[center]Milad un Nabi Mubarak!

Say: Because of the Blessings (fadl) of Allah and His Mercy (rahma) you should celebrate (with happiness and pleasure). That is better than what (wealth) they amass. (Surah Yunus)

Narrated by Abu Qatada Ansari (ra). The Prophet was asked about fasting on Monday whereupon he replied:

"It is (the day) i was born and revelation was sent down to me." (Sahih Muslim)
[/center]

Extract from the Qasidah Burdah

Chapter 3 – Concerning the praises of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasalam

53. How noble are the physical qualities of Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasalam adorned with good character.

54. (who) was vested with beauty and distinguished by pleasant temperament.

55. (He) is like a blooming flower in its freshness and the full moon in splendour.

56. And the ocean in generosity and time in its fearless courage.

57. Even when alone, it appears due to his grandeur.

58. As though (he is) in the midst of a large army and its retinue.

59. It is like pearls well preserved in oysters.

60. From the two mines, of his speech and his smiles.

">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnNrj-eTU28&feature=related]

Durood Taj

O Allah, send blessings and Peace upon our Master and Patron Muhammad, The Owner of the Crown and the Ascent and the Buraq and the Standard, The Repeller of Affliction and Disease and Drought and Illness and Pain.

His name is written on high, served and engraved in the Tablet and the Pen, The Leader of All, Arabs and non-Arabs, Whose body is sanctified, fragrant, and pure, Illumined in the House and the Haram,

After a good nights sleep, I awoke to hear loud booms out at sea. Looking out from my window, I could see Israeli gunships patrolling the waters a few miles out. This is a constant reminder that their presence is close, and to stop fishermen from going out far enough to fish. Not a pretty sight to see on a daily basis.

At mid day, everyone met up at the compound, and we officially handed over all our vehicles and aid to various charities and NGO’s working in Gaza. Anyone with specific deliveries, got to hand over their aid personally. There were emotional scenes as people packed up their belongings and said good bye to their vehicles that had become their home for the past month.

So, on Sunday January 3rd, we loaded close to 250 vehicles onto a Turkish Cargo ship and it set sail for the Egyptian port of El Arish. The following day, the Syrian Government chartered a plane to fly over 500 people to el Arish. It was going to take 4 flights to complete the job.

The 1st flight got away on time, and when they reached El Arish, the Egyptians had moved the goalposts again. They were insisting that the 155 people who had just arrived go straight to the port and drive all the vehicles up to Rafah and then leave. They were stamped with entry and exit visas at the same time, which is illegal. Needless to say, a stand off ensued and 9 hours later, the Egyptians relented and agreed to everyone been present to go to Rafah.

Ireland To Gaza

Well folks, the great news to report to you all is that the “Viva Palestina” Humanitarian Aid Convoy safely reached Gaza and delivered all their aid. On January 6th, 517 humanitarians from 20 countries, in close to 200 vehicles, crossed through the Rafah Border into Gaza. The scenes greeting us as we made our way to Gaza city were unbelievable. Over 100,000 lined the roads and streets as we took 3 hours to drive 20 kilometres. They had waited patiently on us for us for weeks, and their outpouring of excitement and gratitude was the most humbling experience in my life. They are the real heroes, not us.

">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXDkDJXie1g]

Spring's Gift

I envy the sand that met his feet
I’m jealous of honey he tasted sweet
Of birds that hovered above his head
Of spiders who spun their sacred web
To save him from his enemies
I envy clouds formed from the seas
That gave him cover from the heat
Of a sun whose light could not compete
With his, whose face did shine so bright
That all was clear in blinding night
I envy sightless trees that gazed
Upon his form completely dazed
Not knowing if the sun had risen
But felt themselves in unison
With those who prayed, and fasted too
Simply because he told them to
With truth and kindness, charity
From God who gave such clarity
His mercy comes in one He sent
To mold our hearts more heaven bent
I envy all there at his side

That was my bed for a week in Ramadan... comfy eh?

">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNmPybFK2_o]