I Am A Niqabi, And This Hurts

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    As a face-veil wearer, I was disheartened by the recent incident involving our sister whose gold worth 100 million disappeared, allegedly involving a salesgirl named Lucy at a Lekki Phase 1 shop. What hurts even more are the comments about her face veil. I feel disturbed by the stereotypes surrounding women who wear face veils. Many assume we’re uneducated, poor, and insignificant. However, they’re often surprised to discover that we have doctors, nurses, lawyers, and business tycoons among us.

Those who underestimate us because of our choice to observe our faith are mistaken. We’re not dumb, illiterate, or poor just because we follow our religious principles. I urge you to be mindful of your words and respect every woman you see wearing a veil. We’re bosses in our own right, empowered by our faith.

  1. Oh Allah, answer our prayers and grant our sister everlasting joy. Oh Allah, bring Lucy and everyone involved to justice.  

 

– Umm Sumayyah Mai

Did You Miss Fajr?

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Alhamdulillah for the blessing of Ramadan and the gift of Eid from Allah, the Creator of heaven and earth. We can’t be more thankful to Allah for witnessing another year of Ramadan. Wallah, it’s a privilege, if only we knew.

Yes, Ramadan has just ended, and we’ve been blessed with the gift of Eid celebrations. We’re thankful, but what happens to us after Ramadan? It’s essential to remain steadfast in our acts of worship and set goals for the afterlife. Remember, this life is temporary, so live in it like a traveler.

Let me ask you: Did you observe your Qiyam al-Layl? How about Fajr? Be grateful if you didn’t miss both. If you did, be prepared to start fighting your nafs and refusing the whispers of Shaitan, our greatest enemy.

To keep the Ramadan energy going, acknowledge that Allah is the Lord of all months, not just Ramadan. He loves consistency. Set achievable goals, such as:

– 2 rakats of Qiyamul Layl

– 5 pages of Quran daily

– Morning and evening Adhkar

Start with the bare minimum and avoid setting too many goals that you won’t be consistent with. Allah loves all acts done consistently. May Allah assist us.

 

– Umm Sumayyah Mai

Tomorrow is Eid, Inn shaa’ Allah! 

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To our sisters, we say: beautify yourselves, but don’t forget to wear your veil when going out on Eid. Refrain from perfuming yourselves until you return home. Wear your best clothes, and keep your hair covered. Avoid music and alcohol, and remember that Shaitan is always ready to tempt you. Allah is always watching.

Don’t engage in haram activities, including intimate relations with someone you’re not married to. Don’t waste the rewards of your Ramadan ibadah. Avoid shaking hands with non-mahrams, and don’t display your beauty or clothing excessively. Refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes to seek attention.

Don’t take selfies during the Eid prayer or sermon. Instead, listen attentively to the sermon and remain silent. Observe Eid etiquette.

On the morning of Eid al-Fitr, don’t fast. Eat dates or something light or heavy, as you prefer. Assist your husbands and encourage them to maintain their beards. Help them dress well and choose beautiful clothes.

Dress your children nicely, but avoid taking them to places with haram activities, such as music and haram dancing. Don’t let them engage in sinful behavior just because it’s Eid.

Remember to perform your prayers and be thankful to Allah for sparing your life. I ask Allah to accept your prayers, grant your heart’s desires, and have mercy on you. May Allah keep you safe, sound, and well.

Eid Celebration: A Time of Jubilation

Remember to have fun without sinning. You’ve just sought forgiveness, so follow Eid etiquette and show kindness. Don’t forget the less fortunate and remember to be humble. May Allah reward your efforts.

 

– Umm Sumayyah Mai

My Du’aa

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  Oh Allah, I have submitted myself to You. I am Your servant, the daughter of Your servant. I am but a sinner, and I submit myself to You. Please forgive all my sins, both apparent and concealed.

Paradise is true, and Hellfire is true. Oh Allah, do not disgrace me on the Day of Judgment. Oh Allah, please conceal my sins and accept my sincere repentance, Ya Rabbal ‘A’lameen.

Oh Allah, forgive my husband, overlook all his mistakes, grant him sound health, Iman, save him from the punishment of the grave, and grant him Jannatul Firdaws.

Oh Allah, please grant all my children retentive memories, beneficial knowledge, piety, and above all, Jannah. Oh Allah, grant them piety, good manners, and character. Oh Allah, make them successful in both worlds.

Oh Allah, grant me the ability to always do everything for Your sake. Help purify my intention and accept my Salah, fasting, and charity.

Oh Allah, grant me the ability to witness the Night of Qadr. Forgive me on that day and cleanse my heart from any forms of enmity, hatred, and hypocrisy.

 Oh Allah, please rank me among Your sincere servants. Allow me to live long on earth in sincere obedience to all Your orders. Grant me the opportunity to meet Rasulullah and the gift of seeing Your face on the Day of Judgment.

Oh Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave and the torment therein. Oh Allah, forgive my parents overlook their shortcomings, and grant them Jannah.

Oh Allah, save me from Hellfire, for it is a bad ending. Do not make me among those who will enter Hell before entering Jannah. Oh Allah, keep my feet firm upon righteousness and make me among those who are steadfast.

Oh Allah, let death meet me only when You are pleased with me and upon Your forgiveness. Oh Allah, You are my Lord, You know me better than anyone. Please help me with my debts.

Oh Allah, make going to Umrah and Hajj easy for me and everyone in my shoes. I wish the same for everyone reading this du’a. May Allah accept all our prayers. Accept all my du’as, Ya Rabbal ‘A’lameen.

 

Umm Sumayyah Mai

  1. Ramadan 1439AH

May 2018!

#Repost

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Ramadān: Majeedah Prays with Humility

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Dear Allah,

As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, I come to You with humility and gratitude. I pray that You accept my fasting, prayers, and good deeds.

Ya Allah, grant me the strength and willpower to fast with sincerity and devotion. Help me to awaken for Tahajjud and to perform my prayers with concentration and focus.

Guide me to recite the Quran with understanding and reflection. Grant me the wisdom to apply its teachings in my daily life.

Ya Allah, soften my heart and fill it with compassion, mercy, and love. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me and to seek forgiveness from those I have wronged.

Protect me from the whispers of Shaytan and the temptations of this world. Grant me the ability to control my desires and to seek Your pleasure above all else.

Ya Allah, I pray that this Ramadan brings me closer to You and helps me to become a better version of myself. Grant me Your mercy, forgiveness, and guidance.

Allahumma ballighna Ramadan (O Allah, let us reach Ramadan)

Umm Sumayyah Mai

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He Needs You Now

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I am human, with feelings, and blood flows through my veins like everyone else’s. Losing a child, let alone multiple children is nothing I will ever forget about this unforeseen tragedy. I have been there. I know what it takes to lose two pregnancies, let alone a grown-up niece. I am a woman, a mother, and a registered nurse. I have strong emotions. I humbly ask Allah to console the bereaved parents.

The principal of the Islamic School where the tragedy occurred is in my prayers. So is Queen Naomi, who did what I can do as someone who loves giving charity. People may not understand; it’s inbuilt. It’s hard to stop giving if you are a genuine, sincere giver. Even when you wish to stop due to circumstances, like the stampede that happened in Ibadan recently. May Allah grant them both ease.

Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat is sincerely in need of your prayers as a Muslim and, most importantly, as someone who has benefited from him before this tragedy. Now is the time for the old, the young, the orphans, and the widows he has helped to intensify their prayers. I have never spoken with him before in my life. I only appreciate him for standing tall for others, regardless of their faith. That alone is enough for me to continue spreading this word.

Our brother needs our prayers. He needs us to be there for him during this critical period of his life. Allah hasn’t created anyone whom He doesn’t have control over. He is the Mighty, the Lord of the Majestic Throne. May Allah not leave you to yourself, even in the blink of an eye. May you all come out sound, safe, and well. Amin.

Umm Sumayyah Mai

The Blessings Bestowed Upon Us: A Test of Gratitude and Faith

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As Muslims, we often view blessings as a source of joy, comfort, and prosperity. We pray for blessings, work hard to attain them, and express gratitude when they are bestowed upon us. However, the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remind us that blessings can also be a test of our faith, gratitude, and character.

In Surah Al-A’raf, Allah says: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.” (Quran 7:31)

This verse highlights the idea that blessings, like trials, are a means of testing our faith and resolve. When we are blessed with wealth, health, or success, we are tested to see how we will use these blessings, whether we will be grateful or arrogant, and whether we will remember Allah or forget Him.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The servant does not attain true faith until he becomes pleased with Allah as his Lord, Islam as his religion, and Muhammad as his Prophet.” (Hadith)

This hadith emphasizes the importance of being content and grateful for the blessings we receive, rather than taking them for granted or becoming arrogant. When we are blessed, we should recognize that these blessings come from Allah and are a manifestation of His mercy and favor.

So, how can we pass the test of blessings? Here are a few reminders:

1. Be grateful: Express your gratitude to Allah for the blessings you receive. Remember that blessings are a gift from Allah, and acknowledging this gift is essential to maintaining a healthy and humble relationship with Him.

2. Use blessings wisely: Use the blessings you receive to benefit yourself, your family, and your community. Invest your wealth, share your knowledge, and use your talents to make a positive impact on the world.

3. Remember Allah: When you are blessed, remember Allah and recognize that these blessings come from Him. Do not forget to pray, fast, and give charity, as these acts of worship help to maintain a strong connection with Allah.

4. Be humble: Avoid becoming arrogant or proud when you are blessed. Recognize that blessings can be taken away at any moment, and that true wealth and success come from Allah alone.

In conclusion, the blessings bestowed upon us are indeed a test of our faith, gratitude, and character. By being grateful, using blessings wisely, remembering Allah, and remaining humble, we can pass this test and demonstrate our commitment to living a life that is pleasing to Allah.

Umm Sumayyah Mai

Suicide 2

I Want to Commit Suicide, Why?

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This has been the statement of many sisters who are going through Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock, typically involving disturbance of sleep and constant vivid recall of the experience, with dulled responses to others and the outside world.

When someone tells you, l want to commit suicide, your first question is why? Yes, why? Perhaps, at that point, you want to hear their rationales; and you definitely will want to settle for open-ended questions. It is important to know that a lot of people are going through some kind of trauma that affects them emotionally and psychologically. Do not just think or say, how could she allow herself to be used by Shaytaan like that? Perhaps, it is more than you think. It is beyond them at some point. All they ever wanted was to speak with someone and share their pain.

It is hard for most of them to forget and let go just like that. It’s hard for them to witness their parents being murdered and it is hard for them to forget the description of the man who had raped and abused them. It is hard for them to forget the spot and the injury inflicted in the process. None of them with this diagnosis ever forget the incident.

To the one going through some of the aforementioned plights, l want to remind you that indeed Allaah ‘Azza Wa Jall knows why certain things happen to certain people. He knows what you do not know. He, Allaah takes and gives. He does as He wills and as destined. Do not take your life for the trauma you have suffered and the pain you have gone through. Do not because someone had abused you sexually and physically take your life. Do not because someone has taken the life of your loved one to commit suicide. For by Allaah, you are better than them. You are blessed by Allaah. Allaah gave you many things to be thankful for. He gave you wisdom and a large heart. He gave you a tongue full of gratitude and a very inspiring soul. Life is a test, we all face it, some of us passed the trial while many of us failed woefully. Yet, we couldn’t take our souls for it. We didn’t fall for Shaytaan’s trap, because, we couldn’t afford to commit suicide. We can’t afford to lose our Jannah for the test of Dunya. Be strong and surround yourself with strong people. Today may be challenging, but ln sha Allaah tomorrow is promising.

Let’s always be there for them. Be there for your sister in faith and be there for your lover in pain. Be there and let them lean on you. Let them know Dunya is temporary and Allaah has created a test/trial for a purpose. The purpose includes knowing who you are in the sight of Allah and the test that includes raising your status when you become patient and persevere when trial strikes. Be thankful my dear sister, and always remember that Allah doesn’t wrong anyone. May Allah ease your affairs.

Umm Sumayyah Mai
June 24th, 2019