Assalam Walaikum!
The dawn of 2013 is approaching, Inshallah!
While many Muslims around the world do not adhere to taking resolutions for the new year as it is based on the Christian calendar, it is a tradition that many of us reverts have practiced prior to Islam.
I will be making a resolution this year, as I did last year and I will explain to you the reasoning behind this.
In the country we live in, the new year is also a synonym of winter, a time where everything has been stripped down, ready to come back to life.
We, humans, subhannallah, have been created by Allah, like plants and animals, like the sky and the sea and everything else around us. We live in sync with the world around us. It is the science behind the faith, mashallah.
Our bodies are ready for new beginnings in spring, our minds feel hopeful, we often feel more positive and more creative at that time of the year for that reason. Allah has given us seasons, and we must appreciate them all for how they affect us.
I feel that taking resolutions can be helpful if they are linked to our deen, inshallah.
So let me tell you a story, my story.
On the 1st of January 2011, I took a resolution. I told myself that this was the year I would convert to Islam. On the 12th of June 2011, I took my shahada at Tooting Mosque. A week later, my fiancé and I had taken our Nikkah.
On the 1st of January 2012, I decided to eat hallal meat only. That was a difficult part of my convertion, but mashallah, I managed to stick to it, with the help of Allah's kindest and guidance.
On the 1st of January 2013, Inshallah, I will start doing my 5 daily prayers.
For reverts it is important to keep improving our deen at the speed which is right for us. Rushing ourselves when we aren't ready may take us away from the deen. Some sisters mashallah, manage to change all these things at once, others may take months, or years.
I make duah for all of my sisters to have a wonderful year 2013, filled with happiness, prosperity, health, wealth, learning, and most importantly with the beauty of the deen. Ameen.
Salaams!
xx
Monday, 31 December 2012
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Can I be a practising Muslimah and have a career, here in the UK?
Assalam Walaikum sisters!
I've been thinking about the subject of work recently, as a Muslim, as a revert and as a British woman.
I got made redundant last month. After months of feeling financially unsafe and of work becoming more and more uncertain for 2013, my boss did what she had to do, and let go of some of her staff. That meant me.
I didn't feel that upset, to be honest, mashallah. I saw this sudden change as a blessing. For well over a year now, I had been thinking of a career change. I wanted something that allowed me to practice my faith, keep to my values, yet allow my creativity to be expressed.
I am seeing this as a sign of encouragement from Allah, subhannallah, to be brave and push myself to aim higher and gain greater achievements.
Although I am still unsure which direction to take, I have had some ideas.
But actually it isn't an easy and straight forward decision for reverts to Islam. There are many things to consider that we would not have had to think about before.
Will I be able to pray? Will I be working in a Hallal environment? Will I be ok to wear my headscarf there? Will I be regarded as good as any other employee?
To add to the equation, I have only ever worked and wanted to work in the media. How can I combine all of this together?
Inshallah.... That is the only Duah that comes to my mind.
We can sit and fret and worry, or we can leave it to the hands of Allah. It is quite a difficult thing to do, and further more difficult thing to explain to our families, being non- muslims, often non believers. They want us to succeed and cannot comprehend such as 'laid-back' attitude as they would see it.
But it isn't about being laid back, we will have to job search, apply for jobs, go to dozens of interviews. It is the outcome of all of these which we leave upon Allah to guide us with.
What I have noticed about a lot of sisters I have met over the past 2 years is an incredible sense of entrepreneurship. Mashallah.
Well, thinking about it, starting your own business that you can run from home is probably the easiest way to work as a muslimah. You chose your hours, you can pray when you want to, you keep to your principles and you do not have to worry about wearing your hijab or niqab. SubhanAllah.
And the Prophets' own wife (saw), Khadijah, is one of the most inspiring people to look up to in that prospect. She was a business woman of her own right, she ran her own business and was very successful, mashallah.
Inshallah, my next post will be about her and how we can aspire to be more like her Inshallah.
I've been thinking about the subject of work recently, as a Muslim, as a revert and as a British woman.
I got made redundant last month. After months of feeling financially unsafe and of work becoming more and more uncertain for 2013, my boss did what she had to do, and let go of some of her staff. That meant me.
I didn't feel that upset, to be honest, mashallah. I saw this sudden change as a blessing. For well over a year now, I had been thinking of a career change. I wanted something that allowed me to practice my faith, keep to my values, yet allow my creativity to be expressed.
I am seeing this as a sign of encouragement from Allah, subhannallah, to be brave and push myself to aim higher and gain greater achievements.
Although I am still unsure which direction to take, I have had some ideas.
But actually it isn't an easy and straight forward decision for reverts to Islam. There are many things to consider that we would not have had to think about before.
Will I be able to pray? Will I be working in a Hallal environment? Will I be ok to wear my headscarf there? Will I be regarded as good as any other employee?
To add to the equation, I have only ever worked and wanted to work in the media. How can I combine all of this together?
Inshallah.... That is the only Duah that comes to my mind.
We can sit and fret and worry, or we can leave it to the hands of Allah. It is quite a difficult thing to do, and further more difficult thing to explain to our families, being non- muslims, often non believers. They want us to succeed and cannot comprehend such as 'laid-back' attitude as they would see it.
But it isn't about being laid back, we will have to job search, apply for jobs, go to dozens of interviews. It is the outcome of all of these which we leave upon Allah to guide us with.
What I have noticed about a lot of sisters I have met over the past 2 years is an incredible sense of entrepreneurship. Mashallah.
Well, thinking about it, starting your own business that you can run from home is probably the easiest way to work as a muslimah. You chose your hours, you can pray when you want to, you keep to your principles and you do not have to worry about wearing your hijab or niqab. SubhanAllah.
And the Prophets' own wife (saw), Khadijah, is one of the most inspiring people to look up to in that prospect. She was a business woman of her own right, she ran her own business and was very successful, mashallah.
Inshallah, my next post will be about her and how we can aspire to be more like her Inshallah.
Thursday, 27 December 2012
Back to blogging
Assalam Walaikum sisters!
Things have seems to go back to a normal rythm, two months after our wedding and so I am 100% ready to take on the blogging again.
Follow me on Twitter @RevertDiaries for daily quotes, fashion inspiration and crafty ideas!
I am also on Pose, the fashion app that allows you to upload pictures of outfits and of inspiring fashion. Follow me there under therevertdiaries.
I look forward to lots of articles and inspiring times!!
I would be interested in hearing your stories of how this Christmas season went for you as a revert to Islam, especially if this was your first one as a Muslim, inshallah.
May Allah bless you all sisters!!
x
Things have seems to go back to a normal rythm, two months after our wedding and so I am 100% ready to take on the blogging again.
Follow me on Twitter @RevertDiaries for daily quotes, fashion inspiration and crafty ideas!
I am also on Pose, the fashion app that allows you to upload pictures of outfits and of inspiring fashion. Follow me there under therevertdiaries.
I look forward to lots of articles and inspiring times!!
I would be interested in hearing your stories of how this Christmas season went for you as a revert to Islam, especially if this was your first one as a Muslim, inshallah.
May Allah bless you all sisters!!
x
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Christmas Period
Salam.
Here is a very interesting and supportive message from Solace.
This time is a very difficult time for reverts regardless of whether they have been Muslim for 1 week or 15 years! SOLACE acknowledges and understands that it is at this time of the year that many sisters feel lonely and a deep sense of possibly family loss. SOLACE has sought the advice of a few revert sisters and we would like to share some tips for surviving the Xmas and New Year season.
Here is a very interesting and supportive message from Solace.
XMAS AND NEW YEAR SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR REVERTS!
on Saturday, 15 December 2012. Posted in New Muslims
Assalamu alaikum
This time is a very difficult time for reverts regardless of whether they have been Muslim for 1 week or 15 years! SOLACE acknowledges and understands that it is at this time of the year that many sisters feel lonely and a deep sense of possibly family loss. SOLACE has sought the advice of a few revert sisters and we would like to share some tips for surviving the Xmas and New Year season.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO AS MANY REVERTS THAT YOU KNOW.
* Remember you have been on a spiritual journey which they haven't shared. Therefore changes which come from the heart for the revert, such as no longer celebrating non Muslim festivals, are shocking to a family who usually just see the do's and don'ts of Islam, and not the spiritual side. It's important to be sensitive to the family and as open as possible. Share with them your reasons for the changes in your approach, and perhaps warn them before these changes happen.
* Give gifts to your relatives at both Eids, just as they want to give your family gifts at both birthdays and Christmas. In this way all the family, especially the children, don't miss out and everyone can learn from each other. You can always save the gifts for Eid if you prefer, just as they may save your gifts for Christmas! Alternatively, ask them to buy the children winter presents at the beginning or middle of December but not near the day itself.
* Remember to call them on the days around Christmas - they'll be missing you, and by spending time asking them about their day, you are showing an interest in their lives, just as you want them to show an interest in yours. Be open to chatting about their preparations and plans so they don't feel you've changed beyond all recognition, but just be gentle and firm in your own beliefs. At the end of the day, you can't just pretend its not happening.
* If you don't want to be with family over Christmas, try to visit them at some point earlier or later on in December. If you want to visit on the day, don't participate in the Christmas lunch and giving of presents, but make it in the evening after everything is over. This may keep both yourselves and your family happy, whilst standing clear of the ritual Christmas activities. And during the time you do spend with them inside the house, try to look good! They need to see that although their daughter covers herself fully, she can still take pride in her appearance. Take pretty clothes when you go to visit, wear a coloured scarf if you normally wear black, etc. It can really make a difference to them.
* If you're struggling yourself with feelings of emptiness, being apart on the day when all the family used to be together, make alternative plans. Keep busy during these times. Utilise the events that often go on in the mosques such as special talks at this time of year. Have a day out, as the roads are generally clear, and parking is free. Just make sure that parks etc are open, otherwise the children may end up disappointed. Visit a large mosque in a city some distance away that you wouldn't usually get to visit, or go natural - beaches and forests are always open!
* If you decide to stay at home, have a family Halaqa or invite other sisters round, especially the revert sisters you know - and take time together to study about Prophet Isa (a.s) in detail, developing a love and renewed understanding of his life as a Prophet. Go back to the Qur'an and Sunnah, and teach the children that Islam stands out as the One true religion, and is something to be proud of. Finally, spend more time on your prayer mat, praying for your non-Muslim family to come to Islam.
* If you're still a part of their family time in some small way, without celebrating Christmas itself, then maybe your family will feel more interested in joining you on one of your Eid days, thereby opening up Islam in a new way to them. So without overstepping the boundaries of Islam, aim to see your gentle and generous approach at their time of year as a means of Daw'ah.
Wasalamu alaikum
SOLACE
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Swap shop
Sisters
Salams to all of you!! After months of preparations I am finally married- al hamdullilah!
The swap sale will be taking place Saturday at 11am so please do email me to say you will be coming!
I will email back with an address for you!
The clothes we will collect will be donated to centre point which have agreed to take the clothes at one of their centres in london. Centre point is a charity that provides for teenaged who are homeless. Look up their website, alhamdullilah, it's really inspiring!
I hope to see you all Saturday sisters!! And remember it is an opportunity for dawah as it is an interfaith event!
Salam to you all!
Salams to all of you!! After months of preparations I am finally married- al hamdullilah!
The swap sale will be taking place Saturday at 11am so please do email me to say you will be coming!
I will email back with an address for you!
The clothes we will collect will be donated to centre point which have agreed to take the clothes at one of their centres in london. Centre point is a charity that provides for teenaged who are homeless. Look up their website, alhamdullilah, it's really inspiring!
I hope to see you all Saturday sisters!! And remember it is an opportunity for dawah as it is an interfaith event!
Salam to you all!
Sunday, 14 October 2012
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Appologies
Salam sisters! My activity on the blog will be very low this month as the countdown to my big day is officially d-29!
I will be back with much more ideas and regular updates about "beat the chill" which will still be going ahead!! I have collected 4 whole bin bags of clothes and can't wait to get the project well and truly going!! Xx
I will be back with much more ideas and regular updates about "beat the chill" which will still be going ahead!! I have collected 4 whole bin bags of clothes and can't wait to get the project well and truly going!! Xx
Monday, 24 September 2012
Beat the chill -Updates!
Salam!
I sorted my wardrobe this weekend... and subhanallah I have 2 bin bags full of clothes for the swap/ homeless!
I hope to get as many girls involved in this so let me know if you are interested and definately spread the word!!
xxx
I sorted my wardrobe this weekend... and subhanallah I have 2 bin bags full of clothes for the swap/ homeless!
I hope to get as many girls involved in this so let me know if you are interested and definately spread the word!!
xxx
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Breakfast!
Assakam wakaikum!
Breakfast is your most important meal of the day- we all know that!
One thing that I ve been missing as a revert to Islam is a fry up!
How very British of me!
But it's true that it is part of our culture and I like an occasional full Sunday brunch!
This is actually something that I also hear a lot from my non Muslim friends... Don't you miss this don't you miss that? Islam is portrayed as a restrictive religion, when in fact it's really not. We aren't allowed pork. But we are still allowed chicken, beef, lamb, and anything that comes out of the sea! We re not allowed alcohol- but how many other non alcoholic drinks are there in the world?
For each thing forbidden, we have a choice of other foods to choose from.
So this is where is goes back to my notion of breakfast! Turkey rashers and halal sausages! I had never had any before until last eid actually! And how surprised was I when I found the same taste as a non halal bacon breakfast!
They are many cafes and bars in Muslim populated areas such as tooting for example that will serve this sort of breakfast! This is a perfect way to invite your non Muslim friends to lunch/ breakfast and to open conversations about what Islam really is!
For those in the south west London area I recommend cafe max, on tooting high street! They also do nice lunches!
Let me share this picture of my brekkie yesterday! :)
Breakfast is your most important meal of the day- we all know that!
One thing that I ve been missing as a revert to Islam is a fry up!
How very British of me!
But it's true that it is part of our culture and I like an occasional full Sunday brunch!
This is actually something that I also hear a lot from my non Muslim friends... Don't you miss this don't you miss that? Islam is portrayed as a restrictive religion, when in fact it's really not. We aren't allowed pork. But we are still allowed chicken, beef, lamb, and anything that comes out of the sea! We re not allowed alcohol- but how many other non alcoholic drinks are there in the world?
For each thing forbidden, we have a choice of other foods to choose from.
So this is where is goes back to my notion of breakfast! Turkey rashers and halal sausages! I had never had any before until last eid actually! And how surprised was I when I found the same taste as a non halal bacon breakfast!
They are many cafes and bars in Muslim populated areas such as tooting for example that will serve this sort of breakfast! This is a perfect way to invite your non Muslim friends to lunch/ breakfast and to open conversations about what Islam really is!
For those in the south west London area I recommend cafe max, on tooting high street! They also do nice lunches!
Let me share this picture of my brekkie yesterday! :)
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
The Fashion Edit: 12-09-12
Salam sisters!!
This fashion edit is a short one, I put together an outfit which I wanted to share as I really loved it and made from all clothing articles I owned prior to reverting!
I like mixing trends and clashing textures, so for this one I mixed lace with leopard print. To keep it quite soft, I stayed in neutral colours.
The top is lace, and though this one is from China, you can buy lace tops in every shop at the moment. Primark have some really nice ones.
The cardigan is from my mum actually, but again, this you can find in a lot of stores. What I like about it is that it covers the arms but reveals what you are wearing underneath, so it works great with T-shirts and tops with details on them.
The leopard print scarves are everywhere at the moment too, I saw some cool scarves today in Rocket and in TK Max.
The pictures do not show this very well but I am wearing beige palazzo trousers with the outfit. The belt is actually from the trousers, but I chose to wear it on the hips to shape the silhouette slightly. This is a question of shape and of taste.
Sisters who wish not to show any form of shape would do well with this top otherwise, as it tight on the shoulders but wide everywhere else, making it less likely to make you look drowned.
I really liked how I tied the scarf as well... but not sure if I could do it again if I tried. It was really light and perfect for the lingering summer heat we are having this september.
Let me know what you think of it !!
xx
Salams!
This fashion edit is a short one, I put together an outfit which I wanted to share as I really loved it and made from all clothing articles I owned prior to reverting!
I like mixing trends and clashing textures, so for this one I mixed lace with leopard print. To keep it quite soft, I stayed in neutral colours.
The top is lace, and though this one is from China, you can buy lace tops in every shop at the moment. Primark have some really nice ones.
The leopard print scarves are everywhere at the moment too, I saw some cool scarves today in Rocket and in TK Max.
The pictures do not show this very well but I am wearing beige palazzo trousers with the outfit. The belt is actually from the trousers, but I chose to wear it on the hips to shape the silhouette slightly. This is a question of shape and of taste.
Sisters who wish not to show any form of shape would do well with this top otherwise, as it tight on the shoulders but wide everywhere else, making it less likely to make you look drowned.
I really liked how I tied the scarf as well... but not sure if I could do it again if I tried. It was really light and perfect for the lingering summer heat we are having this september.
Let me know what you think of it !!
xx
Salams!
The Fashion Edit: Accessorising your hijab
Assalam Walaikum sisters!
Today I wanted to upload a little idea I had a few months back. I have a lot of necklaces, when I say a lot, I mean a lot! But with wearing the headscarf, not that many are being seen or used anymore, so I've started wearing them on my headscarf!
You will need :
Some curby grips and crocodile grips
A plain head scarf
A short necklace.
I used the headscarf as an under-scarf as well as a hijab so Alhambdulillah, it wasn't too warm under there either.
First you grip your first layer (under-scarf) on to your hair. Then position the necklace so it fall on the forehead where it was disturb your vision. Make sure it won't disturb/distract you in prayer either. Grip it in place with the crocodile grip, grabbing some of the scarf with it. Then carry one wrapping the pashmina/scarf around your head as you would usually. Tadah!
I'll try with different scarves and different necklaces, inshallah, and let you see the styles we can achieve!
For Eid, I wore a pale pink scarf with a silvery necklace as ornament, it looked really nice.
Until then sisters!!
Today I wanted to upload a little idea I had a few months back. I have a lot of necklaces, when I say a lot, I mean a lot! But with wearing the headscarf, not that many are being seen or used anymore, so I've started wearing them on my headscarf!
Here's how to accessorise your hijab with a necklace:
You will need :Some curby grips and crocodile grips
A plain head scarf
A short necklace.
I used the headscarf as an under-scarf as well as a hijab so Alhambdulillah, it wasn't too warm under there either.
First you grip your first layer (under-scarf) on to your hair. Then position the necklace so it fall on the forehead where it was disturb your vision. Make sure it won't disturb/distract you in prayer either. Grip it in place with the crocodile grip, grabbing some of the scarf with it. Then carry one wrapping the pashmina/scarf around your head as you would usually. Tadah!
For Eid, I wore a pale pink scarf with a silvery necklace as ornament, it looked really nice.
Until then sisters!!
Beat the Chill!
Salam sisters! Hello Friends!
The chilly weather is slowly going to creep up on us this month and many of us will be swapping over our summer wardrobes for our winter ones!
Each year, I end up giving a lot of clothes to charity when I do my swap over: clothes that are too big, too small (I wish) or which I never wear anymore.
This year I want to put together a project that will involve all of you out there in an INTERFAITH project!
Let me give you a bit of background on this project: 3 years ago, in early december, A and I decided to reach out to the homeless by going around central London handing out christmas cards and a small gift. The idea behind that was to bring a sense of home and belonging to the unfortunate ones who do not have an address and therefore will not be receiving cards or gifts for the holidays.
What we learned was that there just wasn't enough socks, gloves and scarves that we could give them.
I really want to do something similar this year, the halal way of course, but involving our other communities, not just the Muslims!
So here it is girls : THE PLAN (Inshallah)
- Change your wardrobe over to winter/autumn mode.
-Put aside anything you think you could do without, even socks, blankets or hats.
(these must be in good quality- good enough to give as a present to a friend)
The warmer the better!
- Spread the word to your friends, muslims, christians, jews, atheists any one is welcome to join!
- Come along to the swap shop ( SUNDAY 25th NOVEMBER) and have some girly fun, swap some clothes with other sisters. Address will be provided when you confirm your attendance to therevertdiaries @ yahoo.co.uk
- Anything you haven't swapped will then go to the homeless in London. Stay back and help with the wrapping.
Teas, biscuits and cakes will be provided.
- Join the team going out to central to hand out the parcels on SATURDAY 1st DECEMBER. Details on the day will come closer to the date but one team can hand out teas, another can hand out packets, and another can hand out sandwiches.
-We will be followed/ accompanied by brothers for safety. I will get my then husband to lead a team of brother to collect donations too, so do involve your sons, husbands and brothers into this project.
Come on girlies! Come on sisters! London has a heart, lets prove it!
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Inspiring fashion
Salam Sisters!
I have found these really inspiring videos from a sister in the UK who has her own fashion blog.
I just wanted to share her talent and link you up to her youtube account.
Here is her Eid video
I have found these really inspiring videos from a sister in the UK who has her own fashion blog.
I just wanted to share her talent and link you up to her youtube account.
Here is her Eid video
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Salam World
Salam!
A new social network is starting to make ripples in the muslim world... SalamWorld, a hallal network for brothers and sisters!
I can't wait to see it come to life in the UK inshallah...
Check it out!
http://salamworld.com/home.php
A new social network is starting to make ripples in the muslim world... SalamWorld, a hallal network for brothers and sisters!
I can't wait to see it come to life in the UK inshallah...
Check it out!
http://salamworld.com/home.php
Monday, 3 September 2012
Love, Weddings and Marriage.
Assalam Walaikum Warahmatullah dear
sisters.
I am sorry for the really long lack of
updates and articles. I have been busy and occupied this month with so many
different things.
A few of those things have led me onto a
path of thought and self reflection upon those three words: Love, Weddings and
Marriage. As close in appearance as these words may seem, they are actually 3
completely different concepts and as a sister, I think it is important to know
more about all three of those.
To compensate for the absence, I will
upload articles and videos following those 3 themes Inshallah, over the next
month, and hopefully, guide myself and you my beautiful sisters into a peaceful
and happy marriage, Inshallah.
First allow me to talk a bit about what’s
been going on in my head. Last night, I went to as sister’s Mehndi night. It
was a really nice evening with all the sisters chatting and dancing along,
eating some yummy food and getting some henna done. But one of the parts of the
party that marked me the most was one of the talks given by a sister. She spoke
about marriage, and how to make the marriage work islamically. That both
husband and wife must know their place and respect those rules for a smooth
functional marriage. She recommended
a book which exists both for husbands and wives: Winning The Heart Of Your
Husband/Wife by Ibraahim ibn
Saaleh al-Mahmud.
A wedding, sure is a beautiful occasion,
but the wedding party is superficial, and the real work needs to be put into
the actual marriage. As an engaged woman, I can testify that you tend to focus
so much on the wedding that you forget to work on the actual marriage which
could end up in disaster. And if some of us marry for love, others marry and
hope to find love, both being only achievable if a certain amount of work is
put into marriage. Love isn’t what will make your marriage work. Love is
sometimes what brought you together in the first place, or what grows in a
successful marriage. This is a truth I have only recently learned through both
experience and reading. No matter how much you love your spouse, it is going to
take work to make it last.
But this isn’t me being negative, on the
opposite. It is an adventure, where both side have to take risks, learn about
the other person, adapt where they can but more importantly it is also a
journey of self-discovery.
Here are some things to get us thinking:
-Don’t expect perfection out of your
spouse, as you are not perfect yourself. Seek self-perfection first, look at
your mistakes before judging your other half.
-Learn to speak their language. Most of us
speak what we can call “an emotional language”. That is the way you express
your love, and feel most loved in. Gary Chapman, a Christian couple councilor
wrote a very interesting book about this called “the 5 Languages of Love”. It
was recommended to me by a sister and have found it really helpful. Check out
their webpage to find out what your language is: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love/
-Romance is what beginnings are made of. As
time goes by, we might forget to let our spouse know how much we really do
appreciate him. If he/she makes you a cuppa, show your appreciation. Any small
gesture if appreciated, can go a long way. And make sure you keep doing the
same on your side, little gestures of affection do speak louder than words.
Finally I recommend this series of videos from Lewisham Islamic Centre about marriage. Mashallah, they are very inspiring!
Hope this can help some of you my sisters,
these are my private musings, as you know researched in books and online so
please do forgive me if I have made any mistakes.
Salam to all.
And Mabrook to all of you recently or about
to be married sisters!!!
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Dealing with abuse
As a revert, I guess it's something I expected at some point. I mean you hear stories of racism, parents denying their children, families being broken up... As a revert you just know that along with the blessings you receive, hardship is on its way!
You will encounter it, in some way or another and it is better to be prepared. For each bit of abuse received, ask Allah to help you and you will find strength.
A few minutes ago, I experienced my first verbal abuse. To be honest, in 1.5 years of being a Muslim it's surprising to have not been receiving this sooner.
A and I were on the bus after a nice evening out. I had a scarf loosely on my head, as I always do in the evenings. As we went to get off the bus, a woman yelled:
What the fu** has she got on her head? What does she think she s Indian or something?
I wasn't quite sure she was talking about me, but then I realised there was only us left on the bus.
Her and her other friends went off their way, not before screaming:
No matter how hard you try you ll never fit in anywhere! Or something along those lines.
By then I had picked up they were insulting me ( my brain chose to tune out the other stuff they were saying) I could really feel my temper rising. A just told me to keep walking and I started laughing.
Partly at their stupidity, partly because I didn't know what else to do. I wanted to talk back to them but that would have out me in danger ( they weren't the smallest or kindest looking people). In the end I felt shaky, A felt it was because they d seen me with him they d said that, but I think they just reacted that way because of fear, the fear of a phenomenon happening more and more in the UK: British girls are converting to Islam.
Allah somehow pushed us both home safe, we never talked back which we usually both would have, and it was best that way. Now I will pray that one of their loved ones converts. That will hopefully help them open up their minds to our beautiful faith and teach them a lesson in acceptance. I am shocked but not really upset. I did know this would come one day.
Subhanallah, God gave me strength to get past it safe, inshallah, I will carry on dealing with these things with wisdom.
Goodnight sisters, may Allah protect you all and make you impermeable to insults and abuse. Inshallah
Xx
You will encounter it, in some way or another and it is better to be prepared. For each bit of abuse received, ask Allah to help you and you will find strength.
A few minutes ago, I experienced my first verbal abuse. To be honest, in 1.5 years of being a Muslim it's surprising to have not been receiving this sooner.
A and I were on the bus after a nice evening out. I had a scarf loosely on my head, as I always do in the evenings. As we went to get off the bus, a woman yelled:
What the fu** has she got on her head? What does she think she s Indian or something?
I wasn't quite sure she was talking about me, but then I realised there was only us left on the bus.
Her and her other friends went off their way, not before screaming:
No matter how hard you try you ll never fit in anywhere! Or something along those lines.
By then I had picked up they were insulting me ( my brain chose to tune out the other stuff they were saying) I could really feel my temper rising. A just told me to keep walking and I started laughing.
Partly at their stupidity, partly because I didn't know what else to do. I wanted to talk back to them but that would have out me in danger ( they weren't the smallest or kindest looking people). In the end I felt shaky, A felt it was because they d seen me with him they d said that, but I think they just reacted that way because of fear, the fear of a phenomenon happening more and more in the UK: British girls are converting to Islam.
Allah somehow pushed us both home safe, we never talked back which we usually both would have, and it was best that way. Now I will pray that one of their loved ones converts. That will hopefully help them open up their minds to our beautiful faith and teach them a lesson in acceptance. I am shocked but not really upset. I did know this would come one day.
Subhanallah, God gave me strength to get past it safe, inshallah, I will carry on dealing with these things with wisdom.
Goodnight sisters, may Allah protect you all and make you impermeable to insults and abuse. Inshallah
Xx
Post Ramadan lessons
Salam sisters! I don't know about you, but I'm really feeling the withdrawal from Ramadan this week. Everything seems confusing, I feel guilty eating or making myself tea or coffee?
It made me think about how we can make the feeling of Ramadan last us throughout the year?
I'd like to hear your suggestions!
I m going to apply one thing I have learned inshallah: your body doesn't need as much food as you actually eat. I felt lighter and more energetic while fasting, because my body didn't any surplus food to deal with! So I will cut down portions to smaller sizes and only eat when am hungry, and not just because it's lunch/ dinner time.
I will also try and put together a charity day inshallah where I will bring food and water to those in need in the streets of London. If anyone is interested in joining me get in touch on here by leaving a comment.
Salams to all xx
It made me think about how we can make the feeling of Ramadan last us throughout the year?
I'd like to hear your suggestions!
I m going to apply one thing I have learned inshallah: your body doesn't need as much food as you actually eat. I felt lighter and more energetic while fasting, because my body didn't any surplus food to deal with! So I will cut down portions to smaller sizes and only eat when am hungry, and not just because it's lunch/ dinner time.
I will also try and put together a charity day inshallah where I will bring food and water to those in need in the streets of London. If anyone is interested in joining me get in touch on here by leaving a comment.
Salams to all xx
Monday, 20 August 2012
Fashion tip: staying cool in the heat
Buying clothes as a new muslimah can be quite daunting, we have so many extra things to think about!
One tip a good friend shared with me was to buy tops a size bigger than your actual size. That way you will find yourself in a looser and less fitting top. And you don't have to compromise on style.
Another difficulty, specifically in summer, is how to keep cool.
We must stay covered and modest but how can we do that when the temperatures rise, like they have this weekend?
Well they are many tricks to solve that. One of them is linen trousers. They are light to wear but cover up nicely without drowning you. You can find them in any high street shop- primark and h&m do very good ones in many colours! Teamed with a pretty tunique, you could put together a cool hippy-ish styled outfit. But the great thing about linens is that they are very versatile, so if you are more the smart looking type, team it with a shirt dress and a belt, et voila! I ll try and post some examples soon.
And then they are maxi skirts! I love maxi skirts. I have bought 3 this summer and do the trick! Plus they are still spot on trend wise! Get them floaty to create more impact and let the air flow better. By tucking if your floaty shirts and tops inside the waistline, you will ensure the look doesn't become too 'frumpy' Tk max, primark and h&m again are your winners on this for highstreet retail, otherwise asos do some really nice ones like this red one here!
Pictures coming up shortly inshallah
Xxx
Salams sisters!!
One tip a good friend shared with me was to buy tops a size bigger than your actual size. That way you will find yourself in a looser and less fitting top. And you don't have to compromise on style.
Another difficulty, specifically in summer, is how to keep cool.
We must stay covered and modest but how can we do that when the temperatures rise, like they have this weekend?
Well they are many tricks to solve that. One of them is linen trousers. They are light to wear but cover up nicely without drowning you. You can find them in any high street shop- primark and h&m do very good ones in many colours! Teamed with a pretty tunique, you could put together a cool hippy-ish styled outfit. But the great thing about linens is that they are very versatile, so if you are more the smart looking type, team it with a shirt dress and a belt, et voila! I ll try and post some examples soon.
And then they are maxi skirts! I love maxi skirts. I have bought 3 this summer and do the trick! Plus they are still spot on trend wise! Get them floaty to create more impact and let the air flow better. By tucking if your floaty shirts and tops inside the waistline, you will ensure the look doesn't become too 'frumpy' Tk max, primark and h&m again are your winners on this for highstreet retail, otherwise asos do some really nice ones like this red one here! Pictures coming up shortly inshallah
Xxx
Salams sisters!!
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Norbury park masjid
Just wanted to share a picture of our trip to norbury park earlier today, where they set up an outside masjid for brothers and sisters (separate). It was a blessed experience, really recommend it to anyone in south west London!
Saturday, 18 August 2012
Eid mubarak!
Dear sisters and brothers! May Allah bless you all and your families! Eid has come! We can all spend the day tomorrow rejoicing with our loved ones!
We will heading to Norbury park for outdoor prayers tomorrow which should be really fantastic! I'm looking forward to it! Then I will spend the day with my fiancé s family!
They are a few mosques in south west London alhamdullah, but I am still looking for a genuine Muslim mosque with a waw factor, a grand mosque with a complete feel of peace and serenity, a mosque with white walls, stained windows high ceilings... The almadiyah community have them ... I think it's time we did too! If anyone knows of any really special mosques let me know! Salam to you all out there! Duas all round! Xx
We will heading to Norbury park for outdoor prayers tomorrow which should be really fantastic! I'm looking forward to it! Then I will spend the day with my fiancé s family!
They are a few mosques in south west London alhamdullah, but I am still looking for a genuine Muslim mosque with a waw factor, a grand mosque with a complete feel of peace and serenity, a mosque with white walls, stained windows high ceilings... The almadiyah community have them ... I think it's time we did too! If anyone knows of any really special mosques let me know! Salam to you all out there! Duas all round! Xx
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Shahada story : a sister s journey
"I took my shahada in 2011, after having known for 6 months that I would be becoming a Muslim in 2011.
The start of my spiritual quest started in 2004 when after a long phase of being unsure about faith and God.
As a catholic child, I was fascinated by God and Angels. My aunt remembers me running into shops if I saw an angel in the window sail, or on their logo.
Catholicism didn’t grow well on me, however. The more I had questions, the less I got answers. Until I just stopped asking questions all together.
I stopped thinking about religion until I was 17 and studied Philosophy at school. When it came to the subject of faith, my teacher really got me thinking about creation and the purpose of life. On the way home one evening, my attention got caught on some flowers on the side of the road. They looked absolutely beautiful. Too beautiful to have been the random combination of molecules. They were colorful, gave a home to insects, smelt divine and had the power to make humans smile. Not two of them were the same. Surely they were the work of God. Surely.
That was the moment my faith was sparked back up. I did a lot of self searching and enquiring before I came to Islam. When I moved to London, I looked into Church of England beliefs, I felt I was on the right path, as they emphasized on your relationship with God, but yet the trinity confused me, and they seemed to be so many discrepancies between different bibles that I carried on drifting and searching. By then, I had made a couple of Muslim friends and I had acknowledged that there really was a man called Mohammed(pbuh) who had started this religion. I believed in him. And I believed that he must have been talking to God to be able to write a whole book about Faith and Practices without having ever been taught to write or read.
At the same time 7/7 happened, I was about to start my last year of Film Studies at Uni and needed to come up with an idea for an end of year project. I decided to make a film about terrorism, but with an angle showing how the media makes things worse and can distort the reality about faith.
We auditioned many actors but the lead role for the Muslim part in our script remained free for a long time. Eventually an actor applied. He was brilliant and got the part immediately. A and I became friends straight away, we just clicked… To make a long story short, he inspired and pushed me to research and understand what faith really meant to me. I believed in God 100%, but couldn’t relate to Christianity 100% and never went to church. Eventually, what really pushed me across the line was the day my little sister, she who had never even considered Faith, had been reading about Islam and told me she wanted to convert.
Today, I have been Muslim a year and a bit, so has my sister and A. and I are getting married at the end of 2012" .
The start of my spiritual quest started in 2004 when after a long phase of being unsure about faith and God.
As a catholic child, I was fascinated by God and Angels. My aunt remembers me running into shops if I saw an angel in the window sail, or on their logo.
Catholicism didn’t grow well on me, however. The more I had questions, the less I got answers. Until I just stopped asking questions all together.
I stopped thinking about religion until I was 17 and studied Philosophy at school. When it came to the subject of faith, my teacher really got me thinking about creation and the purpose of life. On the way home one evening, my attention got caught on some flowers on the side of the road. They looked absolutely beautiful. Too beautiful to have been the random combination of molecules. They were colorful, gave a home to insects, smelt divine and had the power to make humans smile. Not two of them were the same. Surely they were the work of God. Surely.
That was the moment my faith was sparked back up. I did a lot of self searching and enquiring before I came to Islam. When I moved to London, I looked into Church of England beliefs, I felt I was on the right path, as they emphasized on your relationship with God, but yet the trinity confused me, and they seemed to be so many discrepancies between different bibles that I carried on drifting and searching. By then, I had made a couple of Muslim friends and I had acknowledged that there really was a man called Mohammed(pbuh) who had started this religion. I believed in him. And I believed that he must have been talking to God to be able to write a whole book about Faith and Practices without having ever been taught to write or read.
At the same time 7/7 happened, I was about to start my last year of Film Studies at Uni and needed to come up with an idea for an end of year project. I decided to make a film about terrorism, but with an angle showing how the media makes things worse and can distort the reality about faith.
We auditioned many actors but the lead role for the Muslim part in our script remained free for a long time. Eventually an actor applied. He was brilliant and got the part immediately. A and I became friends straight away, we just clicked… To make a long story short, he inspired and pushed me to research and understand what faith really meant to me. I believed in God 100%, but couldn’t relate to Christianity 100% and never went to church. Eventually, what really pushed me across the line was the day my little sister, she who had never even considered Faith, had been reading about Islam and told me she wanted to convert.
Today, I have been Muslim a year and a bit, so has my sister and A. and I are getting married at the end of 2012" .
Islam and the media
Islam and the media, I think it is safe to say are not the best of friends.
I would even say that Faith and the media are not the best of friends.
But now and then you can be pleasantly surprised. And I am all about positivity and even more keen on good surprises! So let me share this with you.
On sunday morning, A. and I found this video on line which made us both feel so relieved. Finally a mainstream news-report showed a non judgemental view of reverts in Australia. Australia which suffers a lot from racism, out of all places.
The interview shows 3 reverts in Australia and invites them to talk about their faith and their new lives in a really honest and inspiring way. Enough talking, just watch and enjoy :)
I would even say that Faith and the media are not the best of friends.
But now and then you can be pleasantly surprised. And I am all about positivity and even more keen on good surprises! So let me share this with you.
On sunday morning, A. and I found this video on line which made us both feel so relieved. Finally a mainstream news-report showed a non judgemental view of reverts in Australia. Australia which suffers a lot from racism, out of all places.
The interview shows 3 reverts in Australia and invites them to talk about their faith and their new lives in a really honest and inspiring way. Enough talking, just watch and enjoy :)
Islamic Relief
So this entry may not the most joyful (but may it still be inspiring) as I will upload a striking video from Islamic Relief.
To those who haven't been able to keep their fast for medical reasons, then this is a charity that is worth looking into. http://www.islamic-relief.org.uk
The add literally covered me with goosebumps. I wish I could go out there and bring food to all these hungry people. But we can't. What we can do is donate to charities who actively work at providing for these children and adults.
And may this be a reminder of one of the reasons that we are to fast... to make ourselves conscious of what our little brothers and sisters out there are going through...
Salam to all!
To those who haven't been able to keep their fast for medical reasons, then this is a charity that is worth looking into. http://www.islamic-relief.org.uk
The add literally covered me with goosebumps. I wish I could go out there and bring food to all these hungry people. But we can't. What we can do is donate to charities who actively work at providing for these children and adults.
And may this be a reminder of one of the reasons that we are to fast... to make ourselves conscious of what our little brothers and sisters out there are going through...
Monday, 13 August 2012
Comments and feedback.
So it's only been 6 days since my blog went up, so I am really really grateful for the 85 page visits already!
Just so you know, as a friend pointed out, there was a problem with comments so I changed the settings so that anyone can comment now!
I have gone back to fasting today, after another break due to illness ! I am really struggling to stay awake because I actually got up for sehri! Zzzz
What are everyone's tips for a sehri that last through the day? I heard that porridge and bananas was the best? Think my next blog entry will be ideas and recipes for sehri!
Salam and love to all, must go back to work!
Xxx
Just so you know, as a friend pointed out, there was a problem with comments so I changed the settings so that anyone can comment now!
I have gone back to fasting today, after another break due to illness ! I am really struggling to stay awake because I actually got up for sehri! Zzzz
What are everyone's tips for a sehri that last through the day? I heard that porridge and bananas was the best? Think my next blog entry will be ideas and recipes for sehri!
Salam and love to all, must go back to work!
Xxx
Sunday, 12 August 2012
The fashion edit 12-08-12
This is my first outfit for The Fashion
Edit, so I hope you enjoy it.
Last night, my friends and I got together
for a girly catch up. One of them is moving out of the country and therefore
selling all of her clothes, so she brought along a suitcase full of clothes.
She let us pick whatever we wanted from it and we gave her the money we thought
it was worth. What I really appreciated was that she really listened to me
saying I was in the process of changing my wardrobe to fit my Islamic beliefs.
She suggested things to wear with all 4 items I had picked.
I was a little apprehensive about talking
about this with my friends. If you knew them, you would know why. All more
stylish than each other, I was afraid of being judged and criticized. Instead
of that I found 10 attentive ears who helped me come up with The Fashion Edit
idea.
Alhamdulillah, I am so
grateful to have friends who are proving to be so open and understanding.
So every now and then, you will see some
special edits come up, which will be called after my friend, and the modest and
islamically correct outfits you will see will have been made exclusively from
items in their own non-muslim, funky
wardrobe.
SAFARI LOOK:
This edit includes a skirt that I got from
the sale last night. It is originally from H&M, and actually a boob-tube
dress.
Here the dress (£10) is worn as a skirt,
with the top bit tucked inside to add length to the skirt. It is warn with a
long sleeve Tshirt from Primark (£7), in a bright colour to bring out a bit of
the colour from the skirt.
Thick black leggings are worn to cover the
legs. These are from Primark (£3).
I accessorized the outfit with a golden
bangle in the shape of a panther (£10 from a market in France), a waist belt
from Primark (£5) and some plain flat ballet pumps (£10). The hijab is matched to the green of
the skirt and held together with a vintage butterfly brooch (£7) brought in a
charity shop.
This outfit would fit any petite sister or pear shaped sister. For the sister with a heavier top, wear the top out of the skirt and leave the belt on the hips.
For some, this outfit may not seem Islamic
enough because of the animal print of the skirt or the fact that the skirt
isn’t of full length. This really just depends on the person in my opinion and the level of practice of the sister.
Let me know what you think of this outfit and feel free to submit ideas or comment on how to improve it.
Until the next article, Assalam Walaikum sisters!!
Xx
The Fashion Edits : Weekly inspiration for the fashionista sister who wants to keep her modesty while looking stylish.
A lot of sisters, especially reverts, find
it difficult to transit from their previous dress sense to an islamically
correct one.
You often feel like you have to adopt a new
personality, let alone a new faith and new life style. A lot of Islamic
clothing is adapted or inspired from that of Muslim countries but do not seem
to reflect our British/European identity.
So, Inshallah, I’m going to use my
wardrobe, my fashion sense and industry experience and my fashion expert
friends (muslim or not), to upload ideas of outfits and hijabs to fit all
tastes and fashions.
I will endeavour to keep the ideas varied
to fit all type of styles and all type of sisters Inshallah.
Please feel free to comment, add
suggestions and ideas as I go along.
Asalam walaikum sisters, and I hope you
enjoy this.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Very excited to go
here this evening http://www.newmuslims.org.uk/courses.php#fasting
Iftar for reverts and
their partners! That is really exciting to me because I keep going to events
which are for sisters only and its really frustrating, because I like to share
what I learn with my other half, but its always better to learn together.
Anyway, going there
with a friend L. She will be going with her husband too, and there will a lot
of my friends from Turning Point there.
Now I haven’t talked
about Turning Point yet but that is because they deserve more attention than a –quickly
over a tea break – type article.
I have a busy wedding
prep weekend ahead of me but will try to keep up the blogging still!
Until then, Salam to
all.
x
Olympics and Ramadan
Salams,
What
I wanted to talk about today is actually something that has been a
discussion subject that you can’t have missed this year… The Olympics!
After 4 years of gradual build up, we are
almost done with the first part, with only to Paralympics to look forward to.
I have to say I have enjoyed it more than I
thought I would. Our whole city has transformed… I find it even quieter than
usual!
But for our brothers and sisters competing
this year, during Ramadan, this must have been a challenge!
Did you know around 3000 of the athletes
are practicing Muslims! 3000! Subhanallah! Some of them decided to keep the
fast for as long as they could, some will catch up with their lost days later
on in the year. Indeed there is a quote in the Qu’ran, and forgive me for not
being able to give you the exact quote, which explains that one is not obliged
to fast if travelling, as long as they are caught up with later on.
This year has been even more inspiring as
Saudi Arabia, Brunei and Qatar had its first female Olympians ever allowed to
compete.
Surely you will have heard of the debate
around the Saudi Judo athlete who was almost not allowed to compete because of
her hijab.
Anyway, I just wanted to reflect upon the
achievements reached this Ramadan for these athletes, Alhamdulillah .
And to finish this entry I just wanted to
repeat a quote I read on Twitter by a brother last week. (sorry I will get
better at giving the correct sources)
“This Ramadan, the Olympics are taking
place. They are competing for Gold. We are competing for our place in Jannah”
I wanted to also share this funny image with you, showing the differences of cultures in the Olympics.
And finally look out for some of our
sisters and their achievements here:
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
I am inspired!
Salams!
In my last post I added a link to an article about fasting,
but I just found out that there is a documentary made on the subject! It’s not
based on religion but on science and health and it is so inspiring!
Here is the link.
By the way, did you know that the Prophet (PBUH) not only
kept fast during the month of Ramadan but also kept fast every Friday and Monday?
When he was
asked why that is, he replied; "The deeds of the one are lifted to Allah
in these days, and I like mine to be lifted while I am fasting."
He (PBUH) also said about fasting Mondays; "This is a day I was born in."
He (PBUH) said about fasting days in general for the sake of Allah; "Whoever fast a day for the sake of Allah, Allah will distance him from Hellfire for a 70-year-walking distance."
He (PBUH) also said about fasting Mondays; "This is a day I was born in."
He (PBUH) said about fasting days in general for the sake of Allah; "Whoever fast a day for the sake of Allah, Allah will distance him from Hellfire for a 70-year-walking distance."
Sport has
never been of any interest to me so hearing about the health benefits on this
type of fasting is really inspiring. However, you need to be careful when
taking up a diet. There is a thin border between eating healthily and falling
into bulimia/anorexia.
Hope this
documentary inspires us all to eat and live better, Inshallah
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Fasting
Assalam Walaikum,
This blog was given birth to during the blessed month of Ramadan, and so it is only fitting that I should spend time exploring this subject.
Having been a muslim for only a year and a bit, this Ramadan is only my 2nd one, and really the first one I entered fully prepared... or so I thought.
I spent the whole month of June and July telling myself that fasting was approaching and that I would have to keep every single day of it without fail. I was motivated, determined and inspired. I can even say I was really excited about it!
The first 3 days of fasting went really smoothly for me, AlHambdullilah. I hardly felt any hunger or thirst, found it easier to stay up and have my last meal just before going to sleep at 3am rather than sleeping for 2 hours then waking up again.
And i felt really good, positive, peaceful, reconnected with my mind and my body, this was something I'd hardly experienced before...
But by the 3rd day, tiredness started to take its toll. I found it hard to stay up late, impossible to wake up for sehri, and eventually started feeling really ill.
Of course in Islam, it is forbidden to fast when you are ill so I stopped fasting till I felt better.
But this made me think of how much more difficult it is for sisters and brothers who are reverts and living in a non-muslim country. You have no one around you to help you, everyone carries on eating and drinking, offering you food or drinks as they just keep forgetting that you are fasting...
What's been keeping me going on days of fast is the thought of breaking the fast with my fiances' family or with a group of other muslim friends.
It is also really hard to keep working during this month as your employer will not see that you are fasting and therefore, you should be excused, but more likely that you are jeopardising their company and just not performing well enough... That is what I have found anyway. I have found it hard to focus, and my employer can tell. They even said to me that I shouldn't be keeping it if it affects my work, and that I should at least be drinking water...
But difficulties are part of the journey. After all, fasting isn't meant to be for pleasure. We fast because God has asked us too.
And they are a lot of benefits to it too!
I personally find myself concentrating on feeding my body essentials, increasing my intake of fruit, nuts and veg, your diet HAS to be varied to keep you going for the next day! And the excitement of actually being able to break the fast at Iftar is amazing!
To finish this first entry, this is an article I found on the BBC most read articles today, not at all related to Islam, but about a study made on the benefits of short term fasting... There must be an Islamic verse for this but in my own words: Doesn't this just prove how much God does know everything...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19112549
Peace to all of you :)
This blog was given birth to during the blessed month of Ramadan, and so it is only fitting that I should spend time exploring this subject.
Having been a muslim for only a year and a bit, this Ramadan is only my 2nd one, and really the first one I entered fully prepared... or so I thought.
I spent the whole month of June and July telling myself that fasting was approaching and that I would have to keep every single day of it without fail. I was motivated, determined and inspired. I can even say I was really excited about it!
The first 3 days of fasting went really smoothly for me, AlHambdullilah. I hardly felt any hunger or thirst, found it easier to stay up and have my last meal just before going to sleep at 3am rather than sleeping for 2 hours then waking up again.
And i felt really good, positive, peaceful, reconnected with my mind and my body, this was something I'd hardly experienced before...
But by the 3rd day, tiredness started to take its toll. I found it hard to stay up late, impossible to wake up for sehri, and eventually started feeling really ill.
Of course in Islam, it is forbidden to fast when you are ill so I stopped fasting till I felt better.
But this made me think of how much more difficult it is for sisters and brothers who are reverts and living in a non-muslim country. You have no one around you to help you, everyone carries on eating and drinking, offering you food or drinks as they just keep forgetting that you are fasting...
What's been keeping me going on days of fast is the thought of breaking the fast with my fiances' family or with a group of other muslim friends.
It is also really hard to keep working during this month as your employer will not see that you are fasting and therefore, you should be excused, but more likely that you are jeopardising their company and just not performing well enough... That is what I have found anyway. I have found it hard to focus, and my employer can tell. They even said to me that I shouldn't be keeping it if it affects my work, and that I should at least be drinking water...
But difficulties are part of the journey. After all, fasting isn't meant to be for pleasure. We fast because God has asked us too.
And they are a lot of benefits to it too!
I personally find myself concentrating on feeding my body essentials, increasing my intake of fruit, nuts and veg, your diet HAS to be varied to keep you going for the next day! And the excitement of actually being able to break the fast at Iftar is amazing!
To finish this first entry, this is an article I found on the BBC most read articles today, not at all related to Islam, but about a study made on the benefits of short term fasting... There must be an Islamic verse for this but in my own words: Doesn't this just prove how much God does know everything...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19112549
Peace to all of you :)
Salam!
Hi, Salam and welcome to my blog about Islam and my journey to converting into this beautiful faith.
Please remember that this is my diary, expressing my opinions and my journey and so any mistakes and incorrect facts are of my own fault.
I hope to update this blog weekly, Inshallah, with articles about various subjects that relate to Islam and which might help other sisters who are on the same journey as I am with their search.
Please remember that this is my diary, expressing my opinions and my journey and so any mistakes and incorrect facts are of my own fault.
I hope to update this blog weekly, Inshallah, with articles about various subjects that relate to Islam and which might help other sisters who are on the same journey as I am with their search.
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