I miss Hawaii!

I really miss Hawaii! It was nice being in an environment so different from Seattle but not totally different or foreign! I will always remember you Hawaii.....





....your crystal blue waters



....your sandy white beaches





....your bright rainbows






....your green velveted mountains




....your unique culture

The Cave of Crystals

Picture Prompt

Muna adjusted her breathing mask. It was getting harder and harder to breathe as the exploration party climbed deeper into the cave. At first, the climb was a rather gentle slope, then, after about six miles, they came to a steep climb.
“Hurry up, Muna” her brother shouted down at her. “I don’t want you getting lost or left behind.”
Muna took a few more breaths, deep and slow and then continued the climb. She grabbed on to the rope and began hammering spikes into the rock. Each pound echoed in the dark gave.
“Muna!” he shouted.
“I heard you, I’m fine. I just needed to take a breather.”
She looked up. Her brother’s helmet light was beginning to get dimmer and dimmer. She had to keep up. She had to push on. Muna needed to prove she was capable of being a competent member of the research team. Though she was an excellent scientist and geologist, her father had forbidden her to go on the search for the legendary cave of crystals, and since it was his money funding the project, she had to abide by his request. With the help of her mother and brother, Rashid, however, she was able to convince her father that her being present would best serve the success of the project. Muna stopped thinking about her father and continued to climb, one step after the next.
“Clink, clink,” the metal to rock echoed around her. It was getting hotter in the cave. She wiped a trickle of sweat from her brow and loosened her scarf a bit. She checked her thermometer. It was reaching 53 degrees Celsius, humidity 100%. She had six more hours of air coolant and her suit still had over 75 % of its ice cubes sealed in the lining of her suit to help keep her cool. She needed to reach the site in less than 2 hours, if she was going to get accurate testing results and samples of the legendary Butah Crystals.
Just as Muna lifted her spike to hammer in another nail, she felt a slight tremor. The rope swayed a bit and a few small rocks loosened sending specks of dirt falling onto her head and arms. Moments after the tremor, she heard a low rumble. A moment later, another tremor rocked the cave. This time, one of the spikes came a loose sending Muna swinging along the face of the stone rocky cavern. She banged against the rock face a couple of times until she caught hold of a protruding rock. She clung to the rock, breathing heavily, gasping for air.
“Muna!” she heard her brother call. “Muna.”
She could not see anything and she was beginning to loose air in her suit. She could hear a low hissing sound as the air seeped out of as a result of crashing into the ragged rocks. She felt a tug on her rope. She was moving, upward. “Hurry, Rashid,” she barely whispered. Her eyes slowly closed as the air in her suit hissed. The last thing she saw was a dim light approaching her.

The Pen Writing Competition

The Pen Writing Competition is an international writing competition for ages 12-19 seeking to provide Muslim youth an avenue to express themselves creatively and to find talent within the Muslim community.

Entrants can submit up to three short stories in one of five categories. Prizes are being awarded to the winners. Winning entries will also be published in an anthology. The deadline is July 10th, 2010.

Think you got what it takes to write the winning piece? Get your creative juices flowing and head over to The Pen Writing Competition for more information on entry rules, judging criteria and entry sheet.

A budding Poet!

Here is the blog of a budding poet. Introducing Fida, her poems are very heartfelt and inspirational. Check her out at

http://thepoetrykorner.blogspot.com/

Her latest poem, "Happy Mother's Day" for all the mothers who have made us who we are today. May Allah bless them all.

Gentle reminder: Four kinds of people.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"There are only 4 kinds of people in this world. (The first is) a slave whom Allah has blessed with wealth and knowledge, and he fears Allah with regard to them, and uses them to uphold family ties, and acknowledges the rights that Allah has over them. He has the highest status.

(The second is) a slave to whom Allah has given knowledge, but not wealth. His intention is sincere, and he says, 'If only I had wealth, I would do (good deeds) like so-and-so (the first slave).' He will be rewarded according to his intention, so their reward will be equal.

(The third is) a slave to whom Allah has given wealth, but not knowledge. He spends his money aimlessly, neither fearing Allah with regard to it nor using it to uphold family ties nor acknowledging the rights that Allah has over it. He has the lowest status.

(The fourth is) a slave to whom Allah has given neither wealth nor money. He says, 'If only I had wealth, I would do (bad deeds) like so-and-so (the third slave). He will be punished according to his intention, so their burden of sin will be equal."

(Reported by Ahmad and al-Tirmidhi,
and classed as saheeh in Al-Targheeb wa'l-Tarheeb, 1/9

Night Sounds

Sun down.
Moon bright.
Stars twinkle in the night.

Crickets chirp.
Owls hoot.
Wolves howl at the moon.

Frogs croak.
Mice squeak.
Winds whisper through the tree.

Mommies hum.
Daddies snore.
Babies drift to sleepy-time shore.

Everything in Creation Says, Ameen.

Everything in Creation Says "Ameen."

From the trees bowing in the winds, to the birds beating their wings.
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

From the humming birds hum, to the rolling thunders drum
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

From the sun shining bright, to the stars blinking lights.
Everything in creation says Ameen.

From the creepy crawlers, to the moonlight callers.
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

From the volcanoes eruptive glow, to the seas ebb and flow.
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

From the early morning whisperer, to the faithful and humble worshiper.
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

From the East to the West and the North to the South.
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

The Woman who Only Spoke Using Quranic Verses

The undermentioned incident is narrated by Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu. He was a man of great learning and he lived in the era of the Abbasids.

An elderly Arab lady was sitting alone at the trunk of a tree and Abdullah bin Mubarak also happened to pass that way. Seeing this lady in distress, he spoke to her. The discussion is recorded as follows:

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Asalamu alaykum wa Rahmatullah.

The lady: The word from a merciful Lord is peace [Ya Sin 36/58]. She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, Most High, Himself. She said further: Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide for them. [Araaf 7/186]. She meant that she had lost her way.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Where are you coming from?

The lady: Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the Masjid al-Haraam (inviolable place of worship) to Masjid al-Aqsa (Far distant place of worship) [Israa 17/1].

Abdullah bin Mubarak: How long have you been in this place?

The lady: For three nights [Maryam 19/10].

Abdullah bin Mubarak: What arrangements are made for your food?

The lady: And who (Allah) feedeth me and watereth me [Shu'ara 26/79]. She meant that her food was provided to her by Allah.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Is there any water for wudhu?

The lady: And if ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and (make tayamum) rub your faces and hands (therewith). [Nisaa 4/43]. She meant that she made tayamum because there was no water.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Here is some food, partake of it.

The lady: Strictly observe the fast till nightfall [Baqarah 2/187]. She indicated that she was fasting.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: This is not the month of Ramadan.

The lady: And he who does good of his own accord (for him) lo! Allah is responsive, aware [Baqarah 2/158]. Meaning that she had observed an optional (nafl) fast.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: It is permitted to break the fast when on a journey.

The lady: And that ye fast is better for you, if you did but know. [Baqarah 2/184].

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Speak in the manner that I speak.

The lady: He (man) uttereth no word but there is with him an observer ready [Qaf 50/18]. She meant that since every word of a person is observed and recorded, she took precaution by speaking only in the words of the Quran.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Which clan do you belong to?

The lady: Follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The hearing and the sight and heart of each of these it will be asked [Israa 17/36]. She meant that he should not inquire about that which he had no knowledge.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Forgive me. I have certainly made a mistake.

The lady: Have no fear this day. May Allah forgive you [Yusuf 12/92].

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Would you like to travel on my camel and meet your caravan?

The lady: And whatsoever good ye do, Allah knoweth it [Baqarah 2/197]. Meaning that if he if he did this good deed, Allah would recompense him for it.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Well, then you may mount it. Saying this he made the camel sit down on the ground.

The lady: Tell the believing men to lower their gaze. [Nur 24/30].

Ibn Mubarak understood, turned, and looked away. While she was mounting, the camel jerked, and her clothes got tangled in the saddle and she proclaimed: Whatever of misfortune striketh you, it is what your hands have earned. [Shura 42/30]. In other words, she was calling Abdullah bin Mubarak’s attention towards this mishap.

Abdullah bin Mubarak understood and he tied the legs of the camel and he straightened the straps of the saddle. She praised him for his understanding by saying: And we made Sulayman to understand [Anbiya 21/79].

When the journey was about to begin, the lady recited the ayat, which are read when undertaking a journey, Glorified be He who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our Lord we are returning. [Zukhruf 43/13].

Abdullah bin Mubarak held the bridle of the camel. He began to hum the Huddi, a famous Arabic song for travelling, and he started walking quickly alongside the camel.

The lady: Be modest in thy bearing and subdue thy voice [Luqman 31/19]. Abdullah bin Mubarak understood, so he began walking slower, and he lowered his voice.

The lady: Recite of the Quran that which is easy for you [Muzzamil 73/20]. She meant that instead of humming the Huddi, he should recite the Quran.

Abdullah bin Mubarak began reciting the Quran.The lady became very pleased and said: but none remember (accept advice) except men of understanding [Baqarah 2/269].

After reciting the Quran for a while, Abdullah bin Mubarak asked, O Aunt, have have you a husband (meaning is he alive)?

The lady: O you who believe, ask not of things, which if they were made known unto you, would trouble you [Ma'idah 5/101]. Meaning, he had most likely passed away.

At last, they caught up to the caravan.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Do you have any son or relative in this caravan that has connection with you?

The lady: Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world [Kahf 18/46]. She meant that her sons were with this caravan and they had provisions with them.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: What work are your sons doing for the caravan?

The lady: And landmarks, and by the star they find a way [Nahl 16/16]. She meant that her sons were guides for the caravan.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Can you tell me their names?

The lady: Allah chose Ibrahim as a friend [Nisaa 4/125]. And Allah spoke directly unto Musa [Nisaa 4/165]. O Yahya! Hold fast the Scripture [Maryam 19/12]. By reciting these ayat, the lady had informed him that her sons were named Yahya, Ibrahim, and Musa.

Abdullah bin Mubarak called out these names in the caravan and immediately three young people came walking quickly over to them.

The lady: (addressing her children) Now send one of you with this your silver coin unto the city. And let him see what food is purest there and bring you a supply thereof [Kahf 18/19]. In other words, she instructed them to feed bin Mubarak.

When the food was brought, she told Abdullah bin Mubarak: Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in the past days. [Haqqah 69/24], and with this ayah she recited another ayah to convey her gratefulness to him for his good conduct and courtesy. The ayah was: Is the reward of goodness anything other than goodness? [Rahman 55/60]. And their conversation ended on this ayah.

The lady’s son informed Abdullah bin Mubarak that his mother has been speaking in this manner, using only the ayat of the Quran in her speech, for the last 40 years.

Short Story

Salaam

Here is a short story I wrote about a boy name Jamaal, who learns the importance of honesty and that no matter where he is or what he does, Allah Knows and sees everything. Click here, to read the story.

Top Five! Books!

Greetings readers, writers and lovers of stories. Last year, I did something I never thought was possible, write a novel length story! While I'm in the long process of editing and revisions, what better way to improve my own understanding of what a good novel is than by reading good novels. So this year, I will do my best to read one novel a month (or two, I don't want to set myself up for failure!) Now, I love mystery novels, sci-fi novels, and historical fiction. However, my top five books I would like to read this year are:

1. Messenger of Truth, A Maisie Dobbs Novel ~ Jacqueline Winspear
2. The Gift ~ Zaipah Ibrahim
3. The Tale of the Hawthorne House ~ Susan Albert
4. Atlantis ~ David Gibbins
5. Nefertiti ~ Michelle Moran

Submission Call: Muslim American Girl magazine

As Salaamu Alaikum

Here is a wonderful writing opportunity for young muslim girls everywhere!!

Muslim American Girl magazine is seeking submissions for a unique online magazine for muslim girls growing up in America. It was created by a 14 year old muslimah, Shabnam M, to help young muslimahs feel like they are not alone, that there are other young muslimahs out there going through some of the same obstacles that young muslims go through growing up in America. MAGazine will give young muslimahs an arena to showcase their creativity and share their experiences and grow to be upstanding muslim women leaders in the future.

Website
http://www.muslimamericangirls.com/

submission categories:
http://www.muslimamericangirls.com/categories.html

submission guidelines:
http://www.muslimamericangirls.com/submissionguidelines.html

Send submissions to:
muslimag@gmail.com

I highly encourage mothers, especially those who home-school, to encourage their daughters to submit to this unique magazine. There are a wide variety of topics needed, crafts, photography/art, recipes, school, faith, health, book reviews, letter to the editor, and so much more!! Check out the website with your daughters! It is a worthwhile adventure!!

A day with my mother

A late post, but here is "A day with my mother" @ another blog of mine http://ofthoughtsanddreams-ummah.blogspot.com/2010/01/day-with-my-mother.html

HEART Women & Girls

Check out this website!

HEART Women & Girls is committed to empowering women and girls in faith-based and community settings by providing health promotion programming and services and promoting strategies teaching women and girls to connect a healthy mind, body, and soul and achieve an overall sense of well-being.

Personal Tips from a Novice Amateur

Writing is fun when your imagination is on a roll and your pen (or keyboard) is writing away. But every once in a while, a writer slams into a wall of blanks. That wall is called writer's block, a massive blockade that subdues creativity, drains imagination and tires the pen (or keyboard.) But every block is meant to be overcome. Every writer, amateur or professional, has his or her own way of creatively getting pass writer's block. Here are a few of my techniques of over coming the creative blockade.


* Find your writing zone. I like to find a comfortable place to be in before I write.
Everyday is different. Sometimes, I like to write in my room curled up on my bed
where it is quiet. Other times, I like to be in an open area where I can find
inspiration all around me.

* Try to write everyday, even if it is in a journal. Writing everyday allows you to
keep your creativity at its maximum. I write about everything, that happens at
work, things I see in my day, or sometime I even describe a pretty flower or cute
animal.

* Write about things you like or are familiar with. Writing about something you
don't like or have no knowledge about can be a chore and sometimes
unpleasant. I try to write about things I like, usually stories, poems or activities
geared towards children as I am a teacher of young children. But if you have to,
give yourself adequate time to learn as much as you can about the subject you
are writing about before you start writing.

* Read other writings for inspiration and motivation. Sometimes, I find it beneficial
and helpful to read other writings. Reading is very important to the writer. You
can't be a good writer if you are not a good reader. Read writing that is both
similar to your genre and writing that is different. I like to write children's fiction,
but I love to read fiction for adults and non-fiction. The satisfaction of reading a
good book, story, poem or article also reminds the writer why they should keep
going!

* Use writing prompts when you hit writer's block. Writer's Block is bound to
happen, so don't let it get you down. If you happen to find that you don't know
what to write about or that you just don't have anything to write about, use
writing prompts to give you a jump start. Prompts can also be a lot of fun and be
wonderful starts to other writing projects.


* Give yourself writing incentives. Writing incentives are great and fun! I love to
buy new writing pads and pencils or pens. I have also taken writing classes to
motivate me to write more and even started blogs and a website to share my
work. It is important, however, to make sure your incentives are important to you
or else you wont be motivated by them.

* Surround yourself with positive reinforcement and encouragement. Nothing is
more important that being around like minded people who support and
encourage you. Join writing groups and clubs. It is a wonderful way to meet
other writers and share writing tips and advice from both amateurs and
professionals. I belong to a few writing groups that have proven very beneficial.
Everyone gives constructive criticism and encouragement to help me
increase my writing skills.

* If all else fails, take a break from writing. There are times when no matter what,
your brain just does not want to cooperate with your creativity and imagination.
When that happens, don't force it; take a break. Relax your mind; enjoy other
activities or, one of my favorites, simply take a nap. God has given your body
rights over you, that includes your brain, where your creative processing occurs.

Happy Writing!

~!"My Masjid" Contest!~

"My Masjid" Art contest.



Do you like to draw? Art is a wonderful way to express ones creativity. If you like to draw, then this contest is just for you. Family Reads is hosting an art contest featuring local masajid around the world. Young artists, you are invited to participate in the contest by submitting hand-drawn or computer drawn illustrations of the local masjid you attend. Please include a 50-100 word description of your masjid, ie name, location, history, what makes your masjid unique or special. Winning art work will be featured on Family Reads. Please send submissions to familyreads@ymail.com and type "My Masjid art contest" in the subject line.

We look forward to seeing your creativity!
Family Reads Team
www.familyreads.weebly.com

I did it!!!!

Though my novel is not complete, I made it to the 50,000 word mark!!!! :D

Nanowrimo summary

So this month has been a learning experience for me, never thought I could write a really long story! As of today, I'm not yet at my 50,000 word goal but I'm getting there insha Allah! :) It has been fun, real fun I have to admit :D I'm attached to most of my characters, all except for one who I think is going to betray the crew of the Umati. there is also this very ominous presence following the crew, i'm not sure who it is, whether they are friend or foe, or why they are following the Umati. So i'm excited to get on with the story and see how it pans out!

Happy Writing!

Maleeka loves to Help

Copyright © 2009 SN Taylor, All Rights Reserved

Maleeka loves to help! She helps her mother wash the clothes. She helps her father clean the garage. She helps her older brother drive the lawn mower. She helps her little sister tie her shoes. She helps take care of her kitty, Mumu. Maleeka loves to help.

One day, Maleeka and her family decide to drive all the way to Atlanta, Georgia to visit her grandparents. They pile their luggage into the car. Maleeka helps her mother pack the food basket. She helps her father carry the food basket to the car. To help her brother, she lets her little sister help pack the travel pack full of books, games and activities. She even decides to bring along her kitty, Mumu, so she would not get so lonely while they were away, though she forgot to ask her parents.

Maleeka then helps her father go over their traveling check list: Luggage? Check! Food basket? Check! Pillows and snuggies? Check! Movies and activities? Check! Camera? Check! Full tank of gas? Check! Now where did I put my traveling sun glasses? Silly daddy! its on your head. Check! They are all set to go.

Along the way, they see beautiful things! But daddy can't see because he is driving. Maleeka wants him to remember everything from their trip, so, she decides to take pictures with his camera, though, she forgot to ask him. She sees a cloud that looks like a bunny. Click. She sees a tree that's shaped like an elephant. Click. Her little sister makes a funny face. Click. Maleeka sees so many things from the back seat of the station wagon. Click. Click. "Meow."

"What was that?" daddy asks. "meow, meow." Is that a cat?" her mama asks. "MEOW!" "What is that smell? her brother asks. Daddy pulls over. Mama checks the car. "It's Mumu," her little sister shouts. Mumu pokes her head out of a basket. "What?" yells daddy. "How?" asks mama. Maleeka's brother holds up his jersey, "Gross! Mumu went on my favorite jersey!!" Maleeka sits quietly, her eyes big as golf balls. Everyone looks at Maleeka. "Did you bring her?" her daddy asks. "What were you thinking?" her mother asks. "You are so going to clean this!" her brother says. "She would have been all by herself," Maleeka says meekly, "I didn't want her to be sad and all alone."

Her daddy, sighs and her mama smiles, her brother simply rolls his eyes. "You should have known better Maleeka to bring Mumu with out asking, but since she is here, lets find a box to keep her in." Maleeka helps find a box. Maleeka helps clean the car. Maleeka helps clean her brother's jersey. They are all set to go, again. "Let's take a family picture to remember this." mama suggests. "Good idea," daddy says. "Whatever," her brother growls. "Yay," her little sister claps. "Ummm, " Maleeka says. The batteries in the camera are dead, she forgot to turn off the camera. "Maleeeeekaaaa!"

Copyright © 2009 SN Taylor, All Rights Reserved

Yay!!! I'm officially CDA-ified!

Yes, that is correct! I received my certificate in the mail after one year of studies and months of waiting, which felt like FORVER! but yes, i'm officially certified child development associate. My certification is good for 3 years :) and now I feel like I can really give my students the best I can:) though, I have never done less than that! but it is nice to have a certificate. Now, I'm motivated to move on and finish my degree in early childhood education!

Cute story on youtube

this was a really cute rhyming story to listen and watch. The art was really nice!

Eid day celebration!

Masha Allah, today was very nice!! We got to the prayer hall at the qwest field event center early! It was massive! we had some 15,000 people O_O! Masha Allah, it was really nice to see so many muslims together though leaving posed a whole other issue!!! LOL! We were an hour in the parking garage waiting for the mob of impatient travelers trying to leave the center :D it was entertaining to say the least. To pass the time, we took pictures with Kiki's new camera, watched the impatient mob inch and honk their way out of the parking garage. It was an interesting experience, one worth laughing about in the end! Once that ordeal was over, we cruised over to QFC to buy breakfast food items. Every year, it is a family tradition to prepare and have Eid breakfast with the family. so, we all helped prepare, cheesy eggs, hash browns, pancakes, halal beef and turkey bacon, biscuits and orange juice. After breakfast, to walk off the food, we went to Burlington coat factory to look at some clothing for the next holiday coming up! Masha Allah, it was a really nice day, however, to end it, I have a cold (just started this afternoon :( ) Insha Allah, will try to nurse myself to beat it before it beats me!

Beautiful Pic

I found this picture on the internet and thought is was amazing!! I have been consciously following the phases of the moon this Ramadan and each day am amazed at the complex yet simple beauty of the moon from its beginning all the way back to its beginning.

In the News: Book Release: Poetry Anthology

New book release just in time for the holidays featuring two poems by yours truly, :D and one of my mom's poems!!! I'm really excited about this and I hope you are too!




Many Poetic Voices, One Faith is your window into the world of Islam through poetry! Come on in and find out what’s waiting here for you inside the attractive cover designed by talented IWA member artist, Nazaahah Amin.

The award winning poems written by Karen English, Marwa Elnaggar, Camilla Sayf, Corey Habbas, Julinar Diab, and additional poems written by 31 IWA member poets are enlightening, entertaining, and rich in a diversity of topics: from a point-by-point description of a soul mate to a sonnet-ode dedicated to a loving and missed mother; from vivid reminders and poetic verse awakening us all to the evils of domestic violence to heart-wrenching reminiscences of the plight of the Muslim convert; from beautiful English renditions of the traditional and ancient Arabic ghazal to the plight of eighteenth century slaves; from a thought-provoking rendition of life from birth to the grave and beyond; from a thoughtful insight into the significance of a single raindrop, to a very moving and heart-warming dedication of life from a long-gone friend.

All this and much more is waiting for you when you read the poetry of our IWA poets’ many voices and their one faith, Islam.

http://www.islamicwritersalliance.net/projects/poeticvoicesanthology.html

Mercy like the Rain

Mercy like the rain, covers like mist;
Gentle to the touch, thoughtful and reminiscent.

Mercy like the rain, is light as a drizzle;
To moisten the heart and refresh the faith.

Mercy like the rain, is steady like a sprinkle;
To wash away hardship and grief, bringing ease and relief.

Mercy like the rain, falls like a shower;
It waters the heart and fertilizes the soul.

Mercy like the rain, beats down like pelts;
eroding and erasing sin, washing it away.

Mercy like the rain, rages like a storm;
It attacks pride and tears away arrogance.

Mercy like the rain, cascades and floods;
Drowning spite and envy, leaving behind kindness and goodwill.

Mercy like the rain, is all around;
For the giving and the taking, the hopeful and the woeful.

Knowledge vs Wisdom

Quote:

Knowledge is understanding that a tomato is a fruit
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad

Zhain Bhika- Welcome Oh Ramadan

Tips for a Healthier Ramadan

* Drink plenty of water throughout the night. Water hydrates your cells and removes waste from your body.

* Avoid too much liquids WITH your meals. Additional amounts of liquids dilutes the acids in your stomach and makes it harder to digest properly.

* Do not consume to much food at once for Iftar. Divide your meals out. A moderate iftar, 2 healthy snacks throughout the night and suhoor.

* Eat a balanced diet. This includes protein + carbs + GOOD fats (ex, olive oil). Try to use the 9" plate rule; take a 9" plate, make half the plate for vegetables/salad, one quarter protein like fish, chicken or beef, last quarter starch like rice (brown*), potatoes or pasta (whole grain*)

* Chew your food slowly. Chewing starts the digesting process and nutrients are absorbed.

* Reduce salt intake. This helps reduce thirst during the day.

* Exercise during the night. We lose water when we exert a lot of energy through sweat, so do your exercise at night so that you are able to replenish your liquids.

May Allah (swt) bless you with a happy and healthy Ramadan!

(*Whole grain is much healthier as the nutrients are not stripped off as in white rice, bread or pasta.)

Ramadan is Here

Ramadan is here
and we're glad you see.

Like no other
it is a Month of Mercy.

Because all of our deeds
Allah multiplies numerously.

We pray and we fast
and give charity.

To the poor, the orphan
and the needy.

In dhikr we remember Allah
day and night obediently

Bowing our heads
and our hearts humbly

Being kind, gentle and
treating others with humility

Loving our family and friends
and staying on the deen

Ramadan is here
Thank you Ya Rabbil Aalameen!

Ramadan is on the Horizon!!

Subhan Allah! how time flies. Ramadan is just around the corner, literally! we have just under a week left before the merciful month is here. Alhamdulillah, all my days have been made up :) today was my last make up day! I'm actually looking forward to Ramadan this year (and of course the ones to come insha Allah) I went to two different ramadan workshops that really boosted my iman and desire to make myself a better and more devoted muslimah. My resolution for the coming month (and insha Allah, for the year) is to "not set myself up to fail." I will not set unrealistic goals for myself no matter how grand those goals are. I'm going to take baby steps on my journey to the siratul mustaqeen.

Before the great oak came the seed!

'The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground'- Anon

Time

what is Time,
but a thing i can't posses.

40 hadiths Animated

Ain't no road muddy enough....!

Growing up in the California high desert, I hated the rainy season. The roads got so muddy. After Mama and Brother Fateen divorced, we lived on the land by ourselves. One season it rained really bad The roads were treacherous. One morning we left the land to go to the tutoring center mama had opened. The drive was horrible, most of the way mama had a rough time keeping the car straight. The car kept slipping and sliding in the mud. But she had managed to make it through. Soon we go to Calusa road and the entire road was muddy. Mama tried to drive through it but the car got stuck. Had Hakim, my older brother, or Brother Fateen been there, they would have gotten out to push us out. But they weren't, it was just us, Mama and girls. Mama did not ask us to get out and push the car, nor did she have to. A family that works together, stays together. Me and my sisters just looked at each other, then jumped out to push the car out of the mud. Being scrawny little things, it took us a while to push the car out of all that mud. We pushed and pushed and pushed, finally the car jolted out of the mud causing us to land face first in the mud. Me and Mas was covered from head to toe. Ahlehm had a good laugh at us since she did not fall in the mud. Lucky for us, the tutoring center had a bathroom and we had trunk full of clothes. Mama had decided we should stay at the office because the rains were making the roads undrivable and we were nowhere near the end of the rainy season. Mama was so proud of us that day. The whole day she told her friends how we acted responsibly without her having to ask us. Looking back, she did a great job teaching us how to be responsible little adults, but then we had a wonderful role model.

Wind Journey

Wind Journey

Whispering winds,
rustling through leaves.
Tales of journeys, from
across the seas.
Wandering over meadows, and
rolling down valleys.
Raising sand dunes, and
unleashing mansoons.
Carrying life and destruction
clouds and seasons.
Whispering winds,
rustling through leaves.
With stories and adventures
from across the seas.

copyright 2009

Ayatul Kursi

A great way to learn this ever so important ayah. It is always good to recite this ayah when lying down to go to sleep.

Bittersweet Goodbyes

This week has been bittersweet for me and my class. We had to say goodbye and good luck to four special girls who have gone on to bigger and better learning. My sweet girls have transitioned to the two year old classroom. *sniff* *sniff* While I will miss them terribly, I know it is for the best. Not only are they in good hands, they have two very competent teachers who will love and care for them as I have for the past year. Lucky for me though, their new class room is just down the hall, I can go a visit them on my breaks and see them on the playground as their playground area is just across from the toddler playground area. *sigh* Why do children have to grow up so fast?? *sigh* Goodbye my sweeties, and good luck!! it is my hope and prayer that I have given you what love and support you will need to become loving, kind, accomplished and well-rounded human-beings.

Race for the Cure - June 7th 2009

What a day!!! June 7th was a really fun day. Over 14,000 people ran and walked raising over 1.5 million dollars for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. I was blessed to be one of those 14,000 people who celebrated those who survived the disease and prayed for those still fighting the battle against it. I walked with a group my brothers and sisters "Muslims for the Cure". It was really fun. I even bumped into Shelly, Tricia and Mary there :)

The Gypsy in Me

My feet are itching.
My fingers are twirling.
I'm filled with restlessness.
I got to go.
I got to do.
I got to see,
see more of the world around me.

I got gypsy in my blood no doubt.
Been in one place so long,
I am just worn out,
of the mundane. Over and over again
to the same song.

The gypsy in me is calling out.
Got to go.
Got to do.
Got to see,
see more of the world around me

In loving memory of my dear mother and friend.

(Naimah) Marva Louise Taylor 09.10.1949~10.12.2007

This year, hundreds of thousands of people will hear the words "You have cancer", and like me, there's a good chance that some of them will be people we know and love. We have all been touched by cancer in some way ... and we all have the power to make a difference. That's why I have chosen to fight back right here in my own community by participating in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life®.

I want to invite you to join me in the fight against cancer in memory of my dear mother who lost her battle to cancer by making a donation in support of my efforts. Further down in this message is a link to my personal Relay For Life® web page where you can make an online contribution. Every amount, no matter how small, makes a difference and provides hope. You can also sign up to join my team and learn more about Relay and how it's changing lives.

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Sabah.Negash

Relay For Life® brings more than 3.5 million people from across the country together each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much. This fun-filled, overnight event empowers everyone to help fight cancer by raising money and awareness to support the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission.

Thank you in advance for your support. Together, we will celebrate, remember, and fight back.

Waves at Cama Beach, Wa

Here are some pictures I took at Cama Beach last weekend.

The Dawn Sea

Frosty Breeze,
Pressing Tress.

Seagulls dash,
Waves Crash.

Sun rising,
Life waking.

Moon rest,
Night vanish.

Lonely watching,
Sea dawning.

Thundersnow!

I'm sound asleep, dreaming of fairies, princes, magical kingdoms and lots of food. Suddenly, a loud CRACK! BOOM!! BANG wakes me from my fantastical dream. LOL, okay so I wasn't dreaming about fairies, princes and magical kingdoms. But I was awakened by loud thunder this morning around 5:20 or 30ish. I ran to the window to see my lawn, street and everything else covered in snow and snowing. So what was that loud boom if it was not raining? They call it, "Thundersnow".

Thundersnow, also known as a winter thunderstorm or a thunder snowstorm, is a rare thunderstorm with snow falling as the primary precipitation instead of rain. It commonly falls in regions of strong upward motion within the cold sector of extratropical cyclones between autumn and spring when surface temperatures are most likely to be near or below freezing.

Well, I really had hoped we wouldn't get snow this winter, but since we got it anyway, I will just have to be thankful. It really is pretty outdoors! And i am skipping work today (the silver lining?)

Alhamdulillah ala kullu hal !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finding Yani

“It’s not fair Fefe,” Yani cried, “why can’t I come along with you and Fufu to the tree house?” she asked.  Fefe replied, “Because Yani, it’s only for big girls like us.  You will only spoil things.” Fefe put some of her toys and a few snacks her mother prepared into her backpack and headed out the room.  Yani did not like being told she was too young for anything, and she didn't like not being able to play with Fefe and her friends.  They always left her out when they were having fun.  She did not like being little.  It was not fun at all. 

Yani went to her mother who was in the kitchen preparing dinner, “Mommy,” she said, Fefe won’t let me play with her and Fufu in the tree house.”  Her mother smiled, “You’re too small to play in the tree house Yani,” mother said, but when you get a little bigger, then you will be able to climb the tree safely. Until then, you can help me make some cookies after I finish cutting these vegetables.” Yani liked making cookies with her mother but she really wanted to play in the tree house. 
Yani found her father in his tool shed working on his latest painting.  “Daddy what are you doing?” she asked. “I’m sanding this piece of wood so that I can make a picture frame,” he said.  “That sounds like fun Daddy, can I help? She asked.  “Not this time Yani; you might hurt yourself,” Father said.  Yani left out the shed, being little was definitely no fun at all. 

The next day, Fefe asked her mother if she could go skating in the park with Fufu and her friends.  Her mother and father agreed to let her go. “Can I go too Mommy?” Yani asked, “Sure you can, I will get your skates.” “Aw mom, she will only get in the way,” Fefe protested.  “Now Fefe, you should not be so mean to your little sister, she only wants to play with you and your friends. Take her with you and keep an eye on her.” Father took Fefe and Yani to the park and told them he would be back later to pick them up.  He reminded Fefe to watch Yani and he told Yani to stay close and not wander away from Fefe and her friends. 

Fufu, Oni and Mina were waiting at the swings with their skates when Fefe and Yani joined them.  The girls put on their skates and went round the park a couple of times.  Yani tried to keep up but the girls were too fast for her small legs.  “Fefe,” she cried, “wait for me, you are going to fast.” Fefe and her friends frowned but they had to stop for Yani.  The girls took off their skates and went to play on the Jungle Gym.  Yani tried to climb the bars but she had a difficult time reaching them.  “Fefe,” she cried, “I can’t climb up, can you come down and play with me on the swings?” “No Yani, you go and play on the swings by yourself, we are talking now,” Fefe replied. “Stay on the swings and don’t leave the sand box” Fefe warned. “I want to talk too, can you talk down here?” Yani asked. “This is big girl talk,” Fufu said, “and you are too little,” Oni added. 

Yani stomped off to the swings. “One day I will not be small anymore and I will show everyone I can do big things too.” It wasn’t until later that Fefe noticed how quiet and behaved Yani was being.  She climbed down the jungle gym and went to check on her. When she got to the swings, Fefe was horrified.  Yani was missing.  Fefe and her friends looked everywhere for Yani, but they could not find her.  Fefe had no choice to tell her parents, she knew they would be angry at her because she did not watch Yani carefully.  Fefe’s parents were not happy with Fefe at all, but more than that, they were worried about Yani.  They prayed she stay safe until they found her. 

By seven o clock, everyone in the neighborhood and the police were out looking for Yani in the park and nearby woods.  When night fell, Fefe and the other children were told to stay indoors, only the adults could continue looking for Yani.  Fefe sat in her room with her friends.  She did not like waiting, she wanted to help, and after all, it was her fault Yani was lost.  If she had not yelled at Yani and told her to go away, Yani would be at home in her bed now. Fefe pulled out a pen and paper.  “What are you doing Fefe?” Oni asked. 

“I’m going to go and find my little sister,” she replied.  “But the adults said we have to stay here, it’s not safe,” Mina warned. “Yes Fefe, besides, it’s really dark and scary out there,” Fufu added.  “But I can’t just sit here and do nothing, this is all my fault.  If anything happens to Yani, I will never forgive myself,” Fefe said, “and I need your help if I’m going to find her.” Her friends looked to one another and then nodded.  It was just as much their fault as Fefe, they should have been nicer to Yani, after all, she was only five years old. 

Mina and Oni were excellent artists; they drew a map of the park and the surrounding areas on a piece of paper.  Fufu helped Fefe find some warm clothing and flashlights. Fefe made a final check of all their things and the girls quietly crept out of the house.  They made their way to the park.  “Okay,” Fefe began, “if we are going to find Yani, we are going to have to think like a five year.” The girls nodded.  “Okay, where was the last place Yani went?” Fufu asked.  “To the swings,” Oni replied.  So the girls went to the swings.

Mina sat on one of the swings, “hmm, Yani would have been bored playing alone since there were no other children to play with earlier today.  Do you think she wandered off?” “Yes, Yani does not like to be alone for too long, she would have found something to do,” Fefe answered.  “Now, when I was five years old, I loved searching for pretty flowers to give to my mom,” Oni said, “Maybe she went to the flower patch. It’s not too far from here.” So, off to the flower patch the girls ran. 

At the flower patch they found small foot prints in the dirt patch.  “Well, it looks like she was here,” Fufu pointed to the foot prints.  “Look at that,” Mina pointed her flashlight to a broken flower branch. Just as she did that, a pretty butterfly flew from its branch. “Oh, how pretty,” Oni squealed as she tried to catch it.  As she bumped into more flower braches, more butterflies began to fly.  They followed the butterflies out of the patch; they were at the edge of the park, facing the woods.  Oni managed to catch one of the butterflies and put it in an old apple juice jar. "Yani could not have left the park from here because this fence goes around this whole area," Oni said.

Suddenly, they saw a little rabbit hop by.  “Hmm, Yani loves rabbits, she would have run after one if she saw one hopping about,” Fefe thought to herself. The rabbit ran along side the fence until it came to a small opening in the fence “Do you think she crawled through here?” Fufu asked.  It’s big enough for us to crawl through so Yani would have had no problem getting through chasing a rabbit.  Once outside the park, Oni noticed an opening in the woods. “There is a narrow path just ahead,” Oni pointed ahead of them. 

The girls began to follow the path. It was now dark; they only had the moon and their torches for light.  Fefe began to mark the rocks and trees they passed with a white piece of chalk, so that they could find their way back to the opening. Oni took out a piece of paper and began charting a map of their turns and paces through out their journey.  She drew landmarks on her map, like the bunny at the large tree with two tree trunks. She drew the funny rock formation and the fallen tree that blocked their path. 

“What are we going to do now,” Fufu asked, “maybe we should turn back,” Mina said frightened.  “I can’t go back now, I’ve come too far, besides, Yani was here.” Fefe pointed her flashlight to the bottom of the tree trunk, there was a pink and blue ribbon stuck to it.  “Yani was wearing that today,” Fefe said.  The girls jumped over the tree and continued.  Suddenly Oni motioned everyone to stop and listen, “I think I hear water,” she said.  “Me too,” Mina said.  Sure enough, they found a small creek nearby.  I did not know we had a creek in these woods,” Fefe said.
Just as they were about to cross the creek, Fufu noticed what looked like a boat made out of a leaf and stick.  It was caught between two rocks in the creek.  “The water is running downward,” Mina pointed out, “so the boat had to come from up the creek,” Fefe continued her sentence.  The girls began walking up the creek.  After what seemed like hours, they stopped at a large rock to take a rest.  Suddenly they heard a noise.  The girls froze.  Then they heard the noise again.  This time it sounded like crying.  Was it an animal, do animals cry?

The girls thought but they did not know.  They started searching the darkness with their flashlight.  Then something caught Fefe’s eyes, it stuck out from behind the rock.  She slowly walked up to it, there looking up into the light was Yani.  She was wet and covered in mud.  “Yani!” Fefe cried, “We found you!” Fefe and her friends hugged Yani.  “What happen?” they asked her. Yani told them how she got bored playing by herself on the swings so she went to the flower patch to pick some flowers for her mother. 

She found some butterflies and followed them to the hole in the fence.  Once outside the fence she tried to catch and play with a baby bunny but it ran away and she followed it.  She eventually found the creek and made a boat, but, while playing with it, she fell into the creek and got all wet and dirty.  “When it got dark, I did not know how to get home again,” she began to cry.  Fefe hugged her little sister again, “I’m sorry Yani, I should not have left you alone or told you to go play by yourself. From now on, you can play with us anytime you want,” Fefe said. 

Mina put some warm clothing on Yani.  “Come on,” Fefe said taking her sister’s hand, “let’s go home.” With her map and their markings, Oni led the girls back to the park.  Just as they were walking up to their house, Mother and Father drove into the driveway.  “Yani,” they cried.  Yani ran to her mother and father, everyone was very happy to see that Yani was not hurt. 

The next day, family, friends and neighbors came to visit Yani who was sick with a cold and runny nose.  She told everyone about her adventure and how Fefe, Fufu, Oni and Mina cleverly found her and brought her safely home. Yani promised she would never go off by herself again and that from now on, she was happy being small.

In the News: Teacher Study Guides

Attention: New Teacher Study Guides (TSG)
Available soon for Five Islamic Fiction Books and
one non fiction Creative Writing Text Book!

'The Visitors' Sample TSG 'Stories' Sample TSG
As a Muslim publisher of quality English language Islamic fiction and a pioneer in the field, we would like to contribute to Islamic schools by providing you with engaging, fun novels using Islamic morally accepted themes. Not only are our novels "kid and teen approved", but we now have made it even easier by creating corresponding cross-curricular teacher guides that have been field tested and approved by Muslim educators and administrators.

Teacher Study Guides will be provided “FREE” to Islamic schools that purchase copies of the corresponding books for teacher use with students in the classroom. TSGs which will be available soon

Teacher Study Guide for The Visitors (Available Now!)
5th through 8th grades

Teacher Study Guide for Hijab-Ez Friends
5th through 8th grades

Teacher Study Guide for Stories (Available Now!)
5th through 8th grades

Teacher Study Guide for Saying Goodbye
5th through 8th grades

Teacher Study Guide for Sophia’s Journal: Time Warp 1857
8th through 12th grades

Teacher Study Guide for Star Writers
Creative writing text-workbook suitable for 4th grade and up…for students learning how to write creative, imaginative, and halal stories and those who want to hone their creative writing skills.

*Copies of TSGs will be made available to home schooling parents who purchase the corresponding print books. Contact the publisher at: publisher@MuslimWritersPublishing.com to learn how to get your copies and order the print books!

The Last Snowflake

Copyright © 2008 SN Taylor, All Rights Reserved

High in the atmosphere, beyond the fluffy white clouds, snowflakes lay resting in their winter home. Wake, wake little ones, time to make your your journey down and cover the earth with your winter white coats. One, two ,three, 50, 60, 70, 100, 1000..., one billion! Hmm, someone is missing.

"Achoo!" "Yar'hamakullah! Uh oh! You will not be able to make your trip just yet," mama flake says. The little flake sadly watches the other flakes go on their winter trip. "But what about my little friend, who is waiting for me?" the little flake asks. "Don't worry, you will have all winter to get better."

All through winter, the little flakes fall. Sister Wind blows her gentle arctic breath making the little snowflakes dance as they float down. Brother Cloud shades them from the bright sun and keeps them from melting in his warm glow. "Thank you Brother Cloud," they sing as they continue to fall." Brother Cloud smiles, "you are welcome," he calls back, "have fun and see you next winter."

Little children run out to see the snowflakes fall on the trees, the roof, the cars and the ground. They laugh and they sing, they play and they dance. Hooray! Winter is here.

But little Ali is not happy. He is ill and can not go out and play in the pretty, white winter snow. "Don't worry Ali," mama says gently, "Insha allah, you will get to play in the snow before winter's end."

In the warmth of his bedroom, Ali watches the children play. Everyday he rests and drinks his soup. He gets stronger and stronger.

Back above the clouds, high in the atmosphere, our last little snowflake raises her head. "I feel much better now," she says. "Yes, yes," her mother says, " you look much better now Alhamdulillah. Quick now, take your winter coat and make your journey to below, where your little friend awaits."

The last snowflake floats down just as the sun begins to shine warm and bright. "Oh no," she cries, "I won't make it in time."

Little Ali puts on his socks and shoes. He climbs into his wheelchair and rolls to the door. "Has winter come and gone? Will I get to see and play in the snow?" he wonders sadly.

The little snowflake begins to cry. "What's wrong little one?" Brother Cloud asks. "I'm late getting to the ground, to my friend below. The sun is turning my flake into rain," she sniffs.

"Don't worry," he says, "I will try my best to protect you." Brother Cloud moves to block the sun once more. "Now hurry, I can't stay too long, winter is done and spring must come." The little snowflake thanks him and quickly continues on her way. But she was still melting.

She bumps into Sister Wind getting ready to head back north to her arctic home. "Where did you come from little one?" she asks "I thought all the little snowflakes had fallen." "No, I'm the last one, but I don't think I will make it to my friend waiting below. He missed the winter snow and now he will miss me too."

Sister Wind feels sorry for the little snowflake and little Ali too. With a huff and a puff, she gently blows her cold arctic breath on the melting snowflake. Soon, her droplets turn into crystal flakes.

Happily she glides down. As the warm air touches her, Sister Wind blows cold air on her. The little snowflake grows bigger and bigger. Soon, she can see little Ali waiting and searching.

Suddenly he catches sight of the last little, but now big snowflake. "I'm coming friend," she calls. Ali smiles brightly, that was the biggest snowflake he'd ever seen, and it was just for him!

Sister Wind blows her last arctic breath and the last snowflake lands gently in Ali's hand. "Salaam friend," she says. "Wa Salaam friend, I'm glad you made it," Ali says. They play in the shade of Brother Cloud.

As winter turn to spring, the last snowflake melts happily in the hands of her friend. Ali smiles, "Ma' Salaama, see you next winter my friend."

Copyright © 2008 SN Taylor, All Rights Reserved

Somewhere over the rainbow.....

Yesterday was a pretty gray day. The clouds swamped the sky spreading a dark and damp overcast. I looked out the window and I knew my day was not going to be happy. I was sick with a cold and a bit of a bad cough. With the forecast saying it was going to rain, there was no way I could make big brother's softball game :( That made the day even more grim, I missed his game. After sleeping in and giving my weary body the much needed rest, I dragged myself out of bed to work on my writing project. As the sun bore its way through the stubborn clouds, a glimpse of a better ending to my day was on the horizon. Sure enough, my brother and sisters come home from the games, telling how they lost the game in pompous and glory! We don't really play to win, but we play in the spirit of having fun and feeling like a community, a team. And that they did. The Sharks, my brother's team, played against a much better team, but they still managed to play a good game and have lots of fun. Though I would have loved to have been there, I was feeling better already. As rain pitter-pattered on the window sill, all was still except for my tapping on the keyboards. Suddenly, I don't really know why Iooked out the window, but in the sky was a pretty rainbow. It was the wonderful finale of what started out as a gray, unhappy day. Masha Allah!

The Story of the Leper, the Bald Man and the Blind Man

Long, long ago in the dry and arid hills of Canaan, there lived three poor brothers, Levi, Ari, and Uriel. One hot and sunny day, the three men sat under the shade of a big date palm tree sipping mint tea and complaining about their horrible lot in life. "What a horrid morning it has been," Levi said taking a sip from his tea cup then quickly covering his face. Levi was a leper, and in the land of Canaan, he was despised by everyone who saw him. "Tell us brother," Uriel said quietly and compassionately. Levi took a breath of the dry, dusty desert air and said, "I tried to buy breakfast from the baker this morning but the selfish man chased me away with stones and sticks. It is like this everywhere I go, no one will sell food to me. If only I had beautiful skin," he sighed, tired, hungry and rubbing his injured legs and arms.

"Well, I had a terrible morning as well," Ari said. Ari was a big strong man and would have been a nice catch for any woman had he not been bald. "You?!?" shouted Levi, "how could you have a bad morning, you are not ugly and despised like me," Levi said. "No, but at my age, I should be married by now. Women do not find me handsome with my bald head. Their fathers say I have a disease of the scalp and will not let me marry their daughters," he said sadly. "If only I had thick black hair, I would be married and very happy," he sighed. Levi and Uriel nodded their head in silence.

Uriel reached his hand out slowly searching for his tea cup on the worn velvet carpet he and his brothers were sitting on. Uriel was blind. He was born with no sight and while he was content with not being able to see, he still had troubles from day to day. He found his tea cup and sipped carefully. He listened quietly to the sounds around him, "at least you have been blessed with the wonderful gift of sight," he said. "I would love to see the wonders of God's creation," he said thoughtfully. A frown suddenly spread across his face as he remembered an awful experience he had. Levi and Ari saw his frown. "What is it brother?" they asked "please tell us what has suddenly upset you."

Uriel gently put his cup down, "I am grateful to our creator for the way he created me, but things would be a lot easier for me if I had the gift of sight. Yesterday, I was robbed by some bandits." His brothers gasped, "are you okay Uriel? Did they hurt you?" they asked. "No, God be praised, I was not harmed, but when I tried to get help from the guards, I was unable to describe the robbers or the color of my donkey they stole. The three brothers sighed and finished drinking their tea. After prayer, each brother went home.

As the sun set and the red canopy of day's end vanished, a mysterious stranger knocked on Levi's door. Levi was afraid, who would come to his home, he wondered. He was shocked to see a tall and handsome stranger at his door. "H-H-How may I help you?" he asked the mysterious man. "Please come in?" he offered, but the mysterious man kindly refused and said, "It is not how you can help me, but how I can help you. Tell me good man, what would you like the most?" Levi stood shocked at the question and the stranger. "Well, I would love to have nice color and beautiful skin," he said longingly, "that way, people would not despise me and run away from me." The mysterious stranger nodded and gently touched Levi, "what kind of property would you like best?" the stranger asked. Levi thought for a moment and replied, "camels." Then as if everything had been a dream, the mysterious man vanished in a mist of fog carried away by a gentle wind. Levi blinked in disbelief, closed his door and went to bed.

Ari also had a mysterious visitor. Ari was not afraid when he opened his door and found a tall, bulky man at his door. "Good evening," he said gruffly. "Good evening good man. What thing would you like most?" he asked Ari. Surprised by the question and the questioner, Ari quickly answered, "who wants to know?" "I would," the stranger answered. "Well, I would like good hair, and to be cured of this balding disease. The people do not like me and the women will not marry me. The tall stranger touched Ari gently. "And what property would you like most?" he asked. Ari smiled, "I have always wanted to herd cows," Ari said wishfully. And just like that, in a blink of an eye, the stranger was gone. "How strange," Ari thought to himself, he closed the door and went to bed.

Uriel was sitting outside enjoying the cool night air when the stranger appeared before him. "Good evening good man," the stranger said. Uriel jumped up in fright, he had not heard any footsteps approaching, this could only be a special visitor, or a very clever robber. "Who are you? what are you doing in my garden?" he asked the stranger. "Don't fear," the stranger replied, "I have not come to hurt you, but to help you." And just like his brothers before him , the stranger asked Uriel what he wanted the most. Now Uriel had always been content with his blindness despite the hardships of not seeing the dangers around him, but still, he did wonder about the beautiful things in God's creation like the birds that sang in the trees, or the rare rushing of streams in the desert oasis, or the echos of the Canaan rocky hills. "I would like that God give me sight, so that I may see the wonders of His creation," he smiled dreamily.

The stranger gently touched Uriel and then asked him, "what property would you like the most?" the stranger asked him. "Sheep would be nice," Uriel replied. Before he knew it, Uriel was once again alone in his garden. The mysterious stranger had disappeared. Uriel was bewildered, who was that strange visitor? Why did he ask such strange questions and then disappear? Uriel shook his head and slowly made his way into his house and went to bed.

The next morning, the brothers woke to a wonderful surprise. Each had been cured and given what he had asked for. Levi was handsome, Ari had thick, curly hair and Uriel could see. They were also amazed when they stepped outside their doors to find a pregnant she-camel, a pregnant cow and a pregnant ewe. The brothers were quite grateful and pleased with their miraculous gifts. After many years passed, each brother was quite rich. Their herds had multiplied and soon they each had a valley filled with camels, cows, and sheep.

One night, as Levi sat drinking tea with his family, a poor leper knocked on his door. Levi was appalled, "what do you want, leave my home," he shouted at the poor man. "Please, I am a poor man who lost all means of livelihood due to this illness. In the Name of Him Who has given you such nice color and beautiful skin, and so much property, I ask you to give me a camel so that I may have milk and a ride," he replied. "No," replied Levi haughtily, I can't give you anything, now please go away." The leper continued, "don't I know you?" he asked, "weren't you once a poor leper like me, disliked by everyone? Then God blessed you with all this property?" Levi shook his head, "No, you are wrong, I got this wealth from my own hard work, now leave my home right now wretched creature" Levi shouted. Suddenly, the leper turned into the mysterious visitor that had visited Levi so many years ago. Levi was shocked. "Do you remember now?" the stranger asked, "I was sent to test you, but you have failed. You are ungrateful to God and rude to those less fortunate than you. Go back to the way you were, a poor leper, despised by everyone." And with that, the stranger vanished along with all of Levi's wealth, family and good looks.

Ari was having dinner with his family when a stranger knocked on his door. His wife answered the door, it was a poor bald man. "Good evening kind lady of the house, I have come to see your husband." Ari invited the stranger into his home. "Dear sir, I come to seek your daughter's hand in marriage. Indeed, I am a poor man, but I'm a hard worker and I will do my best to make her happy. I ask you in the Name of Him Who has given you such a beautiful family and so much property. Ari frowned, "No, I will never give you my beautiful daughter, only a rich and handsome man is worthy of her. Now leave." The poor bald man shook his head, " weren't you once a poor bald man which the people did not like and women refused to marry you, then God blessed you with much wealth and a beautiful family?" he asked. Ari laughed, "I think you are mistaken old man, I inherited this wealth and good fortune from my forefathers, now go before I call the guards," he shouted angrily.

Before Ari could say another word, the bald man turned into the mysterious bulky stranger that had visited him so many years ago. Ari was shocked. "Do you remember now?" the stranger asked. Ari shook with fear. "I was sent to test you, but you have failed. You are ungrateful to God and rude to those less fortunate than you. Go back to the way you were, a poor bald man, disliked by the people and rejected by the women." And with that, the stranger disappeared along with all of Ari's wealth, family and good hair.

Uriel was sitting outside his garden gazing at the moon and the stars. It was such a beautiful night. The air was cool, the moon shone brightly over the hills and valley of Canaan. He smiled and thanked God for the gift of seeing all the beautiful things around him. Uriel then sat and closed his eyes, he began to listen to the happy sounds of his wife and children laughing and chattering as they prepared evening tea. He smiled again, "God is Great," he whispered contently. Suddenly, an old blind man appeared in his garden, "Good evening kind sir," he said humbly. Uriel jumped to his feet. "How did you enter my garden without me hearing you?" he asked the old man. "I'm sorry if I have startled you dear sir, but I am lost. I was travelling with my family, and during a storm, I was separated from them. I have no means of livelihood or way to get home. In the Name of Him Who has given you your sight and so much property, I ask you to give me a sheep, so that with it's help, I may reach my home."

Uriel gently took the arm of the old man. "Indeed, I was once blind and God restored my sight, I was poor and He blessed me with much wealth. Please come inside and rest. After you have eaten your fill, take what you wish from my wealth, I will not stop you." Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, the poor blind man turned into the tall, mysterious stranger that had visited Uriel so many years ago. He smiled at Uriel, "keep your property with you. I was sent to test you, to see if you would be grateful for the favors granted to you and you have passed. Your Lord is pleased with you but displeased with your selfish and ungrateful brothers. With that, the stranger vanished, leaving Uriel once again alone in his garden.

Even in Darkness..

......the light of Allah's mercy will always shine through.


9:71 The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.

The Contagious Smile

Today started off terrible. I woke up late and missed my bus. My teacher gave me a tardy and sent me to the principal’s office. That wasn’t the end. Sam, the bully, took my ball then pushed me down. But something amazing happened; a little girl passing by gave me a wonderful smile. “Let me help you,” she said taking my hand, her smile spreading from ear to ear. I tried to stop it but could not help it; my frown began to turn upside down. Then I began to smile. As I walked home, what did I see? Mr. Hamoodi’s Ice Cream truck was broken in three. I smiled at him, with a smile from ear to ear, “it’s okay Mr. Hamoodi; help is on the way.” Suddenly, his frown turned upside down and he began to smile. “What a wonderful child, thank you for your kind smile.”

Mr. Hamoodi called for a tow truck. As he waited, he heard a cry. Mrs. Hannah tottered by with three bags and a crying child. He smiled at them with a smile from ear to ear, “please, let me help you,” he said carrying her bags. “And here is an ice cream for two.” Soon their frowns turned upside down, and they began to smile. “God bless you kind sir,” she said. The bus arrives right on time; they get on board and ride across town. Along the way, an old lady gets on, “I lost my wallet, I have no money to ride,” she cried. The bus driver frowns, “Please get down,” he bellowed. “Don’t worry,” the small child smiled, “I have extra coins; you can ride with us.” The old lady’s frown turned upside down and she began to smile, “May God bless you child, and your kind mother too.”

The bus stopped and the old lady got off, she noticed a young man in a nice suit standing on the corner looking quite confused. “Can I help you young man?” she asked smiling from ear to ear. “I am lost, I need to find Apple Street or I will be late for my first day of work,” he said sadly. “I know that street, it is near by. Follow me,” the old lady chirped. The young man’s frown turned upside down. He took her arm and followed her to Apple Street. With a smile from ear to ear, he thanked her and hurried on his way. As he rushed along, he heard a tiny cry. It was the little girl, sitting lost and all alone.

“Where’s your mommy?” he asked. She looked up, “I don’t know, I can’t find her,” she whimpered. “Well, don’t you worry,” he said smiling, “there is a police officer. She will help you find your mommy.” The police officer took her hand, “let’s go find your mommy dear,” she said smiling ear to ear. Soon, her frown turned upside down. Suddenly, she heard her name. It was her mother. With a smile from ear to ear, they thanked the nice police officer for her help and went skipping on their way. Today began as a horrible day, but all it took was a kind, friendly smile to turn a frown upside down.