The moon has freckles

The moon has freckles

(Translated from the Arabic short story of Muna al-Amad.)

She was plain, she knew. Not pretty and plain. But for God's sake, she was not ugly! Everyday she tries her best to look like a bride for her husband. But the women gossip about her lack of beauty and they even call her ugly. The problem is that every now and then she hears gossip about how plain and ugly she was and how handsome and good-looking her husband was.

Several times she joined a gathering of women and noticed them all go silent and even heard some hushing each other when they see her coming.

Roses and Thorns…

Roses and Thorns…

(Translated from the Arabic short story of Muna al-Amad.)

Shoked… she was, when her husband informed her of his intentions. He was going to marry another woman.

“You are kidding, right? You want to tease me, that's all!” she said that pleadingly wanting him to agree with her but he shook his head and said calmly,

“I have never been more serious”

Her temper flared, “why?”

He knew she would ask. He knew she would want a reason. He tried to prepare an answer, to find an excuse. Why did he want to marry? What did she lack? did she lag in her responsibilities towards him? Did she neglect her duties? Then why?

The soviet girl

The soviet girl

(Translated from the Arabic short story of: Muna Al-Amad)

In one of the busy streets of Russia, a pretty, young girl stood looking for someone desperately. Her eyes fell on an Arabian young man who had probably migrated for higher studies. Their eyes met and she smiled mischievously. She bit her lower lip and turned walking away…

She walked and walked but every now and then she looked behind her shoulder making sure he was following her and smiled encouraging him…

Her attitude intrigued him, rather confused him… though her behavior was immodest but her eyes overflowed with innocence.

In Search for The King…

In Search for The King…

He had killed my brother. I loathed him from the core of my heart. He did not recognize me but I will remember his face till the day i die. I stood there, before him, smiling brightly at his enthusiasm as he heard my fake story of how I had embraced Islam. He believed every single word I said. I was relieved enormously but then, I wasn’t expecting otherwise. First, because I was, at war, an excellent liar. Second, because Muslims get too exhilarated at someone’s so called, ‘guidance’; that they fail to remember that it might be a deception. And last, because he did not know me. And how would he? He did not even kill my brother for any grudge against him. In fact, he did not even know my brother before he had slain him.

A Child from Kosovo

A Child from Kosovo

(Translated from the Arabic short story by: Muna al-‘amad.)

She left with her child under the cast of darkness. & According to the appointed time, she met them. They all shared the same purpose in leaving the city, fleeing for their lives & family... & honor. They walked withholding their breath so that the Serbian soldiers wouldn’t feel their presence. Now & then, they would turn around & look at each other, trying to derive strength from each other. & From time to time, they would look at the sky & mutter prayers & invocations. Their heart prostrated & pleaded with Allah to blind the eyes of their enemies. Suddenly her child cried. Every one turned to her with a stern look on his face, obliging her to quiet him in any possible way. They all feared that the child's cry might expose them to the mercy of the hungry human wolves who yearned for prey & bloodshed. She held him to her chest & began feeding him & in her mind she saw pictures of the horrible genocide committed by the army against the people of her city.

Best Woman on Earth...

Best Woman on Earth...

(A story from Islamic history...)

standing, he looked down the cliff at the village that lay calm & quiet in the tranquil moonlet night.he mounted his white horse & strode slowly down the cliff through the sleeping village.

he could see the changes that had occurred to it. though it wasnt exactly what it was since twenty four years but he could still tell where the house would lay. & he reached it successfully. he looked at the house & the neighbourhood & found everything has changed but not the house. it still lay there with its red stones but old & much worn out. he breathed deeply & holding his sword in his hand, he opened the door.

the squeaking of the door broke the silence of the night & he moved through the dark doorway. Suddenly he  felt a very hard blow on his chest which was followed by oaths & curses & several other blows everywhere on his body. As soon as he realized what was going on, he started fighting back.

"how dare you?"

She was a woman…

She was a woman…

(Translated from the Arabic short story by: Muna al-‘amad.)

They were celebrating joyfully. It was a great occasion, a grand event. They have succeeded in the assassination of the great Muslim warrior. It was the aim that they have strived & struggled hard to attain for a very long time. This warrior was to them, 'a pain in the neck.' He led hundreds of operations & attacks that cost them dire losses. They tried hard to find him & arrest him but all their efforts went in vain. Now with the help of a traitor, they could trap him & kill him. Lying there, in front of them, they drank & cheered; congratulating each other at the great victory.Suddenly, one soldier came in & looked into the face of the martyr.He exclaimed anxiously,

The Wall…

The Wall…

(Translated from the Arabic short story by: Muna al-‘amad.)

Abu Ghazi's family never got fed up of their discussion about the damned Wall. Every time they sat to the dinner table, they had to talk about it. Even at their morning tea, Abu Ghazi said to his wife, "if the Wall is built to the east of the house, we will have to shift the children to another school & if they happen to build it to the west then we will be obliged to walk miles on foot in order to reach the dispensary for our little son. Oh God! This asthma that has caught him, I wonder what has caused it…" he sighed anxiously.

His son, Ghazi exclaimed," yes father! & Poor grandma. She too needs to be taken to the dispensary every now & then. Oh dear dear grandma! She is too weak to walk."

The issue of the Wall became a part of their daily life. The uncertainty made their future oblivious & unpredictable. Will it be built to the right or the left of the house? Are they going to be part of the city on the west or that on the east? They would look at the beautiful, rosy valleys to the right & left of the house & wonder which part will the Wall conceal behind it.

One evening, while they sat to the dinner table gossiping, they heard thunderous knocks at the door followed by announcements with the microphones. They all jumped up with terror & surprise. The soldiers busted in & pointed the guns at them. One of them announced maliciously, "you have five minutes to clear the house… just five minutes… after that… we will bring the house down." He walked out of the door cursing vulgarly, "the bulldozers are awaiting my signal… run for your lives…" he laughed outrageously. The woman nervously pleaded, "but why the house? What have we done? We never cooperated in any action against you…"

The soldier walked slowly, stopping at the middle of the room. He made a line on the floor with his gun and said slowly through his teeth, "the Wall will pass here, my lady!"

The Storm…

The Storm…

(Translated from the Arabic short story by Abdul malik al-Qasim.)

Faster than I imagined, started the count down for my wedding day. The closer the date drew, the larger the responsibilities grew & the greater efforts I was obliged to do. Thoughts & apprehensions never abundant me. A month or more is left. “I’ll finish everything. It’s simple”, I thought, “& doesn’t take a lot of time.” But I discovered lately that I lost a whole week in choosing furniture & another in preparing the kitchen. Now fortunately I have enough time, “one whole week is left”, I breathed deeply. Rosy dreams started chasing me. & Joy was always surrounding me. I started going to my new home, enjoying sitting there & having some tea. Stretching my legs in complete relaxation, I read in the newspapers & magazines & every article related to marriage & children. One particular article attracted me, ‘Read before u marry…’ I said to my self: “this week every body seems to speak to me… from children to grown ups & even magazines & newspapers…” I proceeded reading… It contained lots of recommendations & advices, ‘medical check up before marriage’ I read it. They mentioned its uses & last of all its significance. This idea chased me for two days & it finally overwhelmed my mind & so I decided to do it.

To The one...

To The One I Love Truly…

Lying on his back, with a faint smile on his lips, blushed cheeks, tranquil half closed eyes…. A wound in his chest bleeding forever is a martyr. I am in love with him to the marrow of my bones. Oh God! Let me be one & let whom I love be one.

Martyr… the most handsome & masculine man on earth.

Martyr… pure mind, courageous heart, strong hands, broad shoulders, beautiful penetrating eyes…

I love him more than anything…

Don’t deprive me oh God! Please don’t! & help me tolerate!

Martyr… when you see a man of Paradise in front of you, when your feet are still on earth.

Martyr… when you cant  hold your tears because the one you love has gone far away but your heart leaps with pleasure because you will meet soon & be together forever.

Martyr… when you hold his hands, squeeze them hard & say, “if you dare forget me I will wring your neck… waiting for you to intercede for me before God on that day.”

Martyr… when you kiss his cheeks & say, “don’t you dare marry anyone before me.”

Martyr… when you cover his face with the white clothe & maon with pain. Press your child to your bossom & sob silently yearning for the day you meet again.

Martyr… please be one of them… please…  & take me with you… I don’t want to live on earth… I want the paradise… the high palaces, castles, gold, silver, silk & gardens…I want all that & I want you for ever… not just few years… forever…

Promise me… will you?!

The Secretary of the Muslim Ummah…

The Secretary of the Muslim Ummah…

On the day of Badr, Abu-Ubaida Amir-bin-Aljarah embarked boldly upon the disbelievers of Quraish, like a lion. Tearing all that comes in his path, risking his life in God’s way. All the non-believers of Quraish were avoiding him. Fearing for their lives. But Abu Ubaidah was after every one that comes his way. He killed & wiped out many of them. All that was for God’s sake.

There was a man, just one man, who was after him, following him & chasing him wherever he goes.

"Why on earth…?"

"Why on earth…?"

The day was very dull, though sun was at its peak. With great difficulty, I reached the main Hospital of Gaza. Trying hard to lift up my legs & walk as quickly as possible. But it seemed that the distance has elongated several times. I saw them waiting for me. I felt my head heavy & my heart hollow. They took me to the emergency ward & I saw her on the bed, lying very calm. Her forehead was rapped with gauze. & her eyes were closed. Her little mouth was slightly open as if she wanted to say something. Pale-faced, I moved slowly to her, I touched her fingers, they were cold. I touched her cheeks, her hair. I lifted her in my arms but she was all cold. My eyes produced no tears. They just couldn’t. I felt my heart sinking, my stomach sore. It seemed as if some one has torn my liver out. I called her "Sara… but she did not move.

Omar Al-Farooq & the American Classified Evidences…

Omar Al-Farooq & the American Classified Evidences…

(Translated from the Arabic short story by: Muna al-‘amad.)

On his way to the House of caliphate, Omar Al-Farooq caught sight of a sinful deed being committed. He did not retaliate instantly & decided to consult his counselors. Omar who was considered the strongest & firmest man of his time, decided to wait in order to consult his apt companions. He is the same man about whom the companion of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) pleaded with Abu-Bakr not to appoint as the successor for caliphate. They feared that he might prove harsh & hard to his people. He was a man of unyielding principles. He had an aura of power & gravity about him that made every man waver. When Abu-Bakr was warned of nominating Omar & reminded that he would have to answer before the Lord on the Day of Judgment, he replied confidently," you frighten me of God!! If he questions me, I would answer him, "My Lord! I have nominated for them, the best among them."

His Innocent Face…

His Innocent Face…

(Translated from the Arabic short story by: Muna al-‘amad.)

Raja' watched lovingly her little baby boy peacefully in his cradle. In his sleep, he smiled for a quick moment… Raja' caressed his cheeks gently & whispered, "Do you dream in your sleep, my sweet? What do you dream?" she wanted to leave him sleeping like that peacefully & calmly under that warm blanket. She heard the roar of stormy wind outside & watched his cheeks blushed from the warmth of his blanket. Yes, she wanted him to enjoy his sleep but her duty as a teacher doesn’t allow her that pleasure. 
She gazed at him again & thought angrily, "what kind of a job is this, that makes me wake my adorable baby in this freezing winter to leave him in the hands of a woman who would claim to take care of him for a few coins."

The Suit of the Hero

The Suit of the Hero

(Translated from the Arabic short story by: Muna al-‘amad.)

As usual she sat to her sewing machine after finishing her home chores. She had no time for rest as she has to earn a living to feed her four children after their father got murdered. He was fighting the occupant Israeli army who were in one of their military operations that involved killing, arresting & terrifying the little hearts of children & robbing their peace of mind & life.

'Husam', her eldest son entered & mock fully said, "Whenever I enter, there I find u sitting to this machine. Wouldn’t u ever desert this thing? Don’t u get bored of it?"

Trying to hide what was in her hand, she said, "How can I get bored of it when it is the source of our income since ur father's murder!"

"Let me see what u r sewing today"

She replied "some garments for the neighbors u r not concerned with them."

I Learn From My Little Daughter… A lot!

I Learn From My Little Daughter… A lot!

(Translated from the Arabic short story by: Muna al-‘amad.)

One day, my little daughter came to me, holding her open hands before me. She said with a pretty, hopeful smile on her face, "mama! Give me some almonds, please!" I smiled back at her & lovingly kissed her palms. She uttered a short joyful laugh & said, "Mama! I held my hands for you to fill them with almonds not to kiss them." I said, "First I kiss them. Then I fill them, my little darling!" I took her hands & walked to the cupboard. I didn’t want to turn her down, after that demonstration of love & affection she had made to me. I filled her hands with almonds. She leapt with joy, kissed me gratefully & ran away overjoyed. My heart so overflowed with affection & compassion for her that I wished to grant her everything she desired.

Firm Stand…

Firm Stand…

(Translated from the Arabic short story by: Abdul Malik Al-Qasim.)

Since six months, I have been preparing for my wedding. The first step was to find the right woman. A pious God-fearing woman. I didn’t have to struggle hard to find one. I was recommended to propose this girl by many. Well, I proposed her from her father. He was a graceful old man of sixty. I wasn’t surprised by his simplicity & easy way of talking with me. But what surprised me, was his question about the imam of our mosque. I thought he might be willing to inquire about me from our imam. I prayed Istikharah to ask Allah choose for me what suited me most. I felt full contentment.

& when I was told about her consent, I thought about my next step.

Muhammad Ad-durah…

Muhammad Ad-durah…

(A true story…)

"Mama, where are my pair of shoes?"

Eight-years old Muhammad came & asked his mother with the socks in his hand. Ayesha raised her head from her needle work & said, "In the cupboard beside the door… come let me help you wear your socks."

"No, thanks mama. I can do it myself."

Ayesha smiled & observed him trying to wear his pair of socks with mighty efforts. At the end, she helped him pull them up his ankle. 

Just begin…

Just begin…

(Translated from the Arabic short story by: Abdul Malik Al-Qasim)

I heard my wife’s voice nearby… moving briskly as if looking for something… I held a book & began reading it… but something went on my mind… I asked her…

“How much of your time passes without any use?”

She said,” on the contrary, I am always busy… & I have no time at all…”

But she can’t escape my questions…

Eternal Love…

Eternal Love…

"Idiot", they called her. "Emotionless & unaware of the consequences", they claimed she was. She heard them call her all that and more. But she paid them no heed. She knew better. She was certain, she had a mind to think & a heart to feel & that she was anything but idiot. And frankly, she was aware of the consequences… but still she will not waver.

            She loved him with all her heart and cared for him more than her life but in spite of all her feelings, she was pushing him to go. He, with whom she had spent the best part of her life… the most lovely, romantic and enchanting years of her life… she is pressing him to go away… far away… leaving her behind… all alone.

They called her crazy… and yes, she was… crazy about him. But she will never allow that craziness to hinder his path. She was certain that if he went, he might never come back… ever again… but fighting back her tears, she bade him farewell.

Trying to smile, she looked into his beautiful eyes and said with a voice that quivered with emotions, "I'll be waiting for you, forever… sweetheart." She swallowed trying to gather her shattered-self, she said, " do come back to me… but never… unless you are a conqueror or a martyr."

A Sorrowful Joy

A Sorrowful Joy

(Translated from the Arabic short story by: Abdul malik al-Qasim)

The room was filled with the well-wishers & congratulators… I looked at my friends & fellows… all are greeting me & congratulating me… wishing me a good & happy life… After a few minutes… I was left alone… waiting for the one who was to come… tears gushed out of my eyes… I remembered my mother praying that I might be blessed with a good husband…

As if it was a dream… I went twenty years back… … On the early morning of that day…

“Where is my mother?”… “Where has she gone?”… My voice was louder than ever

Life taught me…

Life taught me…

1. The easiest way to solve your problem is to raise your palms to the sky.
2. If you are in love with a man, you will live years in torture but if you are in love with God, you will live in tranquility and bliss for eternity because ALLAH is Immortal and Perfect and men are Mortals and Imperfect.
3. No one is perfect except God Almighty; Allah.
4. People forget your help. Never do a good deed for them. Allah never forgets, help others for Him. He will make them remember or will pay you if they suffer from Alzheimer.
5. If parents are pleased, life is a pleasure.

What To Do On Friday

What To Do On Friday:

1-have a bath n all ur sins shall b ommitted.

2-read surah alkahf n u will hv a prfect week ful of Allah's noor.

3-trim ur nails Allah likes it His prophet always did that.

4-remember on friday sins n good deeds r doubled.

5-say peace be upon the holy prophet cz today the holy prophet is told about who did that.

Oh Allah!

 When I lose hope and my plans fail,

Help me remember that:

 your love is greater than my disappointments

and

 your plans are better than my dreams.

The Best Way to Pray to Allah - Du'a (invocation)

The

Best Way

to Pray to Allah - Du'a (invocation):

1-say

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

(bismillah arrahman arraheem)

(in the name of Allah the most beneficient the most merciful)

2-praise Allah by reciting surah alikhlas

قل هو الله أحد

(qul hwa Allahu Ahad....)

or last ayat of surat alhashr

سورة الحشر

3-say

اللهم صلى على محمد...

(allahumma salli ala muhammad)

(peace be upon the holy Prophet Muhammad)

4-Ask Allah to forgive u

اللهم اغفر لي و لوالدي وللمؤمنين وللمؤمنات

allahumma ighfir lee wa liwalidaiia wa lilmumineen wa lilmuminaat

oh Allah forgive me & my parents & the muslims men & women

5-say

لا إله إلا أنت سبحانك إني كنت من الظالمين

la ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu mina adhalimeen

6-recite 7times the last ayat (verses) of surah attawabah

سورة التوبة

حسبي الله لا إله إلا هو عليه توكلت وهو رب العرش العظيم

hasbeya Allahu la ilaha illa hwa alaihi tawakkaltu wa hwa rabbu alarshe alazeem

7-ask what u need

By God's will, u shall be heard and responded and you shall never be denied for Allah lets no one return empty-handed.

N.B. The above way is according to what the holy Prophet (peace be upon him) in several ahadith...

May we meet in paradise.

Ameen…

Allah says...

"And the servants of ((Allah)) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace!";

Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord prostrate and standing;

 Those who say, "Our Lord! avert from us the Wrath of Hell, for its Wrath is indeed an affliction grievous,-

 "Evil indeed is it as an abode, and as a place to rest in";

 Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes);

 Those who invoke not, with Allah, any other god, nor slay such life as Allah has made sacred except for just cause, nor commit fornication; - and any that does this (not only) meets punishment.

 (But) the Penalty on the Day of Judgment will be doubled to him, and he will dwell therein in ignominy,-

 Unless he repents, believes, and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful,

 And whoever repents and does good has truly turned to Allah with an (acceptable) conversion;-

 Those who witness no falsehood, and, if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honourable (avoidance);

 Those who, when they are admonished with the Signs of their Lord, droop not down at them as if they were deaf or blind;

 And those who pray, "Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."

 Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in heaven, because of their patient constancy: therein shall they be met with salutations and peace,

 Dwelling therein;- how beautiful an abode and place of rest!

 Say (to the Rejecters): "My Lord is not uneasy because of you if ye call not on Him: But ye have indeed rejected (Him), and soon will come the inevitable (punishment)!""

(Quran 25: 63-77)