Lessons from the story of Adam(as)

We are coming up to the end of the year, it is time to reflect on our lives and how we lived it. In a previous post, I talked about the story of Adam in the Quran. That was just a summary of the full story. Sheikh Hamza Yusuf goes into much more detail in his lecture of Lessons from the story of Adam that he accumulated from the Quran and the Hadith.

It is interesting that Man can totally relate to the type of arguments that Iblis(Satan) was making in order to avoid taking responsibility for his actions. Poor Adam, you can tell that he was a very honest and trusting man, but this was all part of Allah's grand plan. This was an interesting Lecture that was well delivered, it makes you really think of one's character and you can even envision how it went down at the time.
May Allah reward the Mufti with Goodness.

Thank God We Survived

So we survived the end of the world, boy am I glad. In actuality the end of the world is very very very scary. We humans have an amazing ability of forgetting and ignoring certain calamities that are yet to come, what is that they say? "The living must keep on living". For example, We all know we are going to die, but we accept it as a cycle of life and continue living, however, we all hope that Allah shows mercy on our ending and we get to go peacefully. The video below is a lecture by Sheikh Abdul-Hamid Kishk and he talks about how the world will end.

Phew! thank God that didn't happen. Very scary!

Reviving the Islamic Spirit (RIS)

Every year an Islamic conference known as Reviving the Islamic Spirit(RIS) is held during the winter season in Toronto, Canada. The conference usually consists of a series of lectures over three days, with distinguished speakers giving lectures based on the selected theme of the conference.

This year the conference started on Friday December 21st - Sunday December 23rd 2012. Below is a promotion video of the event.

Muslims from all over the world attend. It seems very Exciting, Fun and Educational. If next year you would like to attend, then go to the RIS website here, and purchase your tickets in advance, because apparently they run out. Its nice they get to do stuff like this that can get the youth involved as well, the name is very befitting. This is a brilliant idea and hopefully folks do come out of there with their spirits revived.

Source: revivingtheislamicspirit.com

Msomi wa Leo - Sheikh Hamza Yusuf (1958 - Sasa)

Sheikh Hamza Yusuf ni Mzaliwa wa Jimbo la Washington, Marekani. Alisoma dini kwa muda wa miaka Kumi, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Afrika Kaskazini na Afrika Magharibi. Alisomea chini ya wasomi wakuu wa hizo nchi. Ana Shahada ya Nursing kutoka Chuo cha Imperial Valley na Shahada ya Masomo ya Dini kutoka chuo kikuu cha San Jose. Sheikh ni moja wa waanzilishi wa chuo cha Dini cha Zaytuna kilichopo mji wa Berkeley Jimbo la California. Ni mshauri wa chuo kikuu cha Stanford kwenye idara ya masomo ya kiislamu, na pia chuo cha Berkeley's Graduate Theological Union.

Sheikh ameandika vitabu vingi vya dini, na pia ametoa ushauri kwa wakuu wengi wa nchi. Anaishi jimbo la California na mke wake na watoto wao watano wa kiume. Msikilize mwenyewe Sheikh anavyo kuelezea umuhimu wa kuondosha umaskini na kuinua jamii.

Mwenyezi Mungu amzidishie Kheri ya Dunia na Akhera.

Iraq and Tanzania declared 'EITI Compliant'

Interesting reads, Tanzania is now EITI Compliant. What this means is that the companies will be reporting what they paid to the government in taxes and fees. The government on the other hand, will report what it has received from these companies. The figures will then be compared and reconciled, full article below I nabbed from the EITI site.

The EITI Board today (12 December) declared Iraq and Tanzania 'Compliant' with the EITI Standard. There are now 18 countries that are 'EITI Compliant'. EITI compliance means that the country has an effective process for annual disclosure and reconciliation of all revenues from its extractive sector. This allows citizens to see how much their country receives from oil, gas and mining companies.

With approximately 10% of the world’s proven oil reserves and 2% of the natural gas reserves, Iraq becomes the largest EITI compliant country by oil and gas reserves in the world.   It now produces around 3 million barrels every day with production expected to expand rapidly.  The industry in Iraq is completely state-owned with the state-owned companies selling crude to accredited international companies.  There are also eleven international Technical Service Contracts (TSCs). The semi-autonomous Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) has a number of production sharing agreements.  The 2009 Iraq EITI report showed that the government had received $41billion in revenue for oil and gas exports.  The 2010 Iraq report is due out by the end of the year.

EITI Chair Clare Short commended Iraq for its achievement saying "The Iraqi people have not had the benefits that should have flowed to them from their rich oil resources.  Compliance with the EITI is a step towards helping to ensure ensuring that the resources will be better managed in the future.  I congratulate Iraq on this excellent achievement." The decision of the Board on the EITI status of Iraq is given below in full.

Gold accounts for 90% of the value of Tanzania’s mineral exports. In the past few years, there has been a big increase in exploration for gas and petroleum along the coast with estimates suggesting that the gas sector could soon transform the economy. 

Clare Short said "This is an ideal time for Tanzania to achieve EITI compliance.  It means that Tanzanians have committed to be transparent and have an open dialogue about how the country manages its potentially significant new resources. I congratulate Tanzania on this excellent achievement." The decision of the Board on the EITI status of Tanzania is given below in full.

Text of Board decision: Iraq

The EITI Board designates Iraq as EITI Compliant as of 12 December 2012. In recognition of the issues emerging from the 2009 EITI report and validation process, the Board will write to the Iraq MSG to congratulate the government of Iraq and the Iraq EITI Council for their sustained commitment and leadership of the EITI process, and to remind them that:

1.       In accordance with the EITI Rules, Iraq is required to include all material revenue payments in their EITI reporting (requirement 9). To this end, the Board requires the inclusion of oil and gas production in the Kurdistan Region and sales revenue to the Kurdish Regional Government to be addressed in the 2010 EITI report.

2.       The Board noted the importance of setting a reasonable materiality threshold to ensure that the EITI reports are comprehensive. To this end, the Board called on the MSG to work toward reducing the materiality threshold for the 2011 and subsequent reports.

3.       The EITI Rules also require that civil society is fully, independently, actively and effectively engaged in the EITI progress (Requirement 6). Significant concerns have been expressed in the validation report and from some stakeholders about the engagement of civil society. With this in mind and mindful of the challenges in Iraq, the Board will take a close interest in the proposed process for selection of the new IEITI MSG and onward engagement of civil society. 

Furthermore, the International Secretariat will conduct a thorough analysis of the forthcoming2010 EITI Report, with a particular focus on the above issues and report to the Board through the Implementation Progress Report.

In accordance with the EITI Rules:

•        Iraq must be revalidated within 5 years (i.e. 12 December 2017). The MSG is advised that the Board is currently reviewing the validation procedures, including proposals relating to timing for revalidation of compliant countries. Accordingly this deadline may be modified;

•        Stakeholders in the process may call for a new validation at any time within that period if they think the process needs reviewing;

•        Where valid concerns exist that a country has become EITI Compliant, but its implementation of the EITI has subsequently fallen below the standard required for Compliance, then the Board reserves the right to require the country to undergo a new validation or face

delisting from the EITI;

•        In accordance with the 2011 edition of the EITI Rules, Iraq is required to produce EITI reports annually. EITI Reports should cover data no older than the second to last complete accounting period (i.e., Compliant countries must publish an EITI report by 31 December 2012 to

meet the requirement for timely reporting); and

• In accordance with requirement 21(c), Iraq is required to publish a public report annually on the previous year’s activities, detailing progress in implementing the EITI and any recommendations from the validator.

Text of Board decision: Tanzania

The EITI Board designates Tanzania as EITI Compliant as of 12 December 2012. In accordance with the EITI Rules:

•        Tanzania must be revalidated within 5 years (i.e., by 12 December 2017). The MSG is advised that the Board is currently reviewing the validation procedures, including proposals relating to timing for revalidation of compliant countries. Accordingly this deadline may be modified;

•        Stakeholders in the process may call for a new validation at any time within that period if they think the process needs reviewing;

•        Where valid concerns exist that a country has become EITI Compliant, but its implementation of the EITI has subsequently fallen below the standard required for Compliance, then the Board reserves the right to require the country to undergo a new validation or face delisting from the EITI;

•        In accordance with the 2011 edition of the EITI Rules, Tanzania is required to produce EITI reports annually. EITI Reports should cover data no older than the second to last complete accounting period (e.g. an EITI Report published in calendar/financial year 2013 should be based on data no later than calendar/financial year 2011); and

•        In accordance with requirement 21(c), Tanzania is required to publish a public report annually on the previous year’s activities, detailing progress in implementing the EITI and any recommendations from the validator.

The Board congratulates the government of Tanzania for its sustained commitment and leadership of the EITI process. The Board also congratulates the Tanzania MSG for its efforts and effective leadership in EITI implementation. The Board calls on the government and multi-stakeholder working group to ensure that the Board’s recommendations are implemented in full, and tasks the EITI International Secretariat with providing regular progress reports to the EITI Board.

Source: EITI.ORG

Is Today the End of the World?

Well is it? In case you haven't heard, today on December 21st, 2012 (21/12/2012), according to some, is supposed to be Doomsday (Mwisho wa Dunia). The reason being, the Mayan Calendar ends in December 21st 2012.  Well I don't know about you, but In Shaa Allah, I have made plans for after the 21st. So let's meet up here after tomorrow and discuss how you survived the end of the world. Yes?

In the spirit of adding on to people's fear, below is a lecture by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, where he talks about the signs of the end of the world. Enjoy!

Ijumaa Karimu and I leave you with this Quote from the Quran.

"They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the Hour: when is its arrival? Say, "Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him. It lays heavily upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come upon you except unexpectedly." They ask you as if you are familiar with it. Say, "Its knowledge is only with Allah , but most of the people do not know." (Quran Chapter 7 vs 187).

The Spider - Surah Al Ankabut

Ijumaa Njema wadau!

Are you going to the Masjid?

Well are you? A little Message from Yusuf Islam's production.

Upsy Daisy Now Don't be Lazzyyyy! Its Cute but to the point.

The Truth Behind : The Bermuda Triangle

National Geographic documentary of the Bermuda Triangle. Interesting how we are so obsessed with Space when we have our own un-discovered areas right here on earth, I guess you can call it multi-tasking. Enjoy!

The Story of Jesus in the Quran

The Story of Jesus is one of the longest stories in the quran, where he is covered in more than one chapter. His story starts from his grandparents the family of Imran to his mother Mary to him, you also get a little peak of John the Baptist's origin. Below is the compilation of the story from Suratul Al-Imran(The Family of Imran) Chapter 3 in the Quran  translated by Yusuf Ali. Please read, comprehend and process these heavy words. 

The Birth of Mary

33. Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imran above all people,-
34. Offspring, one of the other: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.
35. Behold! a woman of 'Imran said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: So accept this of me: For Thou hearest and knowest all things."
36. When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!"- and Allah knew best what she brought forth- "And no wise is the male Like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from the Evil One, the Rejected."
37. Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty: To the care of Zakariya was she assigned. Every time that he entered (Her) chamber to see her, He found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?" She said: "From Allah. for Allah Provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure."
38. There did Zakariya pray to his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant unto me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer!
39. While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him: "(Allah) doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya, witnessing the truth of a Word from Allah, and (be besides) noble, chaste, and a prophet,- of the (goodly) company of the righteous."
40.  He said: "O my lord! How shall I have a son seeing I am very old and my wife is barren?" "Thus" was the answer "doth Allah accomplish whatt He willeth."
41. He said: "O my Lord! Give me a Sign!" "Thy Sign," was the answer, "Shall be that thou shalt speak to no man for three days but with signals. Then celebrate the praises of thy Lord again and again, and glorify Him in the evening and in the morning."
42. Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee- chosen thee above the women of all nations.
43. "O Mary! worship Thy Lord devoutly: Prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down."
44. This is part of the tidings of the things unseen, which We reveal unto thee (O Messenger.) by inspiration: Thou wast not with them when they cast lots with arrows, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary: Nor wast thou with them when they disputed (the point).

The Birth of Jesus

45. Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.
46. "He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous."
47. She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allah createth what He willeth: When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!
48. "And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel,
49. "And (appoint him) an apostle to the Children of Israel, (with this message): "'I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah.s leave: And I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah.s leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;
50. "'(I have come to you), to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was (Before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me.
51. "'It is Allah Who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a Way that is straight.'"
52. When Jesus found Unbelief on their part He said: "Who will be My helpers to (the work of) Allah." Said the disciples: "We are Allah.s helpers: We believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.
53. "Our Lord! we believe in what Thou hast revealed, and we follow the Messenger. then write us down among those who bear witness."
54. And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah.
55. Behold! Allah said: "O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.
56. "As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help."
57. "As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them (in full) their reward; but Allah loveth not those who do wrong."
58. "This is what we rehearse unto thee of the Signs and the Message of Wisdom."
59. The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be". And he was.
60. The Truth (comes) from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt.

FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION IN THE UK

Okay people you know what they say, "Education is the Key to Success". So in the Spirit ya Kuinua Jamii, I have good news for you folks. London Metropolitan University is offering scholarships to its International Students. Yup! Shule Bureeee kwenye Chuo Kikuu Cha London Metropolitan.

The Scholarship is sponsored jointly by the International Students House and London Met Scholarship.You have to be from one of the ISH countries, in Africa only 6 countries are approved and Tanzania is one of them. SO YAY! WE IN.

Here are the rules:
1. You have to be from the List of the ISH approved countries.
Tanzania tumo  kwenye list. Click here for the full list.

2. You have to have an acceptance letter for one of their degree programs (Undergraduate OR Graduate).
 Apply haraka sana kwenye major yao moja.

3.Deadline is 31st of May for courses starting in September.
Fasta fasta tuambizane ku apply, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting it. Ukipata hii scholarship, wanakulipia school fees ya muda wa program yako (miaka 4), na makao mwaka wako wa kwanza. Baada ya hapo, utajibeba na malazi lakini angalau shule utalipiwa school fees.

Kwa habari zaidi ingia hapa ku apply.....

Good luck everyone!

The correct way to write "In Shaa Allah" (If Allah Wills)

Someone sent this to me, thought I should share it. Dr.Zakir Naik's tip on properly writing If Allah Wills.

Habari ndio hiyo.

Is Your Purse Made of Pig Skin?

I went to my dentist recently, and his assistant was admiring my purse and very innocently asked me if my purse was made of pig leather. You should have seen my face, because I really did not know. She continued saying how pig leather is very durable and stuff. All I heard was Blah Blah OMG and more Blah. My purse is a Nine West and I luv luv luv it, I carry it everywhere including the mosque.So I asked her wouldn't they label something like that, and she very nicely educated me that they are not required to label for leather but are supposed to for other animals. Shocking I know, based on the fact that there are, I don't know just OVER A BILLION MUSLIMS!!!!!

I turned to Google and looked every where to see if Nine West used pig skin for their leather products, I couldn't find anything. What I did find was there are labeling laws for wool and fur, but I couldn't find anything for Leather, Subhanallah! I started thinking, leather shoes, leather seats, leather EVERYTHING. What about those mum's, with crawling babies who put everything in their mouths? GGGRRRR! gave me the jitters. So not getting my answer, I started looking at it from a different angle. How is this leather made?

Well here is the deal, leather is made using a Tanning manufacturing process and this is how it goes.
The animal skin is re-hydrated from a frozen or what ever state it was before, by using different chemicals. Then the remaining flesh is removed from the skin, and its de-greased to remove as much grease as possible.It then gets soaked into more chemicals, gets Tanning solution added with oil to soften it up, then its dried. So the question remains, is it still Nagis/Non-Halal/Forbidden? Hopefully you guys can help me answer this question, I think its a good question for the Scholars to discuss, maybe you can ask your imam next time you see him?

So next time you find a leather couch that's cheap, you probably need to find out of its source.At the moment I am a little scared of my purse and still trying to find out what animal its made of.

Update:
I just wanted to give you guys an update on this matter. I sent two inquiries to Nine West through their website here , but no one responded back to me. However, further google search showed that Pig leather can be purchased for cheap online to make leather items. I did find out that real Italian leather is always made from Cow, and when in doubt if its too cheap and has no information, I would say its made from a little piggie. Happy Shopping people, just remember to shop wisely.