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Sister Sadaf Farooqi wrote:
Image by Leonard John Matthews via Flickr
"If Muslim men were to follow Prophet Muhammad’s exemplary behavior with their wives today, perhaps we Muslims as a whole, would need to work less hard on defending Islam in face of skeptics’ critical onslaughts. Perhaps Prophet Muhammad’s [salla Allah alayhee wa sallam] kind and affectionate conduct, humble demeanor and spotless character are the reasons why there are more and more women willfully turning to Islam, with each passing year?"
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"A parent who really and truly fears Allah will usually be a believer who focuses on giving others their rights instead of demanding their own. Hence, just because Islam has exhorted Muslims to be kind to their parents, doesn’t mean that parents use these injunctions to unjustly demand favors and servitude from their children. Rather, the Quranic verses and Prophetic narrations reminding Muslims about their parents’ great rights upon them are to be read and heeded more by children who have parents; not by parents who have children!"
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Sister Asma bint Shameem wrote:
"My brother is the only one in the house who gets any attention. He always gets everything he wants!"
"My Dad prefers our oldest sister to the rest of us. He always praises her, and no matter what good we do, he never appreciates it!"
This is a common problem that we see today. And that is the problem of favoritism among children.
Parents may show their favoritism for many reasons. Favoritism could be shown to the oldest or the youngest. It could be a preference of a son over a daughter or the preference of a child more beautiful than the other or simply for no apparent reason at all."
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Image by Muslimmatters.org
Fatima saw her sister's kids straying from the guidance of Allaah. She became very concerned.
After all, those kids were like her own. She loved them dearly and wanted to save them from any sin they might fall into. Knowing that she will not have much control over the kids themselves, she decided to talk to her sister directly and advise her sincerely for the sake of Allaah about what she saw the kids doing.
But, instead of appreciating Fatima's sincerity and understanding the motherly concern she had for her kids, her sister exploded. "Mind your own business!" she said. "This has nothing to do with you! Stop talking about my kids! Look at your own and what they are doing!" she shouted.
"But....but...." Fatima tried to explain.
"But what? I am sick and tired of you picking on my kids! And if we are so 'bad' in your eyes, leave us alone! From this day on, I don't want to have anything to do with you! "
Fatima cried.
Sad and hurt, she withdrew.....tears rolling down her eyes. She wasn't 'picking' on her sister or her kids nor was she 'judging' them. All she wanted to do was to prevent them from committing haraam and prevent them from falling into sin.
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A New Year: Gained? Lost!?
by Asma bint Shameem
Zoom!
Before we knew it, last year passed by like a flash and the new year is here...whether it is 2010 CE or 1431 of the Hijri Calendar.
For some people, the beginning of the new year is marked by excited countdowns, popping of firecrackers, partying till the wee hours of the morning and dancing. And for some, it is a time for somber thoughtfulness and self accountability.
Instead of celebrating, they are worried and scared.
Instead of partying, they think and reflect.
Their hearts tremble and their skins shiver.
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