stories in this book serve as a reminder as to what Ramadan is truly about. All stories are written in a simple, chatty, humorous and witty way that promises to touch your heart, tease your mind, soothe your soul and make you reflect along the way.

Love and mercy in Ramadan and always, insha'Allah: a journal entry by MWA's Zabrina Abu Bakar

It's clear to see Zabrina's father enjoyed his hug.

One of the things that I miss so much is to give my dad his 5-point kiss and a big hug.

Yes, I have a way to kiss and hug him every time I entered his home or saw him, when I would say goodbye, when I asked his forgiveness after every prayer, when I apologized for upsetting him, and when I thanked him for every wonderful thing he ever did for me.

Ahlen Ya Ramadaan! Ahlen Ya Ramadaan! a poem by MWA's Muslimah Poetess

A month of Unlimited Mercy, the month of Qura’an,
The 30 blissful days where the Sakeena descends from Ar – Rahmaan,
Which only precedes after the peaceful ending of Sha’baan,
Ahlen Ya Ramadaan! Ahlen Ya Ramadaan!

MWA's Nancy Qualls-Shehata shares a reflection on Quran memorization

As Salaamu Alaikum!

Just about midnight and time for me to go to sleep. Tomorrow, inshaAllah, I start reading surat An'aam. Review what I'm memorizing of surat al Mulik. Make a pot of stew. Chase the kids around. Step on a few Legos.

It's really amazing, and big shame on me actually, that during a month that is so busy with work, and long challenging days due to fasting, that I have read more Qur'an than I have the whole previous year. Less TV, still sufficient time for my crochet, still working, praying more and more consistently. It boils down to choices. When you make the time to MAKE THE TIME to learn, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala blesses your time and gives you more energy. No excuses. My most heartfelt du'a is that I am able to maintain my learning after Ramadan is over.

A lesson on patience and positivity in Ramadan by MWA's Saba N. Taylor

While reviewing Be Positive, a children’s book that introduces how to be positive, my mind immediately went back to an experience that happened the night before. 

At around ten in the pm, my sister and I left home to go to the mosque. It was as we were leaving that she remembered that our usual route would be closed due to highway construction. So, we were going to be a little late by taking an alternate highway. “Ugh,” she said in frustration. I chose to stay positive. “It’s going to be a one and a half hour prayer, we will get there in time to join in,” I reminded her and off we went.

Hope in Ramadan: a poem by MWA's Fahmida Sultana

I hope to worship You
Day and night
Drown in remembrance
Of You

And move my soul to another
Time and Space
And lose myself there

I hope to be pleasing to You
My Lord
So You can shower Your Peace and Blessings on me

Featured aMuslimah Interview: Redemption Song Collected Poems by MWA's Janette Grant

Click on image for larger view.

Article Excerpts 

Redemption Song – reflects her thoughts about things we all face at one point throughout our lives.  Although some of her writing is inspired from external situations, persons, circumstances deep down her inspiration and perspective is drawn much from what she or her family are going through. Which can range from severe health conditions to issues and scenarios her children or family member are going through.

Ramadan 2013 (1434) Taraweeh Prayers (and more) Online

#Ramadan 2013 (1434)

In case some of you were interested (some may already know),

the Taraweeh prayers are available online for listening and/or downloading at a variety of locations.

#Taraweeh Prayers from #Makkah (check titles for versions w/English or French subtitles) #Ramadan

#TARAWEEH PRAYERS FROM #MECCA #Makkah & #MEDINA #Madinah

Saudi TV #Makkah & #Madinah - #Taraweeh Prayers and more

A healthy reminder for your soul from MWA's Aishah Schwartz

Sisters, Ramadan is a time of year when we are more social than normal, particularly when it comes to going to the masjid for taraweeh prayers. Please keep in mind to guard your tongues. The one you are hurting more than anyone with wrong words is: yourself. 

Aishah's fava bean suhoor - July 14, 2013

Fava beans, flat bread, cheese bread, figs, grapes and tea.

Dua at Suhoor
Transliteration: Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan.

Decorating in Ramadan: Here's what's hangin' in Aishah's place

So tell me (or share your link as a comment) how are you decorating for Ramadan this year? I found this decorative wall-hanging Ramadan lantern at the International Festival for Tourism and Cultural Exchange that was in Hurghada June 26 - July 1, 2013. It was at a vendor table for the country of Syria. Had my pocket been lined with a little more cash, I would have bought so much more!

Syrian hand-crafted Ramadan lantern for wall.

Jessica is just an accessory

Syrian hand-made decorative Ramadan lanterns

Syrian hand-made baskets

Hand-made Syrian Ramadan decorations

Aishah's Ramadan Journal: Taraweeh Day 4

Entrance to the masjid

It suddenly occurred to me that for this time of year, the evening weather has been exceptionally pleasant. Masha'Allah. I left my flat after iftar (today I had chicken!) and headed to my favorite masjid. When the taxi dropped me at the front entrance I was immediately struck by the serenity of the scene in front of me, so, of course, I had to snap a photo. <<<

I made my way upstairs to the women's prayer hall, above the main hall where the men gather for prayer, and found a front row (the only row) seat. Through the tinted window in front of me I could see the men shoulder-to-shoulder lined up in rows, one behind the other.

MWA's Sis Zabrina shares her father's tips for reading Quran in Ramadan

My dad used to remind me to read 4 pages of Quran after every prayer especially during Ramadan.

Its so easy..."That's how I complete one Quran in one month," he said.

And he always try to complete 2 or 3 rounds during Ramadan.

In the last 20 years, once a while I took heed, most of the time, I don't. And of course I have reasons for it. Most famous one I gave my dad was that I don't have enough time after every salat to do it.

Ramadan: a poem by MWA's Fahmida Sultana

Ramadan is the best month of all months by the permission of Allah

Its days are best among the days

Its nights are best among the nights

And its hours are best among the hours

In this precious month I have been chosen to be among countless others to receive Allah's honour and blessings

His Mercy will envelope me even when I breathe
Each breath will be a reminder to His eternal Truth
Even when I sleep
It will be worship

Fahmida Sultana 2013

Jummah Friday suhoor at Aishah's place

Eggs over-easy, potatoes w/sour cream, toast with jam, juice, water and tea.

Dua at Suhoor
Transliteration: Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan.