FIVE MUST-HAVE BOOKS ON DAILY ISLAM

Islam is a simple faith. However, it’s also a religion with many nuts and bolts when it comes to adab, food, relationships, cultural curve-balls, and the list goes on. The knowledge can become overwhelming if not presented in an organised manner to the reader. Here are five books than help the new Muslim (The convert) or the old Muslim (heritage Muslim or not) refresh a few bases.

1. Everyday Islam: An Easy and Peaceful Way of Life

   Everyday Islam: An Easy And Peaceful Way Of Life takes the reader from the very start of the day and through the possible situations and interactions that may occur with the words of Allah ﷻ and the example of His Messenger ﷺ. Shumaysa Amatul Hadi Faruqi utilizes the translations of the Holy Quran and the authentic Hadeeth to emphasize the importance of practicing and implementing the teachings of Islam in our daily lives. Islam is beautiful and its wisdom is for our benefit and success, in this life and the next. A Muslim submits himself to Allah ﷻ and thus adopts Islam as part of his or her identity while making right conduct a priority in every situation. To this end, Everyday Islam seeks to provide a source of reference for the busy, modern Muslim man and woman in keeping Islam active in their lives.

   Read the press release here and find it on Amazon here.

2. The New Muslim’s Field Guide

   Summary: This is not your average "Welcome to Islam!" book. The New Muslim's Field Guide offers a fresh approach to guiding Muslim converts, focused on helping them grow as Muslims while maintaining their identity and love for God.
   
   Drawing on their shared decades of experience, Theresa and Kaighla walk the new Muslim through the hills and the valleys they'll encounter on their journey, helping the newcomer navigate the sometimes slippery cliffs of culture, politics, and interpersonal relationships.
   
   Injected with a healthy dose of humor and candor, The New Muslim's Field Guide discusses some of the deeper meanings behind belief and ritual, clarifies common sticky issues, and tells stories of triumph and failure on the journey of Islam.

   Find it on Amazon here.

3. My Coloring Book of Dua’a

   Read a review here.

   Summary: Dua'as for kids! What to say when you wake up until when you sleep! Plus each page is a coloring sheet!

4. The Islamic Adult Coloring Book

   Summary: "The Islamic, Adult Coloring Book" was compiled in an effort to teach the non-Muslim about Islam and to combat the rising tide of stress in the modern Muslim's life, while still being beneficial in this world and the hereafter. The designs chosen for the book are intricate works that the adult colorer will find both challenging and soothing. The pages include detailed mosque architecture, calligraphy, hadith, dua, Quranic verses, and quotes all to allow Muslims to relax and refocus on deen. Each coloring page has a corresponding short, descriptive page for non-Muslims who want to join in on the relaxation and learn something about Islam along the way.

   Find it on Amazon here.

5. Halal Comfort Food

   Summary : There are an awful lot of things for a new Muslim to learn. It seems simple at first, accepting Allah is the one and only true God, and then accepting and agreeing to live by the five pillars of Islam and following the straight path. But as you read and learn and grow in your faith, you find that there is a lot more out there than you had originally thought! Reverting to Islam can seem complicated and overwhelming, but it is important to take things slowly and only make a few changes at a time, rather than diving in headlong and getting overwhelmed.
   
   Likewise, following a halal diet seems pretty simple when you look at the guidelines in the Quran. But due to the way foods are processed in modern times, those few simple guidelines can become much more complex when put into practice. To further complicate things, there are a multitude of differing opinions on what is and isn’t halal, depending on what school of thought you belong to. Being a revert to Islam, and not having been raised in a particular school of thought and taught to think and act Islamically, one can feel pretty torn hearing and reading so many different opinions on what is and is not the correct way to eat/dress/think/pray/etc!
   
   The purpose of this book is not to tell you what to do, but to help you in your journey into Islam by presenting you with all of the pertinent information you need to follow the path you feel is correct. This book will help you learn about what halal dietary requirements are, and to help ease your transition into cooking and eating the halal way.
   
   In this book, you will find a wide variety of halal recipes, including old favorites from American cuisine with halal make-overs, plus some “new” favorites to add to your repertoire from the Muslim world.
   
   Some of the recipes you will find include:
   *Halal Breakfast Sausage
   *Pasta Bolognese
   *Beer-less Bread
   *Stuffed Dates
   *Lasagna with Halal Italian Sausage
   *Baked Mac & Cheese
   *Biscuits & Gravy
   *Hummus
   *Red Beans & Rice
   *Halal Marshmallow Treats
   *Chocolate Chip Cookies
   *and much, much more!
   
   Finally, while this book is intended to help new Muslim reverts, it is certainly not intended to exclude anyone! Insha’Allah, many will find this book and these recipes to be helpful, whether they are simply considering Islam, curious to learn more, or have been on the straight path for a day, a year, or even a lifetime!

   Find it on Amazon here.

Tips to Be and Stay A Happy Mother

I recently picked a local magazine geared at parents in Dallas and an article by Christa Melnyk Hines caught my eye. She  is a journalist and the author of Confidentiality Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life. She lists eleven characteristics of Happy Moms and I agreed with all of them. I will paraphrase them here and show how they relate to my Islamic personal life, at least since the birth of my son. Alhamdullilah.

• Lean on Community

Most of my work is done online and I lean on the support the online community of a couple social media platforms provide me. In her article, she points out that bonding with friends boosts a woman’s level of oxytocin; the stress reducing hormone in the body. In addition, I’m making an effort to also lean on off-line community; a very challenging thing to do for an introvert. Duas requested!

• Commit to Healthy Living

I sleep early, I wake up early, and I make time for self-care by pampering myself regularly with homemade cosmetic materials. This helps me stay energetic, boosts my self-confidence and self-image. I’m happier and definitely more patient these days. Alhamdullilah.

I went through an integrative nutrition health coaching program a couple years ago with Zeeshan Shah, IIN, of Eat.Drink.Pure whom I interviewed, and she strongly suggest to women and children to look at their Circle of Life from the School of Nutrition’s diagram below. A personal balance in all of these areas helps one have a more fulfilling life. I can attest to that at least since I pay more attention to them these days.

• Take Time for Personal Pursuits

I try not to stay stagnant in my acquisition of knowledge. I have a Master’s Degree in Accounting but I’m still going to school (Islamic and Secular) because I’m a student of life and that’s my personal pursuit; iqra. So, find your personal pursuits that have been shorthanded or sidelined and revive/reclaim them to be and stay happy in your life. Closure gives peace of mind.

• Nourish Yourself

Life is hectic but on weekends, I enjoy my time relaxing while making brunch. Why? Because I see it as a time to bond with my Creator, my family, my soul, relax and enjoy food bliss. Good food has a highly spiritual aspect. So, see cooking and nourishing yourself as a soothing and mediating moment not as a chore. As a matter of fact, this is my time of worship with only positive thoughts and continuous dhikr. We were created to worship in all our actions and cooking is one worshipping act I greatly enjoy. Masha’Allah alhmdullilah. Now, there is nothing wrong with a man cooking for you too *wink*.

• Laugh. Family Life Can be Funny

Life with a toddler is funny indeed! My son says a ton of hilarious things because at his age he takes things literally. While these Mommy Fails Moments make me consider how to approach the homeschooling process next, they help me loosen up and enjoy life as it is. Other suggestions include a satire, pictures and videos of good times with friends and family, and comedy films. Life is short, laughing moments are memories you can use to lift your spirits when darkness wants to pounce on you or pounces on you. That’s life. Sometimes you will be dragged to darkness without your consent, but will you make an effort to rise above it or conquer that dark moment and restore your happiness? I pray you answer, “Yes.”

• Follow a Spiritual Practice

This is a no brainer for Muslims. Allah said in surah 13, verse 28, “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” Hines says here, “Studies find that people who lean an inner belief are happier.” Making time to intentionally seek a sense of peace leads to a happier being. Meditating or silent reflection, journaling, or attending inspiring religious services are all part of this seeking sense of inside peace. Inspiring khutbas and halaqas qualify here.

• Practice Gratitude

Hines suggests writing down three things that one is thankful for daily including even all the smallest moments. She also cites a research done at Eastern Washington University here. “We have found that grateful individuals tend to be happy individuals and that grateful thinking improves mood,” said the researchers. I personally write down more than three things ranging from tiny to big, down daily because Allah says in surah 14 verse 7, “If you’re grateful, I will give you more.” Alhamdullilah.

• Get a Groove On

In this section, Hines suggest music which I won’t be suggesting unless it’s a nasheed *laughs.* Anyway, I listen to the Quran daily while working online because it relaxes me and helps me stay focused. It also helps me fight low spirits and stress. As a result, I always stay productive and on top of things. Alhamdullilah.

• Set Boundaries

This part is major to me because I’m prone to anxiety if I don’t set boundaries about who is and is not allowed in my life. If you’re too nice or too polite to tell people to back off a bit, you open the door for people to abuse you again and again, verbally and emotionally. DON’T DO THIS. Be firm. It’s an Islamic duty because it shows how steadfast you are when faced with very tough decisions.

• Access Good Childcare

I homeschool my son but when I need to pop in the office or any other place where having him in tow would hold me in contempt, I put him in a fun and reliable place to avoid the contempt and distraction he will bring me. Otherwise, him and I go everywhere on a daily basis. Then, I pray to Allah-al Waliyy and al-Wakil to watch and protect him in my absence. Finally, I go do my business with iman, tawwakkul, and peace of mind. This is important when you don’t have any family member who can help or is close by. So, search for one place now that will come in handy in emergency situations. If family members complain, ask them if they will fill the spot for you. It’s your Islamic right to have a nanny. Do what is in your best interest and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s not up to them. It’s up to you to decide your happiness.

• Avoid Comparison

Everyone has their own rizq, family rules, etc. Don’t compare yourself to others, you don’t know or see the full picture. If their happiness or successes bother you, lower your gaze and stay grateful for what you have been blessed with. “And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience?” It’s a test and our reactions go for or against our book of deeds. Be careful in retaliating in ways that will be charged against your book of deeds. Practice self-control, inspire people, don’t trigger their anxieties, make dua for them, be happy with your life and trust that there is enough sun for everyone. Allah is the best of Planners, and He will make you shine too insha’Allah if it’s good for you in this life and the next.

I hope this list is beneficial to you with the personal and Islamic touch. Ramadan Mubarak! May Allah accept, aameen.

Papatya*

Text Source: Dallas Parent May 2019

Picture Source: CNN

TAGS: DAILY LIFE, HAPPINESS, MOTHERHOOD, MOTHERS, SELF-CARE, SELF-LOVE, WOMEN

Original Source .

In The Footsteps of Khadijah al-Kubra (RA) — A Guide to Muslim Women and Mompreneurs

Khadijah al-Kubra رضي الله عنها born Khadijah bint Khuwalid was a modest, noble woman, business savvy female, single mother who became the first companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. A woman who received salams from al-Khaliq is engrossing and intriguing, at least to me. In a restricting society that had a poor view of women in general, she rose above all these society setbacks because she was loyal and a steadfast believer. Indeed, Allah ﷻ is with the sabarareen. She رضي الله عنها was also the only woman who gave the Prophet ﷺ children. While he ﷺ was married to her, he didn’t have any other wives. It’s only after she رضي الله عنها passed away that he ﷺ took other wives.

There are so many lessons from her life we can take inspiration from.

• An inspiration for the business aspiring or savvy muslimah

Today, if we just search Instagram and Etsy, we will see many muslimah home businesses thriving masha’Allah. Many have taken inspiration on this Mother of the Ummah. We must thank her, the first Mother of Believers for paving the way. Islam was the first movement to give women their rights and equal status to men but nowadays, the ummah is largely and unfortunately dominated by patriarchal societies which work day and night to clip the wings of Muslim women around the world. Why is that? They fear strong and independent women. In addition, many women have also been the enemies of women by failing their sons and raising entitled little brats who think women are their doormats. Furthermore, these women have also opposed (and still oppose) the success of working women and most of all, they shame them. May Allah help us raise exceptional men who will change the change quo. Aameen. May women also stop sabotaging their own gender, allahumma aameen. In the story, of Khadijah al-Kubra (radiallahu anhu), we can also learn to manage money better and not commit ishrafno matter what. I say this because I’m a business owner and my rizq was taken away and then given back alhamdullilah because I had not been frugal on every enterprise. Paying approximately $80 or exorbitant prices on the black market for the needy was indeed a noble gesture but it’s still waste. This waste bankrupted her and without trying to sully her memory, I believe it’s a subtle sign for us small business homemakers to reflect upon and not make the mistakes of our predecessors. We are all sinners after all and no Beloved of Allah is above that. May Allah forgive her and always be please with her رضي الله عنها . Aameen.

• An inspiration for the struggling single mother

The world doesn’t change, only norms do. In her رضي الله عنها time, single mothers were a catch masha’Allah. How did we get to shun them away in our current society? Shaytan perhaps is at play here so that these women become desperate and try to marry non-Muslims men or worse become indecent by starting dating and seeing men outside the holy matrimony of marriage. If men with their fixation of marrying only virgins or any other women who can serve their immigration or carnal needs strove to be model themselves after the beautiful example the Prophet ﷺ when it came to how to be an ideal Muslim man, they would contribute greatly to the social welfare that is the institution of marriage, they would do their part.

• An inspiration for the educated

She was the first lady imam. And if you are a mother, you have been an imam at least to your children. And many of these men children become and have become world leading and inspiring imams since the final message was revealed subhanallah. Muslim women have been the spiritual leaders for many centuries masha’Allah alhamdullilah. Allah has made women to be subtle like the moon when it’s appropriate and to be fiery as the sun when it’s appropriate. Khadijah al-Kubra رضي الله عنها was one very subtle educated woman because she learned directly from him ﷺ the religion she believed in even before she married him ﷺ . Perhaps some of her teachings flushed through her children, Fatima رضي الله عنها to be more precise. Allahu alim.  Khadijah al-Kubra رضي الله عنها didn’t flaunt her knowledge to anyone nor did she flaunt or showoff her belongings for everyone to see and know. She kept it classy. If Allah had willed it, we would have learned many hadiths from her because she was married to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ for several years but He ﷻ blessed her in many other ways He didn’t blessed the other wives with; the first one being sending her special salams masha’Allah subhanallah.

• An inspiration in Muslim marriages

She رضي الله عنها catered to the needs of the Prophet ﷺ like a wife and a mother would. That said, he ﷺwasn’t just anyone. Many men who wish for a wife like her رضي الله عنها need to show that they, in turn, deserve a wife of that stature. Nonetheless, she gives many women a lot of marriage goals to achieve without becoming a doormat to lousy, entitled, and abusive husbands. A rich woman like her رضي الله عنها managed to keep her naf in check to serve a man less rich than her رضي الله عنها . Khadijah al-Kubra 
رضي الله عنها believed in the Prophet ﷺ with such a vigor that none of us could even match in this life. Many of us see men as deadbeats or losers.

• An inspiration to the limitless

Khadijah al-Kubra رضي الله عنها didn’t put any limits on herself; whether it be in numbers like age or backward societies thinking that believed women to be less than equal to men or cattle and so forth. She رضي الله عنها was older than of the Prophet ﷺ and she still proposed. She had a flair for good business transactions such as the heed of the stranger not to hesitate to marry a righteous man called Ahmad for the benefit of the akhiret; a lucrative business transaction indeed if you ask me when it comes to endless bliss. She had always been a woman with a keen sense of success. Masha’Allah. Many people beat around the bush when opportunities come knocking instead of opening the door to take the blessing. Allah doesn’t burden a soul with more than he can handle!

• An inspiration to decent women

Many men wanted to marry Khadijah al-Kubra رضي الله عنها after she became a widow. She rose about her carnal needs and said no to them. She decided to give her all to raise her children. Besides, she didn’t think any of these men were fit men to wed. And because she didn’t compromise or settle for lousy and mediocre suitors, she was blessed with the best man to walk the earth masha’Allah alhamdullilah.

• An inspiration for the righteous philanthropist

Khadijah al-Kubra رضي الله عنها gave her riches for the sake of Allah without thinking it would bankrupt her. She spent without reserve to advance the religion. How many of us can do that today without “our generosity” getting into our heads or our nafs getting in the way? How many of us are willing to sacrifice this much and leave our children without a will? Her daughter Fatima رضي الله عنها had one of the toughest life recorded in the history of the ummah. Subhanallah.

• An inspiration for the hidden figures

“Behind a great man, there is always a great woman,” the saying goes. People are forgetting their manners by not saying thank you. While not working for a “thank you” is better, people have become rude. If you can’t thank people, you haven’t thanked Allah. He ﷺ was always grateful that Khadijah al-Kubra رضي الله عنها believed and supported Him ﷺ. You help people today, they think they have arrived. They deny the favors their Lord bestowed upon them via other humans. Don’t twist my words and say I’m associating humans to Allah. But wait, it’s their scroll of deeds, and they should fill it with whatever they wish. Also, everybody and their mothers, excuse my language, today is “a public figure” on social media. We hate being eclipsed by the success of others. We envy people without making duato ask Allah to remove that jealousy from our hearts. We disregard the notion of rizq. Everywhere there is fitna and people only faking it until they make it with their number of followers without realizing that it borders on shirk if we really think about it. The only Evident yet Hidden is Allah and many of us seem to forget it. We appoint ourselves lofty titles knowing full well that we are only fooling ourselves. Man as vicegerent has taken too many liberties, astaghfrirullah. Allahu alim. We seem to forget that if we make Allah ﷻ  the true spotlight, He will always shine the light upon us, and we will naturally prosper by His ﷻ will insha’Allah. We should strive to give dawah, live a good life with the proceeds by always putting the spotlight on al-Khaliq via our works and without trying to make everything about ourselves. That’s called narcissism.

Above all, if as women and men we feel like we are business oriented, we must be entrepreneur leaders who pay their workers well, individuals with a remarkable business flair when it comes to this life and the next without crossing the greed line. We must remain loyal, steadfast in faith, trendsetters and most of all, dependable. For fifteen years and more, the Prophet ﷺ depended on her رضي الله عنها and she depended on him and his teachings to secure a safe akhiret. Masha’Allah.

Original article

Papatia Feauxzar

Online Editor at Hayati Magazine