Called to prayer

For several months, I was consumed by making so much money. There are just so many bills to pay and needs that have to be fulfilled. I juggled three jobs, slept only up to 3 hours a day, and barely ate. What`s worse is I allowed myself to sacrifice salaat and the time I used to devote for reading Quran and studying Islam and Arabic just to keep up with deadlines and ensure quality.

Without salaat, I unconsciously backslid to my old `secular life`. I used to have this appetite for Islam, for food, for learning. I was very passionate about helping others and teaching. I have lost all that and the capacity to take care of myself and to love.

I was not content with what Allah has given me and tried to carry all the weight of the globe on my shoulders. I did not trust and wait patiently for His help.

What did I do when my taxi driver played Christian Worship Music for me?

I just let it be, practicing patience and tolerance. I thought that even in this weird situation, I can still come out learning and realizing something.

October 27. As soon as I got in the taxi to go home, the driver played music of worship to Jesus, acknowledging him as the creator and savior. Audubillah.

The driver played it really loud and it went on and on the whole duration of the trip. Other Muslims in the same situation might have already asked the driver to turn it down or off, but I just let it be, practicing patience and tolerance. I thought that even in this weird situation, I can still come out learning and realizing something. MashaAllah.

As it played, I remembered my life as a Catholic lay woman. In a church choir I used to lead the congregation to sing the same hymns of praise to the `Trinity`. I also used to read passages on the Bible in front of many as a lector and guided them through the celebration in Catholic masses. Astagfirullah.

In the taxi, I thought, `Who would have thought that the same person who used to be a strong believer of one God in 3 persons becomes a practicing Muslim.` I guess it is true that those who are high in spirituality in other religions, those seekers of knowledge, tend to be the first ones to submit to Allah and accept Islam as the one true religion. Allahu Akbar.

When all what you hope for is gone

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)

When all what you hope for is gone, something in you dies. As you understand fully this huge loss, you tend to shut down a part of your life… or maybe your whole life. Some people fall permanently into this state, while others find themselves with a new understanding of life.

When all what you hope for is gone, this does not mean that there is no hope left for you.
Be reminded that `hope` given by a person can always be taken away, but `The Hope` that Allah gives stays and lasts forever.

Allah reassures you in the Quran (2:216):
“But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.”

Only Allah knows what is the best for you. Trust His wisdom.

When we find ourselves out of hope, may we remain patient, grateful, and hopeful in Allah`s grace and mercy. Ameen.

Masjid at Market Market, Taguig City: Finally found it!

I have heard so much about the Masjid at MarketMarket from my Muslim foreign students. I had attempted several times to look for it but failed. When finally I found it yesterday, I realized that it is nearly impossible to locate without asking for directions.

The Masjid at MarketMarket is on the ground floor of the mall at the Gift Market. Both entrances for men and women are located at the back of the Pearl Section.

The Masjid is small but once I entered, it really felt like a holy place for prayer and solitude. SubhanAllah! Considering it is located inside the busiest part of the mall, this gives you literally a grand escape from dunya. Alhamdulillah.

Eid Ul Adha 2014 of a Muslim Filipina Revert

Alhamdulillah! Eid Mubarak!

Last minute decision to have the Eid prayer at the Indonesian Embassy in Makati City

At Masjid At Taqwa, Indonesian Embassy for 7am Eid Ul Adha 1435H Eid prayer

Brought with me my now year old musalla.

Writing a non Muslim friendly version of My Journey to Islam

A non Muslim student asked me about my journey to Islam. I wanted to just conveniently direct him to my narrative My Journey to Islam, like I did with the others. However, I realized that I should make a much shorter simpler narrative instead ~ making it non Muslim friendly.

“Do you have hair under your hijab?“ and other questions on my hijab

Here are some questions I`ve answered several times this week. Alhamdulillah.

Bismillah.

“Do you have hair under your hijab? Is it straight?“
Oh you mean my headscarf? Yes, I have hair under it. It has soft waves. It is healthy and beautiful. Sorry, I cannot show it to you. I can only show them to my family, women, and young children.

“Why wear this `hijab`?“
Did you know that Mama Mary (RA) wore hijab? I have chosen to wear hijab to show that I am also a woman with dignity and substance. I guard my modesty with my hijab. I know I am beautiful and very precious; I do not want to give people, especially men, something to gaze at.

Lesson learned from you, Mia

I do not know anyone else who`d dare wear worn out shoes at school for days/weeks and not say anything. Shoes that are super dooper beyond repair na. Pangalawa na ito, iha. The last time I caught you, you taking your shoes off at your playmate`s house! Everybody noticed them, but you didn`t seem to care. Unbelievable!!!

When you were 8, I told you kailangan na natin magtipid kasi konti lang ang money  . I didn`t expect you`d take it that seriously. After then you`ve never asked me to buy you new things, and you`d always feel uneasy to ask for snacks. You would just wait until you are given something… anything. Mahal or mura, you`d accept it wholeheartedly and be very grateful.

Guilty of backbiting and slander

Astaghfirullah!

A couple of days ago, I was walking through the neighborhood when I came across several women outside their homes wearing very short shorts and very low neckline mid rib sleeveless tops. I couldn`t help myself but look at them with much disgust.

I could have just kept this to myself, but I told a friend about the things I saw. The conversation, which took about half an hour, was only backbiting and slandering non Muslim women who dress immodestly. The discussion made ourselves feel superior and far more morally upright over them as we Muslim women wear hijab.

…

Yesterday, I went on Facebook and found some relatives and friends liking my pre shahada photos;

From Him we came and to Him we return

We have witnessed two deaths in the family this week. We have lost Lola Luding last Saturday, and our Lolo Abe last Tuesday. I have not yet fully recovered from the passing of our Lola Nene in June this year. It is hard to describe the grief I am feeling now.

The hardest part about losing non Muslim family is being unable to pray for the repose of their souls. I have gone to wakes and found myself surrounded by people who are all praying.