T.I.M.E.

TRAPPED

IN

MY

EXISTENCE

Clear, with white sand contained therein

Wide at top and bottom, middle pulled in

This time capsule, I call it the hourglass of life

And time, it’s not on our side

I keep finding myself in a pool of complacency

But it continues to pass me by

This life and the next will never collide

And I’m drowning from the pull of temptation

Sin surrounds me, and I keep falling

Losing concentration

Lost my equilibrium during contemplation

And the youth think faith is less important than recreation

And I’m just so impatient

Trying to remain focused, stationed

Tall, firm, convinced, consistent and in preperation

Because this is a mere journey it’s going to end soon

Time is not waiting for me to get my deeds straight

Not going to slow down for me to repent and clean my slate

And sometimes I think, if Kiraaman and Katibeen pause in writing

Maybe I can swiftly flip over my plate

Start anew

Maybe move to a different state

But I know that even after that I’de still slip up again

Because, what do you expect? I’m only human

There’s no eracing the marking of Al- Qalam

Or ink of the divine pen

In the Lawhe Mahfooz it was already written

So I figure, maybe I should just give up

Forget it, my glass is half empty

I mean for every bad habit, just give me a dollar and penny

I bet you I’de be rich before the day’s ending

But it’s ok, because Al-Ghaffar promises to forgive me

And truthfully, I’m never gonna give up

Just begin to supplicate intensely

One day I’ll be released

And no longer be

TRAPPED IN MY EXISTENCE

© 2009 Firm Entertainment

Finally Freedom or More Guidelines to Follow?

By Asma Bibi Abdul Haqq

Published by: The Islamic Post, May vol.1 2007

Finally freedom or more guidelines to follow? In the Islamic faith, ladies are required to fully cover their bodies and must remain modest in character and conduct, hence the common thought that Muslim woman can’t swim. There are also contradictory opinions as to whether or not ladies can swim in public pools and at the beach. Is there literature that supports or opposes this thought?

Well, there is an answer for everything in Islam, but you must be committed enough to find these answers and then follow the guidelines that have been set. There is nothing in Holy Qur’an that speaks directly to the issue of swimming. However, there are guidelines for how we pattern our lives and with these guidelines we find an answer for the questions posed about this topic. In Holy Qu’ran, it says “[33:59] O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers that they let down upon them their over-garments; this will be more proper; that they may be known, and thus they will not be given trouble; and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” Currently, there are several modest swimsuits that have been designed with a loose fit, and that fully cover the body and shape; catering to the needs of our Muslim communities. This gives Muslim ladies the opportunity to participate in different water sports and activities, finally!!!

Does this mean “finally freedom, or more guidelines to follow??” I ask this question because some think that since American culture does not discourage intermingling, it therefore is acceptable for Muslim ladies and men to go to public pools, beaches, etc. and swim. However, this is not the case. There are hadiths that speak about the Adab of non-Mahram relations (Mahram is a man whom a woman can never marry because her close relation with him e.g. father, brother, uncle, son, etc. Her husband is also her mahram).

“Nothing in the Quran says women and men can’t swim or scuba dive together,” said Sabet, whose parents are from Egypt, “It’s just a question of finding a solution.” Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim narrate in their Sahih from Uqba ibn Amir (Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (SAS) said: “Do not go near [non-Mahram] women.”

A person inquired: “What about in-laws?” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) responded, “The inlaws are death.” This explains very clearly that men and women do not mingle unless they are Mahram.

Consequently, how is it that we see our ladies and men at these public places in situations that are not Islamically acceptable? The solution is found in having separate gatherings and activities for ladies and men, when there are concerns of the Adab being broken.

Islam encourages physical fitness and activities but also requires ladies, and men alike, to remain modest and cover themselves according to Shari’ah. So to answer this question “finally freedom, or more guidelines to follow?” Yes, there are guidelines to follow; however, knowing you can swim in a comfortable and modest swimsuit is something to look forward to; as long as you do it so it fits into religious precepts.

 

I’m Going To Learn

I’ve been hurt time and time again,  but from it I’m going to learn

 

 Experiences have taught me that regretting is not an option

 

And on this road I fell so many times, but that’s not my concern

 

Tears dripping down my face, heartache shooting through my chest

 

Nothing short of decree, I’ve accepted that all of it I have earned

 

Not God’s way of punishing me but a sign to fall on my knees

 

I’m choosing to forgive and forget because from it I’m going to learn

 

I’ll take steps back to happiness on day at a time

 

But reaching a peaceful state will take a while, it’s just not my turn

 

Patience is a virtue that I’ve learned to embrace wholeheartedly

 

So attentively I will walk this path, I’ll remember the lessons I discern

 

The promise I make to myself is to never look back, only to the future

 

So once I reach the other side, it was worth it

 

Because from it I’m going to learn

Composed by ‘Asma Bibi on Tuesday, April 08, 2008

“Me” In Islam Part 1

My gown is a symbol of beauty and the essence of self respect

My walk dignifies poise,  direction and the mystery none can detect

 

I carry myself with modesty and tranquility unlike any other woman on this earth

I speak as a lady should, in a small voice with eloquence enveloping each verse

 

My limbs submit to Allah’s will in every movement with every silent motion

My heart is purified by The Holy Qur’an, Dhikr and my prayer’s devotion

 

I represent the meaning of moral boundaries, as doubt dictates my red light

I am motivated by religion, with knowledge in my left hand and the truth in my right

 

My role is servant, daughter, sister, aunt,  wife, mother, teacher and friend

My dedication makes encompassing the former a success..and when I begin to weaken I know on Him I can depend

 

I personify piety, with my gaze lowered and the beauty of me a secret

I will be known only by one man, and remain a chaste lady until I reach HIS lofty throne. As for the secret, THAT ONE MAN WILL KEEP IT! 

 

My purpose is to attain lawful companionship, education and the best of manners

My goal is to return pure and meek, leaving behind my Islamic legacy and banner.

Composed by ‘Asma Bibi Wednesday, November 08, 2006

My Introduction

 

As Salaamu Alaikum and Hello!!!

 My name is ‘Asma Bibi ‘Abdul Haqq. I’m a 25 year old Muslim lady and an aspiring writer/public speaker. I am currently living in Houston, Texas and the co-owner of a small clothing and jewelry business named Ma’ti Designs.  I have written for a few small magazines and newspapers, and despite the fact that I’m starting out in my mid-twenties I have decided that I will not be discouraged by anything any longer. My goal is to change the world, teach those drowning in ignorance of Islam, and inspire our youth to hold fast to the rope of Allah…through speech.

     I’ve been writing on and off since I was 9. Poetry, articles, songs, essays, you name it, I’ve tried it. I have a deep passion for writing and inspiring people through my words whatever the format be, and have now decided to seriously take it to another level.  Although, only having very little professional teaching in this area, again, I will not allow that to stop me from taking steps towards being a successful writer.

     I have opinions and ideas on many different topics.  I am interested in learning as much as possible before I go back to Allah, and this is my attempt at having someone notice my talent and my effort to share my thoughts with the world.  I’m  new to blogging and it may take a little while for me to adjust and get into the swing of things; please bare with me.

     If there are questions or comments please post them.  I’m ready for this new beginning to take off! Just a little background information for all that are interested in subscribing to my blog. Thanks to all who have and will read this intro and hopefully become enchanted with my style of writing. Take care, pray for my success and in turn I will do the same for you.  Have a great day!!!

‘Asma Bibi