MIRROR | Rabi'ul Awwal - Issue #02

MIR ROR BECAUSE A MUSLIM IS A MIRROR TO ANOTHER. RABI’UL AWWAL 1434 ISSUE #02

THE LAST PROPHET

MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL. We look in the mirror every single day of our lives.

But did we ever remember to recite the du'a when looking in the mirror?

DU'A WHEN LOOKING IN THE MIRROR:

Allahumma anta hassanta khalqii fahassin khuluqii Meaning: "O Allah, just as you have made my external features beautiful, make my character beautiful as well."

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Dua when at the mir

n looking rror.

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Creative MUHAMMAD SYAIFUL BIN SAM’AN syaiful@mirror-mag.com Content MOHAMED YAZID yazid@mirror-mag.com Public Relations MUHAMMAD AYYUB BIN ABDUL KADIR ayyub@mirror-mag.com Religious Consultant USTAZ ACHMED FAHDLY Contributors: ABDUL AZIZ FADHULI TAUFEK NATASHA IRRAZIMAH YULANDA NUR KHAIRUNNISA NURNINA SYAZWANI SAM'AN CONTACT US General Enquiries: info@mirror-mag.com Advertising Enquiries: ayyub@mirror-mag.com

Assalamu'alaikum.

Alhamdulillah, all praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Salawat and Salam reaching out to our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. We are so grateful to be able to launch the second issue of MIRROR, coinciding with Maulidur Rasul s.a.w. In this issue, we will share with you some of the characteristics of Rasululullah s.a.w and some of his sunnah that we could and should follow.

Collaboration Enquiries: syaiful@mirror-mag.com

MIR ROR BECAUSE A MUSLIM IS A MIRROR TO ANOTHER. RABI’UL AWWAL 1434 ISSUE #02

It has been great working on this issue as we've learnt a lot during the process of putting everything together. We hope this issue will be beneficial to everyone of our readers.

Last but not least, we'd also like to take this opportunity to thank our contributors as well as all those who have helped make this issue possible.

Wassalam.

MIRROR

THE LAST PROPHET

On the cover: Seal of the Messenger of Allah s.a.w.

FEATURED CONTENTS

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LESSONS FROM AL-AMIN

MEET: THE UNDERTAKER

DINING IN THE NEST

ISLAMIC CHIC

“ The believer is the mirror of his brother.

The believer is the brother of a believer: he protects him from ruin and guards his back.”

– Rasulullah s.a.w. (Narrated by Abu Hurairah r.a)

Muharram Safar Rabi’ul Awwal Rabi’ul Akhir Jamadil Awwal Jamadil Akhir Rajab Sya’ban Ramadhan Syawwal Dzulqaidah Dzulhijjah

The third month of the Islamic calendar The Meaning of the Word "Rabi'ul Awwal": The first month of spring.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MONTH 12th Rabi'ul Awwal (Maulidur Rasul s.a.w) Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was born in the month of Rabi'ul Awwal as mercy for all, and departed from this world 63 years later in the same month.

Events of Rabi'ul Awwal • Rasulullah s.a.w emigrated from Makkah to Madinah Munawwarah • Battle of Buwaat took place in the year 2 AH • Battle of Saf’yaan took place in the year 2 AH • Sayyidatina Ruqqayyah r.a, the daughter of Rasulullah s.a.w was born 7 years before prophecy • Abu Bakr Siddiq r.a was appointed first Caliph

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LEARNING ARABIC

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Hey friend (Masculine) Ahlan Sodiiqii Hey friend (Feminine) Ahlan Sodiiqatii What's new?

Nothing much

Thank you

Welcome

Goodbye

Mal Jadiid?

Laa syaia jadiid

Syukran

Al'afw

Ma'assalaamah

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It was narrated that Faddalah ibn ‘Ubayd r.a said: The Prophet s.a.w heard a man making du’a after his prayer, but he did not glorify Allah, nor did he send blessings upon the the Prophet s.a.w.

The Prophet s.a.w said: “This man is in a hurry.”

Then he called him and said to him or to someone else: “When any one of you has finished praying (and makes duā’a), let him start by praising Allah, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet s.a.w, then after that let him ask for whatever he likes.”

(At-Tirmizi, 2765: Sahih)

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PROPHET MUHAMMAD

SALLALLAHU 'ALAIHI WASALLAM

LESSONS FROM AL-AMIN 13

Being Trustworthy

by Fadhuli Taufek fadhulitaufek.wordpress.com

It’s the month of Rabi'ul awwal; the month where our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was born and the month where he became a prophet. Rasulullah s.a.w was given many titles throughout his life, one of which was “Al-Amin” which means “The trustworthy”. This was because of the great care he took in looking after the valuables of other people and returning them whenever their owners wanted them back long before he became a prophet of Allah.

This was why even when the Quraish rejected his prophethood, they still came to him to look after their valuables because they knew that he would still show the same level of care in safekeeping their valuables as he did many times before.

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Being trustworthy is a noble quality that we all can learn to inculcate within ourselves. The key to it is to treat the things that we have been entrusted with as our own. Be it an item, a task or a secret. I’m sure that most, if not all of us take great care of our own belongings. We’re ever so careful with our phones; not letting it come into contact with water, keeping it away from sharp objects so as to not scratch the screen and some of us even buy casings to protect it. When it comes to other people’s belongings, we should show the same if not more care with them precisely because it belongs to other people.

When we do our personal little projects (e.g. that video game achievement we’ve been aiming for, a song we’ve been trying to play or that stylo milo hijab pattern from that video we saw on youtube), we do it meticulously because we want to succeed in them. When we’ve been given a task, we should realize that someone is putting their hopes and trust in us to do it well, to the best of our abilities. If we can put in that much effort into the things we do for ourselves, can’t we give just a little bit more into the ones people trust us with?

We don’t go around telling everyone our own secrets now do we? We’re afraid of being judged. We’re afraid of people talking about us behind our backs. Maybe we forget but it’s the same for everyone else too. Just as we’d do our best to guard our own secrets, whatever secrets people choose to share with us should be given the same approach.

All this may seem difficult but let’s try putting ourselves in the shoes of others.

How would we feel if we’ve put our trust in someone that’s careless with our things?

How would we feel if we’ve put our trust in someone that’s deliberately not putting in the effort in what we’ve given to him/her?

How would we feel if we’ve put our trust in someone that’s going around telling our secrets to people?

On that note, may Allah help us in bettering ourselves as individuals and as an ummah.

Assalamu’alaikum.

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15 Facts about our Beloved Rasulullah

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When Rasulullah s.a.w shakes the hand of another man, he ensures the other man releases his hand before the Prophet s.a.w does.

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Rasulullah s.a.w ensures that he does not point his feet towards anyone.

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Rasulullah s.a.w turns his head along with his whole body if he needs to look at something next to him or behind him.

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When Rasulullah s.a.w is in the thinking process in the middle of his conversation, it will be indicated by him, biting his lips and tapping on his left palm with his right index finger.

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There was an incident where Sayyidina Umar ibn Khattab r.a visited the house of the Prophet s.a.w, only to find him sleeping on a piece of palm-leaf mat such that his body bears marks from the mat.

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Rasulullah s.a.w most expensive property is a pair of yellow doormat, a gift from Negus, King of Abyssinia.

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Rasulullah s.a.w stayed in a small leaf house with a strawed-roof and the rooms were divided by stalks tied up together with mud and camphor.

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Rasulullah s.a.w set up the fire, milk the cattle and also sewed back the doormat which is torn all by himself.

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Rasulullah s.a.w most expensive dishes which he rarely got to enjoy includes, honey, milk and the goat’s limb.

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Rasulullah s.a.w is brave, yet he has the most attractive smile and he would be embarrassed for embarrassing someone else.

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Rasulullah s.a.w is an example of a perfect human being as he is a worker, a thinker and also a slave to Allah S.W.T.

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Rasulullah s.a.w always chose the easiest as long it is halal, when he came across a variety of choices.

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Rasulullah s.a.w is said to have a heartwarming smile.

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Rasulullah s.a.w never had any tooth aches.

He used the siwak no less than 10 times in a day.

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Rasulullah s.a.w skin tone is said to be reddish white.

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OUR PROPHET, THE MODEL LEADER

Rabi'ul awwal is upon us. In this special month, we remember the birthday of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w (Peace Be Upon Him). In a short span of 23 years, the Prophet s.a.w changed the landscape of Arabia and unite the disparate tribes into a single religious polity under Islam.

Renowned world leaders and thinkers acknowledged the influence of the Prophet s.a.w as an exemplary leader who moved one-third of the then inhabited world. And what is the influence they may refer to? Let us delve into the traits of the Prophet s.a.w.

Leading from the Front Through his teachings and deeds, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w set examples to his companions and followers. During the Battle of the Trench against the Quraish tribe at Madinah, the Prophet s.a.w participated in the digging of the trench rather than supervising the operation. When the Muslims were oppressed in Makkah due to the boycott of the Quraish leaders, the Prophet s.a.w strapped stones to his stomach to feel sated just like his followers.

Life of moderation Prophet Muhammad s.a.w practised moderation in all aspects of his life. He applied it to his dressing, eating and even his worship to Allah S.W.T. The Prophet s.a.w advocated balance in fulfilling of religous obligations to one's ability. Followers were advised to spend and sadakah within their means. Even his prayers and sermons were of moderate duration.

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poster 3

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meet

THE UNDERTAKER INTRODUCING AMEER AL-HAKIM. AT ONLY 22, HE HAS ALREADY BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR OVER 3 YEARS. MIRROR HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIND OUT HOW HE GOT STARTED AND WHAT SPARKED HIS INTEREST.

"Every man will surely experience death, and certainly it will happen to our family members..."

Barely out of his teens, Ameer Al-Hakim has undertook a great responsibility to perform the ghusl (Ritual Bath) and kafan (Shroud) for the deceased.

A certified nurse, Ameer has also been organizing classes to educate our Muslim community on Islamic Janazah Management. MIRROR talked to Ameer to find out more.

How long have you been doing this?

It's been three years since 2009 that I started.

What motivated you to pursue janazah management?

Actually, I had fear of corpses in the past.

At the funerals, I would keep a distance from the janazah due to my fear.

Alhamdullilah, it's the opposite now.

The first motivation was from my mum who wishes me to manage her janazah when she passed on. Secondly, I'm a certified nurse from the Health Promotion Board. During my time at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I was taught how to care for the sick till they recover and discharged from the hospital. Therefore, I thought why not I try managing the janazah when they passed on since I'm already able to care for the sick.

Where and how long did you learn janazah management?

I got to know about janazah management when I was working as an Imam at 24

Masjid Asyyakirin. The mosque had conducted a Janazah Management class that took four weeks of four hours weekly session. The course includes both theory from Fiqh and practical aspect in janazah management including bathing and shrouding.

After the course, I felt it wasn't sufficient and approached Ustaz Syed Osman Alsagoff (He taught the practical aspect during the course) and asked to shadow him to gain experience and do the practical aspect correctly. My intention was just to learn and gain experience but Ustaz Syed Osman taught me earnestly from fetching the janazah from the hospital until the burial. After six month, I was allowed to manage the janazah alone.

I tagged with more than six janazah managers to get a better view on different ways of bathing the corpse and adopted their best practices.

In the middle of last year, I undertook a janazah management class for two

days organised by Religious and Education League of Radin Mas (BAPA) to seek further knowledge such as proper etiquette in managing the janazah conducted by Sheikh Hafiz Bin Selamat from Yayasan Al Jendrami, Malaysia.

Tell us about your first experience in managing the janazah.

After been given the permission to manage the janazah alone, I indeed had fear of doing it myself since it was the first time. In the past, there was my mentor to assist in any difficulties in bathing or shrouding the corpse. My first corpse was a male aged 20 who died in a motorcycle accident. The feeling of fear turned into sadness at the mother's grief on the passing of her son.

How did you get the opportunity to conduct a janazah course?

One day, Ustaz Syed Osman told me to replace him in conducting a janazah

"...A party asked me where was the janazah manager and I said I was. They enquired again if I could bathe the corpse. I smiled and Alhamdullilah they were satisfied with the service." course for a madrasah in Jurong. I had photos taken conducting the class and from then onwards, my friends from the other mosques asked if I could conduct such courses for the part-time madrasahs.

The number of classes you have conducted?

Alhamdullilah, I have conducted more than twenty janazah courses made up from part-time madrasahs in Perdaus, Teens aLIVE programme at several mosques, courses by the mosques' youth wings and also those that request for classes to be conducted at the comforts of their own homes (with family members).

What was your family reaction to continue as a janazah manager?

Firstly, they were surprised since I had the fear of corpse. Alhamdullilah, they supported me and often asked about my experience in managing the janazah so as to benefit us all.

Friends reaction?

My friends were sceptical initially but Alhamdullilah, there are those among them who are keen in this matter.

Sometimes, I invite them to join me in managing the janazah for their benefit too.

There are those that consider at your age, as not competent or too young to manage the janazah. What is your view?

It did happened. A party asked me where was the janazah manager and I said I was. They enquired again if I could bathe the corpse. I smiled and Alhamdullilah they were satisfied with the service. I feel that each occupation that is rarely taken up by the young such as bathing of corpse, Imam or Bilal at the mosque will have its challenges but we have to ensure we are up for it and are able to do it well InsyaAllah.

What are your future plans?

I look forward to share my knowledge in janazah mangement, no matter how little it is to the Muslim community in Singapore for them to be equipped with it. I also hope that the youth can come forward to undertake janazah management.

Message to the youth?

Every man will surely experience death, and certainly it will happen to our own family members. If it happen in the family, with the knowledge acquired, we know how to manage it especially for our parents. We can personally manage their janazah of whom had raised us from young, with love and hardship to make us successful. It is afdal for the children to manage the janazah of their own parents.

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DID YOU KNOW? J

anuary is named after Janus, the Roman god of doors and gateways. He was commonly depicted in statues, carvings and paintings as a two headed man with one head facing forward and the other head facing backwards.In 46BC Julius Caesar chose January 1st as the first day of the New Year as Janus symbolically represented the door to the New Year. Wild parties and orgies were held on the night before the New Year’s Day as a re-enactment of the chaos which Roman mythology depicted as preceding the cosmos or the ordered world whose organization was set by the gods.

Furthermore, by that time, Janus had become, in practice, the highest god receiving the ritual sacrifices of Roman worshippers before the other gods, including the chief god, Jupiter.

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Thus, in its essence the celebrations of the New Year on January 1st and New Year’s Eve, the night before, are a part and parcel of pagan religious rituals based on idolatrous beliefs in false gods. Consequently, it is completely Haraam (sinful and forbidden) for Muslims to participate in or adopt any of its related rituals, customs and symbols.

If a non-Muslim greets a Muslim, “Happy New Year”, the Muslim is not allowed to respond in a similar manner or say, “Same to you.”

Instead, in order not to offend or hurt the feelings of non-Muslim friends or acquaintances, one may say instead, “Happy holiday.”

- Dr Bilal Philips

FOOD

Dining NEST in the

Amidst the rows of shophouses turned cafes/restaurants at Bussorah pedestrian mall, sits a new cafe. Established in August last year, Sarang Cafe offers a mix of western fare with hints of local and middle eastern flavours.

Address: 29 Bussorah Street Opening Hours: 5pm-11pm (Tue – Thu, Sun) 2pm-12am (Fri-Sat) Closed on Mondays Telephone: 9778 1457 Online Presence: facebook.com/ sarangcafebyrevamp 28

Sarang Cafe Translation: Cafe Nest Opened by Mr Aydarus Ahmad Alhabshi with his partners, the name of the cafe, 'Sarang' translates to nest in Bahasa. By coincidence, it also has a connection with Mr Aydarus fascination with the pigeons collective behaviour. Mr Aydarus had set up the Cafe with the purpose of providing a spot for individuals and groups to wind down especially the youngsters that throng the Kampong Glam area on weekends.

Akin to a nesting box, Sarang Cafe was set up for diners to enjoy their meals in a comfy and homely setting. With an approximate seating of 50, it could host diverse events and needs, ranging from family outings, group meals and even casual dining for two. Space is also available on the second floor for reservations.

This makes it an ideal location for meetings and functions culminating with a group meal on the first floor.

Sabsuka

Chicken Chop

Signature Dishes The top selling dish is undisputably the Sabsuka.

Served in a paella pan, the dish consist of minced beef oven-baked in a mix of spices and tomato gravy, and topped off with an egg sunny side up with toasted baguette on the sides. Diners are advised to come early to avoid disappointments of sold out Sabsukas.

The other top seller is the Chicken Chop. Unlike the usual plating of chicken with fries or wedges, diners here are served instead with mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce. We were told that the mushroom sauce can be eaten separately or poured over the chicken with the mashed potatoes plated beneath it. On our visit to Sarang Cafe, our Chicken Chop dish was plated instead with Cajun wedges. We were pleasantly surprised with the wedges. It tasted just right, neither too crispy nor soggy.

Drinks The drinks selection aren't too shabby either.

There are various mixes of ice-blended beverages and mocktails to choose from.

Those who are less adventurous can have the usual soft drinks, juices and tea whichever their taste fancy.

Vegan?

To cater to different needs of diners, the complete menu at Sarang includes non-meat items such as the salads and mushrooms pastas.

Juice Drink

Take Away

To Go Takeaway options are also available for those needing a bite on the way home or to share with family and friends.

If you happen to be in the Kampong Glam area, nestle down to Sarang Cafe and have a treat and experience a good time.

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HEALTH

Still not sure of what sport to take up to keep trim and fit?

Why not try swimming, archery or maybe horse riding?

Well maybe you should take up all three. After all, they are sunnah of Rasulullah s.a.w.

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Teach your children swimming, archery and horse riding.�

- Rasulullah s.a.w (Hadith narrated by Ibn Umar r.a)

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ISLAMIC CHIC

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HIDDEN BEAUTY: A TUTORIAL A step by step tutorial on how to put on the hijab in a stylish manner, in the simplest and quickest way possible.

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by Nur Khairunnisa follow @Uhnisa on instagram

1 You need 4 pins and 1 brooch.

2 Put the pashmina on your head, ensure that one side is longer than the other.

5 Fold the other side of the pashmina so that it will form an 'arch' at the top and secure it with a brooch.

6 Twist the hijab, where the back part is and bring it over to your head.

3 Take the shorter length and pin it by the side of your head.

7 Last but not least, secure both sides with a pin.

4 Then fold the side to make it neater and pin it. This will help tighten the hijab.

8 And you're done!

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STREETSTYLE undercover STREETSTYLE undercover aims to serve as a lookbook for our fellow sisters who are figuring out the different ways to dress up modestly, as well as for those who are thinking of or are just getting started to put on the veil.

Have some trendy looks that you would like to share?

Send photos to us at streetstyle@mirror-mag.com.

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Aishah

Khalisah & Ain Hasanah

Nur Suhailah

Fazrina

Athirah

Farahain

SUNNAH OF DRESSING. In this lovely month of Rabi'ul Awwal, let us take a look at some of the clothing that our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w liked to wear and how he wore them.

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Rasulullah s.a.w loved white clothing.

(Tirmizi and Ibn Majah)

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Recite the Du’a when wearing new clothes.

(Tirmizi and Ibn Majah)

Alhamdu lillaa-hil-ladhee kasaanee haadhaath thauba wa razaqa-neehi min ghayri haulim minnee wa laa quwwah.

Translation: All praises are for Allah Ta`ala, Who has clothed me with this garment and has provided it for me, without any effort and strength on my part.

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When putting on any garment such as kurta, shirt, jubbah, etc. put on the right sleeve first, then the left. Similarly, when putting on the pants, put on the right leg first, then the left.

(Tirmizi; Chapter on clothing)

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First remove the left sleeve of the qamees, shirt, etc. then the right.

The same applies to the pants i.e. first remove the left and then the right.

(Tirmizi; Chapter on clothing)

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ENTERTAINMENT & THE ARTS

WATCH OUT

THINGS NOT TO DO IN MASJID Produced by brothers Shukran and Roshan, the video highlights the common oversight made by pilgrims at the mosque. Viewers can relate to some of the points featured, which they may have not realize the inconveniences caused to others.

Shot with a light-hearted approach, viewers will have a laugh watching the antics displayed by the actors. But more importantly, we should take heed and not repeat the mistakes for the benefit of all at the mosque.

Check out the video on YouTube at SrbrosEntertainment channel.

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If only they knew…

by Nurnina Syazwani Sam'an

If only they knew how beautiful Islam is Then they’ll know how it is like to be in peace If only they knew how amazing it feels to love You They’ll stop questioning could this be true If only they knew the joy to this wonderful Deen They’ll stay in Faith and always be keen If only they knew what they don’t understand That they will all be gathered in the Promised Land If only they knew what is right and what is wrong They will sure be there standing strong If only they knew that Islam is right They will feel safe and secure under Your sight If only they knew of our beloved Prophet s.a.w They will run to You and ask to be purified Oh Allah, give us the best of Taufiq & Hidayah upon us Oh Allah, don’t leave any of us astray Oh Allah, bring us closer to You and our Prophet s.a.w Oh Allah, bring us all together and worship no one but You Oh Allah, hear and fulfill this prayer that has always been with us As there is no deity worthy to be worshipped but You, Oh Allah And our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w is Your servant and messenger.

We conclude with a humble prayer to You Oh Allah May You cleanse the hearts and soul of those who are genuine seekers of truth May You bless the community of believers And May You guide us all to Your Jannah Ameen Ya Rabb

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MUSOLLAH listing courtesy of IslamicEvents.sg 44

This month, MIRROR shares with you musollah in the heart of the CBD area.

Tung Centre Building

DBS Building Tower 1

Location Musollah at B1 car park. Take lift to basement.

Location Basement 1 car park. Enter the car park and turn right. It is at the end. There are 2 rooms next to the drivers' rest area.

20 Collyer Quay, S(049319) (Along HSBC Raffles Place)

Details Ablution in toilets at staircase. Telekungs and slippers available. Ask Security for assistance.

Republic Plaza Tower 2

6 Shenton Way S(068809) (Behind CPF Building)

Details Note: musollah is only meant for staff or authorised visitors.

Telekung and slippers are provided. Ablution: go down one level. There are 2 gents toilets. For ladies use the LEFT toilet but place a 'Ladies' sign on the door.

9 Raffles Place S(048619)

Location Take the lift from the lobby at Tower 2 (next to Golden Shoe Car Park) to 2nd Floor and turn right.

Details For MEN Only. Slippers and a fan are provided.

Ablution: use the tap outside the men's toilet nearby.

Clifford Centre

24 Raffles Place, S(048621) Location Located at the 6th floor carpark. Turn to your left and walk straight, you can see a pipe for ablution. Walk further and you will see a space for musollah.

Details Space for Muslimin and Muslimah. Sajadah is provided but bring your own telekung. Ablution: to be taken outside the musollah.

Marina Bay Sands Convention Center 10 Bayfront Avenue, S(018956)

Location Dedicated convention room on Level 3 of the convention floor. Ask the staff to show you where.

Clear signage available.

Details Slippers available but you have to do your wudhu' at the nearby toilet. Best done at the handicap toilet (sink and tap available). Sajadah available but no telekung.

SGX Centre 1

2 Shenton Way, S(068804) Location Located beside the ramp linking B1 and B2 carpark. There are parking lots for motorcycle at the entrance of musollah.

Capital Square

23 Church Street S(049481) Location 6th floor car park. Take the lift to the car park. Ask any Malay driver if you're not sure of directions.

Details Separate prayer rooms for Muslimin and Muslimah.

Telekung, sajadah, songkok and fan are provided.

Rooms are well maintained. Ablution: to be taken outside the room.

Hong Leong Building 16 Raffles Quay S(048581)

Location Level 5 & 7. Take lift from the main lift lobby to the 7th floor. Go to the end of the car park.

Details No telekung provided. Get direction from any Malay driver if you need to.

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WHAT’S GOING ON? Sharing with you a list of happenings going on around town.

CLASSES Tafsir Class in English Every Tuesday, 8pm at 459A Changi Road 419882 (Opp Kassim Mosque, above Kassim Restaurant) The Tremendous Three (English) Basic to intermediate Akidah, Fiqh & Tasawwuf.

Every Friday, 9pm at En-Naeem Mosque, 120 Tampines Rd (Near Hougang Ave 3) No fees charged for both classes.

Highly recommended for youth.

EVENTS Majlis Maulidur Rasul Saturday, 16 March 2013 7.45pm - 10.30pm Hall beside Blk 976 Hougang Ave 9 Free of Charge Highlight: Talk by Ustaz Md Fazalee

TALKS/WORKSHOPS via IslamicEvents.sg

'Letting Go & Letting God' Discourse with Imam Abdul Latif Finch Saturday, 26 January to Sunday, 27 January 2013 10am - 2pm for both days Language: English Location: Al-Wehdah, The Arab Association Singapore Lor 37, Geylang Road Fees: $50/Tickets are available now at http://letgod.eventbrite.com/, at Wardah Books and for Bank Transfer, email enquiries@soutilaahi.com for more details.

Presented by Sout Ilaahi Group

You never walk alone: Living with God in times of suffering lecture by Imam Abdul Latif Finch Saturday, 26 January 2013 8pm Language: English 46

Location: The Chevrons Fees: $20/Tickets are available now at http://ynwa.eventbrite.com/, at Wardah Books and for Bank Transfer, email enquiries@soutilaahi.com for more details.

Have you ever been so down, you felt life is meaningless? Have you ever been faced with so many problems, you felt like giving up? Each one of us will face a time when we feel so alone despite having friends and family. This is when we should embark on a path towards God, because in every suffering, is a blessing, if only we learn to see it. And God will not let you walk alone!

Sembang Sembang Bersama Remaja Dengan Ameer Al-Hakim Saturday, 26 January 2013, 5.00pm Language: Malay Location: Haji Muhammad Salleh Mosque (Maqam Habib Noh) Register online: https://secure.jotform.me/ form/30049317973457 Tanggung Jawab Aku Sebagai Remaja.

Pengurusan Jenazah Ibu & Ayah.

Mempelajari Solat Jenazah & Sesi Berbicara Hal Ehwal Remaja.

Camp Salam 2013 Saturday, 2 February 2013, 8 am - 6 pm Language: English Location: Malabar Mosque Fees: $10 (heavily subsidised) Attire: Islamic Attire for all Closing Date for Registration: 26 Jan 2013 Students are to bring their student identification cards for the day camp.

Call Imam Shafeeque@62943862 or email admin@malabar.org.sg or find us on facebook at Aflaaq Youth Wing.

No last minute registration as tickets must be bought early for experiential learning.

Highlights include - Visit to 'Dialogue in the Dark' for experiential learning - Stories from the Hadith and Seerah on Empathy - Reflections - One Minute Amal An Islamic Day Camp for teenagers from 13-18. The theme is 'Empathy and Love of the Prophet s.a.w'. Key objectives of the Camp include the understanding of the need to be empathetic, with Prophet s.a.w as a model and how we can apply empathy in our daily lives especially towards the physically and mentally challenged.

Beginners' course on Islam (Fardh Ain) in English for Adults 18 weekly sessions commencing on Friday, 8 February 2013 8 pm -10 pm Language: English Location: Wisma Indah, 448 Changi Road, Level 2 (5 minutes walk from Kembangan MRT Station) Conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail Course Target Group: This course is designed especially for Muslim converts and young adults English-speaking Muslims. It is also a recommended refresher course for Muslim parents and educators living in contemporary Singapore.

Course Fees: $180/participant Course Registration: Register online via http://goo.gl/4EF4y This course aims to concisely and adequately prepare Muslim/Muslimah towards his/her basic Islamic education upon the paradigm of 'Iiman-'Amal-Ihsan', as we are not learning Islam as a subject but subjecting ourselves to Islam, insya'Allah. It can also benefit any young English speaking Muslims in preparing them for future work in Da'wah and their assistance in the education of our next generation, insya'Allah.

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DEAR USTAZ, queries clarified by Ustaz Achmed Fahdly

Are Guys allowed to wear bracelets and necklaces as accessories?

Is there any reason for male Muslims to have facial hair especially beard?

Guys are not allowed to wear bracelets and necklaces as accessories, because in a hadith, Rasullulah s.a.w said "laa'naallhu mutashabihin was mutashabihat", which means "Allah has cursed those women who try to be like men, and men who want to become women". Bracelets and necklaces are for ladies, so strictly guys are not allowed to wear them.

The main reason for male Muslims to have beard is to follow the sunnah. Imagine a male lion without mane, does it show his ferocity? It is the same like a male muslim.

How would a Muslim man go about getting to know a Muslim lady that he admires? Is there a "right" method of approach in Islam?

* Have a question about Islam but don’t know where to go to? Or maybe you are just shy to ask.

Write in your queries to askustaz@mirror-mag.com.

InsyaAllah your doubts will be answered.

To know a muslim lady that he admire is to, 1st: ask yourself whether you are ready to get married 2nd : perform Istikharah prayer and ask Allah 3rd : Check whether that lady is engaged or married 4th : Ask her through friends, siblings, letters or mails.

5th : Ask her family, that's where you can know her better (she will always be accompanied with her parents, or elder siblings). It's haram to go out together without any mahram accompanying her.

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