Pray, Pray, Pray- Importance of Salaht in Ramadan

Asalam waliykum  Ya Muslimeen!

Subhana Allah! Time has flown by, we are in the last 8/9 days of Ramadan. Only felt like yesterday I had posted about Eating well in Ramadan, here is the link to my last blog post "Welcome Ramadan". Such a scary feeling, that I only remember but a few days, as they have gone by so quickly.

A little late then expected, I work full time and long hours so I find I am unable to blog in the week, and over the weekends had family over and lots of ibbadah. If you guessed from the title this blog post is about the importance of prayer in Ramadan,

Salaht/ Prayer is a very personal act of Worship, yes as parents, husbands we are obliged to encourage those we are responsible for to carry out this Ibbadah. However, it is personal in terms of how it is performed, and with what sincerity and concentration. Doing the physical movements of the Salaht is merely not enough to validate your prayer. 

Prayer is seen to be a way of connecting to Allah Subhanahu wa  Ta'Ala, and communicating with him in a way no other person can. We are all at different levels within our deen, and inSha Allah we are continuing to develop our relationship with Allah. Some may Pray and it may be basically saying ayat they have remembered and mimicking the actions of prayer, without any substance to their prayer.  I guess we all started at that level, but we build up the Kushoo/concetration and understanding of what we are doing, what we are saying and who we are doing this for. 

If you have looked at the tabs above, I do have a Salaht Section that I have started and yet to complete, and there I go into detail about what prayer is and how often we should pray. 

Now I would like to remind everyone that in Ramadan the reward of good deeds, and Ibbadah are increased. Ramadan Itself, Allah holds the rewards and we do not know what each of us will be rewarded with. For some, unfortunately nothing, as all they gain from this month is hunger and sleeplessness. Lets hope this will not apply to any of us.

Alhamdulillah we are able to perform Salahtul Taraweeh in Ramadan, depending on what Madthab you follow it may be Wajib or Sunnah to pray this in the mosque. As the Hadith states that Muhammed Peace be upon him, would often pray at home, said he feared praying every night in the Masjid would make people believe it was Fard.

These extra Prayers help us stay connected with Allah, and control our nafs and keep it in check. It also helps strengthen our faith and devotion to Allah.

There is a difference in how many units a person should pray for Taraweeh, some follow the opinion of 8 Raka, some 11 and some others 20. This is all personal to you and what you have researched and believe to be the right way. 

Allah Said:

"is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing (in prayer), fearing the hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his lord, (like one who does not)? Say, "Are those who now equal to those who do not know?" Only they will remember (who are) people of understanding." [Noble Quran 39.9]

The Tahajjud/ Night prayer is also very important in Ramadan, the sunnah is to wake up the last 3rd of the night, usually some time before Fajr and offer these night prayers then. Carried out in 2 units and recitation of the Quran is elongated and each movement if prolonged. Unfortunately due to my working hours I have been unable to participate fully, However, even a few Raka before Fajr is better then none. 

The importance of carrying out these extra Sunnah Salaht in Ramadan is that, it is easier to do these extra Ibbadah as Shiytan is locked up, and psychologists say it takes 15-20 days to pick up a habit. So if you implement this knowledge to Ramadan, If we read Quran consistently and Pray our sunnah and Nafl consistently then when Ramadan leaves us we will keep hold of these new good habits and carry on doing this for the rest of the year. 

This can be applied to any good deed, for example, Sisters who are not wearing Hijab wear it for Ramadan with good Niya/Intention and Insha Allah you will keep it on after Ramadan finishes. 

Ramadan is a time to better ourselves, not just for the month but for the remainder of the year, and with each year we should be aiming higher and expecting to achieve more. 

In Sha Allah this post has come as a boost to some of you, especially as some of us start to run low on energy and enthusiasm. But there is still 8/9 days to gain those rewards and perfect our ibbadah. Allah has knowledge of when Laylatal Qader/ Night of Decree is, so there is still time to experience this event. 

As always, Jazaka Allah khier for reading. 

Wasalam -x- 

Welcome Ramadan- Have a date or two?

Asalam walykum,

It feels like only a few months ago that the last Ramadan was with us. Here we are again, in full swing, with the first day of Ramadan upon us. I hope you are all having a good start to the Month and that you are all prepared.

Unlike the years before, this Ramadan came around quite quickly. This year I made sure I kept up with my monthly fasts and even weekly fasts, doing the Sunnah of Monday and Thursday. Alhamdulillah, today is familiar, and welcomed and has come with ease. I find that if you do not fast throughout the year the first few days or weeks are a struggle. 

Well, after that long intro, I just wanted to share some of the mistakes I made from last year in regards to eating habits, or should I say bad habits. Each year is the same, I promise to eat healthy and fresh and in small portions, but that quickly fades away and I am back to eating in an unhealthy manner, it comes with being Arab. We Arabs eat with our eyes... and Ramadan is no exception. The sunnah is forgotten about eating Fresh, Eating Wholesome food and eating the right amount.

One way I have planned to overcome this is to plan my meals a week in advance, and stick to the plan. No matter what is offered to me I will be sure to remain stead fast and keep to the plan. If you think about it, after you break your fast with a date and water/milk you already feel nourished and satisfied. Therefore, there really is no need to go over board.... or so she says. 

Things I want to avoid at all costs are fried foods and sugary foods. Yes, no Samosas, Cakes, and sweets. These things end up creeping on the table somehow and onto my plate before the fruit and veg. 

Instead I have opted to have a fresh Green Juice or Fruit smoothie after praying Maghreb, followed by a light salad with a small portion of fresh cooked meat/Qurn/fish/Chicken that is baked and not fried. 

And just to change things up a bit, have a small bowl of Moroccan soup or veg soup 3 times a week. 

And for snacks, only nuts and dried fruit. For suhoor I plan on having a bowl of rolled oats with chopped nuts and dried cranberries and raisins or fresh banana, with Soya milk/Free from milk.

I do love my bread, a bit too much, so to curb that craving I will be making and eating Moroccan flat bread, Mafrouk which is made from Semolina. i posted a recipe 2 years ago, here is the link HERE!!. It is much healthier then normal bread and contains minimal amount of flour and gluten, all things I am to avoid.

Even as I am writing this I am thinking this is hardly any food. Really it is, we need a lot less then what we may think. It is better to prepare less and add, then to overfill and make too much and ruin your health. 

Always remember the Sunnah, "the stomach should be filled 1/3 by food, a 1/3 by water and a 1/3 from air", and you wont go wrong. Just incorporate the essential food groups and have a healthy balance. If you find most of the food on your plate are pastries, and fried food then you need to wake up and stop choosing to remain ignorant to what you put into your body.

Jazaka Alla khier for reading, the next post will be about incorporating the Sunnah and Nafl Salaht in Ramadan:- "Pray,Pray,Pray until you can pray no more"

Wasalam -x- 

***Epic Giveaway Summer 2014***

Asalam Waliykum, 

A HUGE Epic Giveaway on Instagram. Open Internationally, so all you worldwide sisters are welcome to enter!!

Myself and 7 other sisters are doing a Huge Giveaway on Instagram with lots of handmade, Unique and Couture items. 

Here are my products that you will be able to win. 

A beautiful Handmade A5 size Card with Arabic/Mosaic Detail. High Quality Card Stock and Tim Holtz distress Inks. "Your so Special". Wanted to keep the Phrase simple and universal, so that this card can be given to anyone for almost any occasion. It would make a great Ramadan/Eid Card too. 

This is just a sample of the bookmark the winner will get. I put my Initial on it, but the winners initial will be on the bookmark. Extra Thick bookmark and fits in standard A4/A5 books.
Made using Kraft Card, and Stampin up Card stock, Letter cut out by hand, Tim Holtz inks and Paper Punch.

Anyone can Enter, if you are under 16 years old please ask permission from your parents/Guardians as we will need to know your address so we can send you the prizes. 

The Giveaway is run by 8 sisters on Instagram. So if you are not following me on Insta already please do, Link is on the panel to the right, name is muslimah-in_solace.

All the prizes are hand made and are a variety of items made with different mediums.

The rules of the Giveaway:

1)  You MUST follow me, and the other sisters listed below. 

Once you follow, you need to share the Epic Giveaway Image on your Instagram page, you have to tag 4 people in your contacts that are active users.

2) Hash Tag #epicgiveawayforyou

3) Comment "Done" below my poster for the giveaway on my profile on Instagram, when you have finished.

4) The sisters you need to follow are:

- @islamicdeco

- @henna4humanity

- @shop_thePetite_nunu

- @ muslimah_in_solace

- @ pomegranate_toys

- @amilahboutique

- @jemhandmade

- @jen_rayan_designs

If you miss any of the above steps you wont be entered into the giveaway. There will be 2 winners!

The winner will be announced on my Instagram and the other sisters pages. The winner will be announced on 14th July on Instagram and my Facebook page. We will contact the 2 winners directly via private message on Instagram, with details on how to claim the prizes/Postage etc.

I will be posting the other Items that have been made by the sisters above, on my blog, instagram and Facebook soon, So keep your eyes pealed.
Please check out the sisters listed above and follow us all, and support sisters who are trying to start a business.

Please make dua for us all, and support us in any way you can, simply sharing this post and Instagram would be a big help. 

Jazaka Allah khier. Any questions feel free to contact me in the comments section, or insta/Facebook or google plus. My email address is Muslimahinsolace@live.com.

Wasalam -x- 

For Sale, Brother Sewing Machine

Asalam Waliykum, 

Just wanted to post about my sewing machine, I am looking to sell it ASAP. It is a Brother X-5 great for beginners and intermediate level. I have had it for nearly a year and a half. Great condition, works brilliantly, as you can see from the photos. I have used it moderately.

I am looking to buy a more expensive machine with complex stitches, that is the only reason I am parting ways with this one. Otherwise, I would keep it. If you are looking for a sewing machine that will do all the basics and a few intermediate stitches, then this machine will suit you best. It is also in great condition, no scratches and no issues. 

Comes with all original accessories, manual, peddle and original box. All in perfect condition. 

I bought it brand new for £95 and still retails for around that price. I am selling for £60 including P&P signed, UK only. 

I accept payment via Paypal, and the machine will be sent with Hermes courier service which I use often and the service is amazing.

If you are interested then please email me @ muslimahinsolace@live.com. Or if you know someone who would be interested then please pass this on and share the post.

Glad to be back and blogging!!
Jazaka Allah khier.

wasalam -x- 

Alhamdulillah I'm Back!

Asalam waliykum,

It has been a while since I showed myself in the blogging world.  I have truly missed blogging so much and feel I am so behind with everything. Firstly, I am Sorry for disappearing. Since I started my new job (Which I love Alhamdulillah) I have had barely anytime to spend online, and now with the weather getting better I have been spending more time outdoors exploring and traveling and spending time with my dear friends and family. But, I have made a promise to myself to blog at least once a week. So you have that to look forward to. 

A lot has changed for me Alhamdulillah, as well as the new job, I have relocated, and I now have an etsy Store. The link is on the right hand side. I am selling my handmade cards as well as the rainbow Qurans which Alhamdulillah are nearly sold out!
I would appreciate all your support, so if you could check out my store, follow and like and share amongst your social media that would help me out so much. 

I have also got back into making cards, as you can see on my Etsy Store. I will have lots of new Ramadan and Eid cards in the next couple of weeks up for sale. So do check it out if you are looking for unique hand made gifts. I also take custom orders, so to enquire send me a message on Facebook/Etsy/Blogger. 

I would like to add, that unfortunately I will not be answering any personal questions. I hope people can understand that. I wish to share what I love in my life and what I love to do and that is it. I am not here to divulge my personal circumstances or answer questions about marriage/kids etc. This place is purely for my crafts, hobbies, travels and photos and most importantly Islam. I hope you will still visit my page, and continue to show support and share.

The next post will be about my sewing machine that needs a new home. Do come back tomorrow for that, and check out my etsy, Instagram and Facebook pages.

Glad to be back!

Jazaka Allah khier

Wasalam -x- 

Rainbow Qurans For sale

Asalam Waliykum readers,

I will be selling some Rainbow Qurans In Sha Allah. They arrived the start of this week and needed to take some photos before I could put these for sale. I only have 20, shipped from Indonesia. I wanted to see how well they sell before I place a larger order. I have already sold 3, so I have 17 left.

 

These would make great gifts for kids, or adults and lovely for Ramadan or Eid. I know a few sisters would like to buy this for their child as their first Quran.

 

 

I have 7 Fusia left, £20 each including P&P to the UK only. I am not able to send abroad at the moment. In Sha Allah in the future I will try to ship abroad, the shipping is too much at the moment.

 

 

 

The Arabic writing is very clear using the Hafs style, which is mainly used in the middle east and in most parts of the world. Easy to read and separated nicely so it is easy to follow, as you can see from the photos above.

 

They have a lovely section at the start for Tajweed rules and how to pronounce the letters, with a handy diagram too.

These are the other colours I do have. Only 2 Golden, Two Baby Blue 2 Purple and 2 Pale Pink.

If you are interested in buying, please send me an email to muslimahinsolace@live.com or visit my Facebook page the same name, Muslimah In Solace. I only accept payment by PayPal, even if you do not have a PayPal account you can still make a payment by card.

Jazaka Allah khier for reading.

Wasalam -x-

 

D.I.Y- Home Made Kaftan

Asalam Waliykum, 

I was inspired to start sewing again over the summer months by a sister on you tube called Chelsey Hijab Love. She gave some tutorials for easy Kaftan style/Batwing tops, that really got me inspired. I have always owned a sewing machine and mine was sat under the stairs, only ever being used when something needs to be repaired. And I come from a family of sewers, I have two aunts who used to make Moroccan dresses/Takshitas, so it is in my blood. I picked up the skills quickly and always been familiar with a sewing machine and techniques.  

I have been looking for modest baggy tops and dresses forever, and why not make it myself. Every time I find a nice top in a shop it is either a nice design, long but too tight fitting, or has long sleeves that are clingy. Also, 1 it is cheaper to make and 2 it is useful skill to have and 3 you can make the garment to fit you. I used to sew all the time before I attended university, mainly cushion covers and I have made a Moroccan dress before. But, had forgot about it for a while.

Alhamdulillah I came across a lovely site called Tissu the link is Here! selling some good quality fabrics at a very affordable price. I have found the fabrics to be generally all good. On a couple of occasions I have been let down, as it is online you don't get to feel the fabric so you are going on the photo and the description. As the fabrics are cheap, and they have a huge sale section it is not a total waste of money, I have found some real bargains on there.

The first item I made was a Kaftan in a batwing style. I made this for my mum as she also finds it hard to find modest dresses to wear in the summer.
The fabric is viscose cotton stretch, 2 meters for £5.99 which I feel is a real steal especially for beginners who don't want to pay a lot for fabric they may end up ruining. They often do free shipping on orders over £30. In Sha Allah, I will do a sort of step by step with photos, so this is going to be a long post. 

Tools 

- Sewing Machine 

- Pins

- Generic sewing needle (+Ball point needle)

- Tape measure

- A top/dress that fits well

- Scissors 

- Thread

To make a full length bat wing kaftan, I used 2 meters, fold your fabric in half from the salvage and then in half again. So you will end up with 4 layers as above. I found a Dejellaba that fitted had a good fit, and used that as a guide for the Kaftan. You can use tailors chalk, but I am used to cutting fabric so I just went by eye. You can also pin the fabric down to stop it moving around. 

After cutting out the main body, I wanted to have a block of colour for the sleeves, as the viscose is not as stretchy as I would like, I used a viscose cotton stretch Lycra, that has stretch in all 4 directions. This is great for sleeves as you can pull up comfortably, great for when you want to make wudu and when your cooking or washing etc. I followed the line from the main body and cut the black fabric to match it.

I then roughly cut the sleeves to a more fitted shape, and made sure where it joins to the main body is the right size and shape. 

I got a top that I know the fit of the neckline is perfect and not low. I used this as a guide for the neckline. The best way to do this is fold the top in half and measure from the center to the edge. 

I measured the neck line and marked out the area top to bottom and then to the side. I left the back of the neck and just cut the front. The best way to cut the neckline is to keep it folded and then pull down the neck line at the back and then you wont cut through all the layers. 

This is how my neck line looked after, and I remeasured to be sure it was the right size. 

Turn the fabric right side to right side, and pin along the edge and create the seam allowance, I left 2cm around the edge and if you are a beginner you need a large seam allowance to allow for error. 

This is my machine, Nothing fancy a very basic Brother, with the usual settings. No serger/over-locker stitch which is the best one to use for sewing every type of fabric. On a scrap piece of fabric test out the stitch and have a play with the settings until you are happy with the outcome. 

As this fabric has 2 way stretch, not a jersey but wanted to use a zig zag stitch for the majority of the kaftan. I don't have a walking foot, so the fabric did bunch a little. In Sha Allah I will have a Walking foot in the next few days. If you do have one, they be sure to use it for a perfect professional finish. 

The Zig Zag stitch is the best for stretch fabrics, or areas you know will have a lot of stretch such as the sleeves and neck line. Never use a straight stitch on these areas, especially if they are fitted. 

After sewing all the edges, from one arm hole to the bottom and again on the same side and the shoulders, I created a neat hemline at the bottom of the dress. I am never able to do this without pins, so I had to pin before hand and then wear the dress to make sure all sides are equal. You can also use a measuring tape from the shoulders to the bottom and then hold and pin as you go. Then removing the pins as you sew along the hem line. Again I used a zig zag stitch as on this fabric as it is heavily patterned it does not show at all. 

This is a ball point needle, 90/14 which is used for medium/light weight jersey fabrics. I changed my needle as I have completed the main body, apart from the neck line and moved onto the sleeves. 

I pinned the fabric at the top to stop it from moving around, you can also iron the fabric which will help it stay put as you sew. Again use a scrap piece of fabric to test out the stitch and what settings you need.

I used the Zig Zag stitch again, and made the stitch narrower so looks more like a over-lock stitch which has a lot of stability. 

I hemmed the sleeve at the ends with a hidden hem line, just double fold the sleeve inwards, once or twice. But I did mine two times and used a zigzag stitch along the edge to neaten, you can also use a double stitch with a twin needle for a more professional finish. 

I ended up making the wrist area a lot narrower so it hugs the wrist and has a more fitted feel. But still has enough stretch to roll up to the elbow. 

To attach the sleeves to the main body, you need to place the sleeves inside, you want the right side to right side. So the inside is facing outwards as shown above. You then pin along the edge starting from the bottom/top working to the opposite end. 

Sew along the edge, and unpin as you go. I used the zig zag stitch again, as the area needs extra support. 

This is how it will look when you finish, a nice neat edge, no gaps or holes. Be sure to back stitch 3/4 times to secure the stitch. 

Sorry I forgot to take a photo of the prep for the neck line. It is rather easy all you need is a stretchy fabric, I used the jersey. If you are using a normal fabric cut along the bias which is the stretchy part of the fabric and measure the neck line and add a little in case of error. Better to cut extra. Make the strip of fabric around 2/3 inches, it depends how thick you want the neck line to be. I made mine 1.5 inches and so cut a 3 inch strip. Iron the fabric in half, and then pin along the edge of the neckline. Again right side to right side with the edge at the top facing upwards. Stretch the bias and not the neckline, and pin as you stretch. 

Sew very close to the edge a zigzag stitch, or your chosen stitch. And keep the tension on the cut bias neckline as you sew along. 

The finished neckline will look like this, a nice fitting neckline with a neat finish. The tension you applied before will keep the neckline firm and stiff and wont be floppy. 

You may have two ends, long or short. Mine are long as I originally cut a long strip. You want to sew from top to bottom to close the gag using a straight stitch/ zigzag and then trim the excess. 

This is the finished neck line and sleeve. As i don't have a walking foot it was difficult to keep the stitch straight on the sleeve so was a little wonky in some places. But not too bad for a first try. Not really noticeable in normal light so I wont re do that area.

This is the finished garment, a wide, modest bat-wing style kaftan. I really loved the finish, it is extremely comfy and roomy and modest and practical. The sleeves worked out wonderfully and the length is perfect. My mum certainly approved. In Sha Allah will be making myself one soon when I get some new fabric in. 

Closer look at the sleeves, bat-wing style that is modest and loose fitting. I am really happy how it turned out. Hope you guys like it too, and also give it a go. I think this is perfect for warmer weather and is perfect for entertaining guests or just to wear around the house. You can also pray in this, it is extremely modest. I have no photos modeling it, but hope these photos do it justice. I also got great feedback from my mum, who is a honest critic and not afraid to tell me whats wrong.

Jazaka Allah khier for reading. I do hope you enjoyed this kind of blog post. If you want me to do more like this, then please let me know. Or if you want more detail or explanation then do comment or email me. Sorry if it may of been a little hard to follow by photos. I don't have a decent camera to record. But In Sha Allah hope one day I can record my tutorials and DIYs and post on my blog. 

Do share, comment and follow if you are not already.

Wasalam -x-