tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18102792828307116262011-09-29T23:35:16.070-04:00"If we truly understood our connection with Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta'ala), our hearts would break and we would say: Oh Allah I have divorced this life and I am all Yours". [Imam Sufyaan Ath-Thawri(rahimahullah)]Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.comBlogger401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-25605308962419036482010-11-15T05:19:00.008-05:002010-11-15T06:35:29.026-05:00

Alhamdulillah, another sacred day... one blessed year on. Having arrived in London yesterday morning, I had mixed feelings at the thought of travelling to a place – during this special time of year – other than that of the Sacred House. استغفرالله, I don’t want to sound ungrateful, at least I was having a holiday… right? Well, to be perfectly honest, I would have preferred to have remained in

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-18796367040663876262010-05-23T06:59:00.006-04:002010-05-23T21:08:48.210-04:00

When my soul feels stranded with none in sight, I turn to You Alone When my heart feels empty with doubts in mind, I long to be with the unknown When I fear to hear the unsettling silence, I hasten to call out to You My Beloved of all do not abandon me, For I know that Only You will do… When my heart feels heavy, burdened with sins I‘m too ashamed to acknowledge Your Presence When the days

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-58688784497505049702010-05-08T15:21:00.008-04:002010-05-08T16:14:12.173-04:00

It's been a while I can't recall how long But, the echoes of my inner thoughts Continue to stumble on. With a heart at peace And a mind at rest The echoes of my inner thoughts Continue to race ahead. No longer questioning Where destiny lies The echoes of inner thoughts Create tears in my eyes. Free of worries And free of pains The echoes of inner peace Is now where my heart remains... ©

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-65239426729342604522009-09-24T16:04:00.010-04:002009-09-26T09:54:54.783-04:00

A dear companion of mine, sent me one of the most beautiful messages I've recieved in a very long time, mashaAllah. A week after returning to Saudi, I received this in my text message inbox: "One of the Salaf said: "The people of this world are deprived. They left this world without tatsing the sweetest thing in it!" It was asked of him: "And what is that?" He said "love of Allah, knowing Him

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-20568020203066661842009-08-03T23:49:00.011-04:002009-09-03T15:17:08.890-04:00

Salaam and Peace to you all Recently, I've been thinking about the epitamy of 'life' and the meaning of true happiness. Unlike many other aspects of life these are entities which do not have 'universal' definitions. So, with this in mind, I decided to look up the word 'happiness' in the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (2nd ed). It states: "Happiness - the feeling of being happy" ... hmm,

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-79994086546077593842009-06-28T15:00:00.005-04:002009-06-28T17:44:28.973-04:00

The blessing that once descended, A mercy uncomprehended, The unknown divine yearning, I long to capture the occasion. A moment of contemplation, An hour of relocation, A glimpse of a belonging, I yearn to capture the occasion. A favour of inspiration, A gift of realisation, An unspoken grace... I have captured the sensation.

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-28299831766214508882009-02-06T17:19:00.022-05:002009-03-09T04:23:03.150-04:00

When I first arrived in Saudi Arabia, the 'culture shock' (that many took the liberty of kindly informing me about) was something I quickly adjusted to -alhamdulillah. Having resided here for three and a half months now, I can honestly say, I've only just begun to really appreciate the significant difference between my previous home and my present one, alhamdulillah. The most difficult experience

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-72157977584660219682009-01-13T19:36:00.010-05:002009-01-14T22:58:44.463-05:00

The situation of our sisters and brothers in Philistine has completely overwhelmed me… Across Saudi Arabia, sisters and brothers are sending awareness of the reality of the situation by informing others about companies, from the west, that need to be boycotted in every shape, manner and form. This is coupled with the active participation from university students, flocking together to donate

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-86626916353419656092008-12-14T19:27:00.005-05:002008-12-14T20:56:22.400-05:00

A sharply chilled morning dawn, coupled with dusty particles eager to attach themselves to every sister's draping abaya (outer garment)... to many this might be the prelude for a not so attractive experience... however, for me, it was one to remember. The build-up to the blessed three day 'Eid ul-Fitr celebrations were beautifully received, having been invited to a couple of iftaars, a reminder

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-15199288661597263422008-12-07T20:38:00.007-05:002008-12-14T21:22:36.385-05:00

So… by the Grace of Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’ala) it has happened… I’ve embarked upon a dream, one that appeared surreal, but which I held so dear to my heart. After years of preparing; nurturing and training my soul for its spiritual journey, my physical one has now begun... alhamdulillah. The look on my sister’s face as I hugged and kissed her goodbye was enough to break me… and it did. As much

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-40111171143269422862008-10-23T08:24:00.006-04:002008-10-24T08:59:47.897-04:00

How many times have we experienced a situation and been quite unsure as to what course of action to take? Living every single day of our lives, performing every single action and experiencing every situation, requires careful thought and deep-rooted wisdom. It has often been the case, after plunging into a situation I viewed as 'minor', that the consequences resulted in something I could NEVER

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-6494447415386322042008-10-19T03:54:00.007-04:002008-10-23T10:32:12.245-04:00

Don’t count me in … I’m not one of you: never will, never want and never desire to. You see, to you it’s like a game – a jest of follow me. However, this is most certainly not where I yearn to be. You have other false agendas, strange aims and goals. Certainly not what a true lover lives and strives to uphold. So, to put it to you bluntly, I don’t care for false presumptions. For I think I’ve

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-19842067294383133062008-10-16T17:42:00.005-04:002008-10-19T04:10:01.697-04:00

May this find you - dear readers in the best of mental, emotional, spiritual and physical states, ameen. A little something I came across whilst browsing through my text message inbox: a beautiful message sent to me by a dear and beloved sister-in-Islam, at a time ... when I needed it most...If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you ... but be honest anyway. What you spend years building,

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-42675678741806712742008-09-17T10:32:00.003-04:002008-09-17T11:15:45.877-04:00

Have you ever stopped and wondered, wondered why certain things occur in the manner in which they do? Do you ever wonder why you keep being tested with the same situation again and again? Sometimes these thoughts cross my mind and then I have to stop, take a deep breath and revaluate. . . To be completely honest, the answer is really quite simple, thus I put myself to the test: Do you ask Allah (

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-18644854674508919632008-08-10T00:28:00.008-04:002009-01-14T23:50:20.928-05:00

You must have felt like that before? Unsure of how to respond to a particular situation ... due to being unsure of what the situation truly meant.Not very long ago a companion of mine broke some news to me, some news that would affect her life in a way that I simply couldn't understand. Yet, through such a testing time Allah (Swt) gave her the courage to remind me; "and it may be that you hate a

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-11298390824986549962008-07-29T10:09:00.007-04:002008-07-29T14:53:29.041-04:00

Isn't it amazing? You know ... the warm, squirmy feeling you get when you realise ... it's actually possible for your heart to feel true, sincere and indescribable .... love.It's been over a year and a half; since I 're-discovered' a gift that changed my life... for good. To be precise it all started in Ramadhan 1427 - Oct/Nov 2006, when Allah (Swt) bestowed upon me a spiritual urge, the

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-56200189196150180252008-07-20T15:18:00.008-04:002008-07-29T14:29:03.379-04:00

The expression on her face was almost one of disgust. As she entered the doorway, she stood, stroking her straight blond hair, its length just above her shoulders. Her presence was one of formality; confidence and professionalism clearly evident in her stance. Though her appearnace was one of a casual form; a fitted white t-shirt coupled with straight black trousers somehow only emphasized her

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-47536052989770049422008-07-03T14:20:00.009-04:002008-07-20T15:11:02.609-04:00

Last week, I was blessed with a gift. Something that ... to be completely honest - could only have been from Allah (Swt). There are a small amount of sisters, of whom, I've been honoured to meet their acquaintances. These sisters are not covered from head-to-toe neither do they have an immense amount of 'ilm (knowledge), but they have left with me precious jewels. These sisters have taught me

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-24265318843124021442008-06-15T10:09:00.003-04:002008-06-15T10:37:13.284-04:00

I awoke this morning, in the midst of the night, grateful for another day to go on. But something remained lingering, at the back of my mind; the inevitable soon to be shown. Such a profound realisation, is not given to all but truly only bestowed upon a few. Dear companions fillah, very soon death will choose. But the question isn't when ... it's whom? ©Feb 2007 Umm Thameenah

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-79115772305164378762008-06-01T14:37:00.006-04:002008-06-15T10:06:22.411-04:00

A few months ago, a dear sister and companion of mine gave me some heart-breaking and unexpected news... her dad was very ill and had been given a few months to live. I remember when she told me, I felt somewhat numb and disturbed - why? - only once before had I been aware of someone being told that their precious time was slowly drifitng away; and that person (may Allah have mercy upon them,

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-25301755202311021602008-04-11T13:44:00.005-04:002008-04-11T14:04:40.242-04:00

As I sit contemplating my current state, my situation and spiritual level, I recall a beneficial reminder, one that often goes forgotten and yet should always be recalled: When Allah (Swt) wishes good for His servant,He will test them with the very things they hold dear. . . And suddenly it all begins to make sense. . . Do I hold my health dear to me? Well, to be honest I've never really thought

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-81929612665938073822008-02-25T09:26:00.005-05:002008-10-23T10:32:57.493-04:00

As comfortable as I may have appeared in the past The images seen were merely facades. The mirrors an object, the truths never told So by the grace of my Lord I begin to unfold. Many things in my life play significant roles I've striven to save others, and now need to save my soul. Thus, receiving contentment, peace, joy and love Are truly great blessings, solely granted from Above. © Feb 08 Umm

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-15511724344701676192008-01-28T00:08:00.001-05:002008-10-23T10:33:47.191-04:00

Just because I choose not to discuss my tests with others, doesn’t mean my tests do not exist… Just because it appears as though I have ease, doesn’t mean that pain fails to persist… Just because I try to enquire about others, and take it upon myself to be one with whom they can confide… By Allah, it doesn’t mean that the smile plastered upon my face, prevents me from crying deep inside…

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-44699445813884681182008-01-27T23:51:00.001-05:002009-01-14T23:56:23.495-05:00

I take great comfort in the words of my Beloved (Swt). Whose Words never fail to touch the core of my heart, nor the depths of my soul:"And it may be that you hate a thing though it is good for you,And love a thing though it is bad for you. Allah (Swt) Knows and you know not." [2:216] Thus, do not love a thing too much, for the thing which you so love, you may one day grow to hate. And do not

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-43698333166142625512008-01-13T02:56:00.001-05:002008-01-13T04:57:53.758-05:00

Yesterday morning, a little after salatul Fajr I proceeded with my weekend routine; reading and responding to emails and messages. All praise truly belongs to Allah (Swt), for He (Swt) was fully Aware, of the gift that was about to be bestowed upon me; a powerful reminder for the start of (what I pray will be) a blessed new Islamic year: Muharram, 1429.A dear sister had sent me a video clip of a

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-11087600389551434102007-12-30T16:31:00.001-05:002008-06-15T10:39:01.966-04:00

The world is filled with metaphors;For metaphors is all she sees.She steals a glance of silence Pondering over what she once longed to be. Her thoughts, striving hard to fight memories Such memories that could have eaten her alive. So she retreats to a comforting reality; 'All that seems real cannot fulfill Thus it must one day die'. © Jan 2007 Umm Thameenah

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-37928451858263259802007-12-14T14:02:00.001-05:002008-06-15T10:41:56.164-04:00

Do you even see me? Or not?Am I something you acknowledge from within?Have you ever asked me? Or not?I've never once uttered that I was free of sin.Do I look content to you? Or not?Though you clearly recognise the twinkle in my eyes.. . . Am I oppressed? Absolutely not!For I live, to return beyond the skies.© Dec 2007 Umm Thameenah

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-29675127912049821052007-12-03T04:35:00.000-05:002007-12-14T14:21:56.349-05:00

There are no words to really describe the feeling of loss. . . The feeling as though something you've known, loved and cherised can so easily be taken away. The reality of our life remains misunderstood. We are the possessions of Allah (Swt) and He (Swt) can do with us, whatever He (Swt) Wills. Yet through His immeasurable Mercy and Kindness, He provides us with the perfect means to seek His love

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-28914911426973338612007-11-29T01:17:00.000-05:002007-12-01T05:13:44.658-05:00

Before the breaking of dawn, my mind gathers thoughts of what is to come, what is to be and what is to be seen.When the overwhelming feeling of 'knowing Allah (Swt)' - wiith our limited knowledge - overtakes our disposition, we feel the need to embark upon all that renders our heart true remembrance and love of our Lord (Swt). But how ironic and quite obscure that the observance of such a state,

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-91465844904866915092007-11-16T12:57:00.000-05:002007-12-30T17:18:34.227-05:00

For the tears that I cry, I ask of nothingFor there is nothing that can convince me once again.For the tears that I weep, I'll exchange silenceFor my isolation is more comforting than a friend.For the tears that I shed, please grant me patienceFor only You can truly comfort my aching heart.So for the tears that I cry, bestow upon me solaceFor without You my world would surely fall apart.© Nov07

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-83918120206905582002007-09-24T16:20:00.000-04:002007-11-29T11:12:37.298-05:00

With tears in my eyes and thoughts in my mind, I seize my urge to stain the pages of my blog. This Ramadhan has been a real reflective ground, a means for me to really get to know . . . me. Waiting anxiously for the last ten days, as I first strive through the remaining eight, thoughtfully I write. Reason for this entry? Unknown. . . but needed: 'Such benevolence had my Lord bestowed upon

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-40701722399638856882007-08-15T12:11:00.000-04:002007-11-29T11:18:49.904-05:00

In the heat of the moment we hasten to take shade, contemplating the intense situation in which we are placed. Can this really be? Is this actually for me? We question, ask and ponder over the possibilities of being faced with what we think is far too unbearable. Is it we who know, or Allah (Swt)? So who is it that we question? Our souls – for its weakness? Our hearts – for its hardness? Or

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-13599755774445750642007-07-14T11:14:00.000-04:002007-11-29T11:21:13.772-05:00

A few days ago, feeling somewhat despondent with my spiritual state, I asked Allah (Swt) to show me a sign. . . Truly the Almighty answers the calls of His servants, for He did exactly that. For weeks I hadn't experienced the test that I'd been suffering for years - a true Rahma from Allah (Swt). But of course as insaan we are ungrateful to our Lord, and even if we think we are amongst those that

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-66642262621593027262007-04-22T07:38:00.000-04:002007-11-29T11:23:16.505-05:00

Like a grain of rice amongst others in the pack, Like a blade of grass amidst the splendid greenary, Like a twinkling star glowing in the vastness of the galaxy, Like a washed over pebble surrounded by a billion others. . . The feeling is one of utter loneliness. Over the past week, I have lived and experienced a sense of loneliness that I never quite imagined could exist. As a result of certain

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-14599611141251441672007-03-18T11:21:00.000-04:002007-11-29T11:31:43.094-05:00

Isn't it ironic? How we plan for things, in which lay no certainty and neglect the one essence of our existence in which there is no doubt.I remember the first time qadr ever crossed my mind - approximately six years ago, whilst reading an article in an Islamic magazine. It seem to shed some light on the topic, however I was still left, somewhat, unsure as to what exactly my stance was suppose to

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-74167195778746687212007-03-11T05:51:00.000-04:002007-11-29T12:02:11.413-05:00

Has it ever amazed you? . . . The Magnitude of Allah (Swt)? Have you ever stopped to just contemplate and ponder over it? For a while I've appreciated The Magnificence and Greatness of Allah's (Swt) Hikmah; His incomprehensible Hikmah, that encompasses all things. And although I’ve simply accepted the decree of my Lord, unfortunately that hasn't always been with a content heart; nevertheless I’ve

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-45466957522664092912007-03-02T17:18:00.000-05:002007-11-29T11:46:17.830-05:00

How truly amazing I felt yesterday. . . Why? To be completely honest I wouldn't know where to begin; but I simply wanted to share my happiness with the world. . .It has been about five months since I begun my magnificent journey. An unpredictable and yet magnificent journey, unraveling hidden secrets, silent promises and heart-provoking realities. My journey is actually one of irony, tainted with

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-70466207831732883562007-02-27T12:47:00.000-05:002007-11-29T11:47:27.376-05:00

'In the heart, there is an emptiness and a need which nothing can satisfy except the remembrance of Allah (Swt). When remembrance becomes the watchword of the heart, then the servant continuously remembers Allah (Swt). Wherever he is, the tongue will follow. This is the remembrance which fills that emptiness and satisfies that need. He who practises it is rich without possessions, honoured

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-85039943306363633312007-02-26T17:24:00.000-05:002007-12-30T17:25:36.381-05:00

Everyday my heart yearns for my Beloved Lord (Swt), and to be honest with you, I don't think that it will ever stop yearning, until The Day I return to Him. . . So until then, I shall fill the emptiness in my heart with the remembrance of my Lord (Swt) - for nothing else is quite sufficient.I have come to realise, that I am a lover of life. But what I love most about it is death, And the belief

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1810279282830711626.post-82916568856812254542007-01-04T15:55:00.000-05:002007-11-29T11:58:21.031-05:00

“Yearning for Allah and His meeting is like the gentle breeze blowing upon the heart, extinguishing the blaze of the Dunya. Whosoever caused his heart to settle with his Lord shall be in a state, calm and tranquility, and whosoever sent it amongst the people shall be disturbed and excessively perturbed.” - Ibn al Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah -

Umm Thameenah bint Luqmannoreply@blogger.com2