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#1
September 4th, 2007, 08:25
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The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
Bismillah wal hamdulilah wa salatu wa salaamu ala Rasoolulah
On the authority of Abu Hurairah (radiAllaahu 'anhu) that the Prophet (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said :
Whoever removes a worldly grief from a believer, Allaah will remove from him one of the griefs of the Day of Resurrection. And whoever alleviates the need of a needy person, Allaah will alleviate his needs in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever shields [or hides the misdeeds of] a Muslim, Allaah will shield him in this world and the Hereafter. And Allaah will aid His Slave so long as he aids his brother. And whoever follows a path to seek knowledge therein, Allaah will make easy for him a path to
It was related by Muslim in these words.
.. And whoever follows a path to seek knowledge therein, Allaah will make easy for him a path to For every heart whose call is La ilaha ilAllah Muhammadur Rasoolulah seeking the pleasure of Allah, seeking paradise, seeking the face of Allah is no doubt the goal. My worldy grief is separation from Madinah al Munawara. My need is ilm. My misdeeds are chains which bound me and only with the help of Allah can I be set free. Shaaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, rahiymullah said, Seek knowledge, because seeking it for the sake of Allah is a worship. And knowing it makes you more God-fearing; and searching for it is jihad, teaching it to those who do not know is charity, reviewing and learning it more is like tasbeeh. Through knowledge Allah will be known and worshipped.
Alhamdulilahi rabbil Alameen, my Lord out of his infinite mercy has allowed me to have the desire to seek ilm. He Azza wa Jal gave me the gift of the UIK seminar in 2006. .. On Sept. 5th 2006 - we left the shore of poetic sands. I turned, as though in a trance but my last and final glance was stolen by hot tears flooding the spans of my sight. I cried and I cried and I cried upon leaving fearful that I may never return. I cried everyday for 4 months and I begged my Lord to return me. For a year it was like I was floating in the sky on clouds called Makkah and Madinah. Everyone was wondering “when is she going to come down? As the months quickly passed the path to seeking ilm widened. In that path opportunities bloomed abundantly. Though I was not with the scholars in person I was not without the benefit of their knowledge. Alhamdulilah. Meanwhile I paced between dua and planning, dua and working, dua and studying, dua and phone calls, dua and many children, dua and taubah, dua and asking myself again and again “can you handle this responsibility? Before I knew it I found myselve full circle back where I began 1 year ago. With bags in hand, intentions in mind, love in our hearts and 2 kids by our sides we left our humble abode. We were accepted for another Educational seminar hosted by the Qur'an and Sunnah Society of New York The Uthmaan Ibn Affan Seminar.
We were invited by Allah to His 2 holy Masajid.
بِسْمِ اللهِ ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلى اللهِ وَلا حَوْلَ وَلا قُوَّةَ إِلاّ بِالله
In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no might nor power except with Allah.
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And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf 50:16-18) Last edited by Samaa : May 15th, 2008 at 23:56. 
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#2
September 6th, 2007, 03:31
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no might nor power except with Allah.
Everyone around me perceived that I was floating on a carpet of excitement. I was going to Madinah and Makkah, invited for the third time to the house of Allah. In reality a mountain of anxiety hovered above my excitement shading it in fear. I was fearful of the fact that I had not fulfilled all my intended goals from the last seminar and now I was going for another. I was fearful of not having the Ikhlas I intended. Even the Sahabah radi Allahu anhum feared hypocrisy, then how could I be so sure about myself? Alhamdulilah above my mountain of fear was a sky of hope. Hope in actually reaching Balad al Haramain. I had very high hopes in giving it my all in every capacity possible. I hoped that Allah would make me successful, patient and grateful. We drove to Dulles airport packed in a little rental car. It was a pleasant 6 hour ride mashaâ'Allah filled with bags, my whirlwind of emotions, energized boys who don't sit still or be quiet, masha'allah, and the wonderful easy going nature of my husband to keep us together. The time between arriving at the airport and departing was like three breaths, quick and easy. We boarded Saudi Air and this place we prefer not to call home quickly disappeared beneath the clouds. Allahu Akbar. The plane ride was wonderful, especially for the boys ages 9 and 10. The new discovery of a child, renews it in the eyes of an adult. Their excitement for me was like experiencing for the first time, and left a deeper sense of appreciation for those new discoveries. They enjoyed the flight to say the least. Safely landed in Jeddah I freshened up made salat and waited for our next flight. I waited for our flight to Madinah. This was followed by a wait for the flight to Madinah. Somewhat familiar with travel I waited to roll with the punches and I felt it coming. It turned out that Saudi Air had booked only our sons for the flight but not us (or something like this) so we just took a cab. When plans don't go as expected you have to know that Allah is most Wise. My Lord prevented us from getting on that flight along with a few others. I was blessed with something no other sister in the seminar had or would come to have throughout the duration. I had a 5 hour ride with one of the most beautiful sisters I have ever met. We had a 5 hour freedom to bond and all praise is truly to Allah. In the 2006 seminar I took maybe one hundred pictures of the desert between Jeddah and Madinah, this year I only took in the wonderful company of my new found friend. Qadr Allah wa masha fa'al. It is so amazing the unforeseen blessings Allah has in store. Allahu Akbar!
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And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf 50:16-18) Last edited by Samaa : May 15th, 2008 at 23:59.
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#3
September 7th, 2007, 23:34
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
All experiences leave impressions on the heart and mind. Some are marked by scars from times of toil. Other impressions are like zephyrs of amber and myrrh in perpetual sunny gardens blooming with thick lush growth where the thoughts, heart and dreams return to again and again. As I rode in comfortable peace, legs happily outstretched much more than they were able on the plane, I reflected. Back in the airport I braced for the worse and was embraced by the best. Our beloved administration took all the heat. They turned our trials of travel into a trail of tulips. Where the airline erred administration prepared quickly the alternative to take the cab. It would land us in Madinah at the same time as the next plane so to kill the agony of sitting and waiting they fetched a cab. We headed for the mountains. I stood with my hand on my purse ready to pay whatever was necessary, but no one ever mentioned it. It turns out that not only had the albaseerah administration arranged all of this impromptu they also came out of their pockets for it. And our cab was nothing less than a luxury SUV. If it wasn't clear before, then it was clearly clarified now that our group leaders goal was to provide only the best of the best for us even if it meant a bent budget and dented pocket for them. Their goal was the comfort of the participants and they were well prepared with backup plans to ensure that the goal was met. Thus I rode in comfortable peace, legs happily stretched out placing this experience in the garden of great impressions.
In the darkness of a beautiful Madinah night, we arrived. My Lord Azza wa Jal answered my many dua, Allah reunited me with Madinah. At this late hour the hotel lay rested and calm void of the bustle of Madinan excitement. I entered its familiar lavishness and was received with a warm welcome. Upon entering our room I immediately realized it's position and raced to the window. Haram view, Allahu Akbar! Before my eyes, beyond my window Masjid an Nabawi sat bold and grand. Madinah nights are always beautiful mirrored by days of matching beauty. My worldly grief was relieved and hopes turned to reality, I made it to Madinah. Alhamdulilah!
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And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf 50:16-18) Last edited by Samaa : May 16th, 2008 at 00:00. Reason: removed strange font characters
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#4
September 15th, 2007, 23:18
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
Sa'ad(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: I declare haraam that area between the rocky lands on both sides of Madinah, that it's vegetation be not cut down nor that animals be hunted within it's area. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) also said: For the believer, Madinah is the best place. If only they could understand its virtue fully, they would never leave it, and whoever departs from Madinah, having become disenchanted with it, Allah will send someone better to replace him. And whoever bears patiently the ordeals of Madinah, for him shall I be an intercessor(or witness) on the Day of Qiyaamah. (Muslim)
On our first day in the beautiful city of Unlike the previous year all classes for the sisters were held in Masjid An-Nabawi. I would like mention that our beloved administration, while having great foresight in preparing our classes like this, could not possibly (Allahu Aliym) understand how great of a plan this was. The multiplicity of bounties that we received by having classes with learned female teachers inside of the Prophet's Masjid exceeded expectations, exceeded hopes, exceeded what I could have ever imagined. We studied Qur'an, Hisbah, Usool Emaan and Tajweed. We also had a special session with the female leaders in the education department solely for the purpose of assessing our educational and dawah needs back home so that they may assist us on an ongoing basis. We received so much and we were still able to join whatever lectures were in session during the breaks from our classes. The first night after our last class someone mentioned that the brothers were still having lectures and we should take advantage of as much ilm as possible. I hurried across the courtyard, back to the hotel and up to the lecture room. Alhamdulilah the lecture had not started yet. Excitement returned with a greater intensity and grew with each passing word of our beloved scholar Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Aqeel, may Allah preserve him, ameen. Our beloved brother Ahmad Al Afghanee has presented us with and excellent transcription of the lecture that night. May Allah reward him and increase him in good, ameen. Although I must share with you a portion of it please take time to read it in its entirety. The Shaaykh began with Khutbat-ul-Hajjah. Then after a warm welcome to Madinah he went on to discuss seeking knowledge. The segment on its virtues is as follows:
Quote:
Chills ran down my back. In the car, on the plane, through the desert, across the masjid courtyard to and from class I never imagined that I was on a path to Jannah. SubhanAllah. Quote:
Of course I didn't imagine this. I only felt like a bystander honored with the opportunity to be present but never did I really put myself into the equation. Quote:
I etched these priceless words upon my paper, by now my face was full of tears. Imagine sitting in Madinah amoungst some of the finest of people hearing these words. So am I one of them. I asked myself. Quote:
I implore all who read this take heed. Look at the great ni'mah in seeking ilm. No amount of tears, nor grandiose pictures nor fancy ways with words can portray what we were blessed with in this night in Madinah. This night, this first lecture hit me so heavily. Had I imagined that My Lord Subhana wa ta Ala was mentioning me by name? Me? No. Quote:
Subhanallahi wal hamdulilahi wa Allahu Akbar
La ilaha ilallahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahu mulk wa lahu hamd wa huwa ala quli shayin qadeer
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And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf 50:16-18) Last edited by Samaa : May 16th, 2008 at 00:03.
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#5
September 29th, 2007, 11:37
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
Time spent in Madinah is priceless.
Allah gave me life. Allah blessed me with Islam. I was invited to Balad al Haramain by Allah and arrived safely out of His mercy. Allah enriched my heart with desire to worship him, embedded in me the craving for ilm and enabled my limbs to act on these. La haula wa laa quwata ila billah. There is no power or might except with Allah. I am nothing on my own, Allah bestows upon me gifts then rewards me for them. SubhanAllah. With each hurried step I took to the masjid I reflected. I must have ikhlas in whatever I do and it must be according to the Book of Allah and the authentic Sunnah. If I don't acquire the ilm how can my actions be right and if I don't purify my heart how can I have ikhlas? I arrived at the entrance of Masjid an-Nabawi and was awakened from my state of reflection by guards in full hijaab beginning to check my belongings. I had with me 2 binders bound by a wide band which hung from my shoulder by a strap. I also had my purse. The purse was fine but they were a bit perplexed by these binders and the band that held them. One guard began to shoo me away then another noticed my name badge. She immediately called off the search and granted me access..I was in. Our first class of the day was Qur'aan. I waited at our meeting place for our group to arrive. One by one and two by two they gathered. Once all were present we moved to the most empty place in the musalah we could find and sat in a circle. I was pierced with honor... humility... awe I sat to the right of our Ustadah (teacher). I try to be observant thus my eyes were laid upon her face with full attentiveness. I noticed her posture and gestures and filed them as mental notes. She spoke and I understood in general what she was trying to convey which was then confirmed by one of the Arabic speaking sisters in our group who translated for us. May Allah reward her, ameen. For our teacher we recited and for us she corrected our mistakes. The best way to learn proper tajweed no doubt is in person with your teacher. This is because, especially for non-arabic speaking students, it is vital to see all the facial movements necessary to pronounce correctly. Knowing this I watched carefully the letters of the Book of Allah pour from her lips with perfection, possessing their full rights. With nurturing gentleness, patience and unrelenting stamina she went one by one detangling our flaws. I briefly glanced beyond our group and noticed the domes had been opened. Sisters in beautiful black flowing abayas passed to and fro through rays of golden light. I returned my attention to the Qur'an that I held, my beloved teacher and my dear fellow students.in Masjid An-Nabawi. This was unlike any other experience. No people gather together in one of the Houses of Allaah, reciting the Book of Allaah and studying it among themselves, except that Sakeenah (Tranquility) descends upon them, and Mercy envelops them, and the angels surround them, and Allaah mentions them amongst those who are with Him.
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And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf 50:16-18) Last edited by Samaa : May 16th, 2008 at 00:06.
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#6
October 16th, 2007, 18:30
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
Who would have thought I could have the best experience of my life ever 2 times in a row. I am often asked if this seminar was better than last year. Our seminar in 2006 was so perfectly amazing. This year the seminar was so perfectly dynamic and amazing. Last year I could not imagine a better seminar. This year I experienced it.
With much anticipation we boarded the buses for our first trip. King Fahd Qur'an printing complex The Glorious Qur'an is the Book of Allah, the Almighty; Falsehood cannot come to it from any direction, it is preserved by Allah Who said:
"Verily, We, it is We who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur'an) and surely, We will guard it from corruption." (15:9). Praise be to Allah, Who has appointed, all over the time, those who preserve and maintain the Book of Allah, those who will take care of it and spread it. Surely, Allah privileges with this merit whomever He wills from among His servants. As Allah granted the
The King Fahd Qur'an Printing Complex resides amid an oasis of lush greenery and great architecture. Handsome tall date palms overlook a myriad of well groomed bushes, mosaics peer from beyond arches, dainty flowers dote in thick grass, the grand Qur'an sculpture boldly rises in the center of a cooling fountain and a large dome wades in the backdrop of this beautiful scene. I love this place. The live presentation was received on the balcony overlooking the factory floor. There was machinery as far as I could see. My attention wavered between the wealth of information we were given and snapping pictures of all I could. The production capacity of the Complex reached more than ten million copies of different publications a year for every single shift. It is possible, if needed, to make it work three shifts to produce 30 million copies a year. The number of publications produced by the Complex so far has exceeded ninety different publications, including complete Mushafs and parts, translations, recordings, books of Sunnah and of the Prophet's Biography and others. It is not shocking to me that the Complex has the most advanced printing technologies in the world. They have translated the meanings of the Holy Qur'an into 53 different languages and every year adding about 4 more. They also have recorded recitations here in their studios made available on CDs and cassettes. Each page of the Holy Qur'an is printed onto big sheets 70 centimeters by one meter. The first page contains only letters and no vowels or other marks. Each and every letter is checked for the correct position, word and verse. Each and every one has to be approved by 9 scholars, then they add the dots and check it in the same manner. The vowels are added. Scholars check each and every vowel, each and every dot. At the 4th stage stop marks, sujood marks, hisb and juz marks are added and checked. After necessary steps have been completed they scan and shrink the pages down to sizes needed. 95% of the prints are free of cost. Through the distribution of the Complex editions, it contributed to the community service by the following:
Following refreshments we received our own mushafs and complete Qur'an on CD, thus concluding our wonderful visit. I left with a huge smile on my face relishing in sheer delight! Verily, those who disbelieved in the Reminder (i.e. the Qur'aan) when it came to them (shall receive the punishment). And verily, it is an honourable respected Book (Fussilat 41:41)
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And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf 50:16-18) Last edited by Samaa : May 16th, 2008 at 00:09. Reason: removed strange font characters
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#7
November 12th, 2007, 17:11
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
The weeks and months are flying past so quickly. I sit and look back at those precious moments and reach into those deep thoughts and deep feelings as though they were an endless sea. My thoughts and dreams won't let me leave Madinah, my hopes and desires won't let me leave Makkah. If I have a night where I have not dreamt of Makkah or Madinah I feel a void.
Although we spent only 1 week in Madinah when I was there it seemed like time was standing still. The majority of my days were spent in Masjid An-Nabawi. The guards began to recognize me when I entered, there was so much love felt in the honored salutations that we exchanged. Except for our first few Qur'an sessions all classes were held in one of the classrooms. Our room was on the third floor which meant about 6(?) flights of stairs- Masjid An Nabawi stairs. The marble or stone stairs were beautifully carpeted and slightly oversized. Maybe they seemed oversized because I felt so small in this grand place. They definitely feel oversized if you think you're late for class and you really want to run two at a time but you fear breaking your face on them. At times like this I was forced to slow down and enjoy the scenery. In this staircase there are plants on each landing and on the overlooking ledges of each floor. One almost feels jealous of their striking appearance which seemed to have come from my imagination of paradise. The vibrant healthy growth of some of them hung over the ledges extending almost 2 floors! In the early morning and throughout the day pearls of sweet golden light fill the whole space with warmth and breath taking beauty. On the third floor inside our classroom there were windows on north and south sides. The small north side windows faced outside leaving us visible only to the birds who nested there. The other windows however overlooked the prayer area and were huge. These windows revealed muslimaat immersed in ibadah throughout the sisters section of the masjid. One of our teachers told us that sometimes mashaaykh would give classes in the masjid and so they would open those windows to hear the class. This was one of the ways the women benefited without sacrificing perfect seclusion. There were also speakers in the room for the purpose of broadcasting classes for sisters. Our teachers displayed nothing less than what one would expect from women of knowledge. Also in these classes we were able to relax and really open up. I often sat in the front of the class trying to absorb as much as possible. Eyes gripped tightly on the teacher, ears greedily taking in continual information, thoughts alert focused on the lessons given I enjoyed every moment of it. Within the four walls of our classroom we delved into great topics. Of those topics Hisbah I enjoyed the most, after Qur'an and Tajweed of course. Hisbah is to enjoin good and forbid evil. We learned the virtues of fulfilling hisbah, proofs from the Qur'an and Sunnah for its implementation, who is and is not obliged to fulfill it. We covered its pillars, rules and manners of fulfilling hisbah in the case of adults, children and scholars. You know, as I sat there, the information filled an emptiness in me I didn't even realize was there. Knowing the correct way to fulfill hisbah could extinguish many fires and flare-ups that plague the muslim community. I thought of all the times I watched troubles erupt between muslims because of incorrect approach and inappropriate measures for handling issues. SubhanAllah. May Allah rectify our situation, ameen. Masjid An Nabawi has so much to offer for women. We not only have access to classes but also to the extensive library. I was overwhelmed by the amount of books but even more so by the weight of what they contained. There is so much ilm available and so many sisters to help one acquire it. If there happens to be a book you don't see they will send for it. There is also a computer lab where you can access so much more. To top this off for every class and khutbah given by any Shaaykh or teacher you can get a copy of the audio free. All you have to do is bring in your blank cd and they make your copy. I know I said that was the topper but how about a super topper- the childrens library. Masjid an Nabawi has a childrens library. As we descended into this miniature world I longed to be young again. The library is for girls ages 5 and up. When you take your child there you are not allowed to stay. They offer so much. The area has sections and looks like day care. Children learn Arabic, Qur'an, Hadeeth, Seerah, housekeeping, health and body parts, sewing, arts and crafts and so much more. Another beauty is that none of the books have forbidden images. Allahu Akbar! Madinah, Madinah, Madinah- May Allah return me to this holy place, ameen.
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And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf 50:16-18) Last edited by Samaa : May 16th, 2008 at 00:11. Reason: removed strange font characters
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#8
November 12th, 2007, 20:11
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
As Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuhu.
Jazakillaahu Khaira for sharing your experiences in the Prophet's (salaahu alayhe wa salaam) Masjid. Who would have every known about all of the beneficial things for the Muslimaat there, Masha-Allaah. I wish I was there with you, I miss the land of Tawheed also. A children's library, how I would have loved to take my binti there. Subhan-Allaah! Miss you sister. Barak Allaahu Feekee, Umm Hadiyah
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#9
November 12th, 2007, 22:11
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
wa alaykum salaam wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu
HayakAllah Ya habibti, Ukhti fi deen, wallahi I miss you too. And every day we were there I thought of you and the other sisters from the 2006 seminar. I pray that Allah makes it easy for us all to return. I truly love you for Allah. wa feeki barakallah
wa salaamu alaykum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu
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And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf 50:16-18)
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#10
November 28th, 2007, 18:24
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
One exquisite Madinah night in the 2006 Seminar Masjid An-Nabawi was opened for our group exclusively. That night I prayed peacefully in silent splendor between the pulpit and the Prophet's (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) grave. Quite difficult to describe, those words were lost with the tears that fell from a face pressed prostrate. I am from that glorious moment separated by time yet that time, that place and my heart are weaved inseparable.
I arrived at the Uthmaan ibn Affan Seminar not expecting but strongly hoping for this same precious gift. I don't remember when but at some point in time I was informed that we would visit the Raudah as a group. I thought it would be like the same exclusive visit before but it was not. Our group (sisters only) gathered at our regular meeting place. There were so many sisters in the masjid and many waiting to visit the Raudah. When the door was opened there was a loud clamor of screams then a sound like that of stampeding wildebeest across the Serengeti. I was thinking, wow I wonder what THIS is going to be like? Shortly after the combustion of spiritual excitement our group began to make our way through the crowd. Our dearly beloved sister and mentor led the way. We weaved in and out and in between rows, winding through the people to get to the entrance way making sure we stayed together. We arrived but did not enter. We were instructed to stay until told to move. Once we were instructed to move we went a different way than everyone else. We then rested beneath the umbrellas just outside of the oldest part of this great structure. Our beloved leader began to speak. All eyes were laid on her, all ears attentive and all hearts held captive by her sincere and truthful speech. I do not recall the order in which she advised us nor her exact precise wording. What began as simple advice turned into intricate thorough and sound naseehah. Enthralled in every word, tears dropped like hot wax fleeing a candle's burning wick. Words carefully picked prompted contemplation of great depths. Weeping replaced note-taking and my shaken heart was saturated in this profound moment. She said to us, Look around you, you are in Masjid An-Nabawi. Masjid An-Nabawi has been thee center for learning throughout its existence. This was the place where the Sahaabah and Sahaabiyat came for learning the deen of Allah and you have come from so far in order to gain this ilm in the same blessed place, in the same manner as our predecessors. She told us of sacrifices made by those who came before us. She narrated the story of one of the Sahaabah who was beat nearly to death in his pursuit of Islam, in pursuit of ilm, SubhanAllah Look at what was sacrificed to gain ilm. And what do we sacrifice for it today? She went on to say it is important to understand before we enter the Raudah, before we make du'a, that in order for actions to be accepted we must have 2 -ikhlas and itibah, We must be sincere and our deeds must be according to the Qur'an and the authentic sunnah. We must have the correct understanding of Tawheed and the Sunnah. We must understand these the way the salaf understood them. She explained that sometimes the people make du'a after their salat but we should make our du'a when we are closest to Allah and that is in sujood. Seek forgiveness. Ask Allah to give you Ilm and to protect you from committing shirk. Allahumma innee aoothu bika an ushrika bika wa anaa a'lamu wa astaghfiruka
O Allah I seek refuge in You lest I associate anything with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I know not.
There remained not a dry face in our group. Her piercing sincerity echoed and outsiders began to gather for the heart grasping reminders. In the midst of it all a sister from among us asked about being obedient toward the husband. Masha'allah, she explained that obedience to your husband is in accordance with obedience to Allah. She painted the scenario of a child who is raised to obey her parents then grows older, marries and obeys her husband and in this is obedience to our Creator, the Most Wise. She gracefully tied it in with fully understanding Tawheed. Everything she uttered was beautifully connected to the foundation of our deen and she did not fail us in providing sound daleel for each of her advices. Therefore all English and Arabic speaking passersby were able to benefit as well. She said many people ask Allah to allow them to return to Madinah as a student or for other specific reasons but it is better to ask that Allah returns you to the place that is best and the place that is most pleasing to Him. Does life get better than this? I asked myself. Tawheed, Ilm, Ibadah, Masjid An-Nabawi? As our unexpected meeting adjourned one by one our tear soaked trembling bodies performed rakatain. We engaged in abundant istigfar under sunlit umbrellas. At last we resumed our journey to the Raudah. From beneath swollen lids my eyes traced the ancient arches and bright chandeliers as I passed beneath them. I was expecting to find the masses of wailing women struggling for a place to pray but instead there was a section of the Raudah separated from all the other worshippers by a partition. This partition provided our own room for private and undisturbed ibadah. SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi. There I felt love, fear, hope, humility and more- the description of which does not fit into words but fell as tears onto the familiar olive carpet. I pray that Allah returns me to the place that is best and is most pleasing to Him, subhana wa ta
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And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf 50:16-18) Last edited by Samaa : May 16th, 2008 at 00:15. Reason: removed strange font characters
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#11
November 30th, 2007, 08:27
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
The time came to exit. I walked slowly back to where we began. The afterglow of intense ibadah took hold of my senses. I never imagined our visit to the Raudah last year could have been made any better thus I hoped for the same. Instead I was given so much more. I gained so much more! Everything in my peripheral changed. A new light changed my sight, changed my outlook. What's more is that this was just a part of the transformation. In the seminar, little did I know but there was more to come. Those few moments allotted to us in Masjid An Nabawi could not be bought with the wealth of the world. All Praise is to Allah. May Allah reward all who, by the permission of Allah, did all they could to make this happen and did so successfully. Ameen
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And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf 50:16-18) Last edited by Samaa : May 16th, 2008 at 05:40. Reason: removed strange font characters
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#12
January 18th, 2008, 18:34
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
asalam
wow so much did you went to bother seminar UIK, and UIA was-salam
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.Its good to leave each day behind, like flowing water, free of sadness. Yesterday is gone and its tale told. Today new seeds are growing.
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#13
May 16th, 2008, 19:12
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
as salaamu alaykum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu
Barakallahu feeki habibti Nisshoami, Please pardon me for the long delay in replying, wal hamdulilah I was blessed to attend both UIK and UIA seminar. It was truly from the mercy of Allah subhana wa ta Ala, and I pray that you and I can make it this year (AIAT). Also I do apologize to you and all who have read this thread for not finishing it - there is soo much more to tell. Insha'allah I will resume sharing the wonderful experience with you very soon. JazakumAllahu Khairan wa salaamu alaykum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu Umm Mujaab
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And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf 50:16-18)
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#14
June 15th, 2008, 23:34
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Re: The UIA Experience 2007...............Umm Mujaab
Quote:
Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmat Allaahi wa Barakaatu. Dear, Sweet Sister in Islam, Umm Mujaab, Subhan Allaah, I relived much of my Al Baseerah Umrah experience reading your posts and, if you don't mind and Allaah permits, will continue where you left off. You spoke of our visit to "the olive carpet" and what is really and truly Jannah on Earth: the Rawdah of Rasool Allaah, sal Allaahu alayhe wa sallam. Subhan Allaah. I remember, as I knellt down and prostrated myself in prayer, on this piece of Paradise where Prophet Muhammad sal Allaahu alayhe wa salam dwelled, tears streamed down my face and my duaas gushed forth with the fear of Allaah and the hope that this was not my only glimpse of Jannah. I remember the smell of my salty tears which mixed with those that had spilled and dried before me. I tremember breathing in the musk of the carpet with the knowledge that the air I inhaled connected me - somehow- with Jannah above. I renewed my duaas to Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala, and begged for His forgiveness. I asked that He purify my intentions and rid me of all kinds of shirk; and that I contribute to my Rabb all that is due to Him; and that He bless and have mercy on the Muslimeen, and that He answer the duaas of my sisters and brothers in Islam back home. Our group of Sisters and our beloved guide left the green carpet and I felt exhausted and depleted and purified. Yet, with all that had happened in Madinah, our Umrah with Al Baseerah had not yet begun; and it would not begin until we entered that holy time and space demarcated by the Meqaat, which is the physical and spiritual zone through which one must pass to make Umrah to Makkah AlMukaramah. A few days later, following an “Umrah primer class” at Masjid An-Nabawi, we set off with the intention to perform Umrah for the sake of Allaah the Almighty alone. On the way, we stopped at Masjid Al Quba, just outside of Madinah, which is the first masjid ever built. Its first stones were positioned by Rasool Allaah, sal Allaahu alayhe wa salam, on his hijra from Makkah to Madinah. After making hijra, he spent more than 20 nights in this masjid; and offering two raka’ahs prayer in Quba Mosque is equal to performing one Umrah. We also stopped at the Mountain of Uhud in the midst of a harsh, dry and stony valley, and the site of the second battle between Muslim and Meccan forces. Many Sahaba lost their lives in this battle; some while forming a human sheild around the Prophet, sal Allaahu alayhe was salam. Among the great warriors of Uhud are Umm Imara and Nusaiba bint Ka’ab. After boarding our buses, we continued to the Miqaat Mosque located at Dhul Hulayfa, which is the place where pilgrims traveling from Madina wising to perform Umrah or Hajj enter into a state of Ihram. There we took showers and changed our garments with the intention of gaining inner and outer purity; and prayed two raka’ahs before proceeding to Makkah. From that point onward, we were to speak softly, interspersed with silent dhikr and duaa, our intention: “Labbaik Allaah humma labbaik Labbaika la sharika laka labbaik Innal hamda wan-ni'mata Laka walmulk Laa sharika lak.” "O my Lord, here I am at Your service, here I am. There is no partner with You, here I am. Truly, the praise and the provisions are Yours, and so is the dominion. There is no partner with You." Upon our arrival to the Makkah Royale, our five-star hotel over-looking the Haram, seminar students were warned as we descended the bus not to casually glance at the Ka’aba, because our first gaze upon the House of Allaah would be the moment the duaas on our hearts would be carried up by the angels. We were advised to fully prepare for this precious moment and relish it in true anticipation and appreciation. We were to wait until this moment could be realized with utmost duration and intensity. It was around 9 PM. Our group of 130 seminar students dropped off our bags at the hotel. Some proceeded to the Ka’aba to complete our Umrah; others to their luxurious rooms to rest and prepare. Each step of the way, Al Baseerah administration was there to guide us, and they attended to our spiritual and material needs as if they were their own. Each step of the way they made sure that we were happy and that all of our needs were met. Finally, Alhamdulilaah, the moment to visit the Ka’aba had come; the moment when Allaah ‘Aaz wa Jaal would invite us HOME to His Bayt. Subhan Allaah. Umm Mujaab, can you tell what happened next?
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