In response to their question, they ask: What made you become a Muslim?

mood: Accomplished
craving:  a little of this and a little of that.

Salam alykom and Hello. Good morning, everyone! I hope your week is going well so far. Make today special for yourself by doing something you enjoy.

"I am a Muslim woman who not only wants to save the world, I want to show the world what Islam is. The truth, not what the western media shows."

- Texan after UAE

It has been a great journey for me since I became Muslim several years ago. As a result, my mind has been opened up to other cultures and other ways of life, in addition to accepting myself for who I am. Being a Muslim is one of the greatest blessings God has given me. I've been asked by non-Muslims (family and friends) whether I'm returning to Christianity since I divorced. This is a little secret I want to share with you: I did not come to Islam because I married a Muslim. Before I married him, I was a Muslim. Instead of returning to a religion I never understood, I say, "I'd rather die than go back to a religion I never understood." Nothing could be further from the truth. As I see it, that's how I feel. In the following paragraphs, I'll share with you a few reasons why I chose Islam and why I became a Muslim. Religion is a personal choice, and everyone is entitled to it. In this big world, Islam works for me and 1.5 billion (more) other people. It is never my intention to judge anyone based on their religion. As well as my family, some of my best childhood friends practice Christianity. My love and respect for them is deep. I appreciate you accepting me as I am, regardless of what I choose. My heart is full of love for you all. Everyone should be free to choose their own path in life. We should respect and love each other no matter our beliefs. We can learn from each other and build a better world together.

We have a Verse in our holy book;

"To You, Your Religion, To Me Mine" - Quran (Verse- 109)

So, I tell people that when they try to debate with me about Islam. It's simple, you don't like what religion I choose?  Just listen to what Allah (God) said in this above verse in our holy book. :)

Now, on to showing y'all just a couple of reasons I choose Islam.. I was astonished.

These scientific reasons cannot be denied, can they? God revealed these miraculous miracles in our Holy Quran 1,400 years ago. Scientists only discovered them in the last thirty years. It is because of these amazing facts that so many people have joined Islam.

Enjoy.

In the resort town of Skagen you can watch an amazing natural phenomenon. This city is the northernmost point of Denmark, where the Baltic and North Seas meet. The two opposing tides in this place can not merge because they have different densities.


The above picture of the seas have a verse in our glorious Quran. It goes like this. 

 He has set free the two seas meeting together.  There is a barrier between them.  They do not transgress.  (Quran, 55:19-20)

My choice of Islam is based on this reason alone. Here's one more. The rest will be up to you. 

The Quran on Human Embryonic Development:

In the Holy Quran, God speaks about the stages of man’s embryonic development:

 We created man from an extract of clay.  Then We made him as a drop in a place of settlement, firmly fixed.  Then We made the drop into an alaqah (leech, suspended thing, and blood clot), then We made the alaqah into a mudghah (chewed substance)... ¹(Quran, 23:12-14)

A Brief Illustrated Guide to Islam

The above link y'all will find easy explanations of our religion. Thanks for all the emails asking about Islam and I'm sorry it's taken me so long to tell y'all a little about my religion. Please pardon me. Y'all can always look up the nearest Mosque in your area. 

final whisper: The state of ignorance is intolerable. Ignorance of Islam has no place in today's society.

Always have faith in God because with hardship comes ease.

mood: :) :) :) :) :) :) 

craving: some hot soup at La Madeleine with some great sisters... <3 <3 <3 

Salam Alykom and hello to all my sweet readers out there. I hope everyone is having a great week. Don't forget to do something nice for someone today. It will make your heart sing..

Please STOP trying to rain on my parade, because I'm happy. I'm truly happy in my life. I've had a hard year, but God always comes through. I have had and still have faith in Him. Therefore, He has made my heart light and my mind free... 
♥ ♥ ♥
-Texan After UAE

final whisper: Lucky is the man who is the first love of a woman,but luckier is the woman who is the last love of a man.

Favorite pictures and Quotes..

mood: : ) 

craving: some good, good bubble tea.... 

Salam alykom and hello to everyone. I wanted to share some nice pictures with y'all. <3 Have a nice week.. God bless and be safe.

final whisper:  People are funny... They spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't need, to impress people they don't like......

Happy 40th UAE

mood: :)
craving: to celebrate national day

Salam Alykom and Hello to all my sweet readers out there. I know I've been away for a while. Tt's just that I really have had writers block. : / But, nonetheless, I'm  here now and that's what matters. I hope and pray that everyone is doing well and achieving the goals in your life. Can you believe 2011 is almost over? My birthday is right around the corner.
 Abo Azooz surprised our son (Azooz) on Thanksgiving Day. He showed up and the look on Azooz's face was priceless. Azooz actually stayed with Abo Azooz at his hotel last night. Needless to say, I didn't sleep at all. Imagine being with your child for almost four years 24/7 and then him not being there with you. But, I always want to be fair to Abo Azooz and his time with his son is very short. I pray that his relationship with his son will flourish and get better as the years go by. So, that's my little random for the month of November. On to my short sweet entry. Be safe and take care. To all you Emiraties out there, don't party to much. Be safe.

The legend of a visionary leader

No one can deny that His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan  (may God have peace upon him) was the most influential ruler of all time. His dedication to his people isn't seen anywhere and will never be matched. His love and admiration are unforgettable. Years ago I read that he said none of his people will be homeless and he will provide financially for his people to own their own homes. That to me shows that his heart was made of gold and his mind wasn't only for himself. He was a simple man, never living a day without thinking of his people. Not only did he think of his people, but others outside of United Arab Emirates who don't have the means of support from their governments. He helped all, not only Emiratis. If you look at his face, light radiates from it. I ask Allah (God) to forgive his sins and give him the highest place in Heaven. Ameen

So, now the Emiratis celebrate the birth of the UAE in its 40th year.

When I first arrived in UAE, the 36th anniversary was being celebrated. Now it seems that time has flown by so quickly. I can still remember driving around the Corniche in Abu Dhabi where it was packed to the fullest. All I heard were the cheers of the Emirati citizens celebrating their country. It's nothing like the 4th of July here in America- it's not just hot dogs and fire works, it's genuine happiness for the birth of their country and the peoples' happiness.

My sons father brought him the UAE flag.

final whisper: Long live Emirates!

I pray that God will lead me where I am supposed to be ..

mood: :)

craving: mixed grill with my sisters in uae.

There's no place like home for me here in the States, it's the United Arab Emirates. My breath, my heartbeat, and my voice are all gifts from God. I long for it every second of every day. Because God knows where I am right now, I want to go back to my home. There is a sadness in my heart, a weakness in my voice, and a coldness in my breath. I long for the home I long for. I pray that God will take us there. I love you, Ana bahabek UAE.

final whisper: Happy Eid to everyone.

A sad day for my kids and I.

Forever treasured

mood: sad
craving: to pet my cat.

Salam alykom and hello to all my readers out there. I hope everyone is having and has had a great week, this week has been kinda hectic: my son has been sick and  he let our house cat outside and she ran away. Aside from a cat I had years back, Mosha was the top notch cat we've had. I just hope she comes home soon.

........I can't stop crying. My daughter just came home from school and she came in crying. I was shocked and asked her, "What's wrong?!" She said, "Mom, Mosha is dead. She's dead next to our house." I will miss you, Mosha. 


"I will always remember the cat who taught me that not all relationships are meant to last forever. Sometimes, just an hour is enough to touch your heart.”

"Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes!"

"A meow massages the heart."

Sleep, my little one, sleep

final whisper: “Grief is so painfully real, regardless of its origin. The love of, and attachment to, an animal friend can equal that of human relationships. Likewise, the loss of an animal can be just as devastating.”

The Strange Quiet

mood: Nostalgic

craving: Italia

Salam Alykom and Hello to all my followers. Over the years, I recalled stories of my past to my daughter. Today, she is writing a post solely about a few memories that mean very much to me. By writing this blog post, she is helping me in more than one way. Her writing is fantastic; and she is writing through the voice of me. Enjoy!

Today I woke up to grey clouds hanging low in the sky and  rain tapping salutations to my roof. My house was strangely quiet- that kind of quiet that befalls a house when everyone is soundly sleeping. I lay in bed listening to my two kids breathing in and out, in and out.

from left to right; Michael Angelo 1971-1997- Arrelyo (Lucia's Husband) - Marrico

There is something about rain that brings about my thoughts of nostalgia. Of course, I frequently dwell on the spirits of the past, but today is an exceptionally nostalgic day. My mind is hopelessly trying to recall the finer details of dead memories. Laying in bed with the goose-down cover snugly embracing me, reminds me of laying in bed with my Italian girlfriends and smiling at the previous day's events.
Italy never seemed so far as it does today.

I remember, twenty years ago, being fascinated by the new neighbors on the block. Their handsome, dark hair and eyes even shone in the Texas heat. I was introduced to them and found out the inevitable: they were Italians, straight from that artistic country everyone wishes they could live in. Michael Angelo, Lucia, Ivana, Gian Luca- pronounced  (John Luca) Gian Luca is Ivana's boyfriend and now Husband and Marianna... those were the beautiful names of the ones I was closest with. We spoke, laughed and ate together. I was taught, little by little, one of the romantic languages. A few months into our friendship, I could speak un poco italiano.

Lucia's mom and dad. :)

We would dream about traveling to Italy together and strolling through the famous olive tree farms. And while we would dream, Lucia would be making homemade Italian food just for my American taste buds to enjoy.
"Kristina," she would tell me, "the pizza here is bad! It's too thick. It's not good."

As I was laying in bed, thinking about my Italian memories, I got a call from one of my good friends all the way in England. I told him the stories of my friends, and he responded with enthusiasm, saying we could try and get a hold of them again. I rose out of bed and walked over to my closet. Inside, I keep a box full of the more physical memories of my past in the form of pictures. Looking through everything, I found letters that I would receive from Italy.

I will forever remember the good times I had with them. And I have the rain to thank for this.
--------------------------------------------------

What do y'all think about my lovely daughter's artistic writing skills? If I do say so myself, she's pretty awesome... Thanks, Amber, for this awesome guest post.  I love you and am so proud of you. I wish I had all the pictures of us, but my Dad sent them all to me when we lived in the United Arab Emirates. Unfortunately I can't get them back.

My daughter is always asking about my past and I always have a nice story for her. I swear, I regret nothing from my past, it made me who I am today. Thanks, Past. Almost twenty years ago, I had some great friends from Italy. I had such great memories of them. We had a lot of fun and they taught me Italian .  I picked up fast since I know Spanish and the rest is history.  I await our next meeting. Someday.  One of them in particular was my next door neighbor. His name was Michael Angelo. Yeah, really, that was his name. He was fun and very down to earth. He was stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base for his flight training, along with all his buddies. He in turn introduced me to one of his best friend's girlfriend, Lucia. Lucia had the biggest green eyes and darkest black hair I've ever seen. She was a beauty. 
I'm sure she still is. 

I await our next meeting. It might be sooner than I think. :) 

final whisper: This is dedicated to Michael Angelo. In 1997 Lucia wrote me and told me the bad news. Michael Angelo's star fighter air plane crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. He died on impact  doing what he loved most- flying. I still remember your voice, Mickey. I will never in all my life forget your funny ways. You are missed and will forever be. 

1971-1997 

Things that make me feel beautiful. :)

mood: happy
craving: tonight

A great big Salam Alykom and Hello to all my readers out there. I know I've really been neglecting my blog, so this entry will make all the gals (maybe some guys) smile. I hope everyone is in good faith and health. I just don't really have no time to be on the net these days. On to my entry. :) 

There's something about spoiling yourself with beauty products that just make your day. I admit my daughter and I just love to shop. That necessarily doesn't mean, every time we go out, we buy something. But, just going to the shopping center and being surrounded by nice stuff makes us smile and I have an excuse to act like a teenage girl with my daughter. So much fun. These are products that I have and love. Honestly, I'm the queen of trying different stuff out. These products that I have purchased are awesome, and I have tried so many though out the years. I think I'll just stick with these, unless I accidentally find another that is better. I'm done searching and some of these I have used for over ten years. So, take a look at what sits on my bedroom dresser crying out for my usage. Happy shopping everyone.

Beauty doesn't come from the looks, It comes from the heart. We are beautiful in different ways.

Feel beautiful so you can look beautiful.

The first product (upper left hand corner) is  amazing

ESSENTIAL SHEA TAME AND STYLE POT DE CRÈME. I'm telling y'all, I have tried several PRODUCTS though out the years and this by far (for now) the best. It's a little pricey, but so worth it. I am the type to also try the stuff from wal-mart and other places that are AFFORDABLE. However, I will pay extra for beautiful, soft manageable hair. It conditions and doesn't feel heavy or greasy. For girls with un-ruly curly hair. This product is for you. 

Upper right hand (perfume). Everyone who knows me, knows that I can't go with out my perfumes. I just can't imagine life without them. I have the best and I think honestly I could go a little over board when it comes to perfumes. But, hey, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm a total perfume guru. This recent gift I got is AMAZING, just simply amazing. This should be called "Sexy oud" because it is amazing. When I smelled this love in a bottle, I literally went weak at the knees. BRAVO! for creating such a warm and sensual fragrance that not only respects and has composed the oud in a way that elevates its intensity and animalistic qualities, keeping it earthy and very natural. Kudos to Miss Trish... Keep the amazing sensual scents coming our way. P.S. It's a little harsh on the pocket book. After this gift was given to me,  I priced it: $200.00 bucks. 

Lower left hand corner. Aveda has got to be my all time favorite product; I've been using it for over ten years. It leaves your curls soft and manageable and has such a great smell. A plus to the people out there who are watching the earth's environment. They are friendly with the earth. A million stars for this product. Get it together with the Fekkai cream, you all won't be disappointed. I promise. Very affordable. $25.00

Left bottom corner. Trish is getting a lot of recognition these days, from her sexy perfumes to her sensual creams. I can't get enough of this. This is such a pretty, feminine fragrance in cream form - it is so girly, but definitely NOT for little girls, if that makes any sense! The blackberry and white rose notes are flirty and young, but with the musk and vanilla, it has a sensuality at its heart too, that gives it depth of character that puts this perfume head and shoulders above pretty much every other "fruity floral" fragrances out there. Perfect for a woman of any age! Much better than its next closest imitator, Philosophy's Falling in Love. This is much more deep and complex, sort of like a young Victoria's secret. 

Upper left hand corner; Now, I just discovered Estee Lauder face creams and I just love them. With in the first five days, you can tell the difference in your face. It glows and only keeps getting better. Go to the nearest department store that sells these products and make sure and get the one that's good for your skin type. You won't be sorry. :) Ya, a little bit pricey, but so worth it. It last long and you'll be buying it at least twice a year. 

Right top hand side; Y'all will be happy to know that this foot cream is one of the best I've ever used and that the price is even better. I pay five dollars for a big tub of this. It works on the first application. You will notice your feet will be softer and look like the feet of a new born baby. So, go to your local wal-mart and purchase this . $5 bucks

We all love MAC and I know I just love to play with the vibrant colors they have. These two lip sticks are amazing. Something you should know about Mac, the colors stay even after you eat. The pink is very deep and the light one is sheer but gives you that color that we gals need when we're on the go. I'm in a hurry now, but will be back with the color names. 

Happy shopping everyone. My kids are ready to take me on an adventure today. Yep, we are going shopping. :) 

final whisper: Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.

There is nothing like the beauty of flowers

mood: <3
craving: to lay in a bed of flowers

Because you are the love, I love the love.

final whisper: Where flowers bloom so does hope.

I waited so long to meet you

mood: sentimental

craving: to hold you and kiss you forever

Ar Rahman - The Most Gracious

To my beloved son, 

The most beautiful thing about having you in my life now is: I get to reminisce about how you always settled down when you were snugly warm inside of me when I would play this surah (verse) in the Quran for you. I always pictured your eyes opening wide, a small smirk and you were just continent when you heard this surah. Many days and nights I played it and longed to meet you and hold you close to me in my arms. Today was something special. I played this verse in our glorious Quran and I reached my arms out to you and you jumped in my arms without hesitation and laid your head on my chest. As I looked down, you closed your eyes, as if you knew just what you were listening to. It eased you and put a smile in your heart. Just holding you in my arms while listening this recitation, brought back memories that I will always remember. Isn't our mind a wonderful blessing from our Lord? I can't thank God enough for the many blessings He has given me.

final whisper: It's not only children who grow. Parents do, too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it myself.

Sundays, manic Sundays...

There's something manic about Sundays...

Sunday mornings with my favorite people are the best. Breakfast tacos are always a good idea, I fast so, breakfast will be a brunch, we're eating healthy breakfast tacos. No Big Red this weekend; hot tea and water quenched thirst. The other day, I was asked, "Why didn't you bring all your stuff with you?" Well, for one, I didn't know I would be staying here in Texas. Is it really a big deal if I didn't bring my stuff? Will those things make me a better person? I'm most bothered by the question. Yes, I left all my stuff in United Arab Emirates and yes, I wish I had brought something with me. A lot of my mom's pictures and personal items. I also have stuff from my grandmothers. Still, that stuff is all material, and we won't take it with us. It is imprinted in my mind and heart that they gave me what they did, and I will always remember what they gave me. Can I ever forget her lovely face? It's impossible. Consequently, I'm making more memories with my kids. If only to see my son's grandparents and the rest of his family, it would be wonderful to return to UAE one day. Single life is very different from married life. As a result, I have to rely solely on myself, and my dad and auntie Millie have been an invaluable source of support. I don't usually talk about my private affairs. My dad makes me want to pour my heart out. Earlier this week, my sister told me, "Dad is very hurt that you had to endure this heartbreak." He called her up to see what he could do to lift me out of my funk. She told him, "It takes time, her heart will heal." She was right, I'm healing in ways I hadn't imagined possible. My faith in Allah is true and I have patience. Through this heartache, Allah helped me. My dad is happy to see me progressing. Each day he looks forward to hearing about my journey. Hopefully y'all are happy to hear that things are going well for me. A day at a time. Now for the biryani (rice with chicken) for tonight. Iftar is coming up. My sisters are fasting, so I'm cooking. Happy days are here to stay, with a few hardships thrown in. We wouldn't have anything to strive for if life were perfect. Final whisper: Ten years from now, I wonder where I will be? :)

Eid , Texan style

mood: blah

craving: to get over my cold and cough

Salam Alykom and Hello, I hope everyone is having a great Saturday. I'm sitting here with the sniffles and a RED nose with a tissue box next to me. I hope this cold subsides fast. :p I have to take my kids out today, we'll go shopping later when the weather cools down. On to my entry.

It's hard to believe that Eid is coming right up and this month has really gone by fast. This Eid will be the second one I'm away from UAE. Last Eid  I thought I would go back to UAE, so it wasn't so bad. But, this Eid is kinda like the first Eid that my heart strings are pulled down. I'm thinking of ways I can make it fun for my kids and spend it with my sisters whom I love and adore. I have to go out today and buy my kids something new to wear for that most special day. My daughter will be in school, so I have to get her a small gift without her knowing what I got her. I know what to get my son. :) I want every Eid to be special for my kids. We will even get my dad and sisters some gifts, too.  Inshallah Abo Azooz (Azooz's father) will call for Azooz, so that should make my son happy. I know Eid won't be as big as it is in UAE. I will miss the jumping to different homes and being exhausted by the end of the night. I'll wake up extra early on the day of eid and pray and then prepare something to eat before my daughter heads off to school. I would of kept her home, but she's been out of school for 3 days because she had surgery. So, I can't take her out. But, after she gets out of school, we will go to one of the sister;s homes here and spend time with everyone. So, it's going to be nice. Inshallah (God's willing). Well, I pray everyone's Ramadan is accepted and Eid is a beautiful day for y'all.

final whisper: This Texan misses everyone back in UAE (even more on the special holidays). I pray that Allah reunites us someday. If not in this life, God's willing in Heaven.

We're okay......

mood: reflective
craving: late night ice cream....Ben & Jerry's, Red velvet cake?  :) :) :)

Be you. Find you. Be happy with that.

Laying here on my bed with my kids is heaven to me. The funniest things come out of my three year old's mouth. He often tells me, "I love you, mama. I love you, a lot." He affectionately kisses my cheek and holds my face close to his. I can feel his breath on me and he stares at me as if he's just studying every part of my face. These moments I spend with my two most precious babies, is priceless. I can't even begin to explain how my world is amazing. Just as long as I have them in my life, I'm alright. I  get teary when I think of my daughter starting university in a few years. I warn her and say, "Make room for your brother and I." She laughs and says, "Mommmmmm." I can't let her go. How could I? Everything that has happened in this one year, can make a sane person crazy. But, I never thought I would be typing an entry here so soon telling everyone, "Yes, we're okay. We really are." A lot has happenend since June and I can't wait for the endless possiblites of it getting better. God is good and He truly knows what His slaves can and can't handle. Alhamdulillah (thank you God) .

I love y'all to the moon and back

My kids are my rocks and they make me realize everyday, that life is good. Listening to my son day after day laugh and smile and playing with his little cars, makes my heart beat faster and it over flows with love. Listening to my daughter laughing with my son and teaching him stuff also makes my heart over flow. There's something about cuddling with them in bed and laughing and just hugging them both, that makes me feel that life is really a big blessing. It's the simple things in life that always bring a smile to my face.




final whisper: So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.

Dreams and beauty

mood: Breezy
craving: New York in Autumn.

Salam Alykom and hello to all my readers. Today is a very lazy day. I had my  kids out all day yesterday and it was sooo hot. Unfortunately, my daughter is sick today and school begins on Monday. : / My son and I have been coloring and playing cars and he's been reciting the ABC's to me. Now, on to my entry. I pray that these last ten nights of Ramadan are blessed for all of us truly seeking for forgiveness and whatever you ask for.

I get lost in the beauty
Of everything i see
The world ain’t as half as bad
As they paint it to be.

The quote above is exactly how I feel. I like to think that life is always beautiful, it's just how you look at it. Even when I'm in a bad mood, I can always look at the world as a beautiful place. So many people in this world have different ideas about what beauty is. We were downtown in the city yesterday and each time I would see someone, I would study that person. Honestly, I really don't think there are ugly people in this world. I think everyone has something beautiful about them.  Eyes, smile or just the way they present themselves. Truly, beauty is from within. Inner beauty is a serene feeling that makes you feel unique and hence allows you to behave generously. This unique and pleasant behavior of yours makes you gorgeous. After all, a beautiful mind says it all.

Spread the Word!

People really don't realize what true beauty is. From a old tree to an old tethered home. I always seem to see beauty in stuff that's not up to par to a lot of people. I was talking to a friend the other day, I told her, "You know, they can give me a million dollar home that's has nothing touched inside, and then they can give me an old home that is as old as my great, great grandparents. I would take the latter." Why? Because I wanna study the history in it. It's beautiful in my eyes and my mind. To know that someone has a history there. Raised children or just lived alone there, is very intriguing to me.  I guess I think to much? I like to think about how different people live in this world. I like to think of the beauty that God has blessed us with. Just give thanks to the endless possibilities that we have as human beings. Possibilities that we can all look beyond.

What is your goal in your LIFE? What do you DREAM to accomplish? What do you HOPE for? Are you as ambitious as you can be? Are you holding yourself back? You can do it. You can do anything you want in this life. Put your mind to it and I promise you will do what you have dreamed about for so long. It takes ambition and determination. Get some paper and write down what you want in your life. Take a step at a time. You will get there. No one said life is easy. Ruin is a gift. It is the road to transformation.You can't just sit back and look at life through a fish lens. You have to go out and do it. Don't expect it to come to you. Go out there and get it before it's too late. Life is short. Do it now before it's to late.

final whisper: begin. explore. create. shine.

Green birds

mood: empathetic

craving: World peace

Salam Alykom and hello to my followers.I hope all my sisters and brothers are having a great Ramadan. I really haven't had a lot of time on the net these days, but I plan (after Ramadan) to catch up. I've been a bit busy. All is well here; this month has brought us a lot of blessings and some news that has hit home hard. After hearing about some of my closest friends' loss (their husband and father) I can't stop thinking of the family. The last time I had a heartache like this was when my first born son passed away. But, of course it's different. None the less, it's a big heartache and when I think of them all, my heart beats faster and I can't help but pray for them. Now, on to my entry.

A dream woke me up in tears last night. It was such a vivid one.  I was in the mountains in Washington State with my dad and daughter. I got a phone call from my sister (in Islam) that lost her husband and son in Libya. She was crying and said, "Where were you? I tried calling and you weren't home. I had to do one of the hardest things in the world today. I had to let the green bird go to Jannah (Heaven) and now he's free." She hung up. I turned to my dad and daughter and told them what she had told me. My dad wiped a tear from his eye and my daughter couldn't help but cry. It was a touching dream. Soon after I got myself together, I called her. To hear her voice soothed me. She's a strong woman and I ask Allah to give her patience. She just lost her son and husband. I told her, "Time will heal" But right now with all her company coming to see them and people calling to see how they are, it's hard to find time to just think alone. When people stop calling so much and 'life just happens', she will realize what exactly happened. I think she's in shock now. What makes her so strong -and I heard it in her voice- is her faith and her Islam. It's okay to feel sad, we are human and we have to cry in order to release our heartache. It's normal. At the end of a sad moment, we as Muslims always say, Alhamdulilah (Thank you God) 

But you may dislike something which is good for you, and you may like something which is bad for you. Allah knows while you do not know. [Noble Quran 2:216]

 

In Islam, when someone passes away,  like a small baby/child or someone who dies for the cause of Allah (God) like our two brothers (Mabruk Eshnuk  and Malik)... this is what is said.


He said: We asked the meaning of the verse (from the Holy Prophet) who said: The souls, of the martyrs live in the bodies of green birds who have their nests in chandeliers hung from the throne of the Almighty. They eat the fruits of Paradise from wherever they like and then nestle in these chandeliers. Once their Lord cast a glance at them and said: Do ye want anything? They said: What more shall we desire? We eat the fruit of Paradise from wherever we like. Their Lord asked them the same question thrice. When they saw that they will continue to be asked and not left without answering the question they said: O Lord, we wish that Thou mayest return our souls to our bodies so that we may be slain in Thy way once again. When He (Allah) saw that they had no need, they were left (to their joy in heaven).

Masruuq [ra] said: "We asked Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud about this verse: “And do not think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead, rather, they are alive with their Lord and are being provided for."
[Surah ali' Imran, 3: 169]
 

final whisper: "Verily, along with every hardship is relief." (Al-Quran 94:5) We are thinking and praying for y'all.

We are proud...

mood: Disheartened

craving: to be there for the family who lost their father and brother due to martyrdom in Libya

Mabruk Eshnuk (left) and his son Malik left their home in Pittsburgh to volunteer and fight with rebels in western Libya's Nafusa Mountains.

Please go here to read their story..

My mind is numb now. I have tears rolling down my cheeks. I can't think of anything else than my sisters/brothers (in Islam). They lost their dear husband - father and brother in the war in Libya. When I found this out last night, I couldn't believe it. All I could do is run for my cell phone and dial their number.. I was at loss for words when my dear sister answered. How do I get those words out? I couldn't. My throat felt like it was going to burst and tears were flowing. I'm more than sure it hasn't hit them yet. I know too well what it feels like to lose someone close and you try so hard to get your mind together, only later on to break down. It's normal. Our brothers will be missed. I wish I was there with them to comfort them and to let them know that we care. All I can do now is pray for them, which is the best thing ever..

The reason we are proud of our brothers in Islam,is because they fought in the cause of Allah (God) and they fought the oppressed regime there in Libya. I pray that they get the highest place in Heaven and their sins are forgiven.

Remember a man enters into this world empty handed and leaves it empty handed.
Remember. That everything we have, all the blessings we enjoy, are gifts from Almighty Allah. Gifts that we enjoy for a limited period, until He takes them away whenever He deems fit.

They are a trust from Allah, a loan to you to see how you respond to these gifts and how you use them. In the obedience of the Almighty, thanking Him and worshipping Him……OR……..to the disobedience to the One Who gave then to you in the first place..

Take note of the words of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) on the occasion of the death of his son, Ibraahim:

'Our eyes are filled with tears, our hearts with grief, but we say nothing with our lips except that which pleases Allah.... Verily, to Allah we belong, and to Him we return.' (Bukhaari)

It has been narrated on the authority of Masruq Who said: We asked 'Abdullah about the Qur'anic verse: "Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. Nay, they are alive, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord..." (iii. 169).

He said: We asked the meaning of the verse (from the Holy Prophet) who said: The souls, of the martyrs live in the bodies of green birds who have their nests in chandeliers hung from the throne of the Almighty. They eat the fruits of Paradise from wherever they like and then nestle in these chandeliers. Once their Lord cast a glance at them and said: Do ye want anything? They said: What more shall we desire? We eat the fruit of Paradise from wherever we like. Their Lord asked them the same question thrice. When they saw that they will continue to be asked and not left (without answering the question), they said: O Lord, we wish that Thou mayest return our souls to our bodies so that we may be slain in Thy way once again. When He (Allah) saw that they had no need, they were left (to their joy in heaven).

Bukhari. Book 20. Hadith 4651.
"Allah is the Wali (Protector, Guardian, Supporter) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light." [Translation of the Quran -Al-Baqarah 2:257.]

Inna lillahi wa inna illahi rajioon ('To Allah we belong and to him is our return.' )
"Be sure we will test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives, but give glad tidings to those who are steadfast, who say when afflicted with calamity: 'To Allah we belong and to him is our return.' They are those on who (descend) blessings from Allah and mercy and they are the once that receive guidance."
(al-Baqarah: 155)

final whisper:
For the father and brother who completed a wonderful family and gave them many years of happiness.
I pray for you, family, from the bottom of my heart. You and your husband have raised amazing children who will hopefully grow stronger with this situation. I can't imagine the pain that you are going through right now. My thoughts and prayers are always with you.