STRADA PLACIDO: Self-improvement

Common Mistakes of Ramadhan

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:30:53 GMT

Salaamaleykum...

Some Common Mistakes in Ramadaan

Lets Strive Not to Repeat the Same

By Asma bint Shameem

1 : Taking Ramadaan as a ritual

For many of us Ramadaan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie just because everyone around us is fasting too. We forget that its a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil....we forget to make dua, forget to beseech Allaah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire. Sure we stay away from food and drink but that's about all.

Although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:
“Jibreel said to me, May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person to who Ramadaan comes and his sins are not forgiven, and I said, Ameen.
Then he said, May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise (by not serving them) and I said, Ameen.
Then he said, May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you, and I said, Ameen.’”

(Tirmidhi, Ahmad, others. Saheeh by al-Albaani)

2 : Too much stress on food and drink

For some people, the entire month of Ramadaan revolves around food. They spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about only food, instead of concentrating on Salaah, Quraan and other acts of worship. All they can think of is FOOD. So much so that they turn the month of fasting into the month of feasting. Come Iftaar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks. They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. It is also a kind of waste & extravagance.

".....and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance)" [al-Araaf :31]

3 : Spending all day cooking

Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking ALL day and ALL night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read Quraan. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!

4 : Eating too much

Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to make up for the food missed. However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air."

(Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah. saheeh by al-Albaani).

Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless.
It was said to Imam Ahmad: Does a man find any softness and humility in his heart when he is full? He said, I do not think so.

5 : Sleeping all day

Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) sleeping away their fast. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people also are missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot bear to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but, negligence on his part.

6 : Wasting time

The month of Ramadaan is a precious, precious time, so much so that Allaah calls this month "Ayyamum Madoodaat" (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allaah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music. Subhaan Allaah! Trying to obey Allaah by DISOBEYING him!

7 : Fasting but not giving up evil

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam, buying lotto tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allaah.

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” [al-Baqarah 2:183]

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allaah has no need of him giving up his food and drink."

(Bukhaari)

8 : Smoking

Smoking is forbidden in Islam whether during Ramadaan or outside of it, as it is one of al-Khabaaith (evil things). And this includes ALL kinds of smoking material eg.cigars, cigarettes, pipes, sheesha, hookah etc.

"he allows them as lawful At Tayyibaat (all good and lawful things), and prohibits them as unlawful Al Khabaa'ith (all evil and unlawful things) [al-Araaf :157]

It is harmful, not only to the one smoking, but also to the ones around him. It is also a means of wasting ones wealth.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "There should be no harming or reciprocating harm."

This is especially true during fasting and it invalidates the fast.
(Fatwa -Ibn Uthaymeen)

9 : Skipping Suhoor

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Eat suhoor for in suhoor there is blessing."(Bukhaari, Muslim).

And he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor." (Muslim)

10 : Stopping Suhoor at Imsaak

Some people stop eating Suhoor 10-15 minutes earlier than the time of Fajr to observe Imsaak.

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen said: This is a kind of bidah (innovation) which has no basis in the Sunnah. Rather the Sunnah is to do the opposite. Allaah allows us to eat until dawn: "and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)" [al-Baqarah 2:187]

And the Prophet (pbuh) said: "….eat and drink until you hear the adhaan of Ibn Umm Maktoom, for he does not give the adhaan until dawn comes."

This imsaak which some of the people do is an addition to what Allaah has prescribed, so it is false. It is a kind of extremism in religion, and the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

"Those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed." (Muslim)

11 : Not fasting if they missed Suhoor

Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhoor. However, this is a kind of cowardice and love of ease. What is the big deal if you missed a few morsels of food? Its not like you will die. Remember, obedience to Allaah overcomes everything.

12 : Saying the intention to fast out loud or saying a specific dua to start fasting

The intention is an action of the heart. We should resolve in our heart that we are going to fast tomorrow. That is all we need. It is not prescribed by the Shariah for us to say out loud, "I intend to fast", "I will fast tomorrow" or other phrases that have been innovated by some people. Also, there is no specific dua to be recited at the time of starting the fast in the correct Sunnah. Whatever dua you may see on some papers or Ramadaan calendars, etc. is a Bidah.

read more :
Uttering the intention to fast out loud is an innovation (bidah)
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/LoveIslam_ LiveIslam/ message/258

Authentic & UnAuthentic Dua for Iftaar !!!
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/LoveIslam_ LiveIslam/ message/263

13 : Delaying breaking fast

Some people wait until the adhaan finishes or even several minutes after that, just to be on the safe side. However, the Sunnah is to hasten to break the fast, which means breaking fast whenever the adhaan starts, right after the sun has set. Aaishah (RA) said: This is what the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to do. (Muslim)

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "The people will continue to do well so long as they hasten to break the fast."

(Bukhaari, Muslim)

Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar, etc. and then have tawakkul on Allaah and break your fast exactly on time.

14 : Eating continuously until the time for Maghrib is up

Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss Maghrib. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) was that once he broke his fast with some dates, them he would hasten to the prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish.

15 : Missing the golden chance of having your Dua accepted

The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler."

(al-Bayhaqi, saheeh by al-Albaani).

Instead of sitting down and making Dua at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it....Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Duas.

16 : Fasting but not praying

The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer." (Muslim)

In fact, NONE of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all annulled.

"Whoever does not pray Asr, his good deeds will be annulled." (Bukhaari)

17 : Fasting and not wearing Hijaab

Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women. (See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly takes away enormously from the rewards of fasting, even if does not invalidate it.

18 : Not fasting because of exams or work

Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do that during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allaah is much more important than good grades. Besides, if you will fulfil your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allaah will make it easy for you and help you in everything you do.

"Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him."
(Surah at-Talaaq 2-3)

19 : Mixing fasting and dieting

DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (esp. sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone.

Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.

20 : Fighting over the number of Rakaah of Taraweeh

There is no specific number of rakahs for Taraweeh prayer, rather it is permissible to do a little or a lot. Both 8 and 20 are okay.
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen said: "No one should be denounced for praying eleven or twenty-three (rakaah), because the matter is broader in scope than that, praise be to Allaah."

21 : Praying ONLY on the night of the 27th

Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan." (Bukhaari, Muslim).

22 : Wasting the last part of Ramadaan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadaan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr. although, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to strive the hardest during the last ten days of Ramadaan in worship (Ahmad, Muslim) and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadaan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadaan to the max.

Aaishah (RA) said: “When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam)) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family.”

(Bukhaari and Muslim).

23 : Iftaar parties

Although inviting each other for breaking fast is something good and encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish Iftaar parties with all sorts of disobedience to Allaah, from flirting, mixing of the sexes and hijaab-less women, to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salaah, and Taraweeh to even music and dancing.

Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar, etc. and then have tawakkul on Allaah and break your fast exactly on time.

Arranged/Love Marriage

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 04:48:00 GMT

Salaamaleykum.

      Last year, when one of my acquaintance declared that he will be marrying a lass from his classroom, I was taken aback. He was 18years and the girl, whom according to my sources, was 22years at the time. Leave alone the age gap, or even the age to begin with, but the fact that both were students who were under their parents' financial dependence and especially the fact that they were studying at a country so far away from their families, made me ridicule the idea.
    I assumed that this was yet another example of Zeitgeist (spirit of time). He was probably mad with love. However, I was wrong. Apparently their families arranged them to be married even before they left their country. It was an arranged marriage.
   Today, one year on, they are happy, and expecting a bundle of joy. (Though I wonder how will they study and raise a child at one time, in a foreign land away from their family)

Few weeks ago, at my high school reunion, I was told that someone from my batch, has just recently got divorced. I was surprised he, being a cityboy, even married at such young age. I was not expecting the next surprise. It seems it was his 2nd divorce in 4 years. His first marriage was when he was merely 18yrs old. Then, he had a child, divorced, and then married again, end eventually divorced again.

The two events above, and the statistics of the staggering divorce rates, accelerating by the month, made me question the rationale of the situation.

I've come to conclusion that, arrange marriage tends to have a higher success rate compared to love marriage. For those of us that has been in love before, will know that love does not last. Love is like a spark that can die out any time. When love dies out, a relationship is doomed to failure, except with perseverance and effort by both parties.

Let me stress again, a successful love story can only happen, with efforts from BOTH sides!

So, if you're in love , in cloud nine, and wanna get married as soon as possible, hit the brakes and review the situation. Take some time off to be truly sure that that 'love' you feel is not just a momentary spark.

Friends and Acquaintances

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:57:00 GMT

Salaamaleykum,

    Of atisakhi and ati, what do I have to say about them? Atisakhi and Ati are Sanskrit words for 'great friend' and 'acquaintance', respectively.

    Atisakhi (great friend), as I've personally defined, is someone who is such a great friend that his presence in my life is as necessary as food and air itself. Someone who I wish to share joy and pain with. Someone I know, will get my back whenever I fall.... so on and so forth.

     For most of my mature life, I remember hunting for that 'perfect friend'. I had a Atisakhi in high school, later on however, we grew apart to a point he just remained as a ati to me.
    Then, at college, I met a new friend, who eventually became my new atisakhi. Few weeks after he went back to him homeland, I realised he was no more that 'atisakhi', no...he was merely another ati.
    Well, this happened again, and again and again.
Indeed, its hard everytime a person you assume as a best friend gets further from you. From having spent so much time and having fun together, to a point where you the hardly see each other and the best you can say when you meet is 'Hi.How are you?'.
    Memories can be the worst enemy in such times. Remembering the sweet memories, somewhat leaves me paralysed from creating new memories for weeks.
    I keep blaming myself for choosing wrong people to 'invest emotions' in.
    Yes, I know, it sounds like a love story...but no, its friendship.Let me make it clear.

    I'm a child (teorically), learning the ways of life. How to live and why things happen against our wants and expectations.
   It was only on my 5th atisakhi, that I realised that, 'great friends' is a very relative definition.
   At each stage of your life, you have different moods, different preference and definately different expectations from life. And at each stage, the people you befriend differ based on that stage.
   Take it like a lock-and-key teory. Different stage is a different lock. And your 'Atisakhi' is the key. As the lock changes slowly, the key also have to change.
   As horrible as it may be, but it is a fact I discovered.
   However, i also know of this little fact. Sometimes, if you look hard and smart enough, you'ill find the 'masterkey'. A key that can open no matter how the lock change. Alas, a true ATISAKHI!
   I'm gonna keep on finding, and hoping the great friends I come across will stay as such forever.
May we all find our atisakhi.
Allah Madad!

A story of love

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:26:00 GMT

Salaamaleykum,

While I was in Burma, I opened a song for my grandma.

Ek Pyaar ka Nagma hain (Its a love's story).
Maujoon ki ravaani hain (its a flow of ecstasy),
Zindagi aur kuch bhi nahin (Its life and nothing else),
Tere mere kahani hain (A story of you and me)....
Listen

The song has been sentimental in my family for generations. It started with my great grandfather started singing this song as a lulaby for his grandchildren.

When I first listened to this song, i assumed that the song was talking about 'their' love being immortalised in a story like that of Romeo and Juliet.
However, my grandmother had a different interpretation. For her, the song translates to something like - love's just a story like any other. Eventually, like any other story, it will end, and the book will be closed.

Of course, my grandmother's interpretation was miserable and less idealistic. However, I can't help, but to accept her view as better then mine.

My interpretation was like that of any other youth, with such high idealistic views when it come to the issue of love. But, as you grow older, you start to see the other side of love, and realise that love is not as mystical as we assume it is.
Most will agree with me when I say, love does not last. The spark and affection does dies out over certain amount of time,except perhaps in few exceptional cases.

I guess, the song is right, love is just a story , which will eventually be closed at the end of the day.

Allah Madad!

P.S.: Please do bear in mind that there are more to love than that of between two lovers.

Miracles We Oversee...

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:07:06 GMT

Salaamaleykum,

A couple of nights ago, I was praying taraweeh at the Musalla (Jama'at khanna) near my house. The Musalla was so over crowded, it spreads out to the children's playground behind it.

I was praying inside the Musalla, however. Being claustrophobic and a bit athsmatic, I tend to choose an airy spot right under the fan, and make sure I dont pray between large sized people.
However, that particular night, my scheme seem to fail when all of the sudden, the one praying beside me left and a 'large sized' man took over his place. As my space get a bit smaller and confined, my claustrophobia kicked in and i felt suffocative.

I made up my mind to leave the musalla and join the back rows in the playground after that set of prayers. (Well, according to the Holy Traditions, the closer you are to the front line, the better your rewards (hasanat/sawab) are.)

Right after the Salaam, the man in front of me left the Musalla, and the man beside me took over that place. Much to my delight, the vacant space beside me was taken over by a young child half my height. A lot of space and oxygen for me up there.

Why am I telling you this?

Well, if you just let it pass your mind, its just a series of incident that, in the end, was benefectory to me. But when you think a bit deeper, that too is a miracle from God. I disliked the situation I was in, and within a short while, the situation was repaired to my satisfaction.

Just pay a little attention, and you will find God's miracles everywhere and in everything. How thankful we must be!

Ya Allah Madad!

Questions we dont want Answered

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:59:00 GMT

Salaamaleykum,

    Many months ago, when my cousin told me his family was moving out from the neighbourhood, I quickly changed the topic and avoided talking... or even hint about it.
    I was in denial. Of course, how long can you deny something that is bound to happen. It wasn't until just a few days ago, when my auntie told me with her own mouth that they are moving, I accepted the fact.
    All the while, between my innitial denial and my acceptance, i was just a step away from finding out the truth (I set my mind to assume that my cousin was just kidding with me). I could have simply ask my auntie or uncle, and know the truth.
    Sometimes...we're just a question away from the answer that haunts our mind, but we rather not know the answer...coz, we rather leave the question unanswered, and assume the answer is what what we hope it is. Sometimes, thanks to this, we're left with hope that keeps our heart beating everyday. However, sometimes...the questions dont remain unanswered for long.

    I remember a movie...'Cinema Paradiso'...its an italian love movie that won the best foreign film award in 1989 Oscar awards (if i'm not mistaken).
    In the movie, the mentor of the hero relates a story...

    "...There was once, a palace guard, who fell in love with the princess.He knows he's out of league for her, but still, he gathered his courage and declare his love for her. The princess, amused with the guard's courage, gave him a challenge. The guard was to stand under her window every day and night for a hundred days and he will know if she has accepted him, when she opens her window. So, the delighted guard started the challange. Day and night, hot or cold, rain or sun, the guard stood loyally under the window, hoping for the window to open. On the night of the 99th day however, the guard abruptedly left his position and went home..."

    WHY??? Why after 99 days of hardship, the guard just gave up and left...with just 1 day left remaining? Why?

    Answer, if you've been in this situation, is very clear. The guard was wise in doing so. Having waited patiently under the window for 99 days, he knew he tried his best to fulfill his love. But on the 100th day, the princess was about to give her answer. Had she opened the window, and accepted him, it would have been great. BUT!!...had she forgot, or said no...it would have broke the guard's heart so badly...it could kill him.
    The guard, having tried his best, walked away, not having his question answered...believing, he was accepted by the princess, but it was he who walked away from her.

Ya Allah Madad!

Don't be sad

Thu, 29 May 2008 16:43:00 GMT

Salaamaleykum,

Today, i'm gonna recommend you a book of great excellence.

Don't be sad (لا تحزن)
by
'Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni.
(read e-book)

    The book is easy to read and subjects presented are brief and concise, hence saving us from the 'I won't sleep until i finish this chapter' problems. Hundreds of topics are touched by the author to help us overcome our sadness.
    Indeed, sadness can be overcome, if we really want to overcome it.
    Here's a quote from the book.

Don't cling to other than Allah

    If Allah, the Exalted, is the One Who brings to life, causes death, and if He alone provides for all creation, why fear people or be distressed by their actions?
    I think that in our society much grief and anxiety is caused by our attachment to people- in seeking to please them, trying to gain their favour, striving to praise the important ones among them, and feeling wounded by their disparaging treatment. And all of this indicates a weakness in one's belief in Allah.
    An Arab poet said;

'Would that you wee pleased when life is bitter,
And would that you were contented when people are angry,
If your love for Allah is true, then all else is insignificant,
And all above the dirt is dirt'

The book is a great read. Well worth your time. Even if you're a gay type of person, then surely you can use it to help out your friends.

My soft cover copy's from the International Islamic Publishing House, KSA. Priced at aprox. €6/US$10.

Allah Madad!

People of God will always be happy

Wed, 28 May 2008 02:19:00 GMT

Salaamaleykum,
I came across this song, and found the lyrics quite inspirational. So, why not share?
Here's the link to the video of the song

Toota Toota Ek Parinda Aise Toota
An angel was so badly broken
Ke Phir Jud Naa Paaya
That he could not be healed

Loota Loota Kisne Usko Aise Loota
Somebody stole (the wings) from the angel
Ke Phir Ud Naa Paaya
Till he was unable to fly

(repeat)

Girta Hua Woh Asma Se
He fell from the sky
Aakar Gira Zameen Par
Onto the earth

Khwabon Mein Phir Bhi Badal Hi The
Yet in his dreams there were still only clouds
Woh Kehta Raha Magar
And he kept saying

*Ke Allah Ke Bande Hasde
That the people of Allah will always be laughing (happy)
Allah Ke Bande
People of God...
Allah Ke Bande Hasde Jo Bhi Ho Kal Phir Aayega
The people of Allah will always be laughing... whatever happens, tomorrow will still come

(repeat *)

Kho Ke Aapne Par Hi To Usne Tha Ud Naa Sikha
Only after losing his wings did he learn to fly
Kho Ke Aapne Par Hi To
Only after losing his wings...

Kho Ke Aapne Par Hi To Usne Tha Ud Naa Sikha
Only after losing his wings did he learn to fly

Gham Ko Aapne Saath Mein Lele Dard Bhi Tere Kaam Aayega
Take your sorrow with you, for the pain will be of use to you

*Ke Allah Ke Bande Hasde
That the people of Allah will always be laughing (happy)
Allah Ke Bande
People of God...
Allah Ke Bande Hasde Jo Bhi Ho Kal Phir Aayega
The people of Allah will always be laughing... whatever happens, tomorrow will still come

(repeat *)

Tukde Tuke Ho Gaya Tha Har Sapna Jab Woh Toota
He broke into pieces when every dream of his broke

Tukde Tuke Ho Gaya Tha
He broke into peices

Tukde Tuke Ho Gaya Tha Har Sapna Jab Woh Toota
He broke into pieces when every dream of his broke

Bhikre Tukdon Mein Allah Ki Marzi Ka Manzar Paayega
It is only in the scattered pieces of your dreams that you will find the meaning of Allah's Will.

*Ke Allah Ke Bande Hasde
That the people of Allah will always be laughing (happy)
Allah Ke Bande
People of God...
Allah Ke Bande Hasde Jo Bhi Ho Kal Phir Aayega
The people of Allah will always be laughing... whatever happens, tomorrow will still come

(repeat *)
(repeat *)
(repeat *)

Household tips

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 06:29:07 GMT

Cool household tips

- Put a sealed envelope in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.

- Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.

- For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze.

- To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.

- Crayon marks on walls? A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort.

- Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

- Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time!

- Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks.
Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.

- Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.

- Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.

- Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.

- To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm.

- To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.

- Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.

- Wrap celery in aluminium foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

- When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.

- Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

- To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.

- Ants, ants, ants everywhere. Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.

- Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.

- When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.

- Clean a toilet.
Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China.

- Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.

- Polish jewellery.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewellery for two minutes.

- Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).

- Unclog a drain.
Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water.

I'm not mad with you,life.

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 10:35:00 GMT

Salaamaleykum,

A few weeks ago, on a children's Hindi Song singing competition (Zee's SaReGaMaPa Lil' Champs), one of the kids sang a song that mesmerised the hearts of everyone that heard it...and not to mention the tears it brought.Here's the song on YouTube :
Tujhsa Naraaz Nahin Zindegi from Masoom(1983)

And so that you get the feel of what I'm talking about, here's the translation of the song:

I am not upset with you, life.. I am astonished;
To your innocent questions,I am distressed.

I never thought that in order to live, I would have to take care of woes;
To smile, I would have to take on the debt of smiling;
If I were to smile, it seems that I would have to incur this debt upon my lips.

Today, if my eyes fill with tears, then they will fall;
Who knows whom these eyes will long for tomorrow;
Who knows where I lost;
The one tear I had kept hidden.

Life, your sorrows have taught us new bonds;
Whomever you shall meet in the sunlight;
You will feel the cool shade of love.

    This song perfectly narrates the thoughts that's going in my mind and heart right now. I'm sure I'm not alone in this.After all, this is one of the Evergreen of Bollywood.
    Before I go far, let me recommend you to watch Masoom (Innocent). This wonderful movie made me almost weep like a baby.Naseeruddin, Shabna and little Jugal Hansraj acted splendidly...extra applause to Jugal for his extraordinary act as an child actor. Watch here.

    Ok back to the issue...
    Life is beautiful, but it sometimes ask us questions to which,we have no answer. When this happen, we get stressed out and become walking zombies, due to excessive worry and thoughts. But we never hate life for that, as I said, Life's beautiful.
    Sometimes, we say life's not fair...note down every time you say that,and you WILL realise that, sooner or later, you'll be saying life's beautiful again. Every misery that touches us,every headache/heartache/worry we receive, there's a good side behind it.
   If the great fire of London never happened, London would have remained filthy and plague-infested...and never rose to be a major city in the world.
    Well, of course, this is life, its not heaven. Having our heart crushed, painful incidents, emotionally tormenting scenarios are inevitable. At such times, people we love comes in handy..be they friends or family.
    Bottom line, things happen for a reason...we just need to open our eyes and minds and search for the silver line.
    Life is a voyage, fantastic, exciting unique voyage. Bon Voyage.

    Allah Madad!