Salaamun alaikum

Came across this blog and found it to be quite interesting:

link

I just thought about this and I really think there should be an Revival app, people can use it through their IPhone and other devices. Also this way Revival can expand!

It can be tricky practicing Islam. Have you ever tried to find the direction of Mecca in a Gap fitting room?

A Muslim who prays in public is like James Bond, but without the bling, sophisticated gadgets and entourage of gorgeous women eager to bed him. Both brilliantly fail at every attempt at stealth. Like the fictional secret agent, a Muslim, despite his best intentions and clandestine efforts, sticks out like a pink elephant when forced to offer his ritualistic prayer, salat, outside the comforting cocoon of his home or mosque.

Contrary to the fear-mongering asserted by professional Islamophobes, Muslim Americans do not wish to impose their religious practices and beliefs upon their non-Muslim neighbors. The reality is that most of us are simply trying to navigate the sometimes tricky -- but often entertaining -- balancing act of adhering to our religious values and rituals while avoiding societal awkwardness and being seen as modern-day Boo Radleys.

Each time I have to pray and am unable to find a secluded spot, I would love for a magic Muslim portal to open and take me away to a fantastic Greyskull castle. Here, I could pray in solitude, shielded from the curious eyes of fascinated and horrified observers and ride on an armored tiger named Battle Cat while drinking mango lassi from a diamond-encrusted goblet.

Unfortunately, I live in reality.

Read more @ Salon

*Video removed due to censorship and general intolerance for stuff that is not entirely compliant with particular beliefs. Says a lot about the state of the world. Should probably think twice when some of you complain that the rest of the world is intolerant of you.

But yeah, I'll stick to putting up pictures of unicorns praying on rainbows :roll:

If anyone's interested it was a video off youtube of Somalian girls in full muslim dress dancing with men. And contrary to the comments there was no 'semi naked'ness, that was the entire point of uploading it, seeing how little it means to some people because it has kind of become so much of an obligation or culture to most.

Laters.

"Signs of a hypocrite are three: whenever he speaks he lies; whenever he promises, he breaks his promises; and whenever he has been entrusted, he betrays his trust; even if he fasts and prays and even if he claims he is a Muslim." [Bukhari & Muslim]

And in another narration in the book of Imam Bukhari on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Umar:

“The Prophet said, "Whoever has (the following) four characters will be a hypocrite, and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy until he gives it up. These are:

(1) Whenever he talks, he tells a lie; (2) whenever he makes a promise, he breaks it; (3) whenever he makes a covenant he proves treacherous; (4) and whenever he quarrels, he behaves impudently in an evil insulting manner."

We should think about ourselves – do we have this characteristic of Nifaq (hypocrisy)?

Young inspiring writers from around the country are once again invited to submit creative, interesting and original entries to the Young Muslim Writer's Awards

The deadline for receiving entries is on Monday 7th of March 2011

The judges will announce the winners for each category at a prestigious, invitation-only presentation ceremony to be held at the Institute of English Studies, University of London in June 2011.

Now in its 5th year, the Muslim Writers Awards is widely acknowledged by writers and professionals from the publishing world as the most recognised, exciting and credible platform for Muslim writers of all ages.

The list of successes continues to grow; the youngest person to sign a publishing contract is Tahmina Hadi who will be launching her first novel in April after winning the 14-16 Best Short Story Award at the 2010 Young Muslim Writers Awards.

To submit your entry, and be part of the next generation of success stories, visit www.muslimwritersawards.org.uk

I was thinking about this hadith that says something like 'The best among you is he (or she) who is best in their conduct.'

Or some such. Any ideas what 'best among you in conduct' means? Whats meant by conduct in this context??

British gay Muslims seek Islamic weddings

British gay Muslims are joining the global fight for equality and seeking gay Islamic marriage. The BBC's 5 live Investigates speaks to one couple about their 'nikah' - a Muslim matrimonial contract - and asks how they balance their sexuality with the Islamic faith.

"We met about three years ago, at an iftar - a breaking of fast during Ramadan.

"I think a lot of Muslims find that time of year very spiritual and very enlightening, and so I think that's why our relationship developed, because we spoke about our faith."

"Eventually we went on a date."

Asra recalls the first time she met her partner, Sarah, three years ago. The gay couple, who are also Muslim, are one of a growing number of gay, British Muslims who have cemented their relationship with marriage - Islamic marriage.

Asra fondly remembers the moment Sarah proposed to her.

"After the first date, which was about an hour, Sarah casually asked me to marry her."

Sarah interjects.

"I think it was more like four hours, after dinner, coffee and walking. I didn't really plan it, but it just really seemed like the way it was between us, I should try and keep it as pure as possible.

"That may sound strange being lesbians, but it felt like we should do it the most honourable way we could."
The Muslim way

Asra and Sarah decided upon a 'nikah' - a Muslim matrimonial contract. Whilst nikahs have traditionally been the reserve of heterosexual Muslims, Asra and Sarah were aware that other gay Muslims had followed this route and the couple decided to investigate further.

Read full article here