“ 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)
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C REATIVE DIRECTOR Muhammad Syaiful Bin Sam'an syaiful@mirror-mag.com
EDITOR Mohamed Yazid yazid@mirror-mag.com
PUBLIC RELATIONS Muhammad Ayyub Bin Abdul Kadir ayyub@mirror-mag.com
RELIGIOUS CONSULTANT Ustaz Achmed Fahdly dearustaz@mirror-mag.com
WRITERS aif Fadhuli Taufek Nisa' Tuzzakirah Nur Khairunnisa The Poets' Coffee: Faiz Johari, Hazrul Fitri, Irfan, Nurnina Syazwani
MARKETING Nasuha Darke Hasbullah Johari CONTACT US General Enquiries: info@mirror-mag.com Advertising Enquiries: ayyub@mirror-mag.com Collaboration Enquiries: syaiful@mirror-mag.com
Assalaamu'alaikuum. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar! Alhamdulillah, All praises be to Allah SWT. With His grace, mercy and compassion, He has allowed us to experience and complete the month of Ramadhan, full of blessings. May Allah SWT accept all our ibadah and good deeds that we have done in Ramadhan, and forgive us of all our wrongdoings. May He guide us to be consistent in our ibadah throughout the rest of the year until we meet the next Ramadhan insyaAllah, Amiin. In our efforts in putting all our issues together, surely there were mistakes and errors. MIRROR would thus like to take this opportunity, to seek forgiveness from all our readers for all our shortcomings. Do feedback to us with regards to any improvement to make this publication a better one. A big thank you to our consultants, writers, contributors and everyone who has helped in one way or another, to make this issue possible. Thank you for all your du'as and continuous support. May Allah reward all with goodness and may He be pleased with this magazine, Amin ya Rabbal 'alamin. Eid Mubarak to all dear readers! :) Wassalam. MIRROR
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FEATURED CONTENTS
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OLD FRIEND
FORGIVING IS DIVINE
TRAVELOGUE
POETRY
the month
Muharram Safar Rabi’ul Awwal Rabi’ul Akhir Jamadil Awwal Jamadil Akhir Rajab Sya’ban Ramadhan Syawwal Dzulqaidah Dzulhijjah
The tenth month of the Islamic calendar. It marks the beginning of Ash'hur Al-Hajj (the months of pilgrimage) which continues through Dzulqaedah and the first ten days of Dzulhijjah.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE MONTH OF SYAWWAL 1. Birth and marriage of Aisyah r.a Aisyah r.a, the daughter of Sayyididina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq r.a. was born in this month. She then married Prophet Muhammad s.a.w in the same month. 2. Battle of Uhud Muslims suffered losses in the battle. A breach of orders contributed to the Muslims’ losses including the death of Prophet Muhammad’s uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib r.a. The setback however strengthened the resolve and solidarity of the Muslims.
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LEARNING ARABIC Let's learn how to takbir!
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Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Allah is Great, Allah is Great, Allah is Great
La illaha il Allahu wahdah there is no God, but Allah the Unique
La illaha il Allahu wAllahu Akbar there is no God, but Allah and Allah is Great
sadaqa wa’dah He has fulfilled His Promise
Allahu Akbar walilahil Hamd Allah is Great and to Him belongs all Praise
wa nasara 'abda and made Victorious His servant
Allahu Akbaru Kabeera Allah is the Greatest
wa a’azza jundahu and made Mighty His soldiers
wal-Hamdulilahi katheera And all Praise is due to Him
wa hazamal-ahzaaba wahdah and defeated the confederates
wa Subhan Allahi And Glory to Allah
La illaha il Allahu wAllahu Akbar there is no God, but Allah and Allah is Great
bukrataw wa 'asiila eventide and in the morning
Allahu Akbar wa liLlahilhamd Allah is Great and all praise be to Allah
La illaha il Allah there is no God, But Allah
wa laa na’budu illa iyyah He alone we worship
mukhleseena lahud-deena with sincere and exclusive devotion
walaw karihal-kafiruun even against the wishes of the disbelievers 7
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Old Friend written by Fadhuli Taufek
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any years ago, my parents introduced you to me. They told me how I was supposed to behave when you came and honestly, it was difficult at first. I couldn't eat any of the cookies my mother was making when you were around during the day but there was one time I did anyway even though she hadn't baked them yet. Hey, what else did you expect to happen if you put a child in front of cookies right? After a while, I noticed that my parents were nicer and didn't raise their voice at me when I did something bad whenever you visited but back then, the best part of you visiting was when you left. I'd get to eat a variety of food, cookies and people would reward me for being patient with you. Year after year, you came and left without making much of an impact on me. I'd go through the motions and hoped that you'd leave sooner than the last time. Along the way, things happened that made me change the way I looked at myself and everything around me. When you visited us again in 2009, I began to look at you differently. I did what I could to get to know you better; To make whatever time I had with you a fruitful one rather than just let the days go by. I came to see that your mere presence in itself was a gift. Never again would I squander you. I realized that your presence not only affected my parents but everyone who knew you. People were more patient,
dressed moderately and were generally nicer and more accommodating of others. They read more, congregated and would wake up in the wee hours of the night to make the most of the opportunity they had with you. It was heartening to see such changes in people but sadly whenever you left, most of that left with you. I'm still hopeful though; Hopeful that instead of people temporarily change whenever you're visiting, you become the starting point for people to continually improve themselves. You're leaving again soon and I can't help but feel sad not knowing if I'll ever get the chance to meet you again. Thank you for teaching me that I am bigger than my desires. that I have dominion over them and not the other way around. Thank you for teaching me to be more patient; Patient in facing the challenges as they come. Thank you for teaching me to be thankful for all that I have. It's usually when you're around that I can truly see how difficult life can be for some people. Goodbye old friend, goodbye Ramadhan
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Return To Fitrah
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written by Fadhuli Taufek
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s we bid farewell to the blessed month of Ramadhan and welcome the arrival of Syawwal, let’s look at one of the things we gained: Our return to fitrah. What does this actually mean? “Fitrah” refers to our original state. One that is without sin, noble, pure has the capacity for justice and love as well as a predisposition to accept the oneness of Allah SWT and that only He should be worshipped. When we were brought into this world, our upbringing and experiences mould us. Though the qualities we were given are still present, they become less apparent as we develop bad habits, succumb to our desires and the whispers of shaytan. Though all is not lost, we were given 2 qualities that could help us from straying far from what we were intended to be if they are used correctly. These two qualities are: intellect and free will. Intellect enables us to think critically. It allows us to discern right from wrong, benefit and harm. Free will empowers us with choice; the choice to simply be a slave to our desires or aspire to become something greater. For the past month, we consciously and persistently struggled against one of your greatest adversaries: ourselves. We knew and perhaps even learned new things with regards to what we can or cannot do during fasting, inner dimensions of salah as well as knowledge of the Quran
and made the choice to follow through. This is an example of how intellect and free will help us to bring out our original qualities. Not only did we abstain from eating and drinking, we tried our best to refrain from speaking badly and keep our emotions in check. More importantly, we tried our best to gain the pleasure of Allah and avoid displeasing Him. In Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 56 Allah SWT says: "And I have not created the jinn and the men except that they should serve Me" This is our intended purpose; the reason why we are created which is why our fitrah is the way it is. All those qualities were meant to help us carry out our purpose to the best that we can. In the month of Ramadhan as we fasted and stepped up our efforts in ibadah, we are actually reestablishing and strengthening our connection with Allah SWT. We removed ourselves from what was degrading us physically and spiritually thus allowing us to purify ourselves and enabling us to display our inherent traits much easier. What is meant by the return to fitrah is to not only return to our original state but also return to our original purpose; to serve or worship Allah SWT as best as we can with the attributes that He has endowed us with. Rejoice over our victory against ourselves but let's not make Ramadhan the ending point of our efforts in becoming better Muslims and by extension better people but the beginning of a lifelong journey of seeking His pleasure. 11
Forgiving is Divine written by Nisa' Tuzzakirah
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"Allahu akbar wa lillaahil hamd.." Farah got up and folded her praying mat, smiling to a few sisters in Islaam around her. ‘Eid prayers have just ended and she was about to head home. Ummi asked her to come home as soon as possible to help prepare the house, as her aunties and uncles would be arriving for the ‘eid reunion soon. ‘Eid prayers this year felt a little different. There were no laughter or chit chats to accompany her along the way to Al-Mawaddah mosque, unlike the past years. “So what?” she mumbled to herself. “She was the one who betrayed me.” “Assalamu ‘alaykum.. Farah.” She turned, and spun back around almost immediately. It was Hannah. “Wa’alaykum salaam. What do you want?” It came out a little harsher than how she planned to say it, but her ego and pride were screaming out louder. Hannah let out a sigh. “Please forgive me. It has been months since we last talked to each other. I know I was wrong. I miss you, Farah. Please. I’m only asking for you to forgive me...” she sounded desperate, almost pleading. Farah felt like hugging Hannah right at that moment, but the bad memories crowded her mind and got better of her. Truth is, she missed Hannah just as much. But Hannah betrayed her, Hannah lied. “I’ve got to go. Ummi wants me home as soon as possible. Assalamu’alaykum.” Farah counted her steps home, quiet. Texts wishing her a happy ‘eid kept flooding her phone. Everyone was asking for forgiveness. Just like every Syawal. **
continued with verse 199 from Surah Al-A'raf, "Turn to forgiveness and enjoin good and turn aside from ignorant". The act of forgiving, and the benefits of it has been mentioned a few times in the holy Qur’an, one of them being mentioned in Surah Ash-Shura, verse 40: The reward of the evil is the evil thereof, but whosoever forgives and makes amends, his reward is upon Allah. It is also one of the attributes a Muslim should have, as stated in Surah AshShura, verse 37, where Allah has described the Believers as “those who avoid major sins and acts of indecencies and when they are angry they forgive.” Just as it is important to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, it is also important to maintain human relationships based on forgiveness. How does one expect forgiveness from Allah unless he also forgives those who have wronged him? What if the hesitance in forgiving one, causes Allah to hesitate in forgiving us? Na'udzhubillah. Undoubtedly, some things are harder to be forgiven than others, especially when it concerns your pride and trust- be it being lied to, betrayed or humiliated. Come these times, the best role model is no other than our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Reflecting upon the story of Prophet Muhammad when he went to Ta’if to preach the message of Allah, it is clear how he was the most forgiving person, always ever ready to forgive anyone- even his enemies. People of Ta’if mistreated him to an extent of abusing and throwing stones at him. He left the city humiliated and wounded. When he sheltered under a tree, the angel of Allah visited him and told him that Allah sent him to destroy the people of Ta’if because of their sin of mistreating their Prophet. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed to Allah to save the people of Taif, because what they did was out of their ignorance. He said, “Oh Allah, guide these people, because they did not know what they were doing.”
Forgiving, or even seeking for forgiveness itself might not be the easiest task to do. Often we refuse to forgive, or are hesitant to do so- especially when we strongly believe that the other party does not deserve to be forgiven, or that you are not at fault.
Seeking forgiveness is also as important as forgiving others, and while Syawal might seem like the perfect time to be seeking for forgiveness- especially after seeking for the Creator’s in Ramadan, we tend to forget that seeking for forgiveness and also the act of forgiving itself is not restricted, nor should it be delayed to the month of Syawal. It is best to apologise as soon as we realise the wrong in our actions; and to forgive everyone every single night.
However, forgiveness has been defined as a release feelings of resentment or vengeance towards he who has harmed you, regardless of whether he actually deserves your forgiveness. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had also said: "The best deed before Allah is to pardon a person who has wronged you, to show affection for relatives who have broken ties with you, and to act generously towards a person who has deprived you" and
There was once where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was seated in a gathering with the sahabah (his companions) when he looked towards the entrance and said, “A man of Paradise is coming.” At that instance someone who seemed to be very ordinary entered the masjid where they were seated. A companion was curious as to why the Prophet had said such a thing about this man, so he followed the man to his house. The companion told the man of
“To err is human, and to forgive is divine.”
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“Which person has the highest standing?” “The one most abundant in his pardon.”
Paradise that he was a traveler, and was invited to stay as a guest. For three days he watched the man of Paradise, but he saw nothing unusual in the man’s character or worship. Finally he told the man what the Prophet had said and asked him what was so special about him. The man thought for a long time and said, “There might be one thing — before going to sleep every night I forgive everyone and sleep with a clean heart.” Holding grudges binds us and holds us down. It hardens our hearts and happiness will then slowly seep out of our lives. Therefore, forgive those who have wronged you, and apologise to those whom you have wronged. Let go of resentments from the past. Forgive not out of love for the creations, but instead, to attain the love of the Creator. Do it because you want to be amongst the Mu’mineen He mentioned in the Qur’an. When Qatadah was asked, “Which person has the highest standing?” He replied, “The one most abundant in his pardon.” After all, one should forgive another as many times as he yearns for God to forgive him. Forgiving is indeed divine. ** Hannah’s house was buzzing with the noise of her nieces crying, nephews screaming, cousins laughing, aunties and uncles updating each other on everything and anything at all. Everyone was there, except for Hannah. Her eyes could still see Farah walking away from her. Hannah’s phone beeped twice, notifying her of an incoming text. “Must be one of those ‘eid texts,” she smiled weakly. “’Eid mubaarak, Hannah. I forgive you, and I can only hope that you will forgive me too. I’ve missed you so much. -Farah” 14
KNOW YOUR ENEMY
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llahu Akbar! Alhamdulillah. All praise to Allah, for allowing us to have met the month of Ramadhan of 1434H. May Allah accept all our good deeds in that month and guide us all to maintain and sustain the spirit of Ramadhan throughout the year until we meet the Ramadhan of 1435H, insyaAllah, amin.
genetically modified food. Snacks (junk food) like potato chips and candies may be treats when taken once in awhile. But when taken regularly, it destroys your body and health. So do fast food. Genetically modified food may look alright but the chemicals that are in them can actually cause harm to the body.
Though it was hard and sad to see Ramadhan leave, everything that has a start must come to an end. However, the end of Ramadhan does not mean it is the end of doing good deeds. We must continue practicing all of them, which have become part of us during Ramadhan, outside of Ramadhan as well. Yes this is hard as we now have to once again deal with our clearest enemy, Syaitan La’natullah, alongside our nafs. Do take note that syaitan comes in the form of jin and human. Allah mentioned in the Quran which means,
The consumption of all these leads to laziness, especially when it comes to praying. You become a couch potato. You become stubborn, not wanting to get advice from people especially parents.
”And thus We have made for every prophet an enemy devils from mankind and jinn, inspiring to one another decorative speech in delusion. But if your Lord had willed, they would not have done it, so leave them and that which they invent.” (Al-An’am 6:112) To defeat one’s enemy, one has to study the enemy and know their strategy in bringing us down. As we are living in the end times, the syayatins are at their peak, doing their best to grab as many as they can to follow them into the hell fire. Na’udhubillahi min dhalik. We seek Allah’s protection from that. There are five ways in which syaitan will attack us from. They start from the lowest part of our body.
So try to start getting organic food from today onwards and lessen the intake of outside food. Have home cooked meals. InsyaAllah there is barakah in that, especially when mothers and wives prepare them with love and the recitation of “Bismillah” and salawat. 3. Heart – Emotions They make you feel very emotional. This is mostly targeted at the ladies. From songs like K-pop, J-Pop, to love movies and drama series on TV. They want you to feel lovesick all the time. The feeling of wanting to fall in love, to get boyfriends and then when you break up, you cry your eyes out. In addition, they make you want to live the life portrayed on TV. The so called perfect life that is actually just fantasy. As for men, they give you action films to make you be someone that gets angry and furious easily.
1. Sexual Organs
4. Throat – Voice
We are bombarded with the media, from TV to bus stop ads, billboards to brochures. It’s everywhere. Even in cartoons. Scantily clad ladies are being used to sell products. Women in general, are being used as a tool to satisfy men’s nafs visually. The reason why they are doing this is to meddle with our minds. To make us always have dirty thoughts so that we won’t think much about the important stuff like prayers, zakat, etc. And this affects especially the men.
As what we are witnessing today, singing programs are being promoted world wide. There are countless of such programs running around the world today. They have this idea that in order for you to be liked by others and be famous, you must be singers or artistes. This is the first part of the attack on the throat. So many people know how to sing but don’t know how to read.
Women on the other hand are as though supplying to these needs of men. They are blinded by the lies that are being told to them – to dress as little as possible so as to “liberate” themselves. 2. Stomach They give you nonsense like junk food, fast food and 16
Songs induce you. This means making you feel bored when you listen to Islamic lectures, recitation of Quran, etc. They block your mind off from the truth. The second part of the attack on the throat is that you become someone who can’t be bothered to advice when witnessing the wrongdoing of others. Do not be busybodies they say. You become scared and shy to stop those wrongdoings and advice others.
5. Brain/Mind
We start with the second:
Firstly the education system. They introduce the Stone Age to students. Saying the discovery of fire is the most important discovery. They say humans were not smart before, and can’t even speak in a proper language. Only through evolution we become who we are. Astaghfirullah. But the first person on earth is Nabi Adam a.s. He was already given intelligence and the ability to build things.
2. Solat – Brain
Second is of course entertainment – movies, games, songs, etc.
3. Fasting – Stomach & sexual organs.
Movies no longer contain intellectual/moral values. They are in the quest of making people to not think that much. Make you less smart. For example action packed movies. Some would say they like action movies and do not like movies with a lot of dialogues and conversations in them. They don’t like words because they are lazy to think. When you listen to words, you would need to think and make it up in your mind on what is happening. Unlike action packed movies where it’s all shown to you. You do not need to think. Reading is now seen as a weird activity. It is sometimes being looked down upon. The so-called friends would tell us not to try and act all good. So now not so smart people are being made look good, while the smart ones are being made look bad and backward.
Sujud is the most significant action in solah. Putting the head at the level of our feet. This is to acknowledge that Allah is great. That the knowledge and ilm is given by Allah. We are nothing.
4. Zakat – Hands Give. Allah will widen and increase your sustenance. 5. Hajj – Legs We will be lead to all the good places and away from all the bad ones. 1. Syahadah – Breath Without breathing we can’t live. We can’t do anything. So if you guard this right, it’ll protect you well from the attack of the syayatins, insyaAllah.
So what is the solution to this? The Five Pillars of Islam. 17
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DID YOU KNOW
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Eid al-Fitr is not a day where Muslims celebrate the fact that they are no longer fasting, as Muslims indeed are saddened by the passing of the month of Ramadan. Muslims celebrate because God has allowed them to participate in and complete the month of fasting and spiritual reflection. Muslims celebrate the fact that God, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, may accept their deeds and reward them. " ‌that you should complete the number [of fasting days] and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks." - Al-Quran, Al-Baqarah 2:185
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It is an act of worship to eat a few dates before setting out for the Eid al-Fitr prayer in emphasis of the fact that the fasting month has indeed ended, and thus, fasting on the day of Eid is forbidden, as it is a day of celebration and remembrance of God.
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The Eid Prayer is to be held outdoors in a large open ground. In inclement weather, or due to lack of adequate land, like Singapore, Eid Prayer is performed in the masajid.
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The actual Eid al-Fitr is one day, but in many Muslim countries, like in Singapore, the celebration can go on for a whole month.
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meet
D'APPRENTICE INTRODUCING ZAKY, ONE OF THE BROTHERS WHO STARTED D'APPRENTICE. MIRROR HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO BROTHER ZAKY AND GOT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT D'APPRENTICE IS ALL ABOUT.
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"...and these are nonMuslims who just want to find out about Islam..."
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Can you tell us a bit more about yourself and what is D' Apprentice? Ok sure. My name is Zaky. I work in finance but I have been helping out with Darul Arqam for the last two to three years. Basically D'Apprentice sits in Darul Arqam's Dawah Division and D'Apprentice came about when a group of us realize that in the cause of our day to day activities, just daily lives, we have a lot of people asking us and these are our colleagues, our schoolmates, our friends who are non-Muslims who just want to find out about Islam and we are like ambassadors of Islam in a way. Because apart from going online to find out about Islam, they can come directly to us to ask questions. I think if they ask us basic questions, we can answer and its not a problem. They are curious to know why we fast, why we cannot eat certain food, why we pray five times a day which are pretty much basic questions which most of us can answer. But sometimes they ask the kind of questions that take a little bit more. And sometimes we are not too confident to answer. So we realize that there 26
was a need to answer and to help our Muslim friends when it comes to these situations. So we decided to start this program and to bring in established speakers, people who have been involved in the field of Da'wah where they relate and pass on their knowledge about Da'wah and their experiences as well. For D'Apprentice, it's more Youth-focused, hence we have games, ice breakers which makes it very interactive.
There were already two batches of D'Apprentice so far? And the upoming will be the third. From the previous two, what has been achieved from the participants that went through this program, any feedback?
How did you got involved in D' Apprentice?
I think we have got a lot of positive feedbacks from our participants because we started from the ground up. We cover basic questions, we cover intermediate questions; not advanced though but just basic and intermediate questions. We bring in the established speakers and Ustaz whom they can ask questions from.
Actually it all started three years ago when I went for Ustaz Usama Canon's talk organized by Darul Arqam and I came early. Actually it was right here in Masjid Sultan in the auditorium and I came early with my friend who was volunteering. Since I came early, he asked me if I wanted to be an usher as we are short for today and I said okay. Thereon, I have been involved in a few other talks helping out as an usher, stage manager, even in an international Da'wah conference.
As a lot of the participants do have questions that they previously could not answer, hence there were a bunch of questions which were ready for them to ask and they get the answers immediately. Of course, when they have gotten the answers, they could get back to their friends and the people who asked them these questions and immediately update them. It is pretty good and I think a lot of participants came back saying there were camaraderie between participants
as we have group activities and team bonding games. It has been very good so far and I think what we seek to improve this year is, practice. A lot of the previous years has been lecturestyled and we have a lot of games within that setting which is internal, just participants, the organizers, lecturers and the game masters. However what we want to do this year is to have participants to come into contact with the public and they are able to answer basic questions or just basic interaction. Within the speakers themselves, I'm sure you have people who are experts in Da'wah but do you have perhaps, converts as well because they are the ones who experience how it's like to be a non-Muslim and they would have the questions that other non-Muslims would similarly ask and which they would know first hand. So are there any converts being speakers as well?
we have brother Imran Kuna who is our consulting advisor who is a convert himself and he goes around giving talks. So our converts are not only people who asks questions themselves when they were non-Muslims but they have made the cross over to Islam and they are growing in Islam and also contributing to the religion by going to talks and speaking to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, in terms of Da'wah, in terms of Islam and in terms of their journey because I think it's very important as sometimes people ask not only because they are curious but it might be a stepping stone for them into Islam. So when we bring our converts down to help out, it really does give a very good point of view as to the journey that they took.
bit of an issue because there is going to be a lot of interactions and you are going to have discussions. So maybe not too young.
So if I want to join D'Apprentice, is there an age that I have to be. Like can I be twelve and join this program?
Thank you for your time brother Zaky. Assalamu'alaikum.
When will the program be this year? It's going to happen in October, 12th and 19th. So what is going to happen is, on the first day we are going to have classroom based activities in a form of lectures and the second day, it's going to be more interactive. More details will be coming out soon and we are going to have a Facebook page and the link is going to be in the article that you guys are reading. So keep those dates free and insya Allah we will see all of you there!
Wa'alaikumussalam. Well, that's a very good question actually and coming from Darul Arqam which is the Muslim Converts Association of Singapore, we do have a wealth of resources in that sense. So
Well I think it's not hard and fast but we try to take people in the ages of 16-28 but if you are like 15 and a half, we are not gonna turn you away. But of course if you are 8 or 9, there's going to be a
https://www.facebook.com/pages/DAppr entice/164777133609910?fref=ts
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FOOD
Gains From the Barley Grains written by Mohamed Yazid
Barley is one of the oldest cultivated grains spanning over 8000 years. The adaptable crop is grown in most parts of the world except the tropical regions. The leading barley producers are spread across the continents. These countries include Russia, India, United States, Australia and Argentina. Barley grains are available in several forms such as kernels, flakes, flour and grits. Barley flakes are produced when the kernels are steamed, rolled and dried. It looks fairly similar to rolled oats. Barley grits are derived from cutting barley kernels into small pieces. The different forms make Barley suitable in many ways such as making hot cereals or as ingredients for cooking. Low on the glycemic index, Barley helps maintain a steady blood level. An excellent source of dietary fibre, Barley helps meet the recommended daily intake for fibre. Beta-glucan fibre available in Barley may be digested more slowly which may help in weight control.
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A mineral-rich food, Barley contains phosphorous which builds and maintains strong bones and teeth. Trace minerals from Barley includes selenium and copper. Together with vitamin E, selenium works as an antioxidant against free radicals protecting the cell membranes. Copper assists the body to use iron effectively playing a key role in bone and cartilage development. Barley also contains two of the B-vitamins, thiamin and niacin. Thiamin and niacin support in maintaining a healthy nervous system and proper liver function, as well as healthy skin, hair and eyes. Prophet Muhammad advised for the consumption of food made with barley for the sick and recently recovered. One of the meals prepared was Talbina. It was made from barley flour formed by adding milk and honey to the dried barley powder. The barley grains has many benefits for our health, add it to our meals to make those gains.
HEALTH
HONEY Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: A man came to the Prophet and said, "My brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet said to him "Let him drink honey." The man came for the second time and the Prophet said to him, 'Let him drink honey." He came for the third time and the Prophet said, "Let him drink honey." He returned again and said, "I have done that ' The Prophet then said, "Allah has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey." So he made him drink honey and he was cured. Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7 Book of Medicine, Hadith 588
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Eating in Moderation
written by aif
Allahu Akbar! The month of Syawwal is here. Customary to Syawwal is of course the delicious delicacies, from ketupat to rendang, to the kueh-mueh such as tart, makmur and bangkit to name a few. Alhamdulillah, for the month of Ramadhan, we have successfully managed to lose weight and cut down on our intake of food during our meals. So how do we maintain these healthier bodies of ours with all these delicacies in front of us this festive season? MIRROR is no nutritionist, but below is a few pointers that MIRROR think is effective and would like to share with our beloved readers. 1. Try not to eat a lot at home before we go for visiting. The reason is kind of obvious; so that we can reserve more space for when we go visit. 2. Divide the plate into four portions. One portion for vegetables, one for fruits, one for protein (eg: fish,chicken,mutton,beef), and the last one for carbohydrate (ketupat, lemang, lontong, rice). 3. With your plate already filled, you won’t need to go for second servings. 4. Request for a glass of plain water instead of those carbonated drinks. It is easier for the host and helps them to save cost as well. 5. Treat yourself with those yummy kuehs but do limit yourself with one or two of each kind. So there you have it. Some tips that MIRROR is able to share with you. InsyaAllah, it would be of help and benefit for all of us. Ramadhan may be over but we are still accountable for our health and we must be wary of what we consume. Allah SWT mentioned in the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 168, “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.”
#reflections1434h
AND THE WINNER IS...
@annejanemolly
ISLAMIC CHIC
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HIDDEN BEAUTY: A TUTORIAL by Nur Khairunnisa follow @Uhnisa on instagram You will need: 1 square scarf, 3 hijab pins, 1 dangling earring and 1 brooch
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Fold the scarf as per normal (triangle shape). Ensure that 1 side is longer than the other. Pin the shorter one to the other side.
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Place the earring at the inner and let the it dangle out.
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Secure both sides with the hijab pins.
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Take the longer end and twirl it. 35
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Bring it to the other side and secure it with a brooch.
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And that's the final look! 36
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It will look something like this.
STYLE undercover STYLE undercover aims to make appropriate the current trend to serve as a lookbook for our fellow sisters. by Nasuha Darke
Keeping up with Kaftans Kaftans are every girl’s favourite wardrobe essential especially during the festive season of celebration and food. Look effortless elegant in a simple one-piece kaftan for a busy day of Eid visiting. The long, loose, and flowy structure of these dresses complement every body type, hiding those tummies even after the numerous Eid cookies, rendang and pineapple tarts!! Kaftans are the epitome of sophistication, with its beautiful detailing of sequins, lace and beads lining the collars and sleeves. Put on a pair of heels, grab your favourite clutch and you’re ready to have fun for the festive month! 37
The Case For Lace When you think of lace, you might think of brides. Maybe evening wear. Maybe your grandma. This Eid, we predict that lace is a trend for the month. With the right fabrics, colour and style the intricate details of lace will bring out the feminine side of you. If you are someone who is simple and dare not take risks, pair your plain solid coloured ‘baju kurung’ with single lace accessories such as shoes, a bangle or a purse with lace overprints.
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TRAVELOGUE with Irfan
by Muhd Irfan follow @feeamanillah on instagram
I searched for love and peace. I found Islam, and I found a curious traveller in myself through it. With Allah’s will, I seem to thrive in solitude and the observance of strangers, and in no better place could I find solace and wisdom through it other than in mosques. Every mosque has its own serenity and tranquility to it. At least, just at least a congregational prayer with humility and sincerity of the heart, being submissive, with understanding and purpose; only Allah (Glorified and Exalted Be He) understands the wonders He brings with it, filling me each day. Hence this is the first recorded start of my journey to each and every mosques there is in Singapore InsyaAllah. May Allah (Glorified and Exalted Be He) guide me in this lonesome yet purposeful journey with my ever-faithful Vespa.
raw image courtesy of xs33431/deviantart
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AR-RAUDHAH MOSQUE
What if I knew the time of my death? What would I do with the time I am left. What if my sins are written on my forehead for the world to see? Knowing people judge and how ashamed I would be. What if each day I’m revealed the punishment of each sin? Who would I blame for where I”ve been. Questions popped in this regular spot I sit. I hear the takbir, tears fell, I got lost in it. Loved ones, the unfortunate and orphans randomly appear in my head Do I deserve this comfort if they are still in melancholy I said Sometimes we put ourselves in so much grief Not knowing there are greater ones seeking relief On this day I sincerely pray for you what I hope for myself May He remember me too and help me during my death. “When one of you looks at one who stands at a higher level than you in regard to wealth and physical structure he shold also see one who stands at a lower level than you in regard to these things.” (Hadith Muslim) 41
For all You gave and all You’ve taken away I pray once again to not let this heart astray The Signs are clear, the promise is true Yet our hearts go blind, true ones are few Be a man against anger and desire Islam’s a remedy like water to fire Be ashamed and cover each sin For He is One that is Most-Forgiving Struggles brought me wisdom every each day The same way pleasures could take it all away In hardship and solitude was I close to You I’d rather stay in that state of calmness, than be ‘happy’ being far away from You
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We create these sins from our very own hands But truly the best of those is the one who repents Self-blaming tears as I write this note to self That the condition of my surrounding – a reflection of myself And I still write and write till there is nothing left To remind myself of what I had and what I’ll have.
“The strong man is not the one who wrestles others; rather the strong man is the one who controls himself at times of anger.” (Hadith Muslim) “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. and He pardons much.” (Al-Shura 42:30)
Poetry 43
Ahlan Wa Sahlan Ya Syawwal Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar As the Takbir was heard Tears streamed down the cheek Was I feeling hurt? Or was I feeling weak? As the Takbir got louder Contentment was the feel I pull myself together And thank Allah for His will His will for I met Ramadhan The month which many will miss The month of forgiveness by the One And where you will find the bliss Now I welcome Syawal with the hope of cleansed heart, mind and soul Only in the name of Allah we shall all hold Ilalliqo’ Ya Ramadhan! Ahlan Wa Sahlan Ya Syawal! For the month of fostering love and compassion among Muslim has just begun
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MUSOLLAH MIRROR goes shopping~!!
listing courtesy of IslamicEvents.sg 46
This month, we're visiting the east side.
Ikea Tampines
60 Tampines North Drive 2, Singapore 528764 Location There are 2 very good musollah rooms; one for male and one for female. It's located on the 4th floor near the toilets behind the Ikea Restaurant. It is easy to find as there are signage pointing to the musollah. Details The rooms are well maintained, air-conditioned and carpeted. Ablution : Available in the musollah. Items available : Prayer mats, Telekung, Quran, Attar
Tampines Mall 4 Tampines Central 5 Spore 529510 Location Turn in to corridor leading to the toilet located next to Blush shop at level 2 Details Enough for 2 to 3 people at once Alternative prayer space can also be found across musollah next to service lift area which can be identified by musollah sticker pasted on floor Ablution : Go to toilet or the sink nearby. Items available : Prayer mats, Telekung, Quran, Attar
Downtown East
1 Pasir Ris Close, Spore 519599 Location Behind Boon Tat Seafood at Asli Village. Details Separate rooms for male and female. Take wudhu' at the nearby toilet.
Singapore Expo 1 Expo Drive (S)486150 Location Located at the end of Hall 6 @ Level 2 Can be viewed from the Carpark. Details Wudhu can be taken at nearby toilets and slippers are available.
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WHAT’S GOING ON? Sharing with you a list of happenings going on around town. For more details of the events listed, visit islamicevents.sg
Fardhu Ain for Adults Fri, 16 August 2013, 8pm - 9.30pm | English Organised by : Yameen Basic Aqeedah and Fiqh Course: || 5 Pillars of Islam - (incl. Shahadah, Solah, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj) || 6 Pillars of Faith - (incl. Knowing Allah, Malaikah (Angels), Book of Revelations, Messengers, Day of Judgement and Qadaa' and Qadr. || Thoharah (Purification) - (incl. Types of Water, Istinjaa', Najasah, Wudhuu, Ghusl, Tayammum..) 48
Suitable for - New Muslim Brothers and Sisters - Beginners in learning foundations of Islam (Faith and Fiqh Practices) Seats will only be confirmed upon successful transaction of the first / full payment. TO REGISTER: - Log on to www.Yameen.sg
JOIN US. Drop us an email at contact@mirror-mag.com.
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FROM ALL OF US AT MIRROR, WISHING ALL OUR DEAR READERS EID MUBARAK!