That's so strange...

When you have a beard and are quite the conversationalist. You get questions.

'What the Islamic view point on X? '

Each time I make it clear that I'm no scholar but will explain the best I can according to my understanding. I also point out that more often then not the view point I'm explaining is line with my understanding of the teachings of Islam fro the sacred texts, and most Muslims have mixed culture into thier lives and label these practices as Islamic.

But I digress from what I originally set out to write about.

When acting upon a certain Sunnah, often the response is.

'that's strange... ' or
'that's weird... ' or
'that's odd... '

And every time I hear one of the above or a similar response in meaning I think of the Hadith mentioning Guraba (Strangers)

Inside I smile. May Allah The Most Merciful unite all the strangers. And give each pious stranger a pious strang wife to be strangers together. May they have blessed children to raise up as strangers also.

On the hunt for The Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr)

1 night = 1,000 months

My tactics = it's in Ramadan. More likely in the last 10. Also better odds for the odd nights.

21st, 23rd, 25th,27th, 29th

Note: Night comes before day. So if Sunday = 26th day (fast) then Sunday night = 27th night of Ramadan.

That's a lot of return for a little hardship.

Some great advice out there. E. G.

Give just £1 in charity each night in the last ten.

Investment = £10
Potential return = 1,000 months X 30 nights = reward for giving £30,000.00

I'd put an extra quid in the charity tin on the 27th too.

Also

Read Surah Al-Ikhlas (chapter 112) X 3 times each night.

normal rate of return on investment =  completing one third of Qur'an.

So read it three times. That gives you reward for completing one quraan

If you happen to do it on Laylatul Qadr.
Potential rate of return = reward of 30,000 completions of Qur'an.

You getting the idea right. And see the picture for a recommended du'aa.

Bless, now carry on hunting. And drop a little du'aa for me if you remember. Love.

The company of positive people

I have a good friend, nay a good brother. He pulls me up if I swear and discourages me to do so.

So while we both discussed concerns we had in our life, he proposed we poor our efforts into somthing of benefit. And so the Hifz Challenge was conceptualised.

As Br Din smiled and said 'Let's go big'
Me: ' Yaseen!'
Din: 'I was thinking more like Al-Bakhara, but we can start with that'

So stage 1, 1st ruku of surah Yaseen in a week.

For me this is going to be an uphill struggle. My Hafiz is weaker then most.

But as in the pursuits of worldly matters, I must make du'aa, strategies and execute a game plan.

1.Carry my color coded mashuf with me
2. Find mp3 of the Surah in a style that is clear and I enjoy
3. Commit.

Mr Din, it is without a doubt on.

Forget Homeland, Dexter or Eastenders what this

Farouk Omar Series

Our homes are filled with entertainment of all kinds. Some simply there to make us escape or numb our minds from the sadness in our lives. We invest so many hours into these shows. What of we watched something which had a more positive effect.

Take for instance a brilliant series Farouk Omar by MBC1.

Here is episode 1.

Qurbani in UK

So every year I've been sending money for qurbani to a poor country. Via Ummah Welfare Trust.

This year I decided to go with Muslim Communities United Kingdom (MC-UK)  Who will distribute the meat to poor Muslims in the UK with some of the meat also distributed as cooked meals. 

Now as far as I know my Zakaat money should be distributed right were I earned the money. So in UK. I'm not sure about the Qurbani distributions, Any answers??? 

Poem: Why do you ignore me?

1st draft

I wish you would notice me, instead your gaze passes me by.
On occasion your hand brushes past and still you deny.
How I long for your attention, some one to one time.
But you think I'm dated and no longer apply.
You sit in the same room and waste your valuable time,
on brain numbing movies, shows and fake news.
Do you think it's enough to just place me up high.
Is that why you brought me here to bless your abode,
Or was it to impress others when they see me in your home.
I want you to love me, and make the time.
No phones, no TV, no distractions just you and I.
Alone, so I can talk to you, guide you and prepare you for what comes.
But you prefer fiction it doesn't matter what kind.
Romance, crime, even blasphemous lies.
When you will you give me some quality time?
Are you waiting for your youth to fade, your hair to grey?
If only you'd hold me, look at me and pay attention just as much as you do,
to your phones, laptops, and other contraptions.
If the language I speak is not your own,
I can speak to you in a tounge of your choice.
When will you pick me up and give me the respect I deserve?
When will you love me more then the series, the soaps and the shows?
I'm still waiting, exactly where you left me the day you brought me home. 
I want you to discuss, and divulge each line
With your friends like you do about that rappers lines.
Come and lavish me with your attentions, take your time, get to know me.
Let us become companions, allies against the ills and vices of this cold world.
Then I'll protect you in this world and even after you die.