Only for Allah

I have posted this once before somewhere, but today i thought of this again and felt like telling yall this story one more time. 

Suomennos tulee jonain päivänä :D

Nowdays many people seem to forget what is really important. They think of property, matter in general, money, their looks and such things. Serving Allah (subhanahuwata'ala) is rarely the first thing in people's minds. It scares me to see that around me every day. So I searched for this story that I heard once a long time ago.

There was a pious man among the Banu Israel who always remained busy in the worship of Allah. A group of people came to him and told him that a tribe living nearby worshiped a tree. The news upset him, and with an axe on his shoulder he went to cut down that tree.

On the way, Satan met him in the form of an old man and asked him where he was going. He said he was going to cut a particular tree. Satan said, "You have nothing to be concerned with this tree, you better mind your worship and do not give it up for the sake of something that does not concern you." "This is also worship," retorted the worshiper.

Then Satan tried to prevent him from cutting the tree, and there followed a fight between the two, in which the worshiper overpowered the Satan. Finding himself completely helpless, Satan begged to be excused, and when the worshiper released him, he again said, "Allah has not made the cutting of this tree obligatory on you. You do not lose anything if you do not cut it. If its cutting were necessary, Allah could have got it done through one of his many Prophets."

The worshiper insisted on cutting the tree. There was again a fight between the two and again the worshiper overpowered the Satan. "Well listen," said Satan, "I propose a settlement that will be to your advantage." The worshipper agreed, and Satan said, "You are a poor man, a mere burden on this earth. If you stay away from this act, I will pay you three gold coins everyday. You will daily find them lying under your pillow. By this money you can fulfill your own needs, can oblige your relative, help the needy, and do so many other virtuous things. Cutting the tree will be only one virtue, which will ultimately be of no use because the people will grow another tree." 

This proposal appealed to the worshiper, and he accepted it. He found the money on two successive days, but on the third day there was nothing. He got enraged, picked up his axe and went to cut the tree. Satan as an old man again met him on the way and asked him where he was going. "To cut the tree," shouted the worshiper. "I will not let you do it," said Satan.

A fight took place between the two again but this time Satan had the upper hand and overpowered the worshiper.The latter was surprised at his own defeat, and asked the former the cause of his success. Satan replied, "At first, your anger was purely for earning the pleasure of Allah, and therefore Almighty Allah helped you to overpower me, but now it has been partly for the sake of the gold coins and therefore you lost."


Source: From the book "Ihyaa-ul Uloom Ud Deen" by Imam Ghazzali (ra)

My dear, dear friend. Rakas ystävä..

As yall know, I haven't really been blogging for such a long time, but now something happened and that got me to come and make a post. 

My dear friend and sister in Islam lost her father and brother yesterday in Liby in the battle of Bir al-Ghanem. May Allah grant them the highest Jannah and give a lot of sabr to the whole family. Ameen.

My friend is only half of my age, but she has taught me more about Islam than anyone else in this world. I don't know how many times I turned to her when I needed answer to some question, or needed support, and I always got the answer from her and she knows exactly what to say. Her father must have been a great man mashaAllah, to raise a daughter like her.

Rakas ystäväni ja sisareni Islamissa menetti eilen isänsä ja veljensä Libyassa, Bir al-Ghanemin taistelussa. Allahin siunausta heille ja voimia koko perheelle Ameen.

Ystäväni on mua puolet nuorempi, mutta on silti opettanut mulle uskonnosta enemmän kuin kukaan muu ikinä. En edes muista, miten monta kertaa olen kääntynyt hänen puoleensa kun on ollut kysyttävää, tai olen kaivannut neuvoja. Häneltä on aina löytynyt vastaus ja hän osaa sanoa juuri ne oikeat sanat. Hänen isänsä on täytynyt olla mahtava ihminen, kun on kasvattanut sellaisen tyttären.

Fautma, you and your family are in my duas! 

Perheesi on rukouksissani, Fautma!

Allahs perfect creations

I can't believe this: this is my second post already because ants got me thinking.. :O . They've attacked my house once again..

Dh has kept two kinds of candy (with paper wraps) on a shelf near our back door. A little over a week ago the ant attack started.. They came to the kitchen mostly, but I saw a few going to the direction of the candy.. I didn't think they'd really do anything there.. Those were hard bon bons, not some soft or sticky ones.. And the paper wraps were tight..

Well, yesterday dh's brother took one candy and there was ants inside it :O . Alhamdulilah he saw it before he put it in his mouth.. I wanted to check the rest of the candies, but had no time yesterday..So today I did.. I couldn's believe what I saw :O SubhanaAllah there was ants all over the candies, but they had been eating only of one from each kind :O . There was more than one kilo candy and all the ants chose to go and eat from the same two pieces! They kept the rest clean! And those were not the first ones on the top, but under almost everything..

You can't see it much from the black candy, but on the white one it shows how they dig a hole in it.

Think how Allah has made the ants! They clearly tell each other where is food.. They find their way between a bunch of candy to eat from the same one.. They find their way home and have their own highways.. through my living room but anyway..

It's so amazing how everything works in this world.. No human inventions come even near the perfection of Allah's creations! If you think of human body for example. How perfectly everything works, how everything is taken care of.. No engineer could ever invent anything like that!


He it is who has created for you all that is on earth, and has applied His design to the heavens and fashioned them into seven heavens; and He alone has full knowledge of everything.
Quran 2:29

Laundry day..Just for my little girl's camp ♥

SubhanaAllah we have had a nice weather lately! InshaAllah it will stay next week!
On Monday Donjana is going on a camp for one week. it's for Arabic speaking kids, for keeping up with the language and culture. MashaAllah!

Today I have made 3 loads of laundry (the basket is empty now mashaAllah ). I want to make sure alllll her thousands of clothes are clean when I pack her things tomorrow. Gotta goo and empty the machine one more time soooonish..



I'm afraid I will pack too much stuff.. You just never know the weather here. It could be one week hot or one week cold and rain.. So I need to put for her clothes for every weather for 7 days.. She needs a rain coat, wellies, sandals, sport shoes, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, jacket and pants for windy weather, cardigan or such, shorts, dresses, skirts.. One pair of party clothes for camp party.. sheets and sleeping bag.. OMG stresssssssss!

From my town 15 kids are going (and another 15 from other towns). I was planning to get her together with some older girl who could help her with stuff. This is her first time out from home over night . It woild be good if some older girl would keep her company.. i'm sure I will know one of the girls who go from here, or at least someone's mom inshaAllah!

Two teachers go from here too. One is the one that was teaching donjana Arabic language at school. He is palestinian and knows dh too. dh doesn't remember him though.. They haven't met through school yet. The other teacher was teaching Islam for Nenna at school and he used to teach our Finnish sisters group years ago at the masjid. He was a witness when nenna and her dh got married islamically. I know his wife too, she used to teach us Arabic at the masjid. And he has been with dh on a dawah weekend trip.. Alhamdulilah I know I can trust both of the teachers.

The camp is over 200km from here, they go with a train and busses. Donjana has motion sickness sometimes on long drives. I got her medicine for that. InshaAllah she won't be sick.

SubhanaAllah I'm worried about so many things.. The trip.. How she can manage with her clothing..? Will she know how to take care of herself, her phone, her pocket money..? (I think I will give her phone to one of the teachers and she can ask to use it when she needs it). Will she like the food (alhamdulilah, all halal!). Will she miss us too much..? Will she know how to sleep there..? . I know she makes new friends easily, so I'm pretty sure she will have a good time if she can just adjust to the situation..

She is such a big girl already, I can't believe how time flies.. She is my baby anyway..

Sisters, please make dua that she will have a safe trip and a good time!

May Allah bless and protect my little girl! Ameen

Only for Allah

Today many people seem to forget what is really important. They think of property, matter in general, money, their looks and such things. Serving Allah (subhanahuwata'ala) is rarely the first thing in people's minds. It scares me to see that around me every day. So I searched for this story that I heard once a long time ago.





There was a pious man among the Banu Israel who always remained busy in the worship of Allah. A group of people came to him and told him that a tribe living nearby worshiper a tree. The news upset him, and with an axe on his shoulder he went to cut down that tree.

On the way, Satan met him in the form of an old man and asked him where he was going. He said he was going to cut a particular tree. Satan said, "You have nothing to be concerned with this tree, you better mind your worship and do not give it up for the sake of something that does not concern you." "This is also worship," retorted the worshiper.

Then Satan tried to prevent him from cutting the tree, and there followed a fight between the two, in which the worshiper overpowered the Satan. Finding himself completely helpless, Satan begged to be excused, and when the worshiper released him, he again said, "Allah has not made the cutting of this tree obligatory on you. You do not lose anything if you do not cut it. If its cutting were necessary, Allah could have got it done through one of his many Prophets."

The worshiper insisted on cutting the tree. There was again a fight between the two and again the worshiper overpowered the Satan. "Well listen," said Satan, "I propose a settlement that will be to your advantage." The worshipper agreed, and Satan said, "You are a poor man, a mere burden on this earth. If you stay away from this act, I will pay you three gold coins everyday. You will daily find them lying under your pillow. By this money you can fulfill your own needs, can oblige your relative, help the needy, and do so many other virtuous things. Cutting the tree will be only one virtue, which will ultimately be of no use because the people will grow another tree."

This proposal appealed to the worshiper, and he accepted it. He found the money on two successive days, but on the third day there was nothing. He got enraged, picked up his axe and went to cut the tree. Satan as an old man again met him on the way and asked him where he was going. "To cut the tree," shouted the worshiper. "I will not let you do it," said Satan.

A fight took place between the two again but this time Satan had the upper hand and overpowered the worshiper. The latter was surprised at his own defeat, and asked the former the cause of his success. Satan replied, "At first, your anger was purely for earning the pleasure of Allah, and therefore Almighty Allah helped you to overpower me, but now it has been partly for the sake of the gold coins and therefore you lost."


Source: From the book "Ihyaa-ul Uloom Ud Deen" by Imam Ghazzali (ra)

Takbir!

MashaAllah wa alhamdulilah! My dh attended to a dawah meeting in Copenhagen last weekend. I can see that it did him good mashaAllah, because he is more calm and relaxed, and seems more happy too.



Something sad happened on their trip. A group of Somali brothers from my town were also on the way to the meeting. They had a car accident and one of the brothers died. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon. May Allah subhanahuwata'ala grant him Jannah and give sabr to his family Ameen. Two others in that car got hurt, but not seriously. After seeing a doctor they continued their journey and went to the meeting. MashaAllah.

We don't talk about the religion too often, dh is not a religious man. This evening we were talking about his trip and what they were doing and talking about in the meeting. Then he told me that he promised to go on dawah tour for 40 days (chilla?). MashaAllah I'm so happy about it! We will miss him of course, but it's for a good reason and I feel that this is exactly what he needs! Alhamdulilah Allahu Akbar! May Allah subhanahuwata'ala guide him and all of us! Ameen

So many reasons to say Alhamdulilah!

I spent a few hours alone at home today, and got a chance to think. You know, it's something that is easier to do, when you can actually HEAR your own thoughts ;). Once again I realized, how many reasons I have to be thankful for Allah subhanahuwata'ala.

You can be thankful for so many things, if you just look around you with open eyes, and most of all, open heart. It's all about thinking positive actually!

So I said Alhamdulilah for

♥ My aching back, because I have a flat spine disc.
- That means I had 44 years full of life and carried 6 beautiful, healthy babies.

♥ The sink full of dirty dishes.
- That means I have loved ones around me, to who I can cook.

♥ The full laundry basket.
- That means I have healthy kids, who get dirty while exploring the world, getting experiences.

♥ Little, dirty hands hanging on my clean shirt making it dirty.
- That means the kids missed me when they were away for the day.

♥ Sand on the floor.
- That means we are free to go in and out from our home when ever we want, and most of all we HAVE a floor to drop sand on, we have a house to live in.

♥ Small voice whispering in my ear waking me up when I just fell asleep.
- That means I'm needed, I'm somebody's safety place after a bad dream.

I could go on and on for a looooong time. There's always a good side in things. There's always reasons to say Alhamdulilah.

Alhamdulilah for everything!

The ant

Something happened today that got me thinking. Again. It's becoming a habit maybe; seems like i think a lot lately. I hope it's a good thing InshaAllah.




There has always been many sugar ant nests near the house and garden, and some of them come inside the houses too. I have had a battle with them every spring.This year it hasn't been a big problem alhamdulilah, but sometimes I find a couple of ants in the laundry room, shower room or kitchen.. I have no idea from where they've come or where's their nest, so I have just got rid of the ones that I've seen. I try not to kill them but they have no business to my dinner table..


There's area next to the wall near my laundry room door where the rain doesn't reach and I have put some flower seeds there. Today I went to put some water to those flowers and I saw plenty of ants around one border stone there. I lifted the stone up and saw thousands of ants and their tunnels. I moved all the border stones and found more and more ants. They had a nest under each stone. It's clear that the ants that come in my house are from these nests. Now I'm thinking if I should leave them and just take care of the ones that come inside the house, or should I get rid of the nests. That might keep the ants away from my home for a long time.





I wanted to look up some hadith about killing ants. SubhanaAllah I didn't think what deeper meaning I would find! Sisters, read the hadiths that I found. I don't need to tell you what they mean; it's obvious. Not about ants after all, but about human beings and how we generalize and judge. Us Muslims face that often, especially us who live in the west. Now I'll let the hadiths speak for themselves.


Sahih Muslim: Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: An ant had bitten a Prophet (one amongst the earlier Prophets) and he ordered that the colony of the ants should be burnt. And Allah revealed to him:" Because of an ant's bite you have burnt a community from amongst the communities which sings My glory." (Book #026, Hadith #5567)

Sahih Bukhari: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Once while a prophet amongst the prophets was taking a rest underneath a tree, an ant bit him. He, therefore, ordered that his luggage be taken away from underneath that tree and then ordered that the dwelling place of the antsshould be set on fire. Allah sent him a revelation:-- "Wouldn't it have been sufficient to burn a single ant? (that bit you): (See Page 162, chapter No. 153). (Book #54, Hadith #536 )

What a surah! - Surah Ankabut

I was feeling a bit down today, because I met some people who are in serious trouble, trying to keep up their lives and their deen. I was reading stuff online and was looking for some comfort and inspiration.

I don't usually read english translations of Quran, because they all use many (old?) words which i don't understand. Then I run to http://noblequran.com/translation/index.html where the Quran is translated in modern English by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali, Ph.D. & Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan. Alhamdulilah the language is much easier for me to understand. I don't know what yall think of this translation, maybe some another one is more 'original', but it works for me, because I must understand the words to get the message.

So I started to read.. And read.. And read.. MashaAllah, I found just the comfort and inspiration I needed!

When I read the Finnish translation of Quran I never paid much attention on Surah Ankabut. I don't think I even read it more than once or twice, but now It really got my full attention! MashaAllah what a powerful surah! (of course they all are, but I'm sure yall know what I mean! InshaAllah)

Anyway, as I know this is may not be one of the most known surahs, I wanted to share it with yall!

Surah Al-Ankabut (The Spider)

1. Alif-Lam-Mim.

[These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings.]

2. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe," and will not be tested.

3. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test).

4. Or those who do evil deeds think that they can outstrip Us (i.e. escape Our Punishment)? Evil is that which they judge!

5. Whoever hopes for the Meeting with Allah, then Allah's Term is surely coming. and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

6. And whosoever strives, he strives only for himself. Verily, Allah is free of all wants from the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists).

7. Those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah (Monotheism) and in Messenger Muhammad , and do not apostate because of the harm they receive from the polytheists], and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall remit from them their evil deeds and shall reward them according to the best of that which they used to do.

8. And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents, but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.

9. And for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and other items of Faith) and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall make them enter in (the enterance of) the righteous (i.e. in Paradise).

10. Of mankind are some who say: "We believe in Allah," but if they are made to suffer for the sake of Allah, they consider the trial of mankind as Allah's punishment, and if victory comes from your Lord, (the hypocrites) will say: "Verily! We were with you (helping you)." Is not Allah Best Aware of what is in the breast of the 'Alamin (mankind and jinns).

11. Verily, Allah knows those who believe, and verily, He knows the hypocrites [i.e. Allah will test the people with good and hard days to discriminate the good from the wicked (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test)].

12. And those who disbelieve say to those who believe: "Follow our way and we will verily bear your sins," never will they bear anything of their sins. Surely, they are liars.

13. And verily, they shall bear their own loads, and other loads besides their own, and verily, they shall be questioned on the Day of Resurrection about that which they used to fabricate.

14. And indeed We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people, and he stayed among them a thousand years less fifty years [inviting them to believe in the Oneness of Allah (Monotheism), and discard the false gods and other deities], and the Deluge overtook them while they were Zalimun (wrong-doers, polytheists, disbelievers, etc.).

15. Then We saved him and those with him in the ship, and made it (the ship) as an Ayah (a lesson, a warning, etc.) for the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

16. And (remember) Ibrahim (Abraham) when he said to his people: "Worship Allah (Alone), and fear Him, that is better for you if you did but know.

17. "You worship besides Allah only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Verily, those whom you worship besides Allah have no power to give you provision, so seek your provision from Allah (Alone), and worship Him (Alone), and be grateful to Him. To Him (Alone) you will be brought back.

18. "And if you deny, then nations before you have denied (their Messengers). And the duty of the Messenger is only to convey (the Message) plainly."

19. See they not how Allah originates creation, then repeats it. Verily, that is easy for Allah.

20. Say: "Travel in the land and see how (Allah) originated creation, and then Allah will bring forth (resurrect) the creation of the Hereafter (i.e. resurrection after death). Verily, Allah is Able to do all things."

21. He punishes whom He will, and shows mercy to whom He will, and to Him you will be returned.

22. And you cannot escape in the earth or in the heaven. And besides Allah you have neither any Wali (Protector or Guardian) nor any Helper.

23. And those who disbelieve in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah and the Meeting with Him, it is they who have no hope of My Mercy, and it is they who will (have) a painful torment.

24. So nothing was the answer of [Ibrahim's (Abraham)] people except that they said: "Kill him or burn him." Then Allah saved him from the fire. Verily, in this are indeed signs for a people who believe.

25. And [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "You have taken (for worship) idols instead of Allah, and the love between you is only in the life of this world, but on the Day of Resurrection, you shall disown each other, and curse each other, and your abode will be the Fire, and you shall have no helper."

26. So Lout (Lot) believed in him [Ibrahim's (Abraham) Message of Islamic Monotheism]. He [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "I will emigrate for the sake of my Lord. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise."

27. And We bestowed on him [Ibrahim (Abraham)], Ishaque (Isaac) and Ya'qub (Jacob), and ordained among his offspring Prophethood and the Book [i.e. the Taurat (Torah) (to Musa - Moses), the Injeel (Gospel) (to 'Iesa - Jesus), the Qur'an (to Muhammad ), all from the offspring of Ibrahim (Abraham)], and We granted him his reward in this world, and verily, in the Hereafter he is indeed among the righteous.

28. And (remember) Lout (Lot), when he said to his people: "You commit Al-Fahishah (sodomy the worst sin) which none has preceded you in (committing) it in the 'Alamin (mankind and jinns)."

29. "Verily, you do sodomy with men, and rob the wayfarer (travellers, etc.)! And practise Al-Munkar (disbelief and polytheism and every kind of evil wicked deed) in your meetings." But his people gave no answer except, that they said: "Bring Allah's Torment upon us if you are one of the truthful."

30. He said: "My Lord! Give me victory over the people who are Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupts).

31. And when Our Messengers came to Ibrahim (Abraham) with the glad tidings they said: "Verily, we are going to destroy the people of this [Lout's (Lot's)] town (i.e. the town of Sodom in Palestine) truly, its people have been Zalimun [wrong-doers, polytheists and disobedient to Allah, and have also belied their Messenger Lout (Lot)]."

32. Ibrahim (Abraham) said: "But there is Lout (Lot) in it." They said:"We know better who is there, we will verily save him [Lout (Lot)] and his family, except his wife, she will be of those who remain behind (i.e. she will be destroyed along with those who will be destroyed from her folk)."

33. And when Our Messengers came to Lout (Lot), he was grieved because of them, and felt straitened on their account. They said: "Have no fear, and do not grieve! Truly, we shall save you and your family, except your wife, she will be of those who remain behind (i.e. she will be destroyed along with those who will be destroyed from her folk).

34. Verily, we are about to bring down on the people of this town a great torment from the sky, because they have been rebellious (against Allah's Command)."

35. And indeed We have left thereof an evident Ayah (a lesson and a warning and a sign the place where the Dead Sea is now in Palestine) for a folk who understand.

36. And to (the people of) Madyan (Midian), We sent their brother Shu'aib (Shuaib). He said: "O my people! Worship Allah, and hope for (the reward of good deeds by worshipping Allah Alone, on) the last Day, and commit no mischief on the earth as Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupts).

37. And they belied him [Shu'aib (Shuaib)], so the earthquake seized them, and they lay (dead), prostrate in their dwellings.

38. And 'Ad and Thamud (people)! And indeed (their destruction) is clearly apparent to you from their (ruined) dwellings. Shaitan (Satan) made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and turned them away from the (Right) Path, though they were intelligent.

39. And (We destroyed also) Qarun (Korah), Fir'aun (Pharaoh), and Haman. And indeed Musa (Moses) came to them with clear Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), but they were arrogant in the land, yet they could not outstrip Us (escape Our punishment).

40. So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Hasiban (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as the people of Lout (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah [torment - awful cry, etc. (as Thamud or Shu'aib's people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qarun (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves.

41. The likeness of those who take Auliya' (protectors and helpers) other than Allah is as the likeness of a spider, who builds (for itself) a house, but verily, the frailest (weakest) of houses is the spider's house; if they but knew.

42. Verily, Allah knows what things they invoke instead of Him. He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

43. And these similitudes We put forward for mankind, but none will understand them except those who have knowledge (of Allah and His Signs, etc.).

44. (Allah says to His Prophet Muhammad ): "Allah (Alone) created the heavens and the earth with truth (and none shared Him in their creation)." Verily! Therein is surely a sign for those who believe.

45. Recite (O Muhammad ) what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Qur'an), and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat). Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha'Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.) and the remembering (praising, etc.) of (you by) Allah (in front of the angels) is greater indeed [than your remembering (praising, etc.) Allah in prayers, etc.]. And Allah knows what you do. (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) and

46. And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong, and say (to them): "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilah (God) and your Ilah (God) is One (i.e. Allah), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims)."

47. And thus We have sent down the Book (i.e this Qur'an) to you (O Muhammad ), and those whom We gave the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) aforetime] believe therein as also do some of these (who are present with you now like 'Abdullah bin Salam) and none but the disbelievers reject Our Ayat [(proofs, signs, verses, lessons, etc., and deny Our Oneness of Lordship and Our Oneness of worship and Our Oneness of Our Names and Qualities: i.e. Islamic Monotheism)].

48. Neither did you (O Muhammad ) read any book before it (this Qur'an), nor did you write any book (whatsoever) with your right hand. In that case, indeed, the followers of falsehood might have doubted.

49. Nay, but they, the clear Ayat [i.e the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad written like verses in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] are preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge (from the people of the Scriptures). And none but the Zalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc.) deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.).

50. And they say: "Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord? Say: "The signs are only with Allah, and I am only a plain warner."

51. Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur'an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe.

52. Say (to them O Muhammad ): "Sufficient is Allah for a witness between me and you. He knows what is in the heavens and on earth." And those who believe in Batil (all false deities other than Allah), and disbelieve in Allah and (in His Oneness), it is they who are the losers.

53. And they ask you to hasten on the torment (for them), and had it not been for a term appointed, the torment would certainly have come to them. And surely, it will come upon them suddenly while they perceive not!

54. They ask you to hasten on the torment. And verily! Hell, of a surety, will encompass the disbelievers.

55. On the Day when the torment (Hell-fire) shall cover them from above them and from underneath their feet, and it will be said: "Taste what you used to do."

56. O My slaves who believe! Certainly, spacious is My earth. Therefore worship Me (Alone)."

57. Everyone shall taste the death. Then unto Us you shall be returned.

58. And those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, to them We shall surely give lofty dwellings in Paradise, underneath which rivers flow, to live therein forever. Excellent is the reward of the workers.

59. Those who are patient, and put their trust (only) in their Lord (Allah).

60. And so many a moving (living) creature there is, that carries not its own provision! Allah provides for it and for you. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

61. If you were to ask them: "Who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon?" They will surely reply: "Allah." How then are they deviating (as polytheists and disbelievers)?

62. Allah enlarges the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and straitens it for whom (He wills). Verily, Allah is the All-Knower of everything.

63. If you were to ask them: "Who sends down water (rain) from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death?" They will surely reply: "Allah." Say: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah!" Nay! Most of them have no sense.

64. And this life of the world is only amusement and play! Verily, the home of the Hereafter, that is the life indeed (i.e. the eternal life that will never end), if they but knew

65. And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him only, but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to others.

66. So that they become ingrate for that which We have given them, and that they take their enjoyment (as a warning and a threat), but they will come to know.

67. Have they not seen that We have made (Makkah) a sanctuary secure, and that men are being snatched away from all around them? Then do they believe in Batil (falsehood - polytheism, idols and all deities other than Allah), and deny (become ingrate for) the Graces of Allah?

68. And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah or denies the truth (Muhammad and his doctrine of Islamic Monotheism and this Qur'an), when it comes to him? Is there not a dwelling in Hell for disbelievers (in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger Muhammad )?

69. As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah's Religion - Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinun (good doers)."

May Allah subhanahuwata'ala bless and protect and guide all of us and our families! Ameen

Bubbling fun day

We had a bubbling, relaxing, fun day mashaAllah! We didn't do anything special, just enjoyed the moment. Nice, little things in life.

I think it's important to learn to enjoy little things. In modern world we forget that too often.

People are busy, they run after money, success, property, beauty, fame.. And none of that actually counts in the end.

So, look around you. Forget the things you're not happy with, and the things you don't have. Be thankful for what you have. Say alhamdulilah!

Allah subhanahuwata'ala and His messinger sallallahualeihiwasallam command us to be humble. And what else can you be when you see Allah's creations, all the beauty around you!

Behold, those who attain to faith
and do righteous deeds
and humble themselves before their Sustainer
- they are destined for paradise,
and there shall they abide.
(Asad) 11:23

PS. you'll never believe, how challenging it is
to take pictures of soap bubbles on a windy day :D ..
but we're supposed to have sabr, right? :P

Dawah day mashaAllah

No matter how much we make plans, it's all up to Allah subhanahuwata'ala. He sure is the best of planners. Today is a good example of that. MashaAllah!

When I woke up in the morning I had a plan for today. I would go to the masjid to listen to a lecture and meet up with sisters. So, we had breakfast, packed our bags and started to get ready. I told the kids to get dressed, but then I decided to check our web site one more time to make sure that the lecture is not canceled. So I went on our group's page, and what did I find? It WAS canceled! SubhanaAllah..

So, that meant we had to change our plan. The weather was nice so we decided just to go out. The kids wanted to ride bicycles and play with their friends.

We had been out only for 10 minutes, when my old neighbor came with her four kids. She is a single mom and she used to live here for too many years. They still keep coming here a few times in a year to see their old friends. The other neighbors she used to know and visit were not home, so she was really happy to see me!

So, I made us some coffee and we sat down watching the kids to play. We spoke about some every day stuff, but then we somehow started to talk about the religion. She is very curious about Islam, she was already that time when she used to live here.

She told me how she has never understood the whole holy trinity business.. She is Lutheran Christian, like 90% of Finnish people. I told her how I've felt the same way all my life too.

I told her which other things in Christianity confused me as well.. Like God having a son, and people who pray for that son instead of God. Son, who never asked anyone to pray for him.. I also told her how I couldn't understand how a priest can forgive anyone's sins. We also spoke about Bible, and how it might have been changed during these years.. She had been thinking exactly the same way of all this!

I told her how everything suddenly made sense when I found Islam.. Or Islam found me.. I told her the way these things are in Islam, about good deeds and bad deeds, how Quran was given to Prophet Muhammed sallallahualleihiwasallam etc.. I also told her that Christians, Jews and us believe in the same God, that Allah is not God's name, it's a word in arabic language, which also Arab Christians use when they talk about God. She was very interested mashaAllah.

She was curious about the marriage in Islam, women rights and stuff like that. There's so much wrong information about it, so she wanted to know how it really is. She was pretty impressed when i told her.. She is old fashioned and likes it when men and women have different responsibilities. She doesn't understand how so called modern women want to act like men.

What surprised me the most was how she immediately accepted the way muslims do when they want to marry, that father (or other wali) is asked etc.. She thinks it's sad how parents here don't care what their children do and who they marry. She even said: "So, if I was a muslim other people would help me to find a good husband? She is frustrated because she is alone with her kids. T heir father doesn't care, he sees them maybe once in two months..His new girlfriend and her children are way more important to him. She would so much like to have a husband who takes care of her and helps her raise the kids. It would be awesome if some good muslim man would marry her!

We spoke about these things for 4 hours! I know she is not ready to accept Islam, not quite yet, but she accepted, agreed and understood everything what I told her! She also is planning to look for "the Message" movie. She wants to watch it, she was really curious to see it. Besides the story itself, she wants to see how it's made without showing Prophet Muhammed sallallahualeihiwasallam.

This is not the first time I talk to her about the religion, we spoke about it often when she still lived here, but this time we went more far and I got a different feeling about it. She has always been curios, but now I felt like she had real interest. InshaAllah some day she will accept Islam! May Allah subhanahuwata'ala guide her and her four children! Ameen. Sisters, please keep her in your duas!

My hijab adventure

I have been a Muslim for over 8 years alhamdulilah, but didn't actually have to 'deal with most of it' when it comes to people around, before I started covering a couple of years ago alhamdulilah. The decision made itself somehow subhanaAllah! It hasn't been as difficult as I thought, but there has been some situations during the years.

I had been feeling weird the whole summer, not feeling like going out with short sleeves or going to swim even with a long bareo on the bathing suit (oh yes, I wore those clothes that time, astagferAllah). I had joined to a Muslim women forum, http://muslimsistersunite.com just a couple of months before, and really liked it. Sisters were so supportive and nice, and there was many who had felt the same way than I was at that time. I always thought I wouldn't wear hijab as long as I live in Finland. I don't know why it took me so long though. I have never really cared what people think of me. I think I didn't admit it that time, but I was a bit worried of the reaction of my family and relatives.

I found myself in the scarf department of a department store a few times.. Then I bought two scarves, just to get ready if I would feel like covering some day.. That day didn't seem to come any time soon, but little did I know subhanaAllah. then I felt like I want to try it. I had been wearing hijab on the way to the masjid before, but that wasn't for the right reason. That was just to go to the masjid, not to really cover myself. So I decided to try to start wearing hijab on Ramadan, which was starting in a couple of weeks.

The first I wanted to tell my dh. Unfortunately he is not the most religious man but alhamdulilah he respects others who are. I was a little surprised to his reaction, and even disappointed at that time. He told me only that I must make sure nobody thinks he is forcing me to do it. Nothing else. Later I thought about it more and actually liked it. It was Important to him that everyone knew I did it because I knew it's the right thing mashaAllah.

So, the next step was to tell some people that see me every day. I have a few non-Muslim neighbors, who are also my good friends. They know I'm a Muslim and it doesn't bother them one bit alhamdulilah. Their reaction was something like..''Ok, if you feel it's good for you..'' Nothing biggie.I didn't tell my family that time yet. I don't see them daily, so I had time for that.. I was a little nervous about it too.


Then came a day when I decided to try it. This was exactly one day after I told my dh and friends. I decided to try how it feels and when I went out with the kids I wore a scarf. MashaAllah what a feeling! It wasn't at all like before, when I did it just to go to the masjid. Later that day I could only think''WHY on earth didn't I do it BEFORE!'' And, from that day I haven't taken one step out of my house without covering alhamdulilah. It was 8 days before Ramadan, so I even started before the due I had set for myself. MashaAllah!

I thought people would stare at me, or throw comments or something, but It took more than a week before anything even slightly negative happened. And that anything was just a man passing me on the street saying something about it to his friend. I have even forgotten what it was, but it wasn't anything really bad. That I'm sure of. I had gotten much worse comments from people before, because I was with a foreigner. :/

I noticed some strange looks, most of them from middle aged women or young men. Old ladies were the most friendly. I guess covering the head is not so strange for them. women used to wear regular scarves long time ago, especially in the country side. Not covering all the hair, but anyway. Still many older ladies wear a scarf when they go out from home.

After a few days my dad came to visit me. We had coffee in the garden, and I wore my scarf because people can see over the fence. Dad knows I'm a Muslim, but I don't talk about the religion with him much. He is not interested really, not even in Christianity :( . He looked at me, but didn't say a thing first. Then after we finished our cuppas he asked if I'm now wearing scarf all the time. I told him yes. His first reaction was: ''Don't..'' Oh well.. I did expect that. He is a simple, hard working man mashaAllah, but doesn't have much experience of strange cultures or religions. I told him how come he says that now, but he never said anything about my clothes before. He never complained when i used to wear too short dresses and stuff like that. Then I said that I am still the same person, I haven't changed to some strange extremist over night, that I just feel that now is the time and I know it's good for me. He admitted that he hasn't paid attention to my clothes before and that I am right. He was happy if it makes me happy. End of discussion. Since then he never brought the subject up again. I think he felt weird walking out with me at first, but I don't think he even thinks about it anymore alhamdulilah.

Once dad knew I had to call mum too. They are divorced and I didn't think my dad would tell her, but I didn't want mom to hear it from someone else before I tell her. Mom's reaction was expected mashaAllah. She said I should do what ever I feel is best for me and my life, and that it's nobody else's business, not even hers. Alhamdulilah! My mom is the best!

After a few weeks I got a wonderful present from one sister whom I met online in the sisters forum I was on. She sent me a big bag full of beautiful shaylas, under hats and amiras! mashaAllah I was so exited! The two scarves that I had before were not really good size as they were from a normal shop, and I didn't have under scarves before either. May Allah subhanahuwata'ala reward that sister Ameen. She made me to want to wear hijab even more! mashaAllah. I also had a little problem with the rest of my wardrobe, but alhamdulilah little by little I got everything I needed. So my days as a hijabi had started.

One of the first things I noticed was that the service got better in most of the shops, offices etc where I went. I'm pretty sure that many workers think if they're not extra friendly with a muslim, people think they're racist. I'm not complaining. :P

There has been some funny situations during these years. Once an older man asked me in the bus if i speak Finnish. I said yes, and I'm pretty sure I don't have a foreign accent :P . He still didn't get that I am Finnish :D . He went on with the talk and asked how I have learned Finnish so well. I wanted to laugh but controlled myself.. It's not always easy btw :P . I told him that being here for 42 years has helped a great deal. It was two years ago btw.. hehe.. I saw that the man tried to figure out how old I was, but he still didn't get the point. I wanted to scream: I'M A MUSLIM BUT I'M FINNISH! Well.. I'll never know if he figured it out himself. Later I learned that it's really common that people don't know I'm Finnish. Some even try talking to me in English first. lol it's so amusing every time :P .

I have got a few nasty comments and been discussing with people who don't understand us, but i must say there has been so much more good than bad. I think I can still count all my negative experiences with my 10 fingers! Maybe it's because I'm an oldie? My daughters say that they get much more stares than me, even if we walk together. I think I also don't notice people looking, because it's not important to me, not a tiny bit!

Once When I was walking home from school with Donjana, I heard two boys talking about me when we passed them. One of them said: ''Look, there's some Jewish woman!'' lol.. I turned around and told them that it went all wrong ;) and that they should pay more attention at school :D Poor boys, they were so embarrassed.

Many Arab or Somali Muslim children have asked me if I'm a muslim. They don't think it's obvious, not even with the hijab. When I tell them that I am a muslim and Finnish, it makes them very happy. I guess they've seen all kinds of Finnish people here, subhanaAllah, and not all of them are friendly with foreign people, not even with kids.

The latest funny thing that happened was when I had my last physiotherapy appointment. The therapist and I talk a looooot. We have a lot in common and have been in the same school on dinosaur time, ages ago... Not at the same time though, she is 4 years older than me, but she knows some teachers I know etc.. And we both love gardening and activities with kids.

So, she was treating my sore back.. I had hijab off of course. We were talking about my children. I told her that Deena is going to pre-school this autumn. She asked if I'm putting Nader to day care too. I told her I'm not planning to, because the timings wouldn't fit with Deena's days and I'm not going to work any time soon, so there's no need for actual day care. She suggested a kids club, which is twice a week.. Andddd... Organized by the church :DD . I was quiet for a while and then said: ''Maybe I would if they wouldn't talk about Christian religion there..'' She was a bit embarrassed, she had forgotten that I am a muslim! I told her not tot worry about it. It was just a positive thing to me, she spoke to me like she would to any Finnish woman. We had a good laugh about it later.

Alhamdulilah I think my journey as a hijabi hasn't been so hard. I thank Allah for making it easy for me! May Allah subhanahuwata'ala make it easy to all of us! Ameen