Source: http://ummahfilms.blogspot.com/

Via: Faith of Life Network

Peace!

I enter the Masjid, an individual amongst many, and head to join the lines as they begin to form. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar (G-d is Great, G-d is Great), the call for prayer begins and my voice becomes one with the murmurs, repeating the words of this call to prayer. My heart beats in anticipation as I realize this is the first time I’ve heard this call, live, in ages. Soon the prayer begins, and as I hear the Imam begin the recitation of Al-Fatiha (The Opening) I feel my heartbeat increase. Tears begin to well up in my eyes, but they do not fall. All of a sudden I feel as though everything has fallen into place, a missing piece of the puzzle has been found, once more I am complete. As a join my brothers and sisters in the prayer, I see the unifying factor that I’ve missed. I am home. I realize that this sense of belonging, this feeling of community is what’s been missing and interesting enough, it was the lecture that I posted up in the last post that reminded me of this. How long has it been, since I last gave the salaam, since I replied, “Wa Alaikum Assalaam?” Truly phone calls and podcasts are not enough. But ,I shall not complain because iA, it is my being on my own that has led me to research what I believe is right and what I know is wrong. iA, my faith continues to grow and iA I am blessed with knowledge and wisdom that will benefit me and those around me. I hope that I give back to my community, that I can be somebody people can depend upon, and that I will be able to give the right advice and answers to those who seek assistance from me.

 As I listen to yet another podcast, I recall the one I heard yesterday. It was a khutbah podcast from the Islamic Center of NYU’s website: http://www.icnyu.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=5 (more specifically Idle Chatter.) It spoke about backbiting and gossiping and how often times we backbite without even realizing it. It also spoke about the detrimental affects that backbiting has on your faith. One interesting point that was mentioned is that backbiting is not the same as slander. When you’re slandering, it means the information you are spreading is false but when you backbite, (sadly) the information is true. So the key story that I want to mention is as follows:

 Amongst the companions of the Prophet (SAW) there was a man who when he use to hear people backbiting about him, use to send them gifts of sweets, saying, “I will relish your good deeds on the Day of Judgment.” When people use to try to get him involved in such acts he use to ask them what makes them so good that he should give them his good deeds. This simple story really made me smile. His wisdom really fascinated me. If we viewed gossiping and backbiting in the terms that we should, then we really wouldn’t have this problem and it would be easier to gain blessings. We are not so good that we can simply afford to give away our good deeds like that, or at least, I know that I am not. May Allah keep our tongue free from saying that which will harm us and may He give us the strength to keep away from acts that discredit others. May He keep us from ruining the characters of others and May He iA guide us and keep us on the way that will grant us eternal peace.

Enjoy Baba Ali and iA learn something, Ask Baba Ali, Little Backbiter:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaiYwf1cHD4

 Take Care and Wassalam,

your sis in faith and humanity,

poeT91 aka sanechange

NOTE: The following is an article written by Jawaad Ahmad Khan originally published on gomestic.com. See original here.

Ideas come easy. However, success doesn’t.

You had the greatest idea that one time.
Yup. You just knew that it would change the world.
And with all the dumb inventions and products out there that your idea crushes, why aren’t you a millionaire?

Why is it that the iSock is thriving while you’re chilllin’ here with a disease-healing, humanity-saving, and generally awesome idea?
Why is there a well-produced YouTube video of a guy ranting about his toothpaste being featured on the front page when you’re sitting here with a killer video idea?

The answer is in the question.

You’re just chillin’ and sitting here while the creators of those things are out there doing and producing their ideas.

It's a sock to hold your iPod, Genius!

The key to success is not great ideas. As Baba Ali (mentioned below) said when speaking on his story, “Ideas come a dime a dozen.” However, it’s what you actually do that separates you from the rest. (Disclaimer: A good idea is also necessary. Further down there is a process that takes you through filtering out your good and bad ideas).

Take Baba Ali for example. This was a guy that saw issues in the Muslim community that he just wanted to discuss. He wanted to advise people on how to act a little better, but in a humorous way. What’d he do? He got his low-grade video camcorder, sat in front of a wall, and spoke. And what happened after a few videos? He became one of the most popular channels on YouTube, and throughout the internet. Now, he performs stand-up at so many events and even gives lectures. It all began with just an idea.

Here are some reasons why we don’t act on our ideas and how to overcome them:

I forgot!

“I was told the meaning of life once, but I forgot to write it down.” There’s the solution to forgetfulness right there. Write it down! When you write something down it statistically gives you a better chance of remembering it rather than trying to remember it in your mind. Do what you have to do to preserve it. Use a pencil and a napkin, text it to yourself, or even carve it into your arm (not recommended).

I don’t even know where to start!

When doing anything, it’s always hard to find a place to begin. Its always best to start with goals and objectives. In order to validate and make sure that you’re positive this idea will work, take it through this process. The solution:

1. Define your goals.
It’s easy to just start a project. But, if you don’t know what you’re aiming for, you’ll most definitely miss. So, your goals are what you want accomplished. This should be doable (not outrageous and impossible), specific, and measurable (if possible).
2. Define your objectives.
Objectives are not the same as goals. Objectives are the specific things you’ll do to achieve your goals. My goal would be to go to New York, but my objectives would include buying a plane ticket, arranging plans of where I’m going to stay, etc. So for your idea to work, start by planning what you’ll do.

So, you remember your idea, you know what you want to achieve with it, and how you’ll achieve that. Though, you begin thinking…

It’s not good enough!

When we think of something that we do, we always look to compare it with something else. Unfortunately, we compare it to the wrong things. For example, say I want to write an article on an issue that affects me. I look at New York Times’ style and other, professional publishing sites and think, “Man, I could never write like that.” The solution: You don’t have to write like that. You aren’t a professional and you shouldn’t strive to be one with your first idea. Just try your best at it. Never let a thought that “maybe it’s not as good as them” stop you from trying. Be confident in what you can do and hope for the best.

Hopefully, you can see that those who act on their ideas are the ones that truly thrive.

Leave a comment and share your million-dollar idea that never went through (or the one that did).

To see more about turning your ideas into reality, check out this article I wrote on the “six thinking hats” of ideas.

YouTube – Questions about Islam (On the streets with Baba Ali).

Peace be with you all and welcome back. So my last post was pretty rushed but I’m still wishing everyone a Blessed Ramadan!!!

Don’t forget the first 10 days are the days of mercy, the second 10 are the days of forgiveness, and the last 10 days are the days of liberation from the Hellfire. Search for the night that is the best of all nights and iA keep the changes you make during this month for it is better for you.

So here’s a couple of links that I thought will be rewarding to you…well the 1st two are rewarding the others are for fun

Bilal Assad’s lecture: Fasting from one’s desires: It truly is amazing and you learn a lot from it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLlHFMAlKwo

and the Q&A: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmW-6_jYbBQ&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=51FF951381F0266F

Ramadan reruns by Baba Ali (ummah films) It’s short and a must watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixN0qhN39k0

The following are some Ramadan nasheeds/songs. Hope you enjoy and don’t forget to support the artsits!

Zain Bhikha: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOYhI4DLkDc

Dawud Wharnsby Ali: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQP_JQiQmDM

MYNA Raps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgL5vCs2kvw

Native Deen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bxqPxhb8Pk

Hope you all enjoyed and until next time,

your sis in faith and humanity.

poeT91 aka sanechange

Maybe u’ve heard of him before…. maybe u havent. Either way Baba Ali is someone worth knowing about. This guy is doing great work for Islam.He’s spreading the correct info in a comic way….which makes for very attractive viewing.Baba Ali has his own set of videos which can be viewed on Youtube or Ummahfilms. Along with being the co-founder of Ummahfilms, he has also released a video series for children entitled  hurrayforbabaali.He has also designed two boardgames titled Makkah to Madinah and Kalimaat. Here I have posted one of my favourite BabaAli videos.Enjoy:)

Why not give your children and relatives a board game that is both fun and teaches you about Islam and other cultures? Baba Ali Games introduces a new game called Kalimaat! The game is this:

This new party favorite puts two teams up against one another. Its a two-fold battle of both common knowledge and memory. Are you able to guess which “famous Persian food is cooked on skewers” and keep that as well as the answers to nine other clues in your head until it’s time to recall them?

Guessing and keeping mental track of answers is a challenge. If you are a master of memorization, you’re fortunate. If you’re the type who needs the waiter to repeat the list of salad dressings to you just one more time-sharpen your memory skills by taking part in this fast-paced and challenging game!

So basically, this game helps one to develop much faster ways of memorization and it allows families to come together. If you would like to order your Kalimaat game now so that you can enjoy as soon as possible, please buy here!

Here’s how to play the game:

We all know that it can be hard to be a muslim convert at times. Remember, just because you were muslim longer does not mean that you know more than a person that has just joined Islam. As well as remembering that converts won’t know every single thing about Islam once they convert, you have to give them time and be patient.  For example: I went to a Pre-Ramadan dinner the other day, and then a man walked up on the stage that has recently converted in the past 2 years, and had already memorized the Holy Quran. The man sitting next to him was muslim for over 40 years and had only memorized the 30th part of the Holy Quran. So my fellow brothers and sisters lets take this into consideration that we shouldn’t ever think that we are better  than another brother or sister in islam or even our non muslim friends because this is called pride, and pride is a very bad and dangerous thing to have and it is Haram, Inshallah I will continue about this topic on another post. (Because Im Getting Off Topic) But any way my brothers and sisters watch the video made by ummahfilms.

Link To The Evils Of Pride: http://www.inter-islam.org/Prohibitions/PrideArrogance.html

Jazaka Allahu Khair (Thank You),

Wasim Hayatt (Admin)

Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

Please spread the message to your friends,family etc whoever you want lol that if you post a comment by July 25th, you may win a free Baba Ali Kalimaat game!!!!!

http://halalbuzz.com/buzz/archives/35

mashallah Baba Ali’s so wicked man init lol, the reminders, ask baba ali and now a new game kalimaat wow!
Jazakallah Khair everyone.

Kalimaat, the new board game from Baba Ali, is finally on the shelves! You can order it online OR you can take a chance to win a free game from Halfdate.

Yes, you’ve read correctly, Halfdate is giving away Kalimaat FREE or at a discounted price AND the best part is that all proceeds go to support Halfdate projects.  While you’re playing the game you will know that 1. You are supporting a great organization, and of course Baba Ali 2. You are spending precious time with family and friends. Click here to win.

MV: Yes, Yes I know I already made a post about the Icna replay, but this video really seemed to entertain me, (^Entertainment Session) and no I did not choose to post this just because I could not think of anything else to post. So as a break of serious posts I am choosing to post this instead. Its preformed by Baba Ali who is an Islamic Comedian, who encourages people to realize that Muslims can actually make jokes and smile and to me its a positive encouragement, so please no one get offended as Baba Ali only performs for enthusiasm

Thanks to my Friend at Muslim In America who actually did a stage performance with Baba Ali this year (You can see him in about 9:28 into the video, nice job to him!)

Sorry no Youtube.

http://www.musliminamerica.org/ym-skit-at-icna-2009

www.ummahfilms.com

www.ummahfilms.com

I’m sure you’ve heard about how Muslims have a hard time with security when they go on flights. Personally I HAD never experienced any discrimination of any type. Maybe it’s because the flights I’ve gone on have been international with Muslim airlines I think Baba Ali does a good job at explaining what happens. In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’re pretty much pulled out of line “randomly” and checked by an officer; a pat down.

Recently, me and my family did take a domestic flight and I got a first hand experience of the “random checking.” I was wearing a beautiful black abiya with a pink design on it, and a pink hijab. I thought I looked friendly. I walked through the metal detectors, no sounds, no beeps. The security guard asked to see my boarding pass, then asked me to step into this clear box, essentially four glass walls. There was a chair in there, so I sat. I asked the officer if I had gone off in the detector and he said no. Actually I loved his response. He made is sound like I won a contest “No, you’ve just been chosen for random checking!” like with the announcer type voice. It was weird, kinda embarrassing. I mean people are walking by and just looking at you, like as if you’ve done something wrong. You were standing there with no shoes and being patted down, the lady even had to pat my hijab! I had heard Imam Siraj’s lecture about this and never fully understood the experience. Also, my brother was “randomly” chosen; how random.

I understand the situation and the circumstances; I mean I don’t see why they would pull a little old lady out of line. But still, it’s not as random as they want us to think.

I have been doing many different things lately, and I am trying to document it all. But, I don’t really have the time to do it chronologically. So, this happened last Friday.

I have watched almost all of Baba Ali’s video on Youtube. He is this really funny guy that discusses Muslim issues, in his own funny way. So he and a few other Muslim stand-up comedians came to Manchester to do a comedy show last Friday, and I decided to check them out.

(image credit to here)

I found the show really good. There are 3 of them, and while all of them are funny, they are all different funny. The first one is funny in a rather loud way. The second one is funny in a rather nonchalant way. (I am sorry I have forgotten the  names of the first 2!) And the last, Baba Ali, is funny in well, his own ‘Baba Ali’ way. What I really liked about all of them is while they are funny – they are not obnoxious or rude ‘funny’. Rather than making people laugh at someone else, either because of their religion, or race, or physical appearance, they make people laugh at ourselves, at their ownselves or at a situation or their observation.

I think this requires quite a skill. And I am really impressed. I have seen too many not-funny things being paraded as ‘funny’ when it is downright rude and degrading to human being. Jackass, being number one. I don’t even know it the show is still ongoing or not, but it is the most horrifying show ever.

We really do need smart comedian. Comedian that doesn’t made us feel like stabbing ourself in the thigh just to feel some other emotion than the numbing stupidity that is freezing our brain by watching their stupid antics. Obviously, I have a rather strong feeling towards ’stupid comedy’.

Therefore, I really do welcome this new generation of stand-up comedian. Or any comedians for that matter. For while they might be called ‘comedian’, at the end of the day, I think we are all ’story-tellers’. And we deserved  the right to tell our story – in our own way.

Ramadan Return

Distractions during salah