Thursday, 18 December 2008
Friday, 24 October 2008
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Charity Eid Dinner Friday 31st Oct- not to be missed!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Tickets now reduced to £15-Book now!'Just a Bunch of Sisters' Presents...
By Advance booking only; Book Tickets by 26th Oct , seats are limited, so get dialling!
By Advance booking only; Book Tickets by 26th Oct , seats are limited, so get dialling!
Monday, 13 October 2008
" the PLIGHT of Dr Aafia Siddiqui " Talk
Cage Prisoner presents
SPEAKERS:
Moazzam Begg
Yvonne Ridley (TBC)
Murtaza Khan
Dr Umar Butt
Sunday 19th October 2pm
Dallow Learning Community Centre
234 Dallow Road Luton Beds LU1 1TB
Jct 11 off M1 & Leagrave Train St.
SEPERATE SEATING FOR SISTERS
FREE ADMISSION
ALL WELCOME
Refreshments and Creche
facility available
For further information:
07917 095125/ 07853 585563
contact@cageprisoners.com
SPEAKERS:
Moazzam Begg
Yvonne Ridley (TBC)
Murtaza Khan
Dr Umar Butt
Sunday 19th October 2pm
Dallow Learning Community Centre
234 Dallow Road Luton Beds LU1 1TB
Jct 11 off M1 & Leagrave Train St.
SEPERATE SEATING FOR SISTERS
FREE ADMISSION
ALL WELCOME
Refreshments and Creche
facility available
For further information:
07917 095125/ 07853 585563
contact@cageprisoners.com
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Saturday, 20 September 2008
10 great goals to set for this Ramadan
Still got a festering wound from the fight with your friend last year? Still upset about something your spouse said during a heated argument? Or are you still bitter about the way your parents sometimes treated you as a kid? Let go of the anger and pain this Ramadan and forgive those who have hurt you.
Eat, drink and be moderate
Almost all of us do it - once Iftar time hits, we just keep plowing food and drink into our mouths till it's hard to move afterwards. And those of us who do it know this is totally contrary to the spirit of Ramadan, through which we're supposed to learn self-control not self-indulgence. Let's try to stick to the Prophetic rule on eating: fill our stomachs with one-third food, one-third water and one-third breathing space, even in Ramadan.
Give a dollar a day in charity...or five or ten
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was always generous but even more so in Ramadan. Let's open our hearts and dig a little deeper in our wallets this year. Even less than a dollar a day adds up. Whatever you can give, it's the intention that counts.
Memorize 4 new Surahs
Memorizing the Quran often seems like a daunting task. But the key is doing it in small bites. Since there are four weeks in Ramadan, try to memorize one new Surah a week. Start off with a short, easy one. Once you've started, you'll build momentum and may even want to memorize a longer one the following week.
Go to Tarawih prayers
Post-Iftar, the first urge is to sleep after an exhausting day. But try your best to head out to the mosque for Tarawih prayers. Praying alone is wonderful, but doing it in congregation is fantastic. The community spirit is part of Ramadan's blessings. Don't miss it this year. If going every day is not possible, try going at least once week.
Attend the Tarawih prayer in which the recitation of the Quran will be finished
Call the local mosque and find out which day the Imam will be finishing the recitation of the Quran in prayer. Attend to not only hear part of the Quran's recitation in prayer, but also participate in the heart-rending Duas that follow it.
Stop swearing and/or backbiting Ð with a special box
It's hard not to shoot our mouths off when someone's upset us. Whether we utter those four-letter words or backbite about someone to our family and friends, we know this isn't the God-approved way of letting off steam. In Ramadan, when we want to build our spirituality, we've got to wage Jihad against our bad habits.
Try this: get a box and every time you catch yourself swearing or backbiting put some money in it. It could be a buck or less. The point is to choose an amount that makes it feel like punishment.
At the end of the month send the money to a charity or buy a gift for the person whom you've backbitten the most against.
Call/email your relatives
You'd think that given the easy access to email, competitive long-distance calling rates, phone cards, etc. these days, we'd keep in touch with family and friends more often. But the opposite seems to be the case, as we get caught up in life's "busyness."
Strengthening ties with family members and keeping in touch with friends is part of our way of life and an act Allah is very pleased with. This Ramadan, call family and friends or at least email them a Ramadan card and ask them how their fasting is going.
Go on a technology diet
Even if you work in the IT industry, you can do this. Avoid checking personal email and surfing the web during your fast. After Iftar, instead of plopping yourself in front of the screen, go to Tarawih. The same goes for the television. The point is to try to give our full attention to spiritual elevation this month.
Read 5 minutes of Quran a day...just five, more, not less
Even if you feel you've got absolutely no time, set a timer or the alarm on your cell phone and find a relatively quiet place. You can read the first page of the Quran you open or follow a sequence. The choice is yours. The point is simply to connect with God through His revelation in the month of the Quran.
Forgive everyone who has hurt you
Still got a festering wound from the fight with your friend last year? Still upset about something your spouse said during a heated argument? Or are you still bitter about the way your parents sometimes treated you as a kid? Let go of the anger and pain this Ramadan and forgive those who have hurt you. Forgiving someone is not only good for the body, but it's also great for the soul. And in Ramadan, ten days of which are devoted to Allah's forgiveness, shouldn't we lesser beings forgive too?
If you find it very difficult to forgive everyone, forgive at least three people.
Happy Ramadan !!!
Eat, drink and be moderate
Almost all of us do it - once Iftar time hits, we just keep plowing food and drink into our mouths till it's hard to move afterwards. And those of us who do it know this is totally contrary to the spirit of Ramadan, through which we're supposed to learn self-control not self-indulgence. Let's try to stick to the Prophetic rule on eating: fill our stomachs with one-third food, one-third water and one-third breathing space, even in Ramadan.
Give a dollar a day in charity...or five or ten
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was always generous but even more so in Ramadan. Let's open our hearts and dig a little deeper in our wallets this year. Even less than a dollar a day adds up. Whatever you can give, it's the intention that counts.
Memorize 4 new Surahs
Memorizing the Quran often seems like a daunting task. But the key is doing it in small bites. Since there are four weeks in Ramadan, try to memorize one new Surah a week. Start off with a short, easy one. Once you've started, you'll build momentum and may even want to memorize a longer one the following week.
Go to Tarawih prayers
Post-Iftar, the first urge is to sleep after an exhausting day. But try your best to head out to the mosque for Tarawih prayers. Praying alone is wonderful, but doing it in congregation is fantastic. The community spirit is part of Ramadan's blessings. Don't miss it this year. If going every day is not possible, try going at least once week.
Attend the Tarawih prayer in which the recitation of the Quran will be finished
Call the local mosque and find out which day the Imam will be finishing the recitation of the Quran in prayer. Attend to not only hear part of the Quran's recitation in prayer, but also participate in the heart-rending Duas that follow it.
Stop swearing and/or backbiting Ð with a special box
It's hard not to shoot our mouths off when someone's upset us. Whether we utter those four-letter words or backbite about someone to our family and friends, we know this isn't the God-approved way of letting off steam. In Ramadan, when we want to build our spirituality, we've got to wage Jihad against our bad habits.
Try this: get a box and every time you catch yourself swearing or backbiting put some money in it. It could be a buck or less. The point is to choose an amount that makes it feel like punishment.
At the end of the month send the money to a charity or buy a gift for the person whom you've backbitten the most against.
Call/email your relatives
You'd think that given the easy access to email, competitive long-distance calling rates, phone cards, etc. these days, we'd keep in touch with family and friends more often. But the opposite seems to be the case, as we get caught up in life's "busyness."
Strengthening ties with family members and keeping in touch with friends is part of our way of life and an act Allah is very pleased with. This Ramadan, call family and friends or at least email them a Ramadan card and ask them how their fasting is going.
Go on a technology diet
Even if you work in the IT industry, you can do this. Avoid checking personal email and surfing the web during your fast. After Iftar, instead of plopping yourself in front of the screen, go to Tarawih. The same goes for the television. The point is to try to give our full attention to spiritual elevation this month.
Read 5 minutes of Quran a day...just five, more, not less
Even if you feel you've got absolutely no time, set a timer or the alarm on your cell phone and find a relatively quiet place. You can read the first page of the Quran you open or follow a sequence. The choice is yours. The point is simply to connect with God through His revelation in the month of the Quran.
Forgive everyone who has hurt you
Still got a festering wound from the fight with your friend last year? Still upset about something your spouse said during a heated argument? Or are you still bitter about the way your parents sometimes treated you as a kid? Let go of the anger and pain this Ramadan and forgive those who have hurt you. Forgiving someone is not only good for the body, but it's also great for the soul. And in Ramadan, ten days of which are devoted to Allah's forgiveness, shouldn't we lesser beings forgive too?
If you find it very difficult to forgive everyone, forgive at least three people.
Happy Ramadan !!!
Monday, 8 September 2008
10 ways to do Da’wah from the comfort of your home!
By Fatima Barkatulla
SISTERS MAGAZINE 2008
If you’ve always wanted to be a Da’iyah; to invite people to the Truth, but felt you don’t have time, then you better take a fresh look at Da’wah! Check out these 10 ideas and make your home a Da’wah hub!
1. Bake a cake for your neighbours
It’s amazing what effect reaching out to our neighbours can have. A simple gesture such as baking a cake for them can really change their perception of Islam and Muslims. It is those little day-to-day interactions that make people think twice about how Islam is often portrayed in the media.
The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “O Muslim Women, do not think that any gift is too insignificant to give to a neighbour, even if it is only a sheep’s foot”. (1)
2. Start a Blog
Even if it’s to write about an aayah of the Qur’an that has affected you, having a web presence is an effective Da’wah tool. Every time someone Googles: ‘Islam’, they are met with a plethora of links many of which misrepresent Islam. So your web presence means that people are more likely to come across correct information about Islam.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Convey (my message) from me, even if it is one aayah”. (2)
3. Phone or write to a friend
Supporting our sisters in Islam is also Da’wah because while you chat you can help renew a sisters Eaman, give her some timely advice regarding something she’s worried about, and remind her to have Sabr, which all come under ‘enjoining the good.’
Remember that Allah says in the Qur’an: “By Time, Indeed Man is in loss, except for those who Believe, and work righteous deeds, and advise one another with Truth and advise one another with Sabr (Patient perseverance).” (Suratul ‘Asr)
4. Send a cheque to a Da’wah organisation
There are plenty of organisations that print booklets or translations of the Qur’an and hold exhibitions to spread the word of Islam. By sending them a donation you will not only be participating in Da’wah, you’ll be rewarded for Sadaqah Jariyyah (ongoing charity) as your donation may cause a ripple effect, touching future generations, or it may mean someone accepting Islam and practising it.
“By Allah, if Allah were to guide just one man through you it would be better for you than red camels.” (3)
5. Call up a Radio Phone-in show
The society we live in has many social problems: poverty due to debt, absent fathers, criminal youth, abortion, sexual depravity of all kinds. By presenting the Islamic solution to society’s problems you could leave a lasting impression on millions! Islam is being discussed regularly nowadays on all major radio stations. Call up and correct a misconception someone has about Islam and be a guardian of our Deen!
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand, and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue, and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith.” (4)
6. Invite someone round for tea.
Whether it is the Jehovah’s Witness lady, who knocks on your door, or someone else you have met, you can invite them round for an informal chat. Let them learn a little something about Islam. You could just tell them what we believe about the Prophet ‘Isa (as) and you will have conveyed an important part of our message.
7. Write an article for a magazine or website.
There must be something you feel passionately about or an experience you’ve had, that others could benefit from. Put pen to paper and let your ideas flow. Base what you write upon the Qur’an and Sunnah and have it checked by a person of knowledge. It’ll be a chance for you to do a bit of research, increase your knowledge and it may be a valuable resource for other sisters.
8. Start a study circle
Host a small gathering of sisters for an hour every week. Present a short talk about one aspect of Islam you have looked into, or study the tafsir of a particular surah together. Invite sisters who don’t normally go to a circle. Allah will put so much Barakah in your home insha Allah!
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said in a Hadeeth Qudsi, that Allah says:
“I am as My servant expects Me to be. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it.”
9. Be your husband’s Rock
When we support our husbands’ efforts in Da’wah, we will be rewarded too. Allow him time to spend in this cause and help him in any way you can. Remember the Hadeeth, in which Asmâ bint Yazîd ibn as Sakan (RA) came to the Prophet (sallallâhu alaihi wa sallam) and said: “Oh Messenger of Allâh, may my father and mother be sacrificed for you. I have come to you on behalf of the women. We have believed in you. We do not go out and we remain in your homes. We are your source of physical pleasure. We carry your children. A man goes out to pray jumu’ah and jamâ’ah and follows the janazah. And if you go out fo Hajj, or ‘Umrah, or Jihâd, we look after your wealth. We wash your clothing. We raise your children. Shall we not share in the reward?”
The Prophet (sallallâhu alaihi wa sallam) turned to his companions and said: “Have you ever heard anything a woman has said better than what she has said?”
Then he said to her: “Understand O Woman, and inform the other women. Indeed a woman’s perfection of her relationship with her husband, her seeking his pleasure, and doing that which he approves of is equivalent to all of that.” Asmâ left exclaiming “La ilâha illa Allâh!” (5)
10. Teach your children
Bringing our children up to understand and love the message of Islam is our most important Da’wah project! Remember that everything you do to increase their knowledge and make them strong, righteous people is priceless and will be rewarded.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “All of you are shepherds and are responsible for their flocks. A leader is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. A man is a shepherd over his family and is responsible for his flock. A woman is the shepherd in the house of her husband and is responsible for her flock…” (6)
1. Bukhari & Muslim.
2. Fathul Bari (Explanation of Sahih al-Bukhari), 6/496
3. Fathul Bari (Explanation of Sahih al-Bukhari), 7/476
4. Sahih Muslim 2/22, Kitabul Iman.
5. Adh-Dhahabi related it in Siyar A'lâm An-Nubalâ (it is not 'saheeh' but Sheikh Haitham gave me ijaazah to quote it as its meaning is correct.)
6. Bukhari & Muslim
SISTERS MAGAZINE 2008
If you’ve always wanted to be a Da’iyah; to invite people to the Truth, but felt you don’t have time, then you better take a fresh look at Da’wah! Check out these 10 ideas and make your home a Da’wah hub!
1. Bake a cake for your neighbours
It’s amazing what effect reaching out to our neighbours can have. A simple gesture such as baking a cake for them can really change their perception of Islam and Muslims. It is those little day-to-day interactions that make people think twice about how Islam is often portrayed in the media.
The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “O Muslim Women, do not think that any gift is too insignificant to give to a neighbour, even if it is only a sheep’s foot”. (1)
2. Start a Blog
Even if it’s to write about an aayah of the Qur’an that has affected you, having a web presence is an effective Da’wah tool. Every time someone Googles: ‘Islam’, they are met with a plethora of links many of which misrepresent Islam. So your web presence means that people are more likely to come across correct information about Islam.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Convey (my message) from me, even if it is one aayah”. (2)
3. Phone or write to a friend
Supporting our sisters in Islam is also Da’wah because while you chat you can help renew a sisters Eaman, give her some timely advice regarding something she’s worried about, and remind her to have Sabr, which all come under ‘enjoining the good.’
Remember that Allah says in the Qur’an: “By Time, Indeed Man is in loss, except for those who Believe, and work righteous deeds, and advise one another with Truth and advise one another with Sabr (Patient perseverance).” (Suratul ‘Asr)
4. Send a cheque to a Da’wah organisation
There are plenty of organisations that print booklets or translations of the Qur’an and hold exhibitions to spread the word of Islam. By sending them a donation you will not only be participating in Da’wah, you’ll be rewarded for Sadaqah Jariyyah (ongoing charity) as your donation may cause a ripple effect, touching future generations, or it may mean someone accepting Islam and practising it.
“By Allah, if Allah were to guide just one man through you it would be better for you than red camels.” (3)
5. Call up a Radio Phone-in show
The society we live in has many social problems: poverty due to debt, absent fathers, criminal youth, abortion, sexual depravity of all kinds. By presenting the Islamic solution to society’s problems you could leave a lasting impression on millions! Islam is being discussed regularly nowadays on all major radio stations. Call up and correct a misconception someone has about Islam and be a guardian of our Deen!
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand, and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue, and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith.” (4)
6. Invite someone round for tea.
Whether it is the Jehovah’s Witness lady, who knocks on your door, or someone else you have met, you can invite them round for an informal chat. Let them learn a little something about Islam. You could just tell them what we believe about the Prophet ‘Isa (as) and you will have conveyed an important part of our message.
7. Write an article for a magazine or website.
There must be something you feel passionately about or an experience you’ve had, that others could benefit from. Put pen to paper and let your ideas flow. Base what you write upon the Qur’an and Sunnah and have it checked by a person of knowledge. It’ll be a chance for you to do a bit of research, increase your knowledge and it may be a valuable resource for other sisters.
8. Start a study circle
Host a small gathering of sisters for an hour every week. Present a short talk about one aspect of Islam you have looked into, or study the tafsir of a particular surah together. Invite sisters who don’t normally go to a circle. Allah will put so much Barakah in your home insha Allah!
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said in a Hadeeth Qudsi, that Allah says:
“I am as My servant expects Me to be. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it.”
9. Be your husband’s Rock
When we support our husbands’ efforts in Da’wah, we will be rewarded too. Allow him time to spend in this cause and help him in any way you can. Remember the Hadeeth, in which Asmâ bint Yazîd ibn as Sakan (RA) came to the Prophet (sallallâhu alaihi wa sallam) and said: “Oh Messenger of Allâh, may my father and mother be sacrificed for you. I have come to you on behalf of the women. We have believed in you. We do not go out and we remain in your homes. We are your source of physical pleasure. We carry your children. A man goes out to pray jumu’ah and jamâ’ah and follows the janazah. And if you go out fo Hajj, or ‘Umrah, or Jihâd, we look after your wealth. We wash your clothing. We raise your children. Shall we not share in the reward?”
The Prophet (sallallâhu alaihi wa sallam) turned to his companions and said: “Have you ever heard anything a woman has said better than what she has said?”
Then he said to her: “Understand O Woman, and inform the other women. Indeed a woman’s perfection of her relationship with her husband, her seeking his pleasure, and doing that which he approves of is equivalent to all of that.” Asmâ left exclaiming “La ilâha illa Allâh!” (5)
10. Teach your children
Bringing our children up to understand and love the message of Islam is our most important Da’wah project! Remember that everything you do to increase their knowledge and make them strong, righteous people is priceless and will be rewarded.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “All of you are shepherds and are responsible for their flocks. A leader is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. A man is a shepherd over his family and is responsible for his flock. A woman is the shepherd in the house of her husband and is responsible for her flock…” (6)
1. Bukhari & Muslim.
2. Fathul Bari (Explanation of Sahih al-Bukhari), 6/496
3. Fathul Bari (Explanation of Sahih al-Bukhari), 7/476
4. Sahih Muslim 2/22, Kitabul Iman.
5. Adh-Dhahabi related it in Siyar A'lâm An-Nubalâ (it is not 'saheeh' but Sheikh Haitham gave me ijaazah to quote it as its meaning is correct.)
6. Bukhari & Muslim
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