My dear brothers & Sisters
Asslam OAlaikum

On this blessed day of youmal Jummah I pray that all of you are doing good by the grace of the Almighty.
I know it's been a while since I have not communicated however sometimes absense makes the heart fonder.

Yesterday in a supposedly muslim country, Turkey, the court upheld a law that headscarves worn by muslim women should not be allowed in public buildings.Once again thousands of our sisters will be affected.

We that live in America should count our blessings. In this country we are allowed to practise our religion without hindrance, we can pray anywhere anytime, our sisters and daughters can proudly wear thier hijabs, masjids and religious organisations are allowed tax free concessions etc, etc. It is time that we recognize the blessings and the bounties that Allah has given us here in America, so please, let's make good use of it.
It is time that we get involved in community affairs, civic and interfaith organisations and use every oppertunity to let non muslims know that we are proud to be Americans. In this election period we are hearing about the "jewish vote", the "hispanic vote" etc, etc, why are we not hearing about the "muslim votes"? The reason we are not hearing about the "muslim votes" is because we as muslims are not getting involved the way we ought to do.
This is a land of unending oppertunities and we as a group can make a greater impact if we all register to vote and encourage friends and family members to do same.
So lets pray and give thanks and shukr for the many good things here in this wonderful country where we live and at the same time pray for all our oppressed brothers and sisters in other lands.

On a personal note, my son graduated last week from St Johns University with his law degree, another blessing from Almighty Allah, which all my family are so thankful for.

In closing, this weekend will be a hot one, so please take good care of yourselves and enjoy the warm weather, and please remember all those who are sick, make dua or visit them for Rasoolulah(sas) said that there are tremendous blessings when you visit the sick, he advised,"visit the sick and be brief".
Take care and all the best
Chief

Very excellent piece and these sounds very personal, I can feel the conviction as you try to express how fortunate we are as Muslims living in the US and also your warmth advice and encouraging the good things that this noble faith teaches. I too will take this opportunity to share my opinion on some parts of your post.

Turks ruling on head dress:
Why should we be surprised or shocked by this ruling? Almighty Allah (swt) assured us that we will be tested in every way, this is indeed great test but we should have faith in Allah for Allah (swt) revealed to us saying
Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, "We believe", and that they will not be tested? – [Quran 29:2]
"Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return"

Our Holy Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said:
Narrated By Aisha: Allah's Apostle said, "No calamity befalls a Muslim but that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it, even though it were the prick he receives from a thorn." (Sahih Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 70, #544)

"No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that." (Sahih Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 70, #545).

Also almihgty Allah said
"On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear - [Quran 2:286]
We need to be concious of these promises of Allah and if we stand committed to our deen then almight Allah will reward us with Jhannah". I will address some other parts of your post some time later my brother but let's Insha Allah all continue to strive for the pleasure of Allah.Brother this is just my opinion on this issue and i am subjected to corrections. I pray and ask that almighty Allah make the best day for us the day when we willmeet him Insha Allah.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fu Real:
Also almihgty Allah said
"On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear - [Quran 2:286]
QUOTE]
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The challenges we face in our lives today are exactly the challenges we are able and ready to face. Although it is easier said than done, we need to accept whatever is happening in our lives as God's will and not fight it. This doesn't meant that we must not take responsibility for what we do. Questions to ask ourselves when faced with challenges (or a test of our faith: What are the lessons for me in this situation? What are the lessons for others?

The lessons are two, the Quran and the sunnah and if we cling to these two we will never go astray.

quote:

Originally posted by Chief:
My dear brothers & Sisters
Asslam OAlaikum

...... In closing, this weekend will be a hot one, so please take good care of yourselves and enjoy the warm weather, and please remember all those who are sick, make dua or visit them for Rasoolulah(sas) said that there are tremendous blessings when you visit the sick, he advised,"visit the sick and be brief".
Take care and all the best
Chief

You know how much blessing you would have received if you had invited the jamaat to cool down in and around your pool over the hot weekend?

Plenty Plenty!!!!!

Ow buddy me wish me can get a pool.

quote:

Originally posted by Chief:
Ow buddy me wish me can get a pool.

will u settle for a phool?

I got Chameli already.

quote:

Originally posted by Chief:
I got Chameli already.

: -))