Yogurt on Yer Head!

Source

Have I mentioned that I'm a DIY, all-natural-loving type of gal?  Si, si, mes amis!

One of my most recent semi-addictions is a weekly yogurt hair mask. You're thinking, "Oh gross...doesn't that smell?" and you'd be surprised, but it doesn't really. And there's plenty of people who use this mask as their secret weapon. :)  

The Benefits:

- Softens and conditions dry hair

- Strengthens the hair follicles since it's full of protein

- Soothes itchy scalps

- Fights dandruff.  Yay for yogurt's anti-fungal properties!

- Makes hair crazy-shiny

- Stimulates hair growth

- Combats the frizzies

How-To:

1. Take some natural, unflavoured yogurt and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Don't use the stuff with fruit in it - all natural is best!

2. Mix in your "extras".  This can be olive oil, honey, cinnamon, cocoa powder, whatever your heart desires.  These extras have their own benefits, and take a wander through google to look them up. 

3. Divide your hair into sections and apply yogurt in thick layers. You can use a spoon or a paint brush if you want, but I just go at it with my hands.  

4.  Let the mask settle in for 30-50minutes.   It will feel wonderfully cooling on your scalp!  The mask may also begin 'weeping', so you may want to wear an old t-shirt or cover your head in cling wrap/old towel.

5.  Jump into the shower, and rinse twice with warm water before shampooing.  I usually wash my hair twice. 

6.  No need to condition your hair.  So let it dry, and marvel at how soft, shiny and wonderful it feels!

There

If you're a goal-oriented person, you're also likely to be quite future-oriented.

And sometimes, this means that you wish things would just hurry up and happen already.  You just want to be "there" - on the other side.

But, the journey is just as important as the destination

Honour the process.

Be mindful of it.

And enjoy the trip...it only happens once.

Honour the Process, Illustration, 2011 by Michele Gauler

Don't let the moment slip by...

Source: Unknown

It's tough being a girl...

SubhanAllah, this video is amazing.  This brother speaks in such a beautiful way and his words are so intriguing and truthful. JazakiAllah to Sr. Riham at Beauty of Islam for sharing.

Some gems from the video:

"...we are so confused about ideas of gender..."

"...if we look at any program, go to any conference conferences or classes, the majority of the attendees are women..."

"...most of us whether we are men or women are not thinking of using Islam as the epicentre of our lives..."

A Gem

Today is a gift, that's why it's called the Present!

Wisdom

"For instance, if a man ceases to take any concern in worldly matters, conceives a distaste for common pleaures, and appears sunk in depression, the doctor will say, “This is a case of melancholy, and requires such and such prescription." 

The physicist will say, “This is a dryness of the brain caused by hot weather and cannot be relieved till the air becomes moist.” 

The astrologer will attribute it to some particular conjunction or opposition of plantes. 

“Thus far their wisdom reaches,” says the Koran. 

It does not occur to them that what has really happened is this: that the Almighty has a concern for the welfare of that man, and has therefore commanded His servants, the planets or the elements, to produce such a condition in him that he may turn away from the world to his Maker.

The knowledge of this fact is a lustrous pearl from the ocean of inspirational knowledge, to which all other forms of knowledge are as islands in the sea.”

-The Alchemy of Happiness, Imam Al-Ghazali

A trust

Today, the lab I had to do for one of my courses was probably one of the most dangerous ones I (insha'Allah!) will have to encounter... It used pretty dangerous, toxic and corrosive reactants and the reactions themselves were pretty intense. Not to mention, 2 explosions already occured with other people doing this...

That being said, I was beyond terrfied... Alhamdulillah it all went well, no major incidents to report!, but thinking about it, it really made me question how well we take care of our bodies...

The idea that we are given this body as a trust by Allah swt, and yet we sometimes don't consider the effects of our choices...

I remember going into the lab wondering if I would come out in the same way (I know it sounds ilke an exaggeration, but it's really true!) and yet I still intentionally went through 4 hours of a potentially dangerous setting... Of course everyone took the necessary precautions, but there's always the risk.

Maybe, that's justifiable because it's for school purposes and everyone was taking the right precautions anyway? Maybe. But what about other parts of our lives, such as our diet?

Does being a Muslim also mean that we should eat healthier and live a healthier lifestyle?

--

Prophet Muhammad SAW has said "Ask Allah SWT for forgiveness and health, for after being granted certainty, one is given nothing better than health" Related in Tirmidhi.

In the Qur'an, we are also told to "Eat and drink, but avoid excess" (20:81)

--

A lot of people will want to lose weight to feel better about themselves based on what the norms of the society are. But what if losing weight could be the result of adapting to a healthier lifestyle where you are pleasing Allah SWT and helping to return this wonderful trust given to you, your body? Seems better than a win-win situation!

As the countdown to the end of university starts soon, and there's loads of 'stress-relieving' foods or maybe better known as 'comfort foods' out there, it might just be wise to re-check some habits!

May Allah SWT help us to refine our habits where necessary so that we can become better Muslims and a better representation of our deen.

Look a little harder

People really like their quotes, eh?

And whether it’s on a book, a frame, an agenda or some other random item, some people will buy it just because they really, really liked the quote that was on it.

But, this post is not about quotes.  Or even how wildly popular and ubiquitous they have become. But it does serve as a great segue into perhaps what is one of the most commonly known quotes:

Stop and smell the roses.

And while it’s not entirely clear where this phrase originated from, there are many, many theories.  Some speculate that it was golfer Walter Hagen who first came up with a similar quote.  In his 1956 biography, he is quoted as saying,

You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry. Don't worry. 

And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.

Apparently, “smell the flowers” was later misquoted as “smell the roses”.

In any case, I appreciate the sentiment of the longer quote.  It’s lovely, isn’t it?  It’s a profound reminder that we are so blessed – in ways that we will never be able to fully comprehend.

And it’s a message to look a little harder.

Like when you’re taking an ordinary walk to the subway station.  Did you notice the afternoon sun beaming down the tree lined streets?

Or take a peek outside before you head to bed.  What’s ordinary can become extraordinary...

And it’s a wonder that even a simple thing can make a difference.  Like looking UP for a change.

At times, even the most boring thing – like a 25 page paper- can suddenly look beautiful.

And sometimes, you’ll be rewarded with a sight that really is very magical.

 

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All pictures belong to the writer and are from her personal collection.  Please seek permission before using. Thanks!

Something not so mundane...

It’s been a while since I’ve gathered the courage to contribute here...

It’s been a while since I’ve been able to get my ideas together so what I say doesn’t sound like a rant...

AND

It’s been a while since I was called a racist name.

Yes fellow readers, indeed it is true. Welcome Mussafira to the current day and age where things are not necessarily what they seem...where appearances are often deceiving and where you should know better then to judge a book by its cover...

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of racism. I think living in the country and more importantly the city that I do, I’ve truly been blessed to have faced very little, if any such experiences at all throughout my childhood/teen years. This is especially significant, considering I’ve attended arguably some of the most Caucasian schools and classes in the multicultural metropolitan mega-city I call home. And perhaps what’s recently sheltered me away from any form of racism whatsoever is the extremely culturally diverse environment I found myself in for my undergrad. Here, the ‘visible minority’ was and is in fact the ‘visible majority’ as is happening in various cities across the world.

That being said, someone, somewhere and sometime ago told me that Racism is not very obvious, if you ever experience it, know that it’s actually quite subtle. For example, compare the following situation: being called DIRTY PAKI vs. Being the only one NOT invited to a party at work. No, no, that’s not a fair example, because oh wait, maybe they just ‘forgot’ to cc you on the invite email or maybe your email is still on its way. Better yet, maybe you’ve been there for only 6 months, so you’re actually quite the newbie and so yes OF COURSE the event co-ordinator forgot to invite you.

Maybe, but maybe not. Regardless, being called names is an OBVIOUS form of racism, whereas something like the scenario above could be a SUBTLE form of racism or a mere coincidence. Only God really knows. Unfortunately, a couple of weeks ago, I experienced the former type of racism. Given the name-caller’s age and possible socio-economic status, it really did NOT surprise me, and I really should not have been effected at all. But truth be told, it got me thinking and I interestingly enough could not recall a single time in my life where I was discriminated against so openly like that (Alhamdullilah - all praise be to God). Perhaps what’s most interesting is that it happened in the very neighbourhood I have lived in for over 15 years. This neighbourhood, probably the only place I could ever call home, boasts signs of ‘Mosaic’ along the major commercial street, it has elected a city councillor who herself is probably a first or second generation citizen and many agree that it really is a truly multicultural area where most get along quite well.

So then why the name-calling? Should I be worried? Or will this young adult mature and become more professional and culturally-aware one day? Can I rationalize or legitimize his racial slur in any way?

Maybe, but maybe not. I guess only time will tell... In the meantime, I've been told that reminders are good for everyone, especially the believer, so here's a reminder for myself before you: "O men! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware." - Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13)

The more things change, the more they remain the same?

I've got a personal blog that I go back to time to time.  Some days, it feels like I'm reading someone else's thoughts, and at other times it simply feels like my life is nothing but an endless cycle of similar events.  


Like right now.  


And these emotions and feelings that come with being in such a familiar place are akin to that deja-vu experience. 

I wrote a post in May 2008 that's resonating with me so deeply right now...and here it is:
_______________________________________________________________


There's a steady, small wave of change brewing. 


Everyone's moving to a different phase,
a different place in their lives. 


Smiles. Tears. Shouts. Laughs. 
It's all part of the commotion. 


This may be the final summer. I don't think it's hit me yet.
This may be the *final* summer.


Volunteering gigs, work, Uni. 
Maybe even the deck days and slurpee nights. 


Who knows where I'll be this time next year. 


Or who I'll be.


Today, a shaykh spoke about the importance of istikhara- a means of consultation with Allah the Almighty. Often, people associate istikhara with a big decision-whether it be marriage, a house, a car, or a degree. 


But this supplication was taught by the Prophet (saw) to the Sahaba in the same manner as a surah of the Quran. And the utmost importance that was given to learning a surah is well known. "Convey to Me, even a verse", says Allah SWT. 


So why have we demoted the istikhara to an occasional duaa? A form of insurance so that we can retort, "But my istikhara was positive!". 


The istikhara was meant to be a daily supplication. Everything from choosing the right microwave, to which road to take. If you look at the translation of the duaa, it's beauty is simply magnificent. 

Oh Allah! I seek Your guidance by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power; I have none. And You know; I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. 

Oh Allah! If in Your knowledge, (this matter*) is good for my religion, my livelihood and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge, (this matter*) is bad for my religion, my livelihood and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it. And ordain for me the good wherever it may be, and make me content with it. 

It fills a believer with hope. 


And with the realization that Allah alone knows what is best for us. The Shaykh also said that once a person has made istikhara, he should realise that Allah will look after him. 


And if read with firm conviction, tawakkul and love, the person will neither regret his decison, nor will he face failure. Further, Allah will make his task easier for him.


Sa’ d ibn Waqas reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said,
“Istikharah (seeking guidance from Allah) is one of the distinct favors (of Allah) upon man, and a good fortune for the son of Adam is to be pleased with the judgment of Allah. And a misfortune of the son of Adam is his failure to make istikharah (seeking Allah’s guidance), and a misfortune for the son of Adam is his displeasure with the judgment of Allah.”


Ibn Taimiyyah said, “He who seeks guidance from the Creator and consults the creatures will never regret it.”


May Allah SWT make this noble gift a part of our daily lives. And may He give us serenity and peace in our times of turbulent change. Ameen.




[P.S.  There's an excellent book on Istikhara that I routinely go back to time and time again.  It's a short, easy read and very well written.  See:  Moulana Abu Usama Ayub (2005). Istikhara, in Light of Sunnah and Qura'an.  Academy for Islamic Research.  Available here.]


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What about you?  Do you ever feel like everything's just a whirlwind of change around you?
How often do you get that deja-vu feeling?

Overreacting?

We hear it all the time that while one person is leaving this world another one somewhere is entering… I’ve never experienced both at once, but today in the wee hours of the morning that’s exactly what happened…

My best-friends older sister gave birth to a healthy baby boy Allhamdulillah but around that very same time an incredibly patient, amazing and well loved sister from my community passed away (innalillahi wainna ilayhi rajioon)

I didn’t know her personally, but her reputation as a patient and kind woman was well known all over the community. Her Janazah (Arabic for funeral) today was a testimonial to the love everyone had for her, subhanAllah I’ve never seen this many people at a funeral in my life… my local masjid is quite big and we have two reasonably large sized rooms in the basement for the sisters and today they were PACKED to such an extent that many sisters had to remain standing. It made me so happy that so many sisters came to pay their respects and say ‘Ameen’ to the prayer of forgiveness for our beloved sister, but a small incident spoiled this feeling of pride that I felt over seeing the love and support that our sisters showed by attending...

While the Janazah Slaah (Funeral Prayers) was going on, two sisters were TALKING about someone who was going back home to get MARRIED… I’m happy for whoever this person is but speaking in such loud voices that although there were quite a few people between us I could hear what they were saying clearly as though I was right beside them upset me. I totally understand that marriage is a joyous occasion but in my humble opinion it’s not so important that you speak about it while we’re praying and seeking forgiveness for a sister that was living and breathing alongside us just yesterday.

I’m not so sure if I’m overreacting (I tend to do that at times) but after the prayers I felt like finding this sister and just asking why she did what she did. Did she not realize that one day people would be praying for her? That one day she will be in this very same place and the prayers will be taking place for her? I’m sure at that point she would rather have people praying for her than discussing a potential marriage! So why did she not do what she would have wanted done for herself in this situation, for a sister who’s already in it?

I’m no perfect person, far from it. I seem to make mistakes every second of my life but to show such blatant disrespect for such an amazing sister hurt me in an indescribable way and every time I think about the funeral and our deceased sister I seem to hear this other sisters words echoing in my head and it makes my blood boil once again :$

I just can’t seem to understand why people act in a manner that they would surely not like in someone else. But then I remember a hadith of our dear Prophet (peace be upon him) narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) which has been transmitted in Abu Dawud:

“A believer is a mirror for another believer”

So I remind myself that before I go and look at the faults of others, I should change myself first...

***A Request*** Please do remember this lovely sister in your prayers and those she’s left behind; her husband, her one and only son, her mother, her sisters, her brother, her nieces and nephews, her friends, her neighbors subhanAllah she’s left behind so many people who are truly going to miss her... People who love her and who I’m sure will remember her with every step they take… for she was a rare individual who forgot her own problems to help out another human in need. May Allah (swt) grant her and all the rest of us the highest abode in Jannah (Paradise) - Ameen

The Little Things

I cut my finger tip with a mandoline. No one seems to know what I'm talking about when I refer to a mandoline; I think my own familiarity comes with years of having to make dawaat salads, and then learning the English term for it in my two-year stint at a kitchen gadget store.

So anyways, I cut my finger tip with it. It's really kinda gross.

 Although the pic is blurry, if you look closely, you can see that my finger nail has an unnatural crescent shaped cut.  And of course, you should be able to see the flesh, that looks kinda like blood in this picture; no blood, only the flesh.

Yuck.

I was slicing carrots, and talking to a family friend about ice cream or middle school or something like that. I was told to be careful, and I thought I was. But I inevitably sliced off the tip, as well as part of the nail of my right index finger.

It didn't help that the carrots were hanging out in cold water and that my own fingers were soft and supple from the water. It also didn't help that I hadn't trimmed my nails.

It didn't even hurt. It still doesn't. The bleeding didn't stop for another 3-4 hours, even with continuous pressure.

But I didn't want everyone to make a big deal out of it. So when the small band-aid didn't really work, I wadded a piece of paper towel and draped it in clear tape over my finger tip.

Little, little finger tip.

How insignificant you seem.

And yet.

I can't eat rice with my hands without you.

I can't rinse out my mouth without you.

I can't touch type without you.

I can't wash my hair without you, and I can't do dishes.

I can't even wash my face properly without you - unless I do that in the shower.

Little, little finger tip.

I hope you heal properly.

I've always been told that I have pretty hands. And nice nails.

And I don't want you to turn into a short stumpy rump of a finger tip. Or even a short, square finger nail.

I'm giving you all the TLC you need, so you better clean up well. And I'm giving you extra Germolene, so you better heal perfectly too.

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Update:  The little finger tip healed completely, Allhumdulilah!  No scar...nothing.  :)

[From my personal archives: June 21-2010]