26th Safar

What can we each do to keep our paths straight? As winter has descended upon us ...bringing cold, ice, snows and bitterness outside, what can we do to maintain our inner balance? The answers to this question lie within each one of us . We have to each decide for ourselves . If we have a talent , then to use it for HIS glory would serve us well . If we can reach out to support another, this will show wisdom . If we list our blessings truly being aware of their magnitude. If we seek answers only from HIM for all our needs ... let HIM know our inner desires. If we can truly forgive those who have left us hollow and somewhat lost ... then we will be acting in HIS way . When we see ourselves as servants of God, then will we actually be one with HIM. Messengers have come and gone before ... have we heeded their call within our souls? OR does the body fail us and leave us weak and undone at the doors to heaven? Continually seek the light from within to let Faith's embers burn and allow us to act in the best we can ALWAYS . The road to heaven lies in finding that balance between FAITH & FEAR ; Compassion & Selfishness ; Wisdom & Futility; Love & mistrust . Give the ego to GOd so that the soul can be our guide... It will not lead us astray !

Saffar 10th 1435

Today is my day to post my thoughts as we begin another Muslim New Year ...SAffar is the 2nd month of 1435 . However since I was on the road for a few months , I am posting today for the first time since my return . Muharram has past by quickly as I spent almost two months  in Australia with the PAscoes .. visiting Sydney, sharing life with the children and enjoyed affection from Asiyah's family and friends. Then on to Portland , Oregon to visit my nephew and family Imran & Sania and girls ... Aappy was there too ...a lovely surprise for us both . So happy to break the return journey home...with such a caring family ... may Allah bless them forever. (12 days of fun). I fondly call this voyage as one of transformation ... please help me LOrd to continue on transforming my thoughts, ways and acts ...so as to please YOU. Montreal , kindly has given me the end of Muharram and now some 10 days of Saffar . Thoughts to share revolve around the mercy and LOVE of our Maker for us, faithful believers. I am home now and daily try to continue in my submission to HIS call . HE surrounds us with so many flags to remind us ..... let us keep our eyes "wide open " to do the best we can in our daily tasks. Let not complacency and rust cover over our hearts as we hibernate in these cold days of winter. The gift of giving is what we are meant to share ...with people we can support .

Dhul Hijra 1434

Another reminder of how FAITH can carry us thru ... by simply giving in and surrender to HIS will . Remember our Prophet , Abraham ... with trust and love , his son was spared by Allah's mercy. You too can be spared . First 10 days are the spark that lights the flame ...that is to remember the sacrifice and surrender. When we give up, give in and give all to HIM... we become healed and can manage our burdens easier. We can march on with patience and allow the light to shine thru us to others .. amin sub amin.

Shawwal ends for this year 1434

Whatever comes to us, from our faith has the purpose of teaching us right from wrong. What has Shawwal presented before us this year? For me this month has touched soo many parts of my existance .. a superb visit with my son and family ...seeing the loveliest of grand kids ..up close and personal; and then the return to Montreal and kindnesses of my surroundings here. The fullest heart and gratitude for my daily blessings will make me stronger for the future ...weekly halaqa, work with Al Mohsen , home in Place Gouin ..pleasanterie with neighbours, work at YWCA and YOGA practices, newly found social life with good people. My absolute source of inner strength found only in the Quran and the faith it instills . The economic security that enables me to live safely here and manage a life that is honorable . My gratitude is HUGE for the senior life that Allah has provided for me here. Shawwal has also afforded me the opportunities to visibly see the sequences of "asking and ye shall receive". eg.. mesjid in Jean Talon, healing for Ahsan Bhai , constant reassurance from Don. Remembrance to never stop praying for those in need and our dearly loved ones .Activity doing good deeds and serving TAkwah to our Creator makes up a good life... let it be for me this next year. AMIN AND YOU too!

Shawwal 23 1434

This month has come as another reminder of just how Great Allah is for us, believers. With Ramadan just passed , we can be just sooo ever grateful for those valuable lessons and mercies bestowed upon us . The world in 2013 has become so filled with earthly scourges and dramas ..unknown to man in recent memory ... we can truly feel despair if we allow it. HOWEVER I want to touch you all with a hope and knowledge that IF we follow the right road... all will be well . My question is simply that if the Iman Mehdi reapppeared today , would we be ready to accept his teachings NOW or would we still crucify HIM with disbelief and dishonour ? I wonder ????? For me I can only find peace and reassurance through HIS love and lessons taught ...so many eons ago . They are still apt today ...in 2013. Peace to all today !!!!

Shawwal 16 1434

Today is YET another day that Allah has given us to ponder , praise and give thanks for our bounties . Let the learning of Ramadan 1434 remain with us all . Today I am more aware the importance of HIS grace ...coming to us when we truly surrender and follow His guidance on the road to our own destination . Please help me to continue to accept the role of"wali" and "arif"...friend of my RAbb that is offered to me from his mercy . Sometimes playing this part may challenge me but let it be so !!!! Ramadan has been a great learning for me this year... humble contrition has filled me and I allowed my soul to prevail as my guide. I did enjoy this experience ... let it so continue !! HOLD ON TO the ROPE of faith as it keeps us safe in our earthly travels and will be there to take us into the Hereafter...with no fears. Subhannalaha !!!!

Ramadan 20 1434

Here we are in the third trimester offering us freedom from Hellfire. Since the Hereafter is our most precious hope that we may please our Rabb and let HIM prepare a better home for our souls there. AMIN. The learning for this Ramadan has opened us up to clarity and what TRUTH will offer us forever. The expectations we may have in this world are such short-lived that let us all learn to simply DO, ACT with an intent to always please our RAbb . Only HE can provide our needs to let our inner peace flow within us and demonstrate a daily contentment . Our night prayers henceforth will be done with hope, honesty, sincerity and with as much effort as we can make . Our bodies are weakened from fasting and daily stress so it will be the soul who directs our will . Please give us YOUR strength to accomplish whatever is best for us and our families. YA Fateha YA Azzizo !

Ramadan 10 1434

OH MY ALLAH ... the beauty and mercy you offer to us is unimaginable ! Once we start to count the ways you love us in YOUR mercy ... never to forget this all year long . It is said that for six months after every Ramadan , we count the blessings from this past RAmadan . Then for the following 6 months , we beg for the possibility of being offered the next RAmadan . HOW can we ever understand YOUR compassion? The Quran and Sunna are the cornerstones on the path we must follow . It is this that honors this Holy month and we , humble souls who live in it. Ramadan is our month of TAKWAH ... with Allah . Please read the notes from Br Majed Mahmoud.

Ramadan ..our honored guest 1434

Mashallah .. we have entered the fourth day of Ramadan and have now begun to see the treasure within it. Allah is the treasure ... if we really look with our soul's eye. Allah has promised that He has made us from Himself in order that we may love HIM and obey . HE has instilled this love and strength of faith within us so that we may accomplish so much more than we can ever imagine. The 16 hour fast is simply a sign of our love for HIM . HE will provide us the courage and stamina ..if we sincerely ask. OH Allah we beg for YOUR mercy ... teach us to honor YOU with these actions ... WHY? because we love YOU. Help us to love one another because we can ... this power is within us. Seek our own little divinity within ...from YOUR SOUL and cherish it today. Look down with humility and be grateful to YOUR plans...YOUR design , YOUR mercy ... IYAKA NABUDU WA IYAKA NASTAEEN!

Rajab 27 1434

How to express what this month means to a believer? Rajab is a favoured guest to our home as it teaches us the ways to purify ourselves in preparation for Ramadan .

Rajab 15 1434

Oh My , here we are again in the Holy month of Rajab ! The years pass soo quickly . Are you wasting any of our precious minutes ? His mercy is endless and wide ...all we have to do is repent sincerely and his promise is to forgive. It is said this month , that to repent this month and accept the errors consciously , the angel will only write our good deeds this month ..not the bad ones. MY oh MY what grace that is !!! These next three days are specially designed to save us for the next year. Let us not waste one minute. The "how to" of pleasing HIM is our one desire ... let go of the EGO and ask the SOUL to direct your path ... THIS WILL SUFFICE !!! Speak from the heart with your actions , request guidance from within , seek contentment in everything you attempt . The peace lies within and you can access it ...just try ! Work hard and be the best that you can be.... especially as you do your prayers , requests for guidance and the love you share with others. Selfish motives will never give you peace... ultuistic ventures will be our best endeavours to please ourselves and others. Seek your own peace with requite humility today and I send you blessings of Rajab .

Jumada II ends for 1434

What can I write that may lift the heart up and give it solace? TO REMEMBER the bounties even when we do not still see them visibly ... every day is another opportunity to praise HIM and reach out to comfort someone . As busy-ness creeps up and good health is with us , never forget to look around and find another in need. The will that brought each of us out of dilemnas can bring solace to another in need. Now that the sun shines down on us and spring has refreshed the flower beds ... never forget the dark clouds that hovered over us bringing anxiety, fear and loss of hope . Seek those who still see these clouds ... surround them with your embrace and share the LOVE. Our journey is always mixed with the bitter lemons and the sparkling gems ... please help us to make the lemonade and polish the gems each in their own turn . Never despair and hold onto that rope of FAITH that we need when we are treading water. LIFE is for the BRAVE !!! Let us remember to be brave , patient and endure all that comes with gratitude.

Jumada Al Thania ..fear NOT where you are called

Thanks be to Allah ... the quietness of my writing is caused by the growth of spiritual grace ... AMIN! Striving to climb the ladder implies a multitude of efforts . As I re-examine the past 12 months , I can see a chain of activities surrounded by helpful souls and loving arms . Each month ( day by day) has led me to find my re-birth of faith and sincere hope in the afterlife's promise for the faithful. Gratitude soothes my earthly forehead ...remembering the bounties been offered me in childhood, in puberty , in young adulthood , with husband and new family . The kismet offered me from above .. is never to be taken for granted . Loving HIM is all that I meant to be .. serving HIM is my purpose. Let me do this , please for as long as I am able . Lessons learned this year ... TO CHANGE WHO YOU ARE, CHANGE WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE ! ... Value any LOVE when you receive it ...this too comes from ALLAH ! PEACE AND LOVE!!!!! May I add the ps of a birth in December 2012 of a most desired little grandson, Mays Gabriel Rehman ... he has become a strong candle glowing in the home of our son, SHIRAZ & BETH. MAY Allah continue to make his light shine bright and radiate GOD's power with his life. AMIN... thank you GOD!