As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu 

I finally finished the painting I mentioned in the last email. I had fun, even though the entire process was a learning experience.... especially the lettering.

"And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful."

AlhumduliLlah, Allah has blessed us with SO much. Prophet Dawud (alayhis salaam) used to say, "O Lord! How can I ever duly thank You, when my thanking You is also a favor from You to me?" Allah answered him, "Now, you have thanked Me sufficiently, O Dawud" - meaning: when he admitted that he will never be able to thank Allah.
.... something to really think about.


There you have it! My next painting insha'Allah is a mural (or as big as I can make it) for the orphanage in Zambia.

Labels: art, reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I've been so busy, haven't had much time to post.. sorry.
I'm in the process of painting a picture!! It's for the kitchen, not that exciting, but it does feel nice to be painting again.... and definitely a wake up call on how much more I need to practice *sigh*
...anyway, I'm also taking sewing classes, but for drafting patterns! So far it's great.. something I've always wanted to learn. And I've finally finished crocheting my nephews 'football' kufis (skull caps) - will take pics soon.

In the meantime, here is this weeks hadith coloring page for the children. Another one I had fun with.


Comment: Teach your children that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) loved perfume/fragrances. And although he never refused this particular gift (as the hadith states) it is not part of Islam to refuse any gift from someone - even something small (and may 'seem' insignificant to you). It may be the only item that person could give, and Allah knows what's in their heart when they gave it to you.

Labels: coloring, reflection

 Here's an opportunity to get your children to reflect upon a few verses in the Qur'an, and have fun at the same time!




Details of competition: Each participant will read verses 5 to 18 from Surah An-Nahl (Chapter 16). They will then create a 3D art piece that reflects any part of those verses. A photograph must be emailed to me by the due date. Winner will receive a prize.

Participants allowed:  You will need to receive a confirmation email from me before beginning. This competition is only open to the first 20 participants I hear from.

Ages allowed: 7 to 12 years of age

Cost Limit: None. Should have a camera to send in a picture.

Rules:
1) Must send in only ONE photograph (I do not want more than one) by the due date.
2) Must be a 3 dimensional creation (i.e: not a drawing).
3) Must reflect some part of the verses above.


Sign up due date: Sunday October 14, 2012
Due date: Sunday October 28, 2012
Voting will be on: Wednesday October 31, 2012



If your child would like to participate, I will need to know the following information. (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) note: .ca NOT .com

QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER
Name of competition: Art Qur'an Competition
Child's real name:
Child's age:
Comment:

Labels: activities, reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu 

Labels: help, reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Here is my official list of projects to do. I have papers all over my desk with urls and ideas I'd like to try...but I think keeping a list here will make my life easier, and more likely motivate me to actually do them.............you may want to join me!
I will be updating the list regularly - adding more, and crossing out what is done (hopefully).
Sewing Projects:
Fabric Dollhouse
Clear Toy Storage Bags
Boy Pants     -  (completed link)
Pajama Eater
2d Character Softie
Hair Scrunchies
Princess Pavillion Tent
Arabic Fabric Book
Ironing Board Cover - (completed link)
Mowgli, Bagheera & Akela Costume -(completed link)
Rag Doll
Chef Hat
Art Case
Mail Holder
Football Thobes - (completed link)
Tinkerbell Costume
Cowboy Costume - (completed link)
Cinderella Dress
Back With Buckets
Puppet Theater
Carrot House

Crochet Projects:
Football Kufi (skull cap) - (completed link)
Crochet Doll
Seven Petal Flower
African Flower Purse
Bunny

Craft Projects:
Magnetic Paper Dolls
Fabric Labels
Jungle Theme Eid Cards - (completed link)
Vines - (completed link)
Eid Banner - (completed link)
Cool Book Shelf
Popsicle Bracelets
Stamp making
Subway Art
Ribbon Bookmarks
Mural for orphanage
City painting

Kids Activities to try with my nephews:
Islamic Play using paperclip pics
Shadow puppets
Jungle Book Diorama
Batik Letters
Shower Curtain Village
Carton Wallet

Food:
Unicorn Poop
Banana Ice-Cream
Watermelon Shark
Dutch Apple Pie-lettes

Future Swaps:
Ramadaan Girly Swap (June)
Children's Card Swap (June)
Crafty Supply Swap
Lil' & Big Book Swap
Survival Swap
Hijab & Accessory Swap
Alif, Baa, Ta Swap

Children's Competitions
Qur'an Art Competition - winner link
Qur'an Chef Competition

Labels: ideas, reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Some REALLY awesome news! SketchedSoul is featured in the March issue of "SISTERS" Magazine! Yaaay, alhumduliLlah. Written by Brooke Benoit! She did such an amazing job, masha'Allah.. really enjoyed the piece (not only 'cuz I was featured in..*grin*)When I first stumbled upon the burgeoning sisters’ craft niche in the Muslim blogosphere, my cynicism hijab must have been wrapped too tight. Why? I wondered. There are g-oodles of craft blogs, websites, online video tutorials and so on, why would the Muslimahs want to add to that clutter? And then I scrolled down – and it was love at first sight: a Muslimah-only international craft swap!

Farhana Faruq started her blog Sketched Soul way back in 2006, and it is one of the oldest of the Muslimah craft blogs on the Internet. Fresh onto her Canadian ISP, Farhana’s interests in creativity, encouraging sisterhood, sharing a love of reading, and her family’s various grassroots charity projects immediately showed through in her first few posts: “Surfing the net I realised there were a lot of people out there like me. Creative but broke. Wanting to give but not having enough. So Sketched Soul was born. It was (and still is) meant to be a means for creative (and the not-so-creative) people to come together and help with little projects that make a huge impact on the lives of those less fortunate. At the same time, the blog brings (mainly) sisters together through the different projects and swaps.”

A graphic designer with a love for fashion, Farhana’s sister-to-sister “swaps” and charitable “projects” have become a staple of her blog,but her compulsion to craft also keeps the blog filled with a wide range of tutorials and innovative art and craft suggestions, such as her Arabic calligraphy wedding cake topper, annual Ramadhan crafts, and a fabulous stencilling tutorial. This winter, between uploading photos of her recent hand-painted leopard-print skirt project and a headband tutorial, Farhana also synthesised her several years of e-community building know-how to help put together an international book drive for an orphanage her uncle has built in Zambia.

Educators and entrepreneurs have long known that fostering creativity and actively pursuing hobbies gives people the confidence to amass new skills, try new things, and therefore tend to be more successful in their endeavours and lives. While they’ve all had their fair share of admirers gush “Oh, I could never!”, longtime crafters know that actually folks really could – if not this, then maybe that. While someone may not have the patience or ambition to learn a particular craft, art-making processes, like all other things, can be learned and all learning begets more learning across different mediums. For these sisters who initially just wanted to chat stitches and knots, branching out and subsequently building up are re-occurring themes .

“An artist/artisan of sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery … and sometimes craft,” Sabina Taylor has over 30 years of experience in fibre arts as well as a multitude of other mediums she has mastered to incorporate into her work. Like all the bloggers, Sabina simply loves her craft; she is thankful to Allah I to have her talent and she has a drive to share both her appreciation and knowledge with others. Sabina first stepped away from her Kenmore and dye baths long enough to put up some blog entries on Slip Stitches and More when she was living overseas in the United Arab Emirates. What “began as an outlet while acclimatising to the Mideast” ultimately increased Sabina’s tech-skills online: “as I grew in SEO and pc/web knowledge I began to ‘get it’ and incorporate all this into my handmade business.”

Sabina’s modest blog has grown into a nice little brand for her with a YouTube channel, a few social network pages, and an Etsy shop. “The novice sewist” is still Sabina’s motivation and while the blog is a great showcase for her work, Sabina freely shares her decades of know-how with many tips and tutorials that can be especially beneficial to sisters, such as her videos of an easy caftan-making lesson and how to repurpose a butterfly abaya into a shoulder abaya. In turn, as someone who has benefited a great deal from da’wah and knowledge-based websites, Sabina has also expanded into a second blog which is Islam-based and she has had the opportunity to share plentiful information about the deen with her non-Muslim craft readers.

Erum in Pakistan has long been a compulsive crafter and wanted some way to record and maybe share all the projects she had done for her family, such as the fancy holiday dresses she makes and embellishes for her daughters. Her nephew suggested she get a blog and with little know-how, Arts Crafts N Hobbies was hesitantly started in 2010. Craft blogging has turned out to be an amazing experience for Erum who has met many talented and generous people all over the world: “The blog polished my creativity and has given me a chance to learn and try out so many new things.” While she continues to enhance her skills and expand her repertoire, Erum has also begun to dabble a little in selling her crafts locally.

Another seasoned blogger of several years, Ginger Davis, aka UmmLayla of the Crafty Muslimah blog [whoops! That's the Crunchy Mama blog!], posting from the American Midwest, just recently started a second craft-focused blog where she hopes to highlight her aim to make one project a week during 2012 with the goal of making herself a whole wardrobe. On her other blog, Ginger’s original Ramadhan crafts always garnered a lot of attention from readers searching for Islamic-related items unavailable commercially and for those who are more likely to do-it-yourself. Ginger tries to wear something handmade every day and by simply uploading pictures of projects she is already doing, “in the end maybe other people will be inspired to do the same.” Ginger loves the process of creating something from start to finish, beginning with the rawest of materials, figuring all the bits out, and finally arriving at the finished product. “If I could go from baby sheep to finished sweater, it would be fulfilling a dream of mine.” Sounds like someone has a lot of blocking and blogging to do!

If you are a crafty Muslimah – newbie or master – you can find like-minded souls, not only among the Muslimah craft blogosphere, but there are also e-groups budding up all over the Internet. If you don’t have time or access to quilting circles or beading classes in your area, you can still enjoy the camaraderie of other crafty sisters on Facebook, Yahoo, Flickr, and throughout Cyberville.

Brooke Benoit is an American artist who is home-educating her 5.5 children in Casablanca, Morocco. This year when people ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over her kids’ Ramadhan projects, she may begrudgingly admit that the brilliant ideas were not originally her own.

~~~

This article appears in the March 2012 issue of SISTERS Magazine.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Just adding a little update on the Friday Hadiths!
AlhumduliLlah.. so far we have more than 150 subscribers... May Allah reward you all for your good intentions, and bless you with understanding. Ameen.

Those that don't know about it:
Every Friday... you receive a Hadith. The source of the Hadith is provided as well as a commentary to explain it.
Usually it's very short.. and something you can apply to your life right away.

Example: Dinner With Satan

Sisters interested in receiving teachings of the beloved Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam)
Email:
Subscribe Unsubscribe

Brothers interested in receiving teachings of the beloved Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam)
Email:
Subscribe Unsubscribe

Please share this post with others. Jazak'Allahu khair.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu everyone,

Just thought I'd spread some lovely news.. this might make all you homeschooling mothers happy.
There is a magazine out for Muslim children (MiniMuslimeen) that I do illustrations for, and for a limited time they are giving away a free issue. It's only to the first 100 people as far as I know, SO... if you are interested in receiving your copy, just email them at: info@minimuslimeen.com

.... and then.. once you receive your copy..come back here and give me some (constructive) feedback on the illustrations done by me. My name will be on the ones I've done. Insha'Allah I can learn from what you have to say.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Well... I'm not dead.. although my blog speaks otherwise. Sorry to those who have dropped by and see no progress, if it makes a difference.. my non-net life (yes I have one) is busy.


Anyway, I'd like to first thank a few people, forgive me if I missed anyone:
DG Diary, for the lovely post and email.
Roving Soul, (love the name) I did read your post about 'best blogs' and have no words to explain how much it touched me. It came at a very perfect time in my life. You should be 'Roving Angel'.
A Voice In The Clouds, for all the lovely tags - forgive me for not getting to them.
Al-Miskeenah, for the touching email - as always.
Prism of Thoughts, for taking the time to wish me "Salam Maal Hijrah".
Stranger In The Dunya, for 'missing me' - I miss you too, especially when I make basbousa..haha
Making Memories, for reminding me about the good my blog has done - hence me posting today, insha'Allah WE can carry-on helping others.

To wrap up: The Delicioso Swap was excellent! AlhumduliLlah. We didn't have many participants, but some of the most wonderful sisters joined. Here are a few posts on how it went, with pictures!
Crushing Cardamoms
Delicioso Swap & Syndrome Tudung MekTwain
Thank you sisters, for joining and making it possible to bring sisters together.

Warning: Although I usually try and look past things, I'd like to discuss swaps with YOU, (feedback very welcome!). I'd like to tell you every swap has gone as smoothly as the last, and everyone happily receives their gift.. unfortunately I can't! I've been running swaps and projects way before this blog (5 + years).. and I'm still shocked every time a sister gets left out. I'm not talking about, "I sent it, but it didn't make it", "I had some problems, so I'll have to send it later" - that's all fine. Am I missing something? Am I doing something wrong? Do people really have the heart to take something without giving back? (don't answer this one). In the last month, I've already had sisters asking to join a swap - I'm a little lost if it's worth it. It's almost laughable (I'm not laughing) that the main intention for each swap is bring sisters closer, and yet we end up doing the opposite.
------ alrighty my rant is over, I'd still like to hear your thoughts.

This year I'd like to run more projects, insha'Allah. For now, I'm collecting money for milk powder to be sent to Gaza. A brother is going to purchase the milk powder in Syria and take it to Gaza, may Allah make it possible. If anyone is interested - money can be sent via paypal (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) before January 30th, 2009. I don't like projects where I have to collect funds, but this opportunity just came up. Insha'Allah in the future we'll try helping those in Gaza through different projects, in the meantime.. please, please keep them all in your prayers.

Jazaki'Allahu khair for visiting me.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Today is ! By all of us posting something pertaining to poverty today, insha'Allah we'll be able to raise awareness, start a global discussion and add momentum to this very important cause. And if that doesn't go as hoped for, at least you made the intention and effort to try and get something good going.



Mural by Mohammed Ali
There are a countless number of verses in the Qur'an and sayings of the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) about taking care and feeding the poor - this should come as no surprise to any Believer. However, what we know and what we do are two different things...

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (radiAllahu anhu):
A man asked the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam), "What sort of deeds or (what qualities of) Islam are good?" The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) replied, 'To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know.

... so are we doing what we know?

AlhumduliLlah, I've managed to work with a few organizations in Toronto to know they are unfortunately A LOT of individuals living way below the poverty line. Yes, you get poor in the West; yes, they are Muslim, Jew, Christian - and from every other religion out there; yes, they are very old and very young - and in between; ... and yes, we will one day be asked if we did anything to help.

Do you want to one of those that helped? Donate a dollar.
Would a dollar really make any difference? No.
Would it make a difference collectively? Not really, unless I have 100 readers.
Then why donate? Because it's really about the intention, making the effort.. AND making sure you are consistant in the good that you do (even if it's small). - so don't make this the last dollar you ever give, keep striving to continue this small deed, and THEN your dollar will make a difference, insha'Allah.

All funds and dua's collected will be put together to purchase food for 75 homeless people. I will personally be taking care of putting the packages together, and they will be distributed through a soup kitchen run here. May Allah count them from among the righteous. Ameen.

Last day to donate: Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008.
Note: anyone who is unable to donate through Paypal, but would like to be part of this, please email me (amtullah79@yahoo.ca).. I have an idea!

Labels: help, reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Do good, and leave behind you a monument of virtue that the storms of time can never destroy. Write your name in kindness, love, and mercy on the hearts of thousands you come in contact with year by year, and you will never be forgotten. Your name and your good deeds will shine as the stars of heaven.

Once the Prophet of God, Muhammed (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) was sitting amidst his Sahaba (companions) in the mosque when all of a sudden he said "Today I shall narrate a story to you all which will reveal three riddles for all of you to solve". This hushed the crowd and they all listened to what the Prophet had to say.

Mohammed (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) continued by saying that once a man got to know that the days in his life was numbered and very soon he would be confronted with death. With this knowledge he feared his loneliness in the grave and went searching for true friends who would help and accompany him.

He knocked on the door of his first friend and asked whether he would help. To this the friend said, "of course, what are we here for." But then the man went on to say that he had very few days to live after which he required help. As soon as he uttered this statement, the friend said "I am sorry but when death does us apart, there is nothing we can do for you but buy you a place in the graveyard and some cloth (Kafan) to cover your dead body." Grieved but looking forward to his next friend, the man moved on.

On the second door, when he came face to face with his friend, and after narrating the entire story of his death and asked for help, the same answer was his fate again. The second friend said "I have been there with you all your life and can help you here. But there's nothing I can do for you after you die except take your corpse to the graveyard and bury you."

Lost in agony and despair, he headed for the third friend, very sure that he would receive the same answer but there was a tinge of hope left. When he confronted the third friend, and told him that he required help, the friend eagerly volunteered to help. But the man continued to say that I need help after I die. To which the third friend replied, "Do not worry, my dear friend! I shall accompany you to the grave, be there with you in the grave, even when the angels arrive for questioning (Munkar-o-Nakeer) , then assist you on the Pul-e-Sirat (bridge) and then lead you to heaven. "To this the man heaved a sigh of relief and then passed away in peace."

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) then turned and asked his companions if anybody could identify the three friends and the man. When the prevailing silence didn't dissolve, the Prophet continued to say, "The man in the anecdote is any other human being." The first friend is "money/wealth" , things that help us only in life and not after we die.

The second family/friend were the "children/sons and daughters", we strive for them all our life and all they give us is a shoulder to the grave.

And the third and most important friend is "Aamal (deeds)". Who accompany us all the way through.

Moral: Do not strive for materialistic values that will give you nothing and help you in no way in your eternal life. But work and pray and ask forgiveness from Allah for only the good deeds assist mankind where every other thing loses value in the life hereafter!

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

..'cause every little thing is gonna be alright. Rise up this mornin'... okay I'll stop.

Before I introduce this wonderful book.. take note, you do not need to be in a state of sadness to read it.. it's filled with much more, three little birds scattered about.

Personally, I'm still in awe at how Allah used this book to help me. There were times I put it down, only to find that the next time I picked it up to read, it applied to the circumstances in my life, right at that very moment, alhumduliLlah. I made better decisions because of it.. much better, ones I could have regretted. Now I know.. it may not touch others in the same way, but it does have information that we could all use (even if we claim to already know it).



Title: Don't Be Sad
Author: 'Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni
Available: IIPH
Ebook: PDF file

Have I learned anything from it, or was it all review? A mixture. Well.. I found a lot of things I already know, but whether I had actually reflected upon it and I applied it to my life is a different story. AlhumduliLlah, I don't know if it is the way the book is written, my circumstances, etc. but there was a lot to think about.

Does the author use Qur'anic and authentic hadith texts? Lots, lots!.. as well as quotes from other people, poems, sayings, etc. Everything is clearly stated/sourced. I really liked how the Qur'anic verses were used. It makes you reflect upon them 'differently'. (ie: not with a different meaning - but in context, - more tafseer like.. does that make sense?)

Is the book easy to understand? Easy to understand. The author suggests not to read it all at one sitting, which I agree with. Chapters are short, but packed with valuable lessons. This makes a greatttt gift by the way!

Notable pages? With all the pages that made an impact, this one stood out the most:
"Allah's slaves are always swaying from the first state (losing all hope) to the second (having trust and hope in Allah). During the period of a single hour, one can have his share of both. So he obeys Allah and pleases Him, he remembers Him and thanks Him - and he is only able to do these through His help. Shortly afterwards, though, he disobeys Allah, goes against His commands, earns His anger, and is generally in a state of forgetfulness - all because Allah has left him to himself. Therefore Allah's slave is always oscillating between His divine care and between being forsaken.

Whenever one of Allah's slaves witnesses this phenomenon - that of changing from one state to the other - he should appreciate the dubious nature of his situation and his extreme need of being guided by Allah in every breath he breathes and in every moment he lives. His faith and belief are in Allah's hand. If Allah were to leave him alone for even the blinking of an eye, his faith would plunge to the ground. You should therefore realize that the One who is protecting your faith is the One Who is preventing the sky from falling to the earth." [pg. 233]

Extra: Video clip based on the book: Don't Be Sad

Out of 5: Definitely 5 and above. AlhumduliLlah, I'm so happy I read it.

I know there are a lot of people who have had the opportunity to read this book, I'd really like to hear what you thought. Has it made a difference in your life? Anything that stood out above the rest?

Labels: reflection, review

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

I have some WONDERFUL news! AlhumduliLlah. The girls orphange in Africa have received their dolls done through the Muslimah Doll Project. I don't know if I am more excited or them...hehe The blessings of Ramadaan, subhan'Allah.


Smiles.. and more smiles!
Thank you to everyone at the Sunrise Academy for the 37 gorgeous dolls they sent with so much love, and to the lovely sister who helped organize everything. May Allah reward you all abundantly for your kindness, and shower you with His kindness. Ameen. You've definitely brought more than just smiles to these children.

And thank you to the sisters at the orphanage who helped with everything at that end, and sent us pictures. Jazakum'Allahu khair.


One of the dolls had a letter from the donor with. As you can see, the recipient is thrilled! Tabarak'Allah. The orphanage is going to laminate the letter and keep it at the orphanage.

Girls being girls.
Please keep these children and the many other orphans out there in you prayers. We have updated the site, if you have time please check it out.. and spread the word!

Labels: help, love, reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Insha'Allah this post will kind of tie up some loose ends from previous posts, before the start of a new year, new goals, new projects, and new ideas.

...but first a reminder! Anyone attending the RIS conference this year? I will be collecting scarfs for the Warm The Streets drive there and donations for the orphanage.

(I designed their logo!) are kind enough to allow me to use some of their space (jazak'Allah), so you can find me at their booth, insha'Allah. Come by and say salaam! (I look forward to meeting you *sisters*)

On October 9, 2006 I asked how you organize your recipes, so I could do the same. I settled with writing them in separate books (ie: soups and salads in one, etc.) because I have so many recipes. Well..I have the books..and have written 5 recipes to date ... haha..(I know..that's sad)

The Unity Mural done in December 2006, is a gem in the Welfare Centre. The founder of the Centre, Major Abbas was so touched by the work gone into it, he would like to send a personal thank you to everyone who contributed. If you were one of the contributors, I need your permission to give the Centre your mailing address. (Let me know if you read this)

We managed to send out 27 dolls for The Muslimah Doll Project, posted in January 2007. Of which 11 of the dolls

reached an orphanage in Ethiopia around November, 2007. The organization (Amana Kids) would like to thank you for your kindness and support. The children were very pleased with them, alhumduliLlah. Sorry I couldn't get pictures *yet*.

The money raised (plus extra donated) from the Cupcake Bake Sale in June safely reached the school in Thailand in September 2007. The Principal, a few students and a few teachers sent letters of appreciation. They will use the money to buy books and cds for the library once it is built. You are welcome to send books as well. They are still in the process of collecting funds for the building, so if you are interested in helping out there, please let me know..I would be very happy to send you their contact information.

In August I posted a Pay It Forward game. I had to make something for three people and in return they will make something for another three people. Well I'm done! The gift to Hafsa was a bag but not handmade.. she was fine with that. The gift to Purvis should be on its way (it's a secret..so I can't tell you what it is). The gift to Nuh, a crocheted kufi and book was received few days ago. Check out their pages if you still want to play. Purvis (is short 1 person to gift), Nuh (is short all 3 people to gift) and Hafsa (is short either 1 or 2 people to gift).

Wayfarer won the pomegranate quiz posted in November, and received a strawberry cheesecake as her prize.

After 100 votes monArt won the tote contest from the Green Swap. Her prize was an online shopping spree. She purchased (and has already received) 6 skeins of yarn and some pretty stitch markers.

For those who knew I was re-doing the kitchen, and are wondering how the picture I had to paint turned out.. here it is. I wanted something simple, but which makes an impact when you enter the room. The actually painting is really huge, and all the walls are lilac, so the black canvas really works out well here, alhumduliLlah.

Am I missing anything??

Plans for 2008..lots! but for now, I'd like to open a new swap end of January..with an added twist, concentrate on the Orphanage in Africa project, complete the Warm the Streets project, maybe get an etsy shop started for donations, and then plan for February!

Jazak'Allah everyone for your comments, feedback, help, participation, and dua's. Some of the swaps and projects seem like a long and slow process (okay..maybe they are).. but we've accomplised a lot, we really have. AlhumduliLlah. May Allah keep our intentions pure, and guide us to do what pleases Him the most. Ameen.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

It was in 1954, when November 20th was officially declared as Universal Children's Day. A day to honour children, a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children, and a day of activities promoting the welfare of the world's children. Also known in Canada as National Children's Day.

In hopes of raising awareness of this important day, I'm asking all bloggers to participate by posting a child related topic on November 20th.

It can be a craft, a story, a children's book review, a recipe, a poem... whatever you wish.

Anyone willing to join in.. please let me know, so I can post your blog name and link here.

Labels: help, love, reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Okay, I don't know if this lovely fruit is in season as-such.. but if you can find it in my grocery store, then it's in season! I thought I'll share some wonderful things about the pomegranate.
It is full of myths, health benefits, nicknames, recipes, medicinal properties, history and lots, lots more.

Anas bin Malik (radiAllahu anhu), narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu' alayhi wa-salaam), said: "There is not a pomegranate which does not have a pip from one of the pomegranates of the Garden (of Jannah) in it."

This beautiful fruit has been mentioned three times in the Qur'an. In Surah Al-Aníaam:99, Surah Al-Aníaam:14, and in Surah Ar-Rahman:68-69.

There are also several hadiths regarding its benefits, for example: Ali bin Abi Talib (radiAllahu anhu), narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu'alayhi wa-salaam), said: "Pomegranate and its rind strengthen digestion (stomach)."

Easy method to clean it: cut it in sections, place in a bowl of water and roll out the little seeds with your fingers. The pith (white part) should float to the top.. scoop out and discard. Strain seeds and use in your favourite recipe, or just enjoy as is.

Anyone who has a favourite recipe that uses pomegranates, please share.

So:
1) What does "pomegranate" mean?
2) One reason the pomegranate was mentioned in the Qur'an?
3) Name two health benefits of the pomegranate.
4) The fruit can been seen in which famous religious painting?
5) What modern weapon derives its name from this fruit?
6) How do you tell when the fruit is ripe??
Humm... maybe I should give the person who answers them right something.. what do you think?

Anyway..that's the pomegranate for you, enjoy.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Did you know over 100,000 marine animals die every year from plastic entanglement! Why this doesn't bother so many people in the world (Muslims especially), I can't understand... because if it did, 500 billion to one trillion plastic bags wouldn't be used each year!! It does a lot more damage than just kill, but most of us are well aware of that. And yet.. we still use them.

“Whoever kills [even] a sparrow without good reason, Allah (God) will question him about it on the Day of Resurrection.” -Ahmed

Anyway today I came across an excellent site which I'd like to share with you. Morsbags.com. It's a step in making a difference, please check it out. It has lots of ways to get involved, including an easy to follow video on how to make fabric bags.. and we have lots of crafty (your favourite word Gulnarita) sisters around, masha'Allah. Maybe you can make a few for yourself, a few extra for people you know.. and even some to give those you don't know.

I've added a 'Pod' under Sketched Soul Bags, everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in. I'll keep a tally there of how many 'we' make, insha'Allah.

"In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We only love what we understand. We only understand what we are taught." -Babia Dioum Senegalese Ecologist

Labels: reflection, sites

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu my dear brothers and sisters,

I am so sorry for not blogging for a while - to anyone who still stops by. Jazak'Allah.


It has been a wonderful blog world journey, I've met many absolutely amazing sisters (masha'Allah) and together we have managed to do so much (alhumduliLlah), but I think I should really spend what ever time I can doing things that will be of benefit (ie: in the next world) insha'Allah.

Blogging takes up a lot of my time, so I'll only be using this to post projects, swaps, and maybe my book reviews.. insha'Allah. (ie: anything we can all take from)

Jazak'Allah for everyones du'as, comments, help, and feedback.. very much appreciated. Forgive me if I have said anything that made you upset, that was definitely not my intention.

Insha'Allah I hope to still visit, and read those blogs I have learned so much from. If you have a blog you think I can benefit from.. please leave your link.

Ma'salaama
Farhana

Labels: love, reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

For those of us who paint, this may be very useful information, insha'Allah. This question is answered by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari (may Allah preserve him).

What is the ruling regarding using paint brushes made of boar bristles? It is very difficult to find any other and what if one has to buy it for someone who is in one's employ as a painter and you don't actually use it yourself?

The reliable opinion in the Hanafi School and that which is considered to be the established narration (dhahir al-riwaya) is that pig hair is filthy (najas); hence it will not be permitted to use, buy or sell anything made out of pig hair.

The great Hanafi jurist (faqih), Imam al-Kasani (Allah have mercy on him) states in his renowned Bada’i al-Sana’i:
“As far as a pig is concerned, it has been narrated from Imam Abu Hanifa (Allah be pleased with him) that it is considered to be essentially filthy (najas al-ayn), due to the fact that Allah Most High described it as being “filthy” hence it will be unlawful (haram) to use its hair and all other body parts, except that there is a dispensation given for shoe-makers due to need. And it is narrated from Imam Abu Yusuf, in another narration, that it is prohibitively disliked for shoe-makers also. It is unlawful to sell pig hair as mentioned in all the narrations (related from the Hanafi Imams)….” (Bada’i al-Sana’i, 1/63)

And, as Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) explained:
“According to Imam Abu Yusuf, which is the established narration in the Hanafi School, the hair of a pig is considered filthy and impure. This is the position chosen by Imam al-Kasani in his al-Bada’i and Imam al-Mawsili in his al-Ikhtiyar. Thus, if one prayed with pig-hair more than the amount of a dirham, one’s prayer would not be valid…” (Radd al-Muhtar ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar, 1/206)

Thus, although some Hanafi Fuqaha did permit the use of pig hair out of need, the reliable and mainstream opinion is that it will remain unlawful. The established narration mentioned by Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) is that pig-hair remains filthy, and this is the position chosen by most other Hanafi Fuqaha.

Based on this, it will normally not be permitted for one to use paint brushes made of boar bristles. Indeed it may be difficult to find paint brushes that do not contain boar bristles, but it is not impossible. Paint brushes that do not contain boar bristles can and may be found. And, as Imam al-Kasani, pointed out in the above text, all the narrations from the Hanafi jurists state that it will not be permitted to sell pig hair.

However, one should remember that the above-mentioned ruling is in the situation where one is relatively positive of the paint brush containing boar bristles. If one is uncertain, it will not be unlawful to use it.

Some contemporary Ulama state that if finding paint brushes that do not contain boar bristles is difficult, one may use a paint brush that contains boar bristles provided two conditions are met. This permissibility is based on the position held by some Hanafi jurists that it will be permitted to use pig hair in cases of extreme need, as mentioned in the above text of Bada’i al-Sana’i.

The two conditions are:
1) One ensures that the bristles do not become detached from the brush and fall into the paint, hence becoming attached with the paint onto the wall.
2) One ensures that the bristles are scientifically dried in such a manner that its wetness and moisture is not transferred into the paint.

If one cannot be certain of the above-mentioned two points, it will remain unlawful to use such a paint brush. (See: Nizam al-Fatawa, 1/40)

And Allah knows best

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Ramadaan Kareem my dear brothers and sisters,

Labels: reflection