Farewell

My journey on the road to searching myself and who I am, is almost about to reach its climax. It all began exactly 2 years ago with the death of my grandma, and now, on the very same date she passed away, I am about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Hajj.

It's a little weird how the initial date of my departure, was to be on the 9/10th of September. But the date, due to visa issues, was moved back to the 19th, the very date, 2 years ago my grandma died. It is as if, Allah has chosen this date, to remind me of where and how my journey began, to remember death as I embark on what could be a life changing experience.

Firstly, ever since the day we buried my grandma, there has not been a day that we have not visited he grave. Snow, rain, sun whatever the weather, we have always visited. It has always felt to me, because of these visits, that she has never truly left us. For the first time in exactly 2 years, I will not be visiting her grave for an entire month! Not going to say it won't feel strange, because during today's visit, I could already feel that I would miss it.
Visiting the graveyard gives me a sense of escape from the world. It reminds you of your ultimate destination and I would urge anyone, even if they do not have a member of the family that has already deceased, to frequently visit graveyards. Life to me, is death. It is death that has made me change my way of lifestyle and living, arguably for the better. I can say today, I am a better individual than I was 2 years ago in all aspects of my character and personality.

"When Ibrahim (peace be upon him) completed the structure of the Ka'bah, Allah commanded him to call the people to Hajj. Ibrahim (peace be upon him) pleaded, "O Allah! How shall my voice reach all of those people?" Allah told him that his duty was only to give the call and it was up to Allah to make it reach the people.
Ibrahim (peace be upon him) then climbed Mount Arafat and called out in his loudest voice, "O People! Verily Allah has prescribed upon you Hajj, so perform Hajj."

Allah revealed in Surah Al-Hajj, (22:22)

"And proclaim the Hajj among mankind. They will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways."

I'm not going to sit here and say I'm really excited, in fact I am petrified! To imagine all these centuries later, I am on the very verge of responding to that call, is quite daunting and to imagine the scale of what I'm doing, makes everything seem so surreal! 

"Here I am O Allah, (in response to Your call), here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."

The words that will echo around the whole of Makkah and to be a part of that, will be magical.
In essence, I have no idea what to expect. To stand in the very places where our Prophet s.a.w once stood, and where the revelation first came down, I am utterly lost for words! There are so many places I want to visit and see and so many things I want to do, I just don't know where to begin!

And of course one of the most important things to me during this journey, is the chance to receive ultimate forgiveness! I wasn't the guy who you all may thin I am today. I have had a very dark past; one I would do anything to rectify. Not only will this journey allow a fresh start, but Allah is providing me with an opportunity for me to start afresh! No one, including myself can hold me back from my past, and all I can focus on is my future! I have met some amazing people in my life; some who I have no contact with anymore an some that I do. As for those who I don't have contact with, they will all be in my duas without a doubt and as for those who I do have contact with, I hope you all remain in my life because one thing I don't deal well with, is losing contact with those whose company I love most. And believe me, I am very cautious about the company I keep.

But all in all, this blog post has been a bit all over the place I know, but from the bottom of my heart, I hope you all make dua that this journey will be a successful and life changing journey for me, one that will help me become a decent person at the very least! You will all be in my duas and if I do have free wifi at the hotel I'm staying at in Makkah & Medinah (I expect to!), you shall all be receiving the low down from Saudi!  

Who knows, this may be the last journey of my life, farewell..

Aspire Swim Challenge

As Muslims, we are told to give charity in abundance. Help the orphans, the needy, the travellers and anyone who requires aid. Often, we help our own (fellow Muslims), that are in distress. But what we are also told to do, is play a part in our community. Our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was always a key figure in his community even before receiving knowledge of his status as 'The Messenger of God'.

When the Quraysh were rebuilding the Ka'baa, a dispute had taken place. Cutting a long story short, the chiefdom's of the different tribes decided to sort the dispute out by listening to the opinion of the next person that came inside the area they were discussing the matter at. It was none other than our Prophet s.a.w that walked in. At this point in time, every sub-tribe felt a sense of happiness that it was him; goes to show how much they valued him as a member of the community to make a fair decision and outlines the community figure he was.

Fast forwarding to our times, we must also learn from his example and aim to play a part in our own communities. Not only will it help you become a part of your community but it helps  with spreading the message of Islam through actions. When you are a respected figure amongst your peers, more value is placed on what you say and do. People begin to look up at you. Imagine if someone was to ask, "What motivates you to give so much?" And you were to respond with, "Islam".
Imagine how much people would want to know about Islam and its teachings simply by playing a part in your community!

Through the example of our beloved Prophet s.a.w, I want to try and emulate how active he was in his community. And one way I want to do this, is through the 'Aspire Channel Swim 2014'.
This swim challenge involves swimming 22miles from September 8th - December 1st, which would be equivalent to the length of the English Channel! It works around 118 lengths a week to the pool I will be swimming at. I'm a fairly good swimmer so I thought why not? I have never done anything of the sort before so support would be greatly appreciated!

"Every eight hours, someone in the UK sustains a spinal cord injury. There is no warning, no preventative medicine, and no time to prepare. A spinal cord injury can happen to anyone at any time. Aspire is a national charity that works with people with spinal cord injuries to create opportunity, independence and choice."

If you would like further information about where your money would go, should you decide to sponsor me, then you can simply type, 'Aspire charity' into Google and everything will come up. 
I really want to lay a part in my community and I need your support! To sponsor me you can follow this link, https://www.justgiving.com/TheFursaansAspireSwim/

or simply text, 'FRSN99' followed by, £1, £2, £5 or £10 to 70070!

E.g. 

FRSN99 £1 to 70070

I aim to raise £1,500 so support would be greatly appreciated! Even £1 can go a very big distance!

Leading by example

As an individual who is always aware of his surroundings, I often listen and observe everything that is going on around me. A common aspect of today's society I have noticed, is kids swearing. All the time like second nature! But the problem lies not with the kids, but at home.

I strongly believe, if you allow your kids to use foul language at home, where primary socialisation takes place, it will eventually spiral out of control. Give it a good couple of years down the line and the parents will be saying, "How I wish my kid was better". It all starts at home.

Being lenient and soft is one thing, but being a bad parent is another. Too many people do not discipline the youth. I have often encountered rude kids who just love answering you back, whilst at work. The cheekiness is beyond comprehension at times! You end up thinking to yourself, is this how they always are?

The other day at work, I was walking past a family with kids of which the eldest was probably around 6. All I heard was the father use the word 'crap'. I mean it's not a rude word, but is it a good word? Should elders not set an example? We often complain about disobedient youths, but what about the elders in society? Respect isn't just given, it is earned. This doesn't just apply to parents, but elder siblings too. Younger siblings always look up to elder siblings and it is a fact. If any of you guys are elder siblings, please look out for the example you set.

Technology also influences highly. Kids of the age of 3 know how to use smart phones better than I do! And I have witnessed, the usage of technology, ruining the mouth of a kid. Watching Youtube videos and learning swears and then when talking to others, of course, showing what has been learnt. It's never too late to change, but what is ingrained in you from a young age, pretty much stays with us for most of our lives so isn't it better to stop it before it starts? If you are aware of your siblings or children using technology, look out for them and check what they are doing and if it is any good. It is not controlling, but rather being protective.

As fouls language affected me for most of my younger, ignorant days, it is a subject that I have strong views about. If you're reading this and thinking, "Yes, I do use a lot of foul language", know, that it is never too late to stop. Foul language only degrades your character in front of others. No benefits whatsoever.

Controlling anger

This blog post is well overdue as it involves an incident that occurred nearly two weeks ago now. It was something that had me instantly thinking about what I had done and the benefits that came out of the situation.

As some of you know, I am a Lifeguard for the City Council on a part-time basis along with my studies. On this particular evening two weeks ago on the Tuesday, I was working. As it is currently the summer holidays, swimming sessions tend to be rather busier than during term time. This particular session, had at least 50+ people! There was absolutely no room to swim for anyone.

A customer moved over towards me to enquire about something. He enquired about placing a lane rope out for swimmers who wanted to swim lengths. As it wasn't a lane swimming session, we are bound by rules enforced on us not to put lanes out. So I simply said to this man, that we couldn't put the lanes out and told him the reasons. He moved away but swiftly returned once more. Asking the same question again but a little more aggressively, suggesting that we were not being fair in what we were doing. Giving a similar response, when he came the third time, demanding lanes once more in a forceful manner, I became a little flustered. Raising my voice, I told him if he didn't want to swim with the kids around, to just leave! As he moved away, I muttered "Twat!"

As soon as those words came out of my mind, I thought to myself, what have you said? What was the need for that? How have you benefited from it? If you guys don't know, my mouth used to be really filthy a couple of years ago. I used to swear a lot and it was really constant. for almost a year now, I have been attempting to change my vocabulary and am 99% free from that swearing mouth I had. Currently still trying to better myself, this moment put me 10 steps backwards in my goals.

You may think I'm making a mountain out of a mole hole but truly, sinning is so easy we just don't think about it. A couple of years ago I would have thought nothing of this. But the smaller you make a sin, the bigger and bigger it will only get. And the point of my narration is to tell you all, we should really grasp a hold on our anger. I mean I don't get angry angry and the last time I actually got angry was around 5years ago! But we all have moments when things slip through our mouths and everyone can relate to this. We might think, one phrase isn't a lot, but add up all your phrases and just see for yourselves how plentiful they become.

A little side note. I have a friend from Twitter who has climbed up Ben Nevis in aid for Gaza on the Sunday that has gone. An additional £70 is required to reach the target levels of funds to raise. Please donate and keep the Ummah in your duas. Our help should never come to a standstill! To donate, follow the link below;
https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/humairaali#

The example of worldly life ..

Throughout the Quran, Allah gives many examples of what the world of this life is to us. I'd like to share one of these ayats with you and encourage you to ponder over it.

Surah Yunus, (10:24)

"The example of [this] worldly life is but like rain which We have sent down from the sky that the plants of the earth absorb - [those] from which men and livestock eat - until, when the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified and its people suppose that they have capability over it, there comes to it Our command by night or by day, and We make it as a harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday. Thus do We explain in detail the signs for a people who give thought."

Take it or leave it

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you've found yourself on the receiving end of advice without ever asking for it? Pretty sure it has happened plenty a time for most of us. Some of us take it well whilst others not so well. The following post is more about how we should react instead of how we give the advice.

We often have our downs and it is a part of life. Others close to us, whilst observing can notice when we feel down and often offer their support. At least once, we have all felt so irritated that we do not wish to speak to anyone let alone receive any support. We're in one of those, 'Leave me alone!' moods. It's okay, we've all been there! Sometimes we need to just stop and think that the person offering support, is only wishing the best for us.

I have noticed a lot, from either the mouths of others or whilst stalking on Twitter (I do this a lot), that many do not respond to such advice so well. Either intentions are doubted by assuming the giver is trying to act superior than the other or it is simply not appreciated.

From my stance, I welcome any advice and feel any sort of advice given can be beneficial in some way or the other. If someone gives us advice, we should not doubt their intentions. We should always assume the best of others. Maybe if we sat and contemplated the advice we are given, we may be able to utilise it in a way we wouldn't have comprehended before. Doubting intentions can often lead to assuming bad characteristics. Having this seed of doubt can ruin any relation and this is Shaitaan messing with the head.

The solution I propose, whether you are in a calm state or not, is to listen it out. Listen to what the person has to say, appreciate it and take it at face value. It is not for us to doubt intentions. Whether we want to take the advice on board is up to us. It's a simple 'take it or leave it' and get on with life, happy and cheerful!

Ramadan Diary - Day 20

This was a long time coming, but here we are. Day 20 of the blessed month of Ramadan, and I am sure every single one of us will say, "It has gone too quick". I urge everyone to make the most of the last 10 days, as you may never live to live amongst this great month ever again. But the point of this post isn't about the last 10 days of Ramadan. In fact, it's about the atrocities taking place in Gaza, and all around the world at this moment in time.

To start off, I make a dua that Allah keeps the people of our Ummah suffering around the world strong and steadfast and allows us to come to their aid in any way, shape or form. To reduce the suffering and pain of every single person and to unite us all in protecting and valuing human life.

'Valuing human life', is exactly what is not happening right now. We have all questioned these 'World leaders', and the stance they are taking and quite frankly they are doing nothing. To be able to watch what is happening around the world and not do anything to help, yet claim 'authority' around the world, is baffling to the average human. Without a doubt, (wrongly in my opinion), they have so to say, 'control' over the world and let's face it, if a matter has no benefit for these world leaders, they will not step in.

Over the past few weeks and previously regarding other atrocities, I have noticed a lot of individuals 'slandering' these leaders for doing nothing. From my perspective, it has been a lot from Twitter and Muslims (as they are the bulk of the people I follow). By slandering, I mean I have seen people say, "They will taste the punishment of Allah", or "Wait until your time comes" (Punishment of Allah of course) and this is something that irritates me and go against my own principles and values.

First of all, I'd like to share my own views and then also share a little story. I do not think as Muslims, regardless of what is happening around the world, we should be condemning people to Hell or saying with certainty that certain people will taste the punishment of Allah. How perfect are we ourselves? Nevermind condemning someone else, look back at your own day. What have you done that makes you so certain of a place in Jannah? You may have done something in the day which Allah will hold you accountable that you are oblivious to. Should we not spend our time asking for forgiveness for ourselves rather than condemning someone else? What benefit is there to yourself condemning someone else?

In addition to this, I have a second point which I hope to put across with a little story.
During the early years of the initial stage of giving da'wah to the Qurasysh, the early Muslims faced great hardship. Cutting a long story short, the Prophet s.a.w told those who could, to migrate to Abyssinia. At this point in time, Umar ibn Al-Khattab r.a was one of Islam's fiercest enemies. The story involves one of four couples who initially migrated; Amir ibn Ar-Rabbia and his wife Laila.
It is narrated that Laila was packing her bags and loading the camel. Umar ibn Al-Khattab passes by and notices they are travelling. So he asks,
"Where are you travelling?", as it is not the season of trade. You can imagine at this point Laila's temper rising. Leaving her home land, to some far away land, with people that are not her own and she snaps at him in anger.
"This is all because of you! And your terrorising of us and your persecution of us, just because we want to worship Allah! Because of your persecution, we have to go somewhere else and find a land where we can worship Allah in."
Instead of getting angry, she noticed for the first time in his eyes, some compassion. And he said to her,
"Has the matter reached that level?" (Meaning he never thought it was that bad). And then he said,
"May Allah be with you", and he walks on his way.
Completely flabbergasted, seeing a side of Umar she has never seen before. So when her husband came back home, in excitement she narrated the story and said,
"Umar showed some compassion!" Her husband snorted in contempt and said,
"Do you really think he will be merciful to us and accept Islam? Wallahi! the donkey's of his fathers house will embrace Islam before he does!"
We all know what happened after this and the position Umar ibn Al-Khattab r.a has in our religion.

From the above story, a moral I can derive is to never condemn anyone. Relating back to today, these 'leaders' some of us tend to condemn, what's to say they will not be the next Umar ibn Al-Khattab? Isn't this story and indication to us all to leave matters regarding the hereafter to Allah and Allah alone? If Allah guides, who can be misguided and if Allah does not guide, who can ever be guided? I think as Muslims we should never condemn anyone but instead, why not make dua and say,
"Oh Allah, help Islam by guided the leaders of the world and to help us in our cause".
You lose out nothing!

I hope you all keep the Muslim Ummah in your prayers in this blessed month and with all the charities coming to the foreground, give as much as you can! Allah will give you black plenty in return and one fundraiser profile I'd like to help put out there is through the following link; https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/freedomforpalestine ..

Until next time, Salaam.