*~ Asalam'alaykum wr wb~*

The South Asian culture can really be an embarassment sometimes. I've been staying at my aunt's place these past coupla days and all she watches all day is either Zee T.V or GEO. For those of you aren't familiar, they are some of the large South Asian cable networks. I'm not one to watch these channels because I certainly don't have time and also, I personally think its crap. I'm sorry if this offends some of you, but it really is. More specifically the dramas are so wasteful, unislamic and spread the worse sort of cultural stereotypes ever!

****

One drama focuses on the life of a married girl who is hated by her jealous sister in laws because of her dark complexion. They can't fathom how such a dark girl could land such a handsome, fair skinned guy. Yea, it shows her difficulties in living with such people, but still the entire time, the viewers just feel bad for the "poor, dark" girl, kind of like, "how sad that she's so dark." What type of message does this send to people?! How will we as Muslims move past cultural stereotypes and cultural thinking?


wasalaam,

Madiha :)

Moving Day....

*~ Asalam'alaykum wr wb~*

My flight to NY is in a few hours and I will be back in the City for another year of law school..yippee. For some reason, although i've done it all before; moving to a new apartment, living alone and going to law school, i'm more anxious this time than I was the first time around. Maybe it's becuase I now know how difficult it all was! Ignorance really is bliss at times. Then again, inshAllah I can use my experiences to make things easier for me this time around. Well, whatever it is, I pray that Allah swt make things easy for me and that this year is much more successful to me than the last. Ameen :)

***

I'll probably be MIA for a few because of my move. Please keep me in your dua's. Jazakallah.

Wasalaam,

Madiha :)

I.C.E. In Case of Emergency

*~ Asalam'alaykum wr wb ~*

Here are some things your cell phones can do if you find yourself in some hot water...

****

1. 112 Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of
coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the
mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for
you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is
locked. Try it out.

2. Locked Keys

Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keys?

This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone:
If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call
Someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone.

Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your
home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end.
Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you.
Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach
someone who has the other "remote" for your car, you can unlock the doors (or
the trunk).

Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a
cell phone!"

3. Dead Battery

Hidden Battery power

Imagine your cell battery is very low, you are expecting an important call and
you don't have a charger. Nokia instrument comes with a reserve battery. To
activate, press the keys *3370# Your cell will restart with this reserve and the
instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged
when you charge your cell next time.


4. Stolen Cell

How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your
phone: * # 0 6 #

A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your
handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone get stolen,
you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be
able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone
will be totally useless.

You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole
it can't use/sell it either.

haha and some of my own bit of wisdom... :p

5. Nasty guy/girl tryna' pick you up...

For those times you need to escape number giving make sure to know your local "rejection number." Its an easy way to get rid of unwanted suitors, to express a lack of interest in a non-confrontational manner, and to gracefully escape an uncomfortable situation.

If you're in the U.S. go to www.rejectionhotline.com for your city's local number and if in the U.K., the official reject number is 09061 100 596



Wasalaam,


~ Madiha :)

7 Days & Random things

*~ Asalam'alaykum wr wb~*

It's now 7 days till the start of school & so the countdown begins... *blah*

****

Sometimes I wonder why certain people come into our lives. Why we were meant to meet; what purpose it served.

****

Today I found $500 in a bank account of mine i'd forgotten about! Don't ask how someone forgets about that much money...i just did. lol I have two words, Shopping Spree!

****

Something to remeber...

Observe how the life of this world deceives those around you.
It lures them into the traps of vanity, wealth, and fame, and exalts them above others. This splendor blinds them, and they are lost forever in illusion. But then in one instant, life deals the blow of death, and all is gone, and with the Beguiler
it stands laughing at their sad end. So overcome your egos that you may be saved
from the snares that devoured kings and paupers alike.

-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"

****

haha ok I just realized I posted this quote right after my "shopping spree" comment... Coincidence? For sure! lol

****

oh well, ho hum, back to packing...

wasalaam,

Madiha :)

Something For the Boys...and Girls

*~ Asalam'alaykum wr wb*~

Even though my dad is very fair and very well balanced in his Islamic & American (western) way of thought, he’ll fall back on those lame, culturally based gender statements that sometimes make me wonder if he’s even from this planet! Yet, the disease of culture runs deep in the veins of its victim, holding tight and more destructive than it seemingly is.

****

According to Islam, men and women complement each other. They are equal members of the society and they have their duties and responsibilities. There are some differences between the roles of men and women in the society, but these differences do not make one gender superior and the other inferior. The talk of superiority or inferiority is based on some of un-Islamic cultures, but it is certainly not part of Islam.

As-shams (the sun) is feminine, and Qamar (the moon) masculine.
The sun burns itself to give light and life to everything around,
the moon is Muneer, reflector of light; radiating the
brilliance of the sun.

So when we shine as men, the implication is that we are reflecting the glorious light of our women.

- Sheikh Abdullah Adhami


wasalaam,

Madiha

Please keep my mom in your dua's. Her health is not so good these days. Jazakallah Khair.

~ Bonfire @ the Beach ~

It's finally time for me to admit that summer is almost over and it's almost back to school again.*groan* This weekend I went to a bonfire and spent hours at the beach. Although my mom wasn't too thrilled with my hot, new tan... lol. wutever! Here are some pix.. :)

This is a view of the beach (doesn't that tree remind you of the one from "The Ring".. freaky!)

The beach near the Port of Los Angles.

Our bonfire or "fire ring" as they call it. We got to eat s'mores..yumm... if you don't know what s'mores are they're basically roasted marshmallow on a graham cracker with dark hershey's chocolate. :D

These were the various bonfires around the beach...this one 's of some random guys next to us.... mixture for trouble:
Teenaged boys + alcohol+ vast amounts of wood+ lighter fluid = pyromaniacs!

LASIK...

~*Asalam'alaykum wr wb*~

Since I was 14 I've had glasses and because my eyes are really sensitive, I can't wear contacts. My glasses are one thing i'm most vain about. Who wants to wear glasses with shalwar khameez at a party or wedding?! It looks so dorky! The only time i'll wear them is when I have to drive or watch t.v., otherwise i'd rather be "blind." Hey, the world's a lot more rosey without them anyways. Everyone in my world has celebrity perfect hair and skin.... haha. Still, I can't live like this forever!

****

And lately I've noticed a major downfall to my vanity. Yea I can't see, that's and obvious uh oh, but by not wearing my glasses my eyes strain, thus getting worse! And recognizing people as they approach me has become difficult. I've accidentally started offending people because I failed to acknowledge or recognize them from a distance. And not to mention the fact that I can't check out the eye candy lol...j/k However, (sadly) and more seriously though, I really can't see what potential rishtas looks like at parties. My mom gets so mad because I always have to reply with *shrug,* "Sorry I couldn't see what he looked like."

****

So now, after little convincing, I've gotten my dad to agree to Lasik Eye Surgery! My mom had the surgery about 12 years ago and Alhumdulillah it's been great, without any side effects or pain. Today I went in for a consultation and the Doctor passed me for the surgery.

****

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted IN Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using a laser. A knife is used to cut a flap open in the cornea (scary I know!). The knife, I should mention, is very small and my mom said that it feels like a sting in the eye and nothing else. Then the flap is folded back revealing the middlesection of the cornea. A computer-controlled laser vaporizess a portion of this middlesection with small pulses and then the flap is put back.

****

The entire procedure takes less than 30 mins and is relatively painless. I can't wait to get ridda my glasses and Inshallah next Saturday i'll find out my surgery date!

wasalaam,

Madiha :)

And Life Goes On...

:: Hasten to do good deeds before the order of Allah comes to pass {sunrise from the west} ::

Narrated Sahl bin Sa'd:

I heard the Prophet saying, "I am your predecessor at the Lake-Fount (Kauthar), and whoever will come to it, will drink from it, and whoever will drink from it, will never become thirsty after that. There will come to me some people whom I know and they know me, and then a barrier will be set up between me and them." Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri added that the Prophet further said: "I will say those people are from me. It will be said, 'You do not know what changes and new things they did after you.' Then I will say, 'Far removed (from mercy), far removed (from mercy), those who changed (the religion) after me!**

:'(

The Minor Signs of the Last Day
by Mohammed Ali Ibn Zubair Ali

---

Qiyamah will come when...

Hadhrat Abu Musa Ash'ari (R.A.) narrates that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhii Wassallam) said, "Qiyamah will come...

* When it will be regarded as a shame to act on Quranic injunctions.
* When untrustworthy people will be regarded as trustworthy and the trustworthy will be regarded as untrustworthy.
* When it will be hot in winter (and vice versa).
* When the length of days is stretched, i.e. a journey of a few days is covered in a matter of hours.
* When orators and lecturers lie openly.
* When people dispute over petty issues.
* When women with children come displeased on account of them bearing offspring, and barren women remain happy on account of having no responsibility of offspring.
* When oppression, jealousy, and greed become the order of the day.
* When people blatantly follow their passions and whims.
* When lies prevail over the truth.
* When violence, bloodshed and anarchy become common.
* When immorality overtakes shamelessness and is perpetrated publicly.
* When legislation matters pertaining to Deen is handed over to the worst elements of the Ummat, and if people accept them and are satisfied with their findings, then such persons will not smell the fragrance of Jannat.
* When the offspring become a cause of grief and anger (for their parents).

The following is part of a lengthy Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood (R.A.) when he inquired from Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) about the Signs of Qiyamah.

* Music and musical instruments will be found in every home.
* People will indulge in homosexuality.
* There will be an abundance of illegitimate children.
* There will be an abundance of critics, tale-carriers, back- biters and taunters in society.
* People will establish ties with strangers and sever relations with their near and dear ones.
* Hypocrites will be in control of the affairs of the community and evil, immoral people will be at the helm of business establishments.
* The Masjid will be decorated, but the hearts of the people will be devoid of guidance.
* The courtyards of Masjids will be built beautifully and high mimbars (pulpits) will be erected.
* Gangsters and evil people will prevail.
* Various wines will be consumed excessively.

Auf bin Malik (R.A.) says: I came to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) while he was in his skin tent during the Tabuk expedition. He said to me, "Count six things before the advent of Qiyamah:

1 My death
2 The conquest of Jerusalem
3 Mass deaths amongst you people, just as when sheep die in large numbers during an epidemic
4 Abundance of wealth to such an extent that if a person were to be given a hundred Dinars he will still not be satisfied
5 General anarchy and bloodshed, that no Arab household will be spared from it
6 Then a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between you and the Banil Asfaar
(Romans) which they will break and attack you with a force consisting of eighty flags and under each flag will be an army of twelve thousand men." (Hadith: Sahih Bukhari).

IRAQ and SYRIA

Abu Nadhrah says: "We were sitting in the company of Jabir bin Abdullah (R.A.) when he said: 'Soon the people of IRAQ will neither receive any food (grain) nor any money.'" We asked, "Why would such a thing happen?" He replied, "Because of the non-Arabs." (i.e they will prevent food from going into Iraq, in the form of "sanctions" to this day.) He then said: "Soon the people of Shaam (SYRIA) will neither receive any money nor grain." We asked as to why this would happen. He replied: "Because of the Romans (christians)."

CONCEITED PEOPLE:

Hadhrat Abbas (R.A) narrates that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) has said, "Islam will spread far and wide, across the seas. Horses will cross the land and seas in the cause of Jihaad. Then a time will come wherein a group of people will emerge which recites the Quraan. They will claim,

'We have recited the Quraan and is there anyone who understands the Quraan better than us? There is NO ONE more proficient than us in the study of the Quraan.'

Then Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) asked the Sahaba, "Do you see any good in their claims?" The Sahaba replied, "No". Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) said, "But these conceited claimants will be from my Ummah and will be the fuel of the Fire."

from "Signs of Qiyamah" (excerpts)
by Mohammed Ali Ibn Zubair Ali

** Translations of Sahih Bukhari Book 88, Afflictions of the End of The World
Volume 9, Book 88, Number 174

Documentary: Occupation 101

~*Asalam'alaykum wr wb*~ One of my friends sent me a link to this moive and I was wondering if anyone had seen it. I think its definitely worth watching especially in light of recent events. **** The film 'Occupation 101' presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions. The film also details life under Israeli military rule, the United States' role, and sheds light on the major obstacles which stand in the way of a lasting and viable peace. Unlike any other film ever produced on the conflict -– ‘Occupation 101’ explains the situation in a comprehensive manner and gives audiences a complete context in which to better understand the Israeli-Palestinian encounter. The film depicts the root causes of the conflict through Israeli, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, American, and Palestinian voices that are rarely ever heard through mainstream media outlets. The film covers a wide range of topics -- which include -- the first wave of Jewish immigration from Europe of the 1880’s, the 1920 tensions, the 1948 war, the 1967 war, the first Intifada of 1987, the Oslo Peace Process, Settlement expansion, the role of the United States Government, the second Intifada of 2000, and also covers the recent Gaza Disengagement of August 2005.

TaGgEd!

~*Asalam'alaykum wr wb *~

So I was "tagged" by Neverland82 and will definitely be passing on the "tag" to fellow bloggers; because, hey I'm curious to know what you're all about! :) Oh and I hope you don't mind, Neverland, that I've added 3 more questions I found kind of fun to the list....

* Alone, or with people?

I think everyone needs a little of both. I am for sure, no doubt a people person and on top of that I like being the center of attention. Still, I need my alone time, which usually comes in the form of a book or a run.

* Summer, or winter?

Hah..winter? psshh are you nuts?! Summer all the way! I'm a SoCal girl and you can't beat the salty, sea air, coconut sunblock, and *ahem* the view...LOL Plus I love to sail and sailing isn’t much fun in the winter!

* Black, or white?

Haha, I know with my blog you can't tell that i'd even go with either, but white is so totally hot! One day inshAllah I wanna throw an “All White Party” a la P Diddy...that would be so tyte.

* Observe, or get along from the very first moment

Although I'm a social being, I like to observe first and get a feel for the person. Alhumdulillah I'm a really good judge of character most times and can easily screen out those that don't really measure up. However, once you’re in the "In Circle," you’re my homeslice forever because I have an extremely strong sense of loyalty.

* Clown, or Drama (Queen/King)?

I hate drama and I'm definitely really laid back, so i'd haveta choose clown.


* A Hummer, or A BMW convertible car

Beemer Baby! A white BMW Z4 3.0i Roadster w/ beige interior { *sigh* inshAllah someday}

* Loyal or………

Loyal or what, unfaithful? LOL would someone actually pick something else? Just wondering. Anyways,
as I said before, loyalty’s very important to me. (i.e. loyalty from me to my friends and family and vice versa).

* Favorite Material Posession....

Mmm this is kind of hard because I really can't think of anything so important to me. I'd say my cell phone though. Its the only thing I really would miss if I lost, broke, etc...


* When I look at someone, the first thing I see is....

Their eyes. Eyes are truly very telling.

* My life is....

I felt that this graphic really summed up how I felt about life....

Yea ok this is a bit High School, but in case you were feeling nostalgic...

I really want to know how you feel about the "tag" questions and all those I "tag" make sure ya'll are good sports and answer the questions (truthfully) please (either on your blog or mine, doesn't matter)! :p

wasalaam :)

~ Madiha ~

TAGS for those w/o Blogs:

* Zahera
* Anonymous
* Sambam (Samosa)

get started girlies ;)