#ourdeen

Where is the “Pot of Gold?”

By Umme Ammarah

Being human beings and not angels we often desire material comforts and worldly recognition. Many rich and famous personalities who have searched for happiness and success in material things have reached the end of the rainbow and indeed found no pot of gold. Indeed Allah Ta’ala has kept the real pot of gold i.e. true happiness, peace of mind and eternal prosperity ONLY in his deen (Islam). This true happiness we will not find anywhere else but in the Deen of Islam.

Allah Ta’ala the Most Wise says :

 “Whoever desires (and strives to gain) the harvest of the Hereafter, We increase him in his harvest; and whoever desires the harvest of the world(material things), We grant him out of that, and he has no portion in the Hereafter.”(Qur’an 42.20)

We have included two present day inspiring stories of Muslimah’s who have “reached the top” materially and then later discovered that true success and happiness lies not in worldly riches,pleasures and fame and but in the sublime and noble Deen-ul-Islam.

STORY 1: Queenie :  A famous Philipino Singer Actress

STORY 2: A Muslimah Lawyer from South Africa

Queenie’s Change of Heart

[email protected]: Dec 7, 2011 (arabnews.com)

Queenie Padilla shares her rebirth after performing Haj in Makkah

By all accounts, a young Filipino singer-actress dubbed "the future leading lady" was on her way to stardom before she had a spiritual rebirth.

Queenie Padilla was starring in primetime TV shows and would sing and dance in production numbers on popular variety shows in the Philippines. She was the other half of a romantic pairing ("love team" in local showbiz parlance) meant to set hearts aflutter. At 20, she was living her dream — or so she thought.

"It was a deceiving dream," Queenie told Arab News as she sat wearing an abaya and a veil on her head. Devoid of makeup, her face is just as angelic and even more beautiful than when she was all dolled up for guest appearances and shows.

The Saudi media had recently picked up on the story of the Filipino celebrity who went to Makkah and came back with Islam reignited in her. After performing Haj for the first time, she declared to all and sundry that show business was now behind her. The YouTube video in which she tearfully shares her life-changing Haj experience was going somewhat viral; it was garnering likes and getting shared and re-shared among Muslims, and not just in the Kingdom. "Inspiring" was the consensus.

What triggered a 180-degree turn for the young lady who was dead-set on pursuing a showbiz career a mere four years ago? How did the decision come about? And, how did she break it to her fans?

Queenie said she had been so worried what the producers, directors, managers, and especially, her fans would think. Everyone had expectations of her and she was feeling the pressure. She had to ask herself: “Am I going to live my life disobeying Allah or am I going to make the final decision in living my life as a good Muslim and really practice Islam the right way? There was a struggle but I had to make a choice. So I made that choice. I quit.”

Queenie calls herself a revert to Islam because it was only eight months ago that she embraced her faith wholeheartedly after visiting her mother in Australia, where she grew up nominally Muslim with her two sisters and their youngest brother.

Her father Robin, who comes from a big showbiz clan, famously married Queenie's mother in Muslim rites inside prison as he was serving a 21-year sentence for illegal possession of firearms in the early 90s. He was pardoned by the then president, and he left jail in 1998 no less famous than when he entered it. He remains one of the Philippines' most bankable action movie and TV stars to date.

The busy life of a celebrity didn't leave much time for Robin to educate his family about Islam as much as he would want, but Queenie credits him nonetheless, because if it weren't for him they would not be Muslim.

“When I went to the Philippines, my father told me to wear a hijab and pray. But I didn't know why I was praying. I was ignorant about Islam and about being Muslim. At that time I hadn't yet tasted the sweetness of faith. I think that's why I was misguided.”

Their mother started practicing Islam herself just two months before Queenie did, and she let her eldest daughter know her desire for her children to become good, practicing Muslims. Queenie says that when she first saw her mother after the latter rediscovered Islam, she was pleasantly “shocked.”

“I saw this glow in her that I've never seen growing up as a child. Everything that came out from her mouth was all about Islam and Allah. And she was reading the Qur'an constantly and listening to lectures and she wore the hijab. I asked her if she was afraid of wearing the hijab in this society. She said she wasn't because she has piety, and that's all that matters."

Over dinner, they would have conversations about the Hereafter and whether or not they obeyed Allah with their deeds and actions.

“It got me thinking,” she said. “I started evaluating and asking myself if I was really happy with my job, and I realized that there was something missing in my life. There was emptiness inside. I wanted to feel what my mother was feeling because she was so happy and content — and peaceful. I told her, ‘Oh please, I want to learn more about Islam.”

And she did. As she learned more about Islam, she knew she had found what would fill the void she was feeling: renewed religious fervor.

“It was an amazing feeling. I think it was a calling from Allah. The more I learned about Islam, the more it became my passion. And every day, when I gained more and more knowledge, the missing parts of myself began to grow. The emptiness is gradually going away too,” she added.

Queenie went to the Kingdom solely as a pilgrim and not an actress, although she met the Filipino community just the same. She visited the International Philippine School in Jeddah and other Saudi private schools where the students' reception was uniformly warm.

Her most unforgettable experience in her brief two weeks here, however, took place in a hospital where she visited a 30-year-old Filipino woman with a rare form of cancer. Queenie prayed for the patient who dreamed of going to the Kaaba. Shortly after, the woman reverted to Islam and declared her formula of faith in Islam, making Queenie “the happiest person alive.”

“The patient awakened me in a way; she reminded me that sickness or death could hit us anytime. Every day as Muslims, we should prepare,” Queenie said.

Queenie’s parents, now married to different people, are very happy over her decision to fully practice her religion. Her next mission is to share more about Islam with her sister Kylie, who is an up-and-coming star in her own right back home. Queenie also plans to major in business, and at the same time, take up Islamic studies.

These days, Queenie speaks with a conviction not previously seen in some of her TV interviews, in which she appeared reserved and even a little nervous. She has transformed into a lady who conveys the message of Islam to people with courage and confidence, even if she admits her knowledge is still limited.

Queenie — or Khadija, the Muslim name she recently adopted — is sure to lose fans once she leaves the glare of klieg lights completely, but she looks to have gained new ones in her journey of proclaiming her faith.

  Story 2

A Muslimah Lawyer from South Africa writes:

I often reflect on my life and experiences with a mixture of sadness and exuberance. I always considered myself as hailing from a privileged background. I attended prestigious private schools, I excelled academically and always felt so loved and cherished by my parents. I recall how I was always the best-dressed of my friends and how I was always admired for the cars I drove and the luxuries I enjoyed. But my life was a shallow and empty one!

I matriculated top of my class, I married soon thereafter and studied all my life. I have 4 kids and 3 Law Degrees but those are not what I consider my achievements. I was caught up in a world of facade and parade. There was never enough! Never enough enjoyment,  never enough jewellery, never enough designer wear and always drama as a result of my flashy lifestyle.

I experienced the loss of loved ones but though I felt the pain of loss-My life remained mostly unaltered. Then suddenly Allah SWT directed me to Him and accepted me to study Deen(Islam). I was invited to meet people who were involved in Deeni (Islamic) and Dawah work who shaped my life. I came to terms with my regrets, my perspectives changed, my circle of friends changed, my standard of living changed and now, everyday I strive to gain the pleasure of My Creator. This is how I have come to accept what I previously thought was beneath me-I am able to turn the other cheek to people who have ripped my heart out and trampled on my dignity.

I turn to My Allah and ask for halaal rizq (sustenance) instead of an abundance of wealth earned in questionable ways. I am now appalled by behaviour I previously found acceptable-I now have learnt how to be cautious with whom I interact with and to dress modestly. There have been so many times when I have been degraded by people who have rubbed my face “in dust ”. Many think they are providing rizq and putting food on the table for us…. I have been humbled and it made me turn my attention more to Allah and submit to Him alone.Alhamdulillah made me a more content.

I have been belittled because I no longer own a house but I am grateful to be bond and interest free. My family have been frowned upon for “not living with the times” but we kept  our contact with deen and Allah never shunned and disappointed us. He was always there to provide comfort in times of the most adverse conditions. My life has been a “roller coaster ride”… but I am so glad, grateful and fortunate that I found Allah along the way!

To my esteemed ustaads , muallimah’s (teachers) and siblings I am eternally grateful. I Trust in Allah and now turn to My Allah and  make dua for Him to grant me strength and courage to obey Him, follow His beloved Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) and for sufficient halaal Rizq instead of ill-gotten surplus. I forgive and try to forget because I am a sinner too! I eagerly await the next article from  EIslam because I know how it impacts on me and thus I have submitted this-just to let others know what a difference these amazing educators have had on my life. I request your duas, one and all.

A Fortunate and Appreciative Muslimah from South Africa.

We hope you have benefited from these beautiful and inspiring stories and we sincerely pray that Allah guides us towards Him.

Allah Ta’al Most Wise says:

It's Wise to Accept the decree of Allah!!!

A man came to Iyas Ibn Mu'awiyah, a Muslim judge famous for his wisdom, and the following conversation took place between them: Man: What is the Islamic ruling regarding wine? Judge: It is Haram (Forbidden). Man: How about water? Judge: It is Halal (Permissible). Man: How about dates and grapes? Judge: They are Halal. Man: Why is it that all these ingredients are Halal, and yet when you combine them, they become Haram? The Judge looked at the man and said: If I hit you with this handful of dirt, do you think it would hurt you? Man: It would not. Judge: How about if I hit you with this handful of straw? Man: It would not hurt me. Judge: How about a handful of water? Man: It surely would not hurt me. Judge: How about if I mix them, and let them dry to become a brick, and then hit you with it, would it hurt you? Man: It would hurt me and might even kill me! Judge: The same reasoning applies to what you asked me!! 

In Islam the sphere of prohibited things is very small, while that of permissible things is extremely vast. There is only a small number of sound and explicit texts concerning prohibitions, while whatever is not mentioned in a nas as being lawful or prohibited falls under the general principle of the permissibility of things and within the domain of Allah's favor. In this regard the Prophet (peace be on him) said: What Allah has made lawful in His Book is halal and what He has forbidden is haram, and that concerning which He is silent is allowed as His favor. So accept from Allah His favor, for Allah is not forgetful of anything. He then recited, "And thy Lord is not forgetful." (19:64) (This hadith was reported by al-Hakim, cla88ified as sahih (sound), and quoted by al-Bazzar.)

At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery, it is a time when Muslims should continue being Muslims, only better Muslims. I would say to my dear brothers and sisters in Islam "don’t be Sad"; if you are on the true religion – believing in One God and all the Messengers sent to mankind, then don’t be sad.  "...Bear with patience whatever befalls you...." (Qur'an 31:17)

and "Be not sad, surely Allah is with us." (Qur'an 9:40)  Our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: "Verily, if Allah loves a people, He makes them go through trials. Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment, and whoever is angry upon him is wrath." (Tirmidhi) Allah is sufficient for us  "Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs. So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the owner of Great Bounty." (Qur'an 3:173-174)  "And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed..." (Qur'an 5:23) "O you who believe! Seek help in patience and the prayer..." (Qur'an 2:153)  By leaving your affairs to Allah by depending on Him, by trusting in His promise, by being pleased with His decree, by thinking favourably of Him, and by waiting patiently for His help, you reap some of the greater fruits of faith. When you incorporate these qualities, you will be at peace concerning the future, because you will depend on your Lord for everything. As a result, you will find care, help, protection and victory.  Pre-ordainment  "No calamity befalls on earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees – before We bring it into existence." (Qur'an 57:22)  The pen has dried, and the pages have been lifted: all events shall come to pass have already been written. Whatever has befallen you was not meant to escape you, and whatever has escaped you was not meant to befall you: if this belief were to be firmly ingrained in your heart, then all hardships and difficulty would become ease and comfort.  The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever Allah wishes good for, He inflicts him (with hardship)." (Bukhari) Verily, with hardship, there is relief  "Verily, with hardship there is relief" (Qur'an 94:6)  "Perhaps Allah may bring victory or a decision according to His Will." (Qur'an 5:52)  And the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said to 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas (radiyallahu 'anhu): "..Be mindful of Allah, you will find Him before you. Get to know Allah in prosperity and He will know you in adversity... And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship." (Tirmidhi) Accept life as it is  If you read the Qur'an you will see that all the Prophets went through trials and tribulations. Life is a test so let us learn from the best examples of our Prophets. "Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty, ailments and were shaken." (Qur'an 2:214)  We should know that if we are pleased with our Lord, He will be pleased with us. And if you are pleased with your Lord no matter what the situation is, then you will find that you have earned your Lord's pleasure. On the other hand, there are hypocrites whom Allah rejects their deeds. They are displeased with what Allah sends down and they hate seeking His pleasure; thus their deeds are performed in vain.  Remembrance of Allah Ta'ala "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (Qur'an 13:28)  "Therefore remember Me and I will remember you…" (Qur'an 2:152)  The prayer….the prayer – we must return to our Masjids "O' you who believe! Seek help in patience and the Prayer." (Qur'an 2:153)  By earnestly performing the five daily prayers, we achieve the greatest of blessings: cleared off our sins and increase in rank with our Lord. Prayer is a potent remedy for our sickness, for it instills our faith in our souls.  As for those that keep away from the mosque and away from prayer, for them is unhappiness, wretchedness and an embittered life.  "For them is destruction and Allah will make their deeds vain." (Qur'an 47:8)  Take a moment to reflect  O' whose mind has wandered in grief, O' you whose eyes are loaded with tears; relax and know that your Creator aids, and that His mercy will bring you peace. And know that your reward is secure with He Who doesn’t disappoint the one who seeks to please Him. Be at peace, for after poverty comes joyous meeting, and after sleeplessness comes sound rest. O you who are oppressed in the lands, who suffer from hunger, pain, sickness and poverty, rejoice in the knowledge that you will soon be satisfied with food and that you will be happy and in good health.  Let us make these supplications, their purpose being to eliminate hardship, anxiety and grief:  "There is no worthy of worship except Allah, the Ever Forbearing, the Most Great. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. There is none worthy of worship One Who sustains and protects all that exists, there is none worthy of worship except You, and by Your Mercy do we seek Your aid."