Escrito por Syeda Ali
Traducido por An Ghela

Assalamoaleikum Habibis

Algunas semanas atrás descubrí Habibi Halaqas y estaba tan emocionada que no puede contener mi júbilo. MashAllah he escrito desde niña pero todo necesita un enfoque, una dirección productiva, positiva y gratificante. Cuando nuestra talentosa y culta hermana Kanika me pidió que contribuyera a Habibi Halaqas, pensé, que mejor que escribir para mis hermanas musulmanas?

¿Todas a bordo???

Vamos a navegar en la nave de la excelencia moral en rumbo a complacer a nuestro querido Allah.

La comunidad musulmana necesita mucha ayuda y alivio, ¿no creen? El tipo de fanatismo y extremismo que se ha infiltrado en nuestra comunidad es causada por personas se han desviado del camino de Allah. Se sorprenderán pero creo que las musulmanas somos en parte responsables.

Si reflexionan, como Musulmanas, tenemos mucho poder en nuestras manos. Como amas de casa tenemos un propósito. Tenemos la responsabilidad de criar niños saludables y mantener a nuestra familias sanas, Allah ha creado esta destreza en cada mujer- solo tenemos que desarrollarla. Si pulimos las prácticas correctas en luz de lo que dice el Corán y la Sunnah podemos pintar el retrato perfecto de la Comunidad Musulmana – como un artista.

¡Poder Femenino! O mejor…
¡Poder Musulmán!

Entonces nos preguntamos por qué las mujeres no han logrado demostrar una buena labor como Musulmanas ideales? En realidad nos hemos envuelto a nosotras mismas en un caparazón lleno de complicaciones. Hay un gran alboroto sobre el feminismo y un nuevo termino – La Femi-Nazi ha sido creado. ¿De qué estamos hablando? Hay una carrera incesante para dominar a esta sociedad masculina cuando Allah nos ha regalado un balance natural en el que los hombres tienen la fuerza y proveen apoyo mientras las mujeres administran y usan su creatividad. De una manera u otra este hermoso balance ha sido traducido en “opresión”.

No hay ninguna duda; las mujeres pueden ser astronautas, soldadas del ejército, biólogas marinas—pueden conquistar el cielo, la tierra y el mar. PERO!!! Quien se hará cargo de la educación y el entrenamiento de sus hijos, la felicidad de su marido, el cuidado de sus padres, el servicio a la sociedad?—ESOS son los campos para los que ella nació experta por la voluntad de Dios.

Mujeres grandiosas construyen individuos y familias grandiosas que a la vez construyen sociedades y naciones grandiosas. ESE es el poder que Allah ha conferido en la mujer. Eso es lo que se llama PODER FEMENINO!

Observen el aumento en el número de jóvenes que están atrapados en las drogas, fornicación y crimen. ¿Por qué creen que esto ocurre? Las madres no están haciendo un buen trabajo, tal vez porque han perturbado el equilibrio de primero ser un ama de casa y después lo demás.

Hay un mundo de oportunidades y posibilidades abiertas para que nosotras podamos brindar un cambio global y en cambio andamos confundidas y envueltas en una crisis de identidad! No es por falta de ejemplos a seguir. El Corán menciona que la Virgen María o Mariam (que la paz sea con ella) como la conocemos, fue una de las mujeres más ejemplares que sobresalió por su piedad y castidad. El libro de Sahih Hadith menciona el brillante ejemplo de Fátima (que la paz sea con ella), la hija del Mensajero de Allah (saw) como un modelo de pureza—una ama de casa ideal en sus roles de madre, hija y esposa. Ella fue otorgada el rango de Jefa de las Mujeres del Paraíso. ¿Qué mejor ejemplo a seguir?

Primero debemos cuidarnos a nosotras mismas- comer bien, dormir bien, estudiar bien, pensar bien y usar las palabras adecuadas. Luego, debemos cuidar de nuestras familias – nuestros padres, nuestros hermanos, nuestros parientes, nuestros hijos. Nosotras como musulmanas necesitamos ser creativas y productivas y llevar vidas justas. El entrenamiento y cuidado personal, la higiene y la planificación del hogar—lo debemos aprender todo.

Habibi Halaqas ha tomado un paso para ayudarte a ser una mujer ideal! Reconozco mis fallas y voy a pulirme para lograr cumplir el propósito con el que nací. ¿Me acompañan?

La próxima vez hablaremos del auto-estima. ¡Estad atentas!

Hasta entonces,

Vivan Felices. Habibis

To be continued, inshaAllah. Please take this discussion forward with me and post your views regarding this issue in the comments section!

by Ruby

 For this month, I have decided to try out something healthy and low fat, but still (surprisingly) delicious. These oatmeal cookies will change your mind about healthy eating, as you will see. Healthy eating does not have to be difficult or boring. Oatmeal cookies are not always the healthy choice due to their butter and egg content, but with this recipe, they can be. This recipe cuts down on both the butter and eggs. It adds applesauce, which gives the cookies a moist texture. There is also a higher ratio of oatmeal to flour. Another bonus is that they take only about 10 minutes to bake!

Feel free to make these cookies even more nutritious by adding raisins or dried cranberries, or even nuts like sliced almonds or chopped walnuts! If not, you can always indulge by mixing in chocolate chips too. In my cookies, I added in 1/4 cup of dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of sliced almonds. The recipe is simple to follow, so please enjoy baking and eating them!

I'd love to hear your views on this recipe! Please share with me by posting in comments section below :)

I'd love to hear your views on this article. Please tell me in the comments section below :)

by Guest Poet - Ayesha Javed

I close my eyes, the flash back starts.
Tears roll down as I was restless, curt.
Back to the times, where I was tested by my Lord…
I wish I were then tenacious, steadfast.

As I was often chafed then,
I failed to realize then,
That I did what the devil said
And that strong I could be by controlling myself in anger…

Now here,
I wish I were strong then …
I wish I could swallow my rage…
I keep pulling myself up from drowning deep down,
Though, things keep pulling me so down.

Day and night I weep to my Lord,
Seeking refuge and forgiveness.
As I, missed those Golden opportunities of earning rewards from my Lord.
As I, missed those Golden opportunities of my sins to be washed.

At midst,

My Lord bestows me with His mercy on.

This is when; when my process of elucidation is switched on.

Now that this process of elucidation is on,

I’ve realized that I was at fault.

I repent to my Lord with my heart out.

I pray for the patience and elucidation that will make me strong,

Because I don’t want to miss those golden opportunities now!

I gaze the skies talking to my Lord,

Tears keep rolling down along

And I thank my Lord.

For I,

I’ve just begun to be grateful with all that I had

And all that I’ve got.

by Juli Herman


This post is a part of our new series "Homeschooling Tips". Our homeschooling experts will be presenting quick tips on how you can make your homeschooling experience beneficial and productive, while balancing your other duties of a wife, mother, muslimah and more!


Homemade Frozen Dinners

If you're homeschooling older children, and multiple children at that, depending on what homeschooling method you choose, you may find that you have less time to cook and clean, and need more time supervising, juggling one-on-one attention, and maybe even grading. 

There may be times when the kids can't help you in the kitchen because they will be doing their work, and you can't spend too much time cleaning and cooking because each child needs you at different times. It helps then to figure out shortcuts to the cooking process. 

Short of buying frozen dinners, what you can do is make your own pre-portioned, pre-packed, ready-to-cook frozen meals. 

When I make chicken curry, I mince onions, garlic, ginger, and a make a wet paste of it with curry powder. Then I add the whole spices, and some chilli paste. To create a frozen quick future chicken curry, as I do this, I cut extra onions, garlic, ginger, and blend them in a food processor with curry powder into a paste. I then slip a ziploc into an empty cup, fold the edge of it over the rim and spoon enough blended paste into it to make a chicken curry dish, tie and label it and pop it in the freezer. I can get about two to three packets of this chicken curry paste at a time. The next time I want to make chicken curry, I simply thaw the chicken and one packet of frozen wet curry paste. Then, when I'm really short of time, I simply clean the thawed chicken, slather it with the thawed paste, and pop it in the oven. Skipping the onion-cutting step really makes a huge difference in how much time you spend in the kitchen. Even my 10-11 years olds can do this for me during emergencies. If you can spend more time during the weekends, you can even make your own marinades, marinate your meat, and freeze them, ready to bake/cook/grill when the time comes. 

You still get homemade meals, and you have less mess!

I'd love to hear your views on this topic. Post them below in the comments section :)

by Ni'mah Ali
Translation by Eeman Mahdiya



Link For English Article
http://www.habibihalaqas.org/2011/04/quran-series-read-quran-to-remember.html

Islam. Such a simple word, yet with so many connotations. For me, Islam means a world of things. It represents the faith I was born into and the life I now lead. Islam is what wakes me up every morning long before the sun has risen, drowsy-eyed and weary from an incomplete night’s sleep, to establish the first of five daily prayers. It is why I dress the way I do, why I choose to cover my hair instead of styling it like other girls my age. It is why, for one month a year, I deprive myself of food and drink during the daylight hours. Islam gives me the conviction to starve so that I may feel the true pangs of hunger and be encouraged to do something for the millions that feel this way every day of the year, often for the entirety of their lives. Islam has taught me to live a life guided by moral principles designed to benefit myself and the lives of those around me.

And yet, for many people today, Islam represents the opposite of all these concepts. Islam is blamed for hate and violence, for misguiding members of our society towards evil and destruction. Islam is not seen as the peace it has always represented to me, but instead as a radical ideology that destroys any hopes for coexistence among diverse populations. Phrases like “9/11”, “Ground Zero Mosque,” and “Al-Qaeda” conjure up images of angry, bearded men dressed in flowing robes and turbans, chanting words from the Quran and determined to kill Americans simply for being who we are.

 “How did this happen?” I wonder to myself. Growing up as a Muslim in Montana, I often had doubts about my religion. All my friends were Christian, and I recall frequently asking my mom why I could not be more like them. I, too, wanted to feel the excitement during the Christmas season, write letters to Santa and daydream about the presents I would soon discover under our tree. Instead, I was a passive listener as my peers excitedly conversed about such topics every year. My family observed holidays that no one had ever heard of. Instead of celebrating by attending dozens of parties, exchanging presents, and staying up late, our religious holidays were just like any other day of the year. Instead of sleeping late into the mornings, we had to wake up extra early in order to attend a small prayer service before being dropped off at school for the remainder of the day. When my friends would ask why I had dressed up, I would find them confused by my description of a holiday completely unlike their own traditions.

Yet as I grew older, instead of drifting away from the faith that prevented me from fitting in with my peers, I found myself increasingly drawn to Islam and its powerful teachings. Instead of dreading the morning prayers that awoke me from the deepest part of my sleep, I learned to enjoy the opportunity to start my day with the remembrance of God. Instead of reacting to my growling stomach in Ramadan with impatience for the impending sunset, I embraced the opportunity to self-reflect on my blessings and donate to those less fortunate. Although I had long resented Islam for setting me apart as a child, I now learned to appreciate it for the guidance it was providing in my life.

Thus, it was an immense shock when I first began to notice anti-Islamic sentiment in the country I called home. When the disaster of 9/11 struck, I, along with all my classmates, was stunned that such a calamity had actually occurred in “real life.” I recall sharing in my disbelief at school that morning and my sympathy for those who had lost a loved one in the tragedy. I remember feeling confused when a secretary came to my classroom to inform me my dad was on the line in the main office. “Are you okay?” he asked, an obvious note of worry in his voice. “Of course I’m okay,” I thought to myself. I was thousands of miles away from Ground Zero and felt worlds away from comprehending the impacts of such devastation. “Did you hear about Osama bin Laden?” he hesitated at his own question. It was a name I recalled vaguely, belonging to a figure that felt distant and unrelated to my life. I reassured him I felt perfectly safe and he promised to explain more in the evening. I returned to class, confused by his worry. However, as we continued to follow the major news networks throughout the coming days and months, I connected the dots that my father had silently alluded to on the phone that day. Slowly, I began to understand the worry I had heard in his voice. Osama bin Laden was a terrorist. He was now proudly taking responsibility for the murder of thousands of human beings on 9/11, taking credit for the actions of men who had crashed commercial planes into buildings and killed innocent Americans. What was more difficult for me to comprehend was that bin Laden also claimed to be a Muslim. He suggested that the actions committed were done in the name of God, according to the teachings of what I knew to be a peaceful religion. The same Islam stating that to kill one innocent being is to kill the entire humanity, was now being used to justify the killing of thousands of innocent beings. How could this be? It is an association I still fail to understand, and one that I continue to resent with a vengeance.

Despite a plethora of anti-Islam rhetoric in recent years, ancient followers of this faith have left behind an impressive legacy. The Islamic Golden Age, dated from the mid-8th to the mid-13th century, saw significant advancements in the fields of agriculture, art and architecture, economics, law, literature, navigation, philosophy, science, sociology and technology. At the time, Muslims were not personified as uneducated men preaching violence and oppression of women, but rather as a remarkable and diverse array of artists, scientist, traders, and scholars. Their contributions to society left impacts all over the world that continue to be felt today. It is this view of Islam that I yearn to see reinstated in our current society. Instead of being a faith constantly associated with evil, I hope to see it gain an increasing level of respect for its true teachings and an appreciation for its important influences on our world.

I'd love to hear your views on this topic. Please post them in the comments section below :)

I admit it. I drew a blank on what to write this month, and so asked several friends for inspiration.

The top three results:

- Fulfilling the duties of the household while holding down employment,
- Polygamy,
- and Hijaab.

So, I now have an idea for the next two articles, but I am going to use hijaab, because even the akhawaat who brought up that subject said that it was a shame, but we need to address it because so many of our noble sisters don’t wear hijaab properly.

This is not going to be about colors, or even niqaab or not. It is about hijaab.

Let’s start with a definition. Not what it has come to mean, but what it meant in the time when the command was given by The Lawgiver, Allaah Subhana wa Ta’Alaa. The hijaab is the over garment that is let down from the top of the head and covers the Believing woman from literally head to toes. It is not the same as a khimar, which is the head scarf. It covers the breasts, it does not stop at them like the head scarf of the women of the Orthodox Jews; we’re supposed to be different from them, as we all remember from our readings of ahadeeth. It does not allow the hair to peep from underneath, nor for the ornaments, the jewelry, to be seen. It is worn when the Believing women go out of our homes, so that we are identifiable as Muslimahs, we are obvious in not being on display for men or others to find us attractive, it is to discourage those who lean towards zina’.

It is not, emphatically so, an option. While not wearing it does not take one outside of Islam, there are penalties for being uncovered when outside of one’s home. Not lashes, not stoning, but something far more severe: Allaah’s displeasure. That which we do and do not repent from, we will have to answer for, in the grave and the ‘Akhira, the Hereafter. And do not forget, ya akhawaat, that our clothing is a part of our adornment. So, the nice dress, the blouse and skirt and khimar, the salwaar chemise, are all to be covered by a different garment, the hijaab, when we are out of doors, or in the presence of ghair maharim. Unless you work only with your abu, and brothers by blood and by marriage, and grandfathers, and uncles, and sons, that includes the men in the office, school, or hospital. A bit inconvenient, and there are some times when there are excuses, but since Allaah did not command us to go out and earn and provide for the household, but rather, He commanded the men to do so, that means that if we choose to, or have to (yes, I know, it happens) we have to make the effort to obey Allaah as much as possible, rather than take it as a license to obey our desires. Have you noticed? Allaah does not praise following our desires, even in marriage, but puts obedience to Him in all things as that which He is pleased with.

We don’t want to go to extremes. That is not praiseworthy. But we have to do the best that we can, and ask Allaah’s help for the rest. So, to my sisters whom I meet on the street, with throats exposed, blouses tucked into the long skirts, jewelry flashing … my dears, you look lovely, really. But you are not following the Sunnah, and that is what we are here for, because the Sunnah is as much to be followed as the Qur’an.

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts from sin and not show of their adornment except only that which is apparent, and draw their headcovers over their necks and bosoms and not reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters sons, or their women (i.e., their sisters in Islam), or their female slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants free of physical desires, or small children who have no sense of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah altogether, O you Believers, in order that you may attain success." [An-Nur, 24:31]

The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: "Allaah, Most High is Ha'yeii (Bashful), Sit'teer (Shielder). He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)." 

The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) also said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allaah's shield upon her”.. " This hadith is proof that, depending upon the kind of action committed, there will be either reward (if good), or punishment (if bad).

I'd love to hear your views on this topic. Please post them in the comments section below :)

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Source: lifehack.org


Is your child struggling in school? Does your child stall when it comes time to do homework? Does your child’s teacher often comment that your child is capable, but is just not working to his or her potential? Or does your child do alright in school, but seems a bit bored or lacks enthusiasm for learning?

Well, there is a secret that you need to know in order for you to change this.

We are all born with certain propensities. We enjoy doing some things more than others and we see the world and experience it from a certain perspective. Parents can often say, “Oh, Johnny could stay outdoors playing in the dirt all day long,” or “Susie is such a people person”. At a very early age children show what they enjoy doing and what they are naturally interested in. Paying attention to this can be very beneficial to parents and in turn, to their children.

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Dr. Howard Gardner, Professor of Education at Harvard University, developed a theory called Multiple Intelligences. The theory suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, which is based on I.Q. testing, is far too limited.

Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults. Here’s a brief summary of these eight intelligences:

1. Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smart): This type of intelligence involves sensitivity to spoken and written language, the ability to learn languages, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. This intelligence includes the ability to effectively use language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically; and language as a means to remember information. Writers, poets, lawyers and speakers are among those that Gardner sees as having high linguistic intelligence.

2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (Number/Reasoning Smart): This type consists of the capacity to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate issues scientifically. In Gardner’s words, it entails the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically. This intelligence is most often associated with scientific and mathematical thinking.

3. Musical Intelligence (Music Smart): This type involves skill in the performance, composition, and appreciation of musical patterns. It encompasses the capacity to recognize and compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms.

4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (Body Smart): This type entails the potential of using one’s whole body or parts of the body to solve problems. It is the ability to use mental abilities to coordinate bodily movements.

5. Spatial Intelligence (Picture Smart): This type involves the potential to recognize and use the patterns of wide space and more confined areas.

6. Interpersonal Intelligence (People Smart): This type is concerned with the capacity to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of other people. It allows people to work effectively with others. Educators, salespeople, religious and political leaders and counsellors all need a well-developed interpersonal intelligence.

7. Intrapersonal Intelligence (Self Smart): This type entails the capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate one’s feelings, fears and motivations.

8. Naturalist Intelligence (Nature Smart): This type enables human beings to recognize, categorize and draw upon certain features of the environment. A number of schools in North America have looked to structure curricula according to these intelligences, and to design classrooms and even whole schools to reflect the understandings that Howard Gardner developed. It takes a commitment though from school boards, administrators and teachers to put something like this into practice.

Dr. Gardner says that our schools and culture focus most of their attention on linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence. We hold the highly articulate or logical people of our culture in great esteem. However, Dr. Gardner says that we should also place equal attention on individuals who show gifts in the other intelligences: the artists, architects, musicians, naturalists, designers, dancers, therapists, entrepreneurs, and others who enrich the world in which we live.

Unfortunately, many children who have these gifts don’t receive much reinforcement for them in school. Many of these kids, in fact, end up being labeled “learning disabled,” “ADD,” or simply underachievers, when their unique ways of thinking and learning aren’t addressed by a heavily linguistic or logical-mathematical classroom.

So, if your child’s school does not teach based on these principles, how can you as the parent use them to help your child be successful in school and in life? Let’s first take a look at how Howard Gardner’s theory would work in a classroom. Then, we’ll look at how you can use these techniques at home.

Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom
Let’s say that a teacher needs to teach a lesson about The Law of Supply and Demand.

They might do any or all of the following:

· Read to their students about it (linguistic)
· Study mathematical formulas that express it (logical-mathematical)
· Examine a graphic chart that illustrates the principle (spatial)
· Observe the law in the natural world (naturalist)
· Observe the law in the human world of commerce (interpersonal)
· Examine the law in terms of one’s own body, such as when you supply your body with lots of food, the hunger demand goes down; when there’s very little supply, your stomach’s demand for food goes way up and you get hungry (bodily-kinesthetic and interpersonal)
· Write a song (or find an existing song) that demonstrates the law like Bob Dylan’s “Too Much of Nothing? or John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change”.

It isn’t necessary for teachers to teach something in all eight ways. But it is necessary for them to see what the possibilities are, and then decide which particular pathways align best with the topic.

In addition, a teacher should also provide students with an opportunity to discover which intelligence best describes themselves. After students are aware of this they can take charge of their learning. When they study for tests they can relate all the ideas to topics that mean something to them. When they work on a project they can present it in a way that most makes sense to them.

Multiple Intelligences in the Home
If your child’s school doesn’t work this way then you can still teach this to your child and they can still use the strategy to study and complete projects and assignments.

Here’s how:

1. Have your child take this test, which determines their intelligence. Then, describe all eight intelligences to them in language appropriate to their age so that they will have a clearer understanding of each one.

2. Once your child is clear about how they learn and how this is innately what they enjoy, then the next step is to show them how they can use this with their school work.

3. When an assignment or project comes home tell them to put the topic of whatever the project is in the center of a blank sheet of paper, and draw eight straight lines or “spokes” radiating out from this topic. Label each line with a different intelligence. Then start brainstorming ideas for learning or showing that topic and write down ideas next to each intelligence. They might just want to do the assignment in a way that aligns with their intelligence, but it’s important for them to know that everyone has a little of each intelligence — so they can mix and match too.

With anything new, this process will need guidance and practice. However, you will be amazed at how quickly they catch on and how engrossed in their homework they will be simply by taking this approach.

Conclusion
Our world has become smaller due to globalization and it’s also becoming a world where different “traits” or intelligences are needed. Let’s help our children understand and feel good about themselves. With these two things in place they will feel confident to use what they’ve got to help make their difference in this world.

by Ruby

Baking can be an intimidating hobby, but in reality, it really does not have to be. Baking requires precision, yet allows for variation as well. It’s about enjoying the process of measuring ingredients, remembering to check the baking process, and of course, sniffing the mouth-watering aromas which come from your oven.

For the month of January, I would like to introduce Habibi Halaqas to a biscuit or cookie-like creation called biscotti. Biscotti can be flavored in a number of ways, from plain to chocolate dipped. It pairs very well with a hot drink like coffee or milk tea, because the cookie itself is crunchy in texture. Biscotti is a twice baked cookie, which means that after the dough is baked once, it is taken out of the oven and placed back in to be baked once more.

The almonds and almond flavoring are optional in this cookie, but they add a wonderfully distinct taste. There are alcohol-free almond extracts found in Indian stores. You can experiment with the flavorings as you wish, or just leave them plain with a hint of vanilla. All-purpose flour is the standard baking flour used in cakes and cookies, and you can use either bleached or unbleached.

Almond Biscotti Recipe Adapted from Food.com
Ingredients:

2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 cup Sugar (white)
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
3 large eggs
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
2 tsp almond flavoring or extract
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup whole almonds (toasted and chopped)

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2) Combine dry ingredients and set aside.
3) Whisk eggs and flavorings together. Mix in melted butter and almonds.
4) Add in dry ingredients and mix everything well. The dough will be very sticky, but don’t worry!
5) Divide the dough into half, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

6) Shape dough into two loaves (10 in long, 5 in wide). Use wet hands so the dough does not stick.
7) Bake about 50 minutes, until loaves and lightly golden.
8) Remove from oven and cool on racks for 15 minutes.
9) Use a serrated knife to cut loaves into ½ inch wide wedges.
10) Lay slices down onto the baking trays and baked again for 25-30 minutes, until golden in color.
11) Cool completely before storing. They taste even better a day or two later! Enjoy! 

I'd love to hear your views on this article. Please connect with me by posting in the comments section below!!

by Khadeejah Islam

Bismillah

What does Islam have to say on celebrating birthdays? What does Islam have to say about women leading a country? Why is your name Monica, Megan, or Susan? Why don’t you have a proper Islamic name? Why does not the Qur’an speak about dinosaurs? Is this halaal? Is that halaal?

The questions seem never-ending. Surprisingly, often, the questioners do not even know or practise the basic pillars of Islam. While it is indeed noble to seek knowledge and lead a life purely based on Islam, it is far greater to comprehend the basic essence of Islam. Islam is not a list of haraam and halaal. When a person understands and applies the basics of Islam, all the other commandments seem self-explanatory and easy. Therefore, the pivotal role of the sincere student as well as the teacher is to concentrate on the very core of Islam and gain taqwa, before giving out a fatwa (opinion), or asking for a fatwa (religious edict) from the scholar.

The prohibition of wine was revealed in stages. The Qur’an itself was revealed in a span of 23 years. Makkan Revelations (the Quranic verses revealed before the migration) were short and dealt with the basics of Islam, such as Tawheed (asserting the Oneness of God), Eeman (faith), Salaah (prayer), etc. On a larger scale, the revelation of other holy books was gradual – specific to a group of people for a certain period of time. All of these events have a lesson for us. They also introduce us to the greater wisdom which belongs to Allah. A grade-1 student will not be given the same education as a grade-10 student. This prevents the students from getting overwhelmed by a lot of information. This also prepares the students for further, perhaps even more complicated, information. Similarly, the 5 pillars of Islam and taqwa in general prepare individuals for other commandments, such as not backbiting. That way, they are far more able to apply these teachings. We must remember that it is difficult to leave behind haraam relationships; it is difficult to get rid of addictions or bad habits. If we prepare them with taqwa, they will be able to take on the various fatwa easily.

It is indeed a pity that many sisters overwhelm others with a list of rules. We should realize that it will not be appropriate to teach the minor details of Islam (such as voluntary or recommended acts) to someone who does not even know what Islam is, or does not even pray! Similarly, many overwhelm themselves with various fatwa and occupy themselves with zillion questions, without fixing their basics first. They forget to contemplate on the basic message of Islam which is to worship and obey one God, without associating partners with Him, and to believe Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi was sallam) as His final Messenger. How many of us think of this basic message and really try to understand what it means? This will ensure that we have taqwa. Therefore, it is a reminder for both the student and the teacher to focus more on the obligatory duties rather than the voluntary acts.

It is essential to remember that many of the issues depend on personal preferences or individual situations. Therefore, there could be some exceptions. For instance, if a non-Muslim is contemplating suicide, undoubtedly, you will rush to save him; you will not wait to proclaim the basic message of Islam. If your Muslim daughter is insulting guests at home, you will definitely bring her aside and teach her manners, instead of educating her about anything else. In addition, there are many other cases of necessity where even a haraam thing may become halaal. For example, alcohol may become permissible if that is the last resort to save a life. Therefore, it is essential for us to remember that the fatwa published by different websites or books may not be applicable to your situation. In that case, you need to obtain a fatwa from a scholar, which is specific to your condition. This reminder is particularly important for students of knowledge who fall into argument over a general fatwa and try to enforce it on others without asking them about their specific circumstances and directing them to scholars. However, in general, if taqwa is strong, chances are that a person will be far removed from the thoughts of suicide, insulting guests, and other such vices.

In conclusion, if you come across people who question you incessantly, it is best to remind them of the aforementioned points. If he/she still persists with a hint of mockery, then be firm in disseminating the basic message of Islam and also direct him/her to scholars. Remember that gaining taqwa is a long-term goal.

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) addressed us and said: "O people, Allah has made Hajj obligatory for you; so perform Hajj. Thereupon a person said: Messenger of Allah, (is it to be performed) every year? He (the Holy Prophet) kept quiet, and he repeated (these words) thrice, whereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: If I were to say "Yes," it would become obligatory (for you to perform it every year) and you would not be able to do it. Then he said: Leave me with what I have left to you, for those who were before you were destroyed because of excessive questioning, and their opposition to their apostles. So when I command you to do anything, do it as much as it lies in your power and when I forbid you to do anything, then abandon it." [1].

Footnotes:
[1] Saheeh Muslim, Book-7, Hadeeth-3095.

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by Amal Milaa Filza

Bismillah

It feels like my heart is broken.
Thoughts unspoken.
Why don’t they understand?
Close my eyes, count the teardrops.
They just don’t realize.
Culture vs religion.
Unlock the door.
Wind too strong,
Holding me in a place I don’t belong.
Where do I go, when there is no place left anymore?

Sometimes I really don’t know where I can find acceptance in this world full of rejection. They don’t seem to understand the language I am speaking.

An outcast within my own family, a weirdo at the family gatherings, I can hear them talking behind my back, making fun of my acts. I really don’t know where I can find acceptance in this world full of rejection.

I try to reach my hand out. Pull them into my bubble of faith. I try to explain why I love Him so much yet no one who cares.. They don’t seem to understand the language I am speaking.

It hurts to know, that I’m a stranger in a place I should call home. I have become the object of ridicule. I really don’t know where I can find acceptance in this world full of rejection.

I try to get closer to my Creator; I only want to please my Sustainer.
The people that are so dear to me, don’t seem to understand the language I am speaking..

May Allah subhaana wa ta'aala guide them to the right path and may the light of Islam shine within their hearts. Ameen.

by Maryam Abd Al Ghafur

Have you heard that before? It is frequently, but not exclusively, used between muslimahs who are dear friends, who genuinely love each other, care for each other, are, in the quaint phrase of old, "bosom bows" to and for each other.

"We need to have more unity amongst the believers; we need more brotherhood, more sisterhood." This, too, is a common saying, and no less true for its prevalence. It goes without saying, or it should, that that unity must be upon tawheed, be upon disavowal of shirk and kufr asghar and kabeer, and be upon obedience and sincerity to Allaah subhana wa ta'Alaa and Rasul Allaah, sall'Allaahu alayhe wa sallam, yet sisterhood escapes us. Why?

The underlying answer is not known to me, but I do have theories, based in part upon what I have seen and have experienced.

Allah 'azza wa jall says, in what is interpreted in English to mean, "The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allaah that you may receive mercy. O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it to insult one's brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother (a faithfurl believer) as: "O sinner", or, "O wicked"]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zaalimun (wrongdoers)." (Al Hujurat, 49: 10-11)

From the beneficial book Bulugh al Maram: 1292. Narrated (Abu Huraira) radhi Allahu anhu: Allah's Messenger, sal'Allahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Do not envy one another, do not outbid one another (with a view to raising the price), do not have hatred for one another, do not boycott one another, and do not enter into a transaction when the other has already entered into it; and be brothers (to one another) O servants of Allaah. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He does not wrong him, nor desert him, nor despise him. Piety is found here -- (pointing three times to his chest) -- despising his Muslim brother is enough evil for any man to do. Every Muslim's blood, property and honor are unlawful [We learn through this Hadith that it is forbidden for a Muslim to bear a grudge against another Muslim] to be violated by another Muslim." [Muslim reported it].

To say that we will all like one another in this world's life is unrealistic. But the right of good conduct towards each other is a part of 'eeman, which is not only belief in the heart, but actions of the limbs and words on the tongue. If we differ with our sisters, they are in fact our sisters. And while it may be something that some of us have learned from our childhood interactions with our biological sisters, yelling at each other, nursing rancor, laughing at each other's mistakes, real or perceived, is not from the good character of the Believing women. If there is a sister in Islam that we do not like, is that dislike so great, is it so precious to us, that it precludes giving the greeting with a smile? To say, "I am not a hypocrite; if I don't like you, you're going to know that I don't like you." is to forget that when a man came to visit Rasul Allaah, sall'Allaahu alayhe wa sallam, before the man entered, Rasul Allaah said, “What an evil son of an evil people.” But he was courteous and kind to the man. After, ‘Aishah bint Abu Bakr, radhi Allaahu anhum, said, “Rasul Allaah, I heard you say, ‘What an evil son of an evil people’, but you were smiling and polite to him?”

The answer was that she had never seen him to be discourteous to anyone. It is from the rights of others over us that we are kind and polite; it is not our right, nor does it make us shining examples of honesty and forthrightness to harm others with our words or in any other fashion.

Where is it in brotherhood (sisterhood) that we use the adherence to Qur’aan and Sunnah against a muslimah, to advance our own agenda at the expense of a Believer’s family, good will, or heart? To use another Muslim’s knowledge of husnul dhun to cheat and deceive until one’s blatant manipulations leave no other choice but to walk away from the one who was loved for the sake of Allaah?

And, for that matter, where is it in the good deeds of a believer that we tolerate errors in aqeedah, because of our affection for fulan aw fulana, until they irritate us personally – at which point, we cut that person out of our lives? Not only is it against the Sunnah which we all say that we uphold to boycott someone for more than three days from personal matters, it puts the slave’s likes and dislikes above the standards that the Lawgiver has sent down, which is of loving what He loves and hating what He hates, our own personal opinions regardless.

I speak to myself first of all; if I am sincere, if I in fact do love you for the sake of Allaah, then I will clarify matters, not deeming you to be so unimportant that you are not worthy of my mirroring your good and evil deeds back at you so that you may see them, recognize them, and, insha Allah, correct them in obedience to Allah, and I ask you to do the same for me.

“I love you for the sake of Allah.” May the One for whose sake you love me, love you as well. Ameen.

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