Umm Rooman, she was the wife of Abu Bakr Siddiq and the mother of 'Ayshah. Thus she was the Prophet's mother-in-law. Her son, 'Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Bakr Siddiq was an excellent horseman, and a master strategist in war. She taught him the meaning of valor and courage. Her real name was Zaynab, but she came to be known by her family name. She was a patient and tolerant woman who did not jump to hasty conclusions, but gave matters deep thought. This was evident in the way she handled the incident when people of loose tongues and small minds accused 'Ayshah of adultery.

When her husband explained to her the teachings of Islam, she did not linger with doubts about giving up the religion of her ancestors. She immediately saw the greatness of Islam and accepted it. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw her attributes - physical and spiritual - he likened her to a celestial spirit of Paradise.

It is written in Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd that Umm Rooman accepted Islam in the very early days in Makkah. She swore allegiance at the hand of the Prophet himself and then migrated with the blessed group of emigrants.

When she witnessed the terrible atrocities committed by the Quraysh against the Muslims, she would suffer and weep for the innocent victims; but she gained courage when she saw the moral strength and exemplary sacrifice of her husband for the cause of Islam. She drew inspiration from him and found peace in his presence.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also used to exhort his faithful followers not to waver, but to be patient and hold steadfast to their faith, for they would surely in the Hereafter be rewarded with Paradise. The companions were the faithful who did not recant even when their bodies were cut in two with a saw. When he saw the suffering of the family of Yasir, he said to them,

'O family of Yasir! Be patient, for your final destination and resting place will be Paradise.'

During this long period, Umm Rooman remained an image of patience, forbearance courage and bravery. She spent most of her time in earnest supplications and prayers to Allah. When she saw her husband's devoted efforts for the propagation of Islam she expressed her admiration and gave him moral support. She devoted her time to the nurturing of her children in the traditions of Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) often used to visit the house of his illustrious follower and friend, Abu Bakr Siddiq. He would advise Umm Rooman to keep encouraging and instilling the love of goodness in 'Ayshah.

Khadijah passed away three years before the migration of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Al-Madinah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spent a year as unmarried person. He then married 'Ayshah at the command of Allah as delivered by the Angel Jibril. Thus, Umm Rooman had the honor of becoming his mother-in-law. She expressed great happiness at the thought that her daughter would be one of those who joined the ranks of the blessed Mothers of the Believers. What other greater honor could she want for her family?

When Allah ordered the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to migrate to Al-Madinah he went to the house of his closest friend and Companion, Abu Bakr Siddiq. Without any questions or hesitation, he prepared to accompany the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He packed a few things and took all the cash there was in the house. He left his father, wife and children in the trust and care of Allah and set off for an unknown and unseen destination.

It was a very tough time for Umm Rooman; as she was separated from her husband; and there was a lack of money for household expenses, since he had taken all the available cash with him. However, what predominated all other thoughts in her mind were supplications to Allah for the safe arrival of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and her husband in Al Madinah. On reaching their destination safely, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Zayd bin Harithah and Abu Rafi' to bring his family, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq sent 'Abdullah bin Ariqat and wrote to his son 'Abdullah to bring his family. Umm Rooman and 'Ayshah got on one camel's back. On the way, the camel suddenly seemed out of control, started to jump, and almost threw its riders. Umm Rooman was worried about her beloved daughter 'Ayshah and started calling out, 'O my daughter, O my dear little bride!' Just then, someone called out that she should let go of the reins, and this made the camel calmed down and stood still. Therefore, the mother and daughter were saved from the impending danger.

One day both Abu Bakr Siddiq and his wife, Umm Rooman, went to visit the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He asked them the purpose of the visit. They both simultaneously requested him to offer supplications to Allah for 'Ayshah.

Then he prayed to Allah to forgive 'Ayshah bint Abu Bakr both inside and outside, such a forgiveness that would leave no sin. Both her parents looked very happy with this perfect supplication.

Then he told them that this was his prayer for all those who accepted Islam after his being named Messenger of Allah, and remained steadfast in their belief.

Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) respected Umm Rooman very much, and she in turn gave first priority to doing things that pleased him. Therefore, life was very pleasant, and everyone was happy fulfilling his or her obligations to man and his Creator. One day the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) praised Khadijah at great length extolling her many virtues. 'Ayshah felt a very strong twinge of feminine jealousy; involuntarily she said that he was talking of Khadijah ' as if there was no other woman on earth but she. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not like this at all, and his face reddened with a terrible anger. When Umm Rooman heard of this she went to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and tried to apologize for 'Ayshah telling him that she was still very young that he should not take her seriously. Very curtly, addressing 'Ayshah he asked her if she had not said that there was no other woman on the face of the earth besides Khadijah. He swore by Allah that this great woman had believed him when the tribe of 'Ayshah had denied that he was the Messenger and Prophet of Allah. She gave him the great gift of children, which was not the case with 'Ayshah.

Umm Rooman listened in complete silence because she knew that all that he spoke was by the command and revelation of Allah. He did not speak of his own accord; his words were always based on revelations of Allah.

Tradition has it that Umm Rooman passed away in the year 6th after Hijrah. During her burial, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked Allah to forgive her. Doubtless, this was a great honor for her. It was on this occasion that he said that if any person wanted to see a beautiful celestial virgin of Paradise, he could see Umm Rooman . Thus these words are an indication that she will, Allah Willing, be in Paradise in the Hereafter. May Allah fill her grave with radiance. Another tradition regarding the death of Umm Rooman, is however more reliable. It says that she died after the passing away of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Verily the words of Allah are true,

"Verily, those who believe and do righteous deeds, and humble themselves before their Lord, they will be dwellers of Paradise to dwell therein forever." (Noble Quran 11:23)

Reference:
http://www.islamswomen.com/articles/umm_rooman.php

Allah’s Messenger (saw) said: “Every night when it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Exalted, the Blessed, descends to the nearest heaven and says, ‘Is there anyone to invoke Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone asking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?’”
(Hadith Bukhari)

This is easier than using safety pins and leaving marks on all the shawls!

All you need is:

- Hook and catch (you can get it at void deck shops, way cheaper!)

- sewing yarn that matches the shawl color

O Keming we have come
To learn, to share and to care
We will serve with pride and honour
For the glory yours and mine.

We will grow and we will glow,
Together we will build
We will grow and we will glow,
For a better tomorrow.
We will build. 

Let the motto be our guide,
Together we work and learn.
Forward, upward we will strive,
There’s a place for everyone.

You do not do evil to this who do evil to you,

but deal with them with forgiveness and kindness.

Prophet Muhammad

And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning (period) is thirty months. (He grows) until, when he reaches maturity and reaches (the age of) forty years, he says, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.

 (Surah Al-Ahqaf: ayah 15)

Yahoooooo! The last day of paper. Alhamdulillah.

And so blessed to have someone to fetch me. 

And it's beautiful to have someone who sends me too.

Tehehehehe. Alhamdulillah.

When we talk about love, we must recognise that love is endless, and the love story of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) with Siti Khadijah, Radhiallahu ‘anha, is always an impressive to read. The Prophet Muhammad never stopped loving Khadijah, and although he married several more wives after Siti Khadijah passed away in later years and loved them all, it is clear that Khadijah always had a special place in his heart. Once Aisha, (the Prophet's beloved wife) asked him if Khadijah had been the only woman worthy of his love. The Prophet Muhammad replied:

“She believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me; and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand.”

The Prophet always mentioned the name of Khadijah and the favoured friends of Khadijah, until Khadijah died. This is the story of Khadijah, the Prophet’s true love. It is a shining example of what an ideal marriage is.

Reference:
https://www.amuslima.com/the-beauty-of-love-and-dating-an-islamic-perspective/

Uniqlo brick color cardigan, Bossini white tee, BRANDS khaki pants,

Clarks brick dessert shoes, Longchamp messenger bag, floral shawl

Never mess with a man who is hungry!

And I hope that Allah ease all of our affairs, Inshallah Amin.

Window Water Tightness Test is part of the testing and commissioning requirement. This is to ensure that there will be no seepage through the window and wall joints as well as precast joints. This testing requires an adequate pressure of water to spray outside the unit with all the windows closed. It would last for at least 20 mins. With this, it helps to minimise the lapse of Consultant checks and declaration. It is also to monitor the suppliers manufacturers and workmanship of materials. 

“You’re gonna be happy,” said life.

“But first, I’ll make you strong.”

Where: Furniture Mall, Toh Guan

How to get there: Take lift to B1. Go through the Exit fire staircase. Ablution to be taken at the carpark toilet nearby.

Today is the second day of Ramadan and it's the first time I will be heading to the Masjid for Terawih. Alhamdulillah. Hope this Ramadan will be better, Amin.

Mosque:

Masjid An Nur

6 Admiralty Road, 739983

وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدا

Wa hai yi' lanaa min amrinaa rashadaa

"Ya Allah, persiapkan kami mengenai dengan urusan kami dengan petunjukMu".

Where: IKEA Tampines

How to get there: It's located on the 4th floor near the toilets behind the Ikea Restaurant. It is easy to find as there are signage pointing to the Musollah.

Because hanging food is never a chore. 

Prophet Sulaiman (as), was a king, a military leader and a Prophet. He had been given by Allah (swt) the ability to communicate with and command the birds and animals, and they were among his battalions of human and jinn. He was a strong, decisive leader of the people and animals and a great Prophet of Allah which came first and foremost over his kingship and the power and riches bestowed upon him by Allah (swt). He had good command over his armies and good knowledge of them so that when one bird, the Hudhud was missing he was able to notice his absence.

He inspected the birds, and said: “What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?". (20)

“I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason.” (21)

The Hudhud eventually returned telling Sulaiman that he had important information about Queen of Sheba, knowledge which Sulaiman did not have. Saba was ruled by a wealthy queen but that the queen and her people worshipped the sun; the Hudhud bird brought many fine details about the queen of Saba (the queen of Sheba) and her people. Note that the Hudhud bird mentions the greatness of the throne of the queen.

But the Hudhud stayed not long, he (came up and) said: “I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba’ (Sheba) with true news. (22)

“I found a woman ruling over them”, she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne. (23)

However, the bird did not judge the queen and her people according to the dunya things that they possessed but rather he judged them according to their kufr - he stated that he found the queen and her people worshipping the sun. Having mentioned the greatness of the throne of the queen, he goes on to praise Allah (swt) stating that Allah is the Owner of the Supreme Throne and none has the right to be worshipped but Him:

“I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allâh, and Shaitân (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has barred them from (Allâh’s) Way, so they have no guidance,” (24)

As Shaitân (Satan) has barred them from Allâh's Way, so they do not worship (prostrate themselves before) Allah who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal. (Tafsir At-Tabarî) (25)

Allâh, Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne! (26)

Sulaiman listened to the information given by the Hudhud bird and then sent the bird back to Saba with a letter to deliver.

Sulaiman said: “We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are (one) of the liars." (27)

“Go you with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what (answer) they return.” (28)

The letter was simple, beginning in the name of Allah (swt), telling the queen she should not consider herself exalted against Sulaiman, that is to say that she was not equal to him and that she should come to Sulaiman in submission. She was not equal in the sense that that Sulaiman was a Prophet and had greatness bestowed upon him by Allah. The command to come to Sulaiman as muslims has been explained by the mufassireen in two ways. It can mean ‘come as Muslims’ or ‘come in submission’ since the words islam and muslim mean ’submission’.

She said: “O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter, (29)

“Verily, It is from Sulaimân, and verily, It (reads): In the Name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; (30)

“Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allâh with full submission)’ ” (31)

The Queen of Saba was a wise woman who used ’shura’ (consultation) in her dealings. Allah guided her to Islam through her hikmah that she had before Islam, so after reading the letter she told her chiefs, I never make a decision without first consulting you so give me your advice:

She said: “O chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me (and give me your opinions).” (32)

The chiefs saw the letter of Sulaiman as a threat of invasion and they reminded her of their great military might and encouraged her to meet Sulaiman’s threat and go to war but as a wise woman she told those chiefs that whenever there is war, those who are victorious enter the country and it’s towns and bring humiliation and slavery. She realised that if Sulaiman were to win a war against her, her country would be reduced to the lowest, so she decided to send some of her men on a reconnaissance mission, taking with them gifts:

They said: “We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command; so think over what you will command.” (33)

She said: “Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it, and make the most honourable amongst its people the lowest. And thus they do. (34)

“But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the messengers return.” (35)

The messengers of the queen entered the palace of Sulaiman with their gifts and saw the riches upon riches that he already had and the powerful armies present, those armies consisting of humans, animals and birds. Instead of accepting the gifts he rebuffed the messengers telling them that he already had prophethood, wealth and a kingdom and his only interest was to bring the people to Tawhid (believing in and submitting to the One which is Allah). He sent the emissaries away back to Saba, they delivered the message of Sulaiman and told her about the riches and the armies they had seen and she decided to visit Sulaiman herself.

So when (the messengers with the present) came to Sulaimân (Solomon), he said: “Will you help me in wealth? What Allâh has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in your gift!” (36)

Then Sulaimân said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present]: “Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased.” (37)

After the emissaries from Saba had left Sulaiman spoke to his armies, including the jinns among them and asked who could bring to him the throne of the queen. One jinn offered to bring the throne but obviously Sulaiman wanted the throne much quicker than what was offered, so another jinn offered to bring it in the twinkling of an eye:

He said: “O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?” (38)

An Ifrît (strong one) from the jinn said: “I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work.” (39)

One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!” Then when Sulaiman saw it placed before him, he said: “This is by the Grace of my Lord - to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his own self, and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his own self). Certainly! my Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful.” (40)

The next step was to disguise the throne a little, to keep the main essence of the throne but make some changes to see if the queen would recognise it. When she arrived and was asked if this was like her throne, she looked at it and could see the striking similarities but as far as she knew her own throne was in her palace in Yemen so she cleverly stayed in between the two answers of yes or no saying, “It is as though it were the same.” Sulaiman noted that she was a diplomatic woman.

He said: “Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognise her throne), or she will be one of those not guided.” (41)

So when she came, it was said (to her): “Is your throne like this?” She said: “(It is) as though it were the very same.” And Sulaiman said: “Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allah (in Islam as Muslims before her).” (42)

And that which she used to worship besides Allah has prevented her (from Islam), for she was of a disbelieving people. (43)

The final test for her and show of Sulaiman’s greatness was when she entered the part of the palace which was floored with glass under which water flowed. Glass was something unknown at that time so when she entered she thought there was only water and she would get wet so she lifted her clothes as she prepared to walk through the water. This was a show of ignorance on her part and she finally realised that she was in the company of one on whom Allah had bestowed many great things and she submitted to Allah:

It was said to her: “Enter As-Sarh” [(a glass surface with water underneath it) or a palace], but when she saw it, she thought it was a pool, and she (tucked up her clothes) uncovering her legs, Sulaiman said: “Verily, it is Sarh [(a glass surface with water underneath it) or a palace].” She said: “My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit (in Islam, together with Sulaiman , to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).” (44)


(Surah An-Naml: ayah 20-44)

Reference:

http://religion4humanity.blogspot.com/2013/10/tafseer-story-of-sulaiman-queen-of-sheba.html

You only learn to love again

when you fall in love again.

Adele

 رَبِّ هَب لى مِن لَدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَميعُ الدُّعاءِ

rabbi hab lee min ladunka thurriyyatan tayyibatan 

innaka sameeAAudduAAa

"Oh Allah! Grant me from Yourself a good offspring; 

indeed You're the Hearer of prayer."

(Surah Al-Imran, ayah 38)

Supplication of Prophet Zakariyya (as)

Gratitude is knowing that whatever we have is from Allah. 
Gratitude helps us focus our minds on Allah, something that has unfortunately become so difficult today on account of life’s distractions and attractions. Gratitude, therefore, corrects our perceptions by reminding us that everything that happens to us doesn’t happen because of its own volition and thus we shouldn’t take matters for “granted”. 

Allah says in the Quran: 
“And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah.”
(Surah Al-Nahl 16:53) 

Allah also says, 
“And He found you poor and made you rich (self sufficient with self contentment.)” 
(Surah Al-Duha 93:8)

Therefore, let's us constantly remind ourselves of Allah’s bounties by expressing our gratitude to Him in prayers and at other times.

Reference:
http://www.iqrasense.com/muslim-character/the-blessings-of-gratitude-and-shukr.html

Something about cats that will leave you all fuzzy inside. I was afraid of cats back then, but as I grew I learnt to love them even more. But only when they were rowdy and wanting to scratch you, it freaks me out. Else, it's their eyes that made me mesmerised. Those round sympathetic yet annoying eyes. Hahaha. And when they meows at you, your heart just melt and swoon over. 

Pudgy, I love you.

I kept asking where has he been all my life?

Perhaps, I’ve been in his Duas.

I know how it feels to save up for something you want. It takes determination and perseverance to actually reach that goal of wanting something. I was thought since in primary school, if I ever needed to buy something I would have save up. Alhamdulillah, until now I am glad that I have this mentality to actually work for something when I want it.

This experience is a little bit special. I went to put up the sneakers on Carousell and there was this buyer who would self collect at my area. She was pretty late and I began to get agitated. But I managed to calm down and told myself that maybe she had her reasons. So when she arrived, she was an Indonesian helper. My heart softens and I began to smile as she handed me this red packet that contains the money. She reminds me a lot of myself. Life is hard, and how she managed to juggle the finance of wanting to buy something to reward oneself. 

Indeed, this made me smile. How wonderful this reminder is. May Allah ease her affairs and may she be rich with health, happiness and wealth.

Because breakfast with medicine 

would be thoughtful enough.

And I hope we'll be forever 

caring towards each other.

Ayah will always be selective when it comes to people who has the privilege to use his car. And I was pretty amazed when he entrust someone close to me. Alhamdulillah. It's a green light yo.

(>.<)"

A woman is married for four things;

Her wealth;

Her lineage;

Her beauty;

or her religion.

So you should take the possession 

of marrying the religious woman,

otherwise you will be the loser.

Sahih Al Bukhari: 5090

Take care of what is between you and Allah, 

and he will take care of what is 

between you and the people.

Sufyan Al-Thawri

Sometimes Allah doesn’t change 

our situation because He is trying 

to change our heart to have 

Sabr and Shukr in every situation.

Vulnerability 

I’ve learned that the more vulnerable I allow myself to be, the more in control of myself I really am. 
- Anonymous

Many of us feel that we can only show our strong, confident side. We believe the face we have to show to the world should always be one of politeness, perfection, calm, strength, and control.

While it is certainly good and often appropriate to be in control, calm and strong, there is another side to all of us- that part of us that feels needy becomes frightened, has doubts, and gets angry. That part of us that needs care, love, and reassurance that things will be okay. Expressing these needs makes us vulnerable and less than perfect, but this side needs our acceptance too.

Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable will help us build lasting relationships. Sharing our vulnerabilities helps us feel close to people and helps others feel close to us. It helps us grow in self-love and self-acceptance. It helps us become healing agents. It allows us to become whole and accessible to others.

Today, I will allow myself to be vulnerable with others when it’s safe and appropriate to do so.

The Language of Letting Go
by Melody Beattie
(page 217)