LOVING 2: Is It Possible?

LOVING 2: Is It Possible? by Tijjani Muhammad Musa

L.O.V.E. This four letter word seems to be one of the most unexplainable and mysterious phenomenon in the life of mankind. It is so simple that a kindergarten child can say it, yet so complicated that even the wisest of philosophers cannot truly define it. One often wonders what love is. Is it a feeling or an emotion? May be it is an experience or just an illusion? What really is love?

Everyone that is asked this simple yet unique question seems to be taken off balance at first. In fact, many are lost for words i.e. for those who even consider themselves smart enough to attempt answering it. If not, most people, both male and female just look a little bit embarrassed, due to the fact that though some of them have experienced the thing called love at one time or the other in their lives and have often used the word at every given opportunity, they do not really understand it and surely cannot put words together to describe or even explain it.

Love belongs to the other divide of the two things that basically constitute our earthly existence. That is, it belongs to the realm of the unseen, the abstract. What this means is that, just like joy and pains, happy and sad, good and evil etc, love also cannot be seen or touched. It has no shape, size, colour, smell, weight and so on. Yet nobody can deny the existence of these listed phenomena, because though we cannot tell what the colour of love is, what the taste of defeat is, what the size of envy or the shape of laughter are, yet we are fully aware of their existence. Even God Himself, all praises are due to HIM has chosen this hidden realm to relate to man. The other side of the coin of course is what we can see, touch, feel, taste and smell, our physical and material world, which essentially captures our immediate conviction.

Love is indeed one of the ultimate of expression when it comes to feelings. It is so unique that declaring it publicly could make or mar a relationship for life. For some, love has a lifespan lasting only a few seconds. While for others, it can transcend their very existence. Love is a very strange thing that might mean nothing to the wise, but surely means everything to the foolish. Wise or foolish though, how sorry a state lives a heart that has never experienced love, as says the disciplines of the slogan “Better to love and lost than never to have loved at all” There are those that would give anything to experience it just once. While others who have been fortunate to taste it once, would not mind giving up the world and all its content, in order to share it a second, a third or even a more times.

For some lucky few, love is real, a regular re-occurrence encountered with everyone or everything they come across. They are simply created to love all and everything. In fact some rare souls know not how to express any other form of emotion except love - “... but I cast (the garment) love over thee from Me} (Q20:39). And for others, it is a thing that does not exist at all. It is simply a lie, an excuse used by some people when they want to play being mad. For these unfortunate souls, life is devoid of this sweet sensation called love.

Love has various rhythms and frequencies. It can be spontaneous as in the love at first sight phenomenon or it could simply grow gradually over time. How about the famous saying “There is a thin line between love and hate”, meaning it can be so present as to possess a soul absolutely and yet it can dissolve into thin air in a flash, to be replaced by total disgust and hatred. Almost everybody must have heard about the slightly confusing saying “To love is to let go”, where someone is requested to willingly allow a loved one to move on. Yes, move on to another level or place though it will break his or her heart. But because they truly love the person, they willfully let him or her go to another place where it would not be physically possible to continue the love affair, thus the person can achieve the necessary advancement in their life. They sacrifice love for love.

It is also generally agreed that human heart do fall in love, which grows in momentum until it finally reaches its apex. Then it starts to burn out slowly or rapidly until only cold ashes are left, to be blown off in scattered particles of love by the wind of time. Or it can level out and maintained an altitude for life. Sometimes it can dip into valley and out on to hills of the heart, emerging stronger or too weak to be sustained, collapsing and shattering into what is generally referred to as a broken heart. And for those who are curious to know, the dwelling place of love is in the heart. “…So fill the heart of some among men with love toward them.”  (Q14:37)

This exciting thing called love can be expressed towards a human {….Truly hath he inspired her with violent love; we see he evidently going astray} Q12:30, an animal, a place, material thing, a physical exercise, a belief and so on. {Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: women and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land.} Q3:14. It thus can be expressed by people, in various ways, at different places and times, in different quality and quantity. It can be extreme as to make someone give it the ultimate prize i.e. to be martyred or to commit suicide, as in the famous play of Romeo and Juliet. Or it can be so shallow that the falsehood in a declaration is exposed the moment it is uttered or a trial for proving that love is faced. And like everything in life, loves also has a beginning and an end.

As for its ending, it could be a happy one on rare occasions or a sad one, and this is what is obtained in most cases…aaarghh! That, is always painfully tragic. Now, that’s another interesting thing about love. It almost always ends up in pain. Love, simply, hurts. Love, if it is brief, ending it causes so much pain to one or both parties. And if it does last for some time, calling it quits could result in a broken heart saga, another sad and agonizing experience. And if it last for a life time, when death takes away a loved one, pain shows up and celebrate yet another sad ending to this exotic, charming feeling called love. Despite all these shades of pains, love is still very much sought after by human souls of all ages. Maybe, because the heart is not so smart or is never totally complete, or at peace when it is devoid of love.

Some people confuse this beautiful feeling with its lesser “sisters” the platonic or affectionati LIKE, the passionate intoxicanti LUST or even their reckless disastrous relative called INFATUATION. Love surpasses them all in value and rareness like diamond surpasses all other precious stones. To “like” someone or something is to pick one particular thing about the person or thing and attach a fondly affinity to it. For example a book might be liked because of its cover, a school for its academic excellence, a woman for her beauty, a man for his kindness etc. But the moment the object of that likeness wears off, gets damages or becomes missing, it is observed that of a sudden one subconsciously stops the flow of likeness towards the person or thing. The result is automatic disinterest.

To “lust” after someone or something is simply to passionately desire to have a feel, a taste of whatever is the object of that emotion in order to gain satisfaction out of the experience, albeit temporarily. This in many cases could be sexual, or for power or something else. And once that strong craving is satisfied, the object of the lust ceases to have relevance or significance and is often seen to be discarded thereafter. It is mostly associated with intimacy, desiring to be closely associated, seeking to satisfy an immediate urge, often sexual.

To be “infatuated” on the other hand means a temporary, but intense fondness or desire to want to be with someone or something. Usually the one expressing it is naive and foolish, where as the target of the infatuation is simply playing with their minds, feeling absolutely nothing in return, yet taking full advantage of the situation {“Ah! Ye are those who love them, but they love you not” Q3:119}. Most often infatuation is not sexual, though the one infatuated with the other will be willing to do whatever the so-called ‘apple of the eye’ demands of him or her, including sex.

But true love is entirely different from all these, for it is a combination of all the above and much, much more. Love blinds. Utterly. Aha! That brings us to another famous adage which many find to be true, that is Love is Blind. This is because when someone is in love, they are totally blind and deaf to the faults of their loved ones, no matter how obvious such ills and imperfections might seem to be. However, there are those who say, it is not love that is actually blind, but those who fall in it. This may be true. And about the big goof, is this other equally popular saying that “God is Love”. This I find completely unacceptable. Why? Well, you see if God Is Love and Love is Blind, it then adds up by simple mathematics that God is love is blind, or God is Blind, which of course is not true at all. God cannot, can NEVER be blind!

In fact nothing is more further from the truth than this. For God has never been, is not and will never be blind. “The blind and the seeing are not alike” Q35:19. “Not equal are the blind and those who (clearly) see;” Q40:58. “…yet again many of them became blind and deaf. But Allah Sees well all that they do.” Q5:71, “Say: ‘Enough is Allah for a Witness between me and you; for He is well-acquainted with His servants and He Sees (All things)”’ Q17:69. But if it is said that love originates from God and so He AWJ is the very Best of those who show love, then it is acceptable.

So if love is so special and unique, is it possible to feel it for two souls at once? There is a school of thought that thinks, in fact even believed that love is so amazing, so uncommon, so precious, so absolute a thing that it cannot be felt towards two different souls at one and the same time. Another school of thought tends to disagree with this hypothesis or is it a theory? Each of the two schools has its reasons for holding firm to what they believed. So where do you belong, in the former or the latter?

As for me, I do sincerely believe that a person is capable of experiencing multiple loves. Even though it might not be to the same quality and quantity, but it is still L.O.V.E all the same. For it cannot be described in any other way. I have my reasons for choosing this ticket, which I intend to present. A person male or female with a sound mind, body and soul, living a good successful life in the midst of family, relatives, friends, colleagues, neighborhood etc usually finds so many reasons and as many blessings to celebrate about their lives.

If we are to take one example; family and its associated attachments. If we subject it to scrutiny, it is possible to convince some of the skeptics of the possibility of multiple loving {It is he who created you from a single person and made his mate of like nature in order that he might dwell with her (in love). When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy they both pray to Allah their Lord (saying): “If Thou givest us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful} Q7:189

A wife with a darling husband and 2 adorable children living in a beautiful home, in a friendly and conducive neighborhood is a typical example of someone who is capable of loving 2, 3 or even more persons or things all at once. She could be so much in love with her husband that the years they have spent together amounts to nothing towards eroding her feeling for him. Like every true loving soul, her every breath punctuates her existence with the nice sensation of love and being loved. So for her, living each day is a celebration. She hates to see her husband wearing a frown, sad or worried for whatever reason. She has to make all effort to cheer and brighten him up or she could also end up with a depressed mood. She hates anything and anyone who could be a source of annoyance or anxiety to him. The feeling between them is best described as a contagious. {He created for you mate from among yourselves that ye may dwell in tranquility with them and he puts love and mercy between your (hearts). Q30:21}. Simply put, she loves her husband so dearly.

This same woman could also find it in her heart a place to accommodate another love that is equally qualitative and as strong as the one she feels for her husband, but completely different. She is capable of loving her 2 children, so much so that if she was to be asked who among them she might choose to let go if for example death should come knocking with an option. She would refuse to accept that offer with all her motherly might. {They said “Truly Joseph and his brother are loved more by our father than we”} Q12:8. If one of the children should need a life saving transplant and her organs could fit, even if not so perfectly, she would gladly offer herself. That undoubtedly is love at its very peak between two souls.

Once again, ask her if she has brothers and sisters. If she answers to the affirmative, ask her further who does she love the most among them? She probably would pick one of them instantly, assuming they are not in her presence. Then ask her if her choice among them was to be framed and put in prison, how would she feel? Most likely she would not even want to entertain the mere thought of it or would prefer to trade places out of the sincerity of the love she has for him or her. {…It is righteousness to believe in Allaah and the Last Day and the angels and the Books and the Messengers; to spend of your sustenance out of love for Him, for your kin...} Q2:177

If assuming an earthquake, a fire outbreak, a flood or something should strike the city she lives in, causing devastating damage to her neighborhood, destroying her home and her most intimate and most memorable items, so much so she is forced to move to a relative’s backyard in another part of town unaffected by the disaster, or to another state or completely out of the country, missing constantly her loved and lost home, what would be her reaction? It is possible, that from the calamity’s devastation she might even end up becoming a psychiatric case. Not for any other reason but for the fact that her most cherished and valuable possessions are lost forever. {Nay (ye men!), but ye love the fleeting life} Q75:20

She could also be so comfortably in love with her job, her friends, colleagues and work environment that if she should be given a promotion, a pay rise or a better office in a new branch of their company, but out of that particular city, she might reject the offer and let someone else go in her place or might even resign the appointment altogether rather than for her to lose her most adorable loved ones and environment. Though this might be true for some, it is definitely not for most career persons, who would surely not think twice about seizing such golden opportunity to grow bigger and better, rather than succumb to the sentimental, temporary but intense fondness or desire to want to be with individuals for the sake of love. For love, we can do crazy things, even if we would regret such actions and behaviors afterward. {…and He joined your hearts in love so that by His Grace ye became brethren} Q3:103

And so we finally arrive at the very important question that; how is it possible for her to love multiply like this, all at once? How could she love her husband, her children, her parents, her sisters and brothers, her friends, her home and the items contained therein, her lifestyle, her career, her neighborhood, state, country and so on all at the same time? The answer is simple. We are designed and created by our Lord and Maker Allaah Azza wa Jallah to be capable of multiple loving. Furthermore, Allaah Subhanahu wa Ta’alah Challenges our iman (faith), demanding that we share that which we cherish and hold dearest to our hearts or else our faith is not real. {By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give of a truth, Allaah Knoweth it well} Q3:92

Our human heart might be the size of a fist, but its capacity to love is limitless! It can love one, two, three or even more people and things by creating a new page or new chapter or a whole book of love for each of these categories of our loveables. Thank God Al-Mighty for His Mercy, Alhamdulillahi for that!

Tijjani Muhammad Musa
©®2005 All Rights Reserved
A SoundWord & Sight Communications Limited Document

PROSTITUTE, ESCORT, "OR WHAT?!" *Tears*

by Poetic Tee "Here, Take A Sip"










I use to see her
2 or more

On my way home
When I close from work
Standing in low lights
In a wasteful beauty
And falsified elegance
Sisters of the streets
That are usually devoid
Of legitimate wage earners
At least not at that hour
Men would think twice
About perching so precariously
Off a road kerb
Night of the night
Decent souls seek comfort
Of a home
But, behold the Queen
Seduction, lust, passion
A transact in all
For any with a price
She finds fulfilling
A daughter, sister
Sometimes even a mother
With hungry mouths to feed
For whom only she cares
Prostitute, escort, "student"
Or what? "Or what?!" *tears*
Crying in her heart
As she opens a door to hell
That another may survive
Only to die... :'(

Tijjani M. M.
(c)(r) 21102012 @3:45:55

WHAT IS ISLAM?

By Poetic Tee “Here, take a sip”

Islam is a deen of light for those walking in the dark
Islam is a deen of peace for those who are troubled
Islam is a deen of knowledge for those who wish for education
Islam is a deen of reflection for those who strive for enlightenment
Islam is a deen of progress for those who desire advancement
Islam is a deen of soundness of soul for those who wish for tranquility
Islam is a deen of bliss for those who calmness has eluded them
Islam is a deen of the courageous, self-respecting and dignified

And of those who know their fundamental human rights when abused.

Tijjani M. M. (c)210912

HE IS (not WAS) MUHAMMAD (Peace Be Upon Him)

By Poetic Tee "Here, take a sip"

The more they try to make a fault of him
The more they make him lack a single fault
He is Muhammad (saws)

They try to make souls hate him
But succeed only to make souls hate them instead
He is Muhammad (saws)

They portray him as a commoner
Yet hearts revere and elevate him to lofty statuses
He is Muhammad (saws)

They depict him in the "light" (darkness) they wallow in
Thunder and lightening celebrate him in awe to their heart's tremor.
He is Muhammad (saws)

They flaunt and are pompous of their Nobel Prize
Yet humbleness defines him and his NOBLE PRIZE
He is Muhammad (saws)

They live and die unknown in a perishing material world
In the minds of men, he dwells cherished to eternity
He is Muhammad (saws)

They detest their failure as evident in his success
What can a drone do to the life within, except free it
He is Muhammad (saws)

They scheme, plan, slander, throw ills at him
What was each's end, but waste, frustrations and blame-gain
He is Muhammad (saws)

They wish to force mankind into one controlled world
But he invites to all good and shuns evil in sub-nucleic level
He is Muhammad (saws)

They embargoed his name to suppress his love
Know they not that the sun shines above the clouds
He is Muhammad (saws)

They rejected their gods, abusing their prophets
Only one God that's his call then, now and forever
He is Muhammad (saws)

Tijjani M. M.
(c)(r) 06102012
13:31:13

SAUDI HAJJ AUTHORITIES AGAINST NIGERIA MAHRAMLESS FEMALE HAJJ PILGRIMS; LOOK CLOSER, THINK DEEPER

SAUDI HAJJ AUTHORITIES AGAINST NIGERIA MAHRAMLESS FEMALE HAJJ PILGRIMS; LOOK CLOSER, THINK DEEPER :)

The case of the Nigerian intending female Hajj 2012 returnees is a very important lesson for us all, most especially for those who are endowed with the ability to deeply reflect.

They went to perform hajj, one of the 5 Pillars of Islam, but were ill-prepared as they were found lacking in some vital requirements for entry to the land where the religious rites are performed and so were returned to their country to make amends and possibly return at another date. A second chance is clearly given. 'Hayatad dunya...', right? What graciousness on the part of Allaah SWT.

Can any one please imagine if these young women had been transported to Barzakh (the intermediate realm between this life and the Hereafter), with the usual One Way Ticket (No Return) via Deathview Airline Flight 101 piloted by Captain Azrafil (Angel of Death). Do you think these poor souls would be allowed to return and make good their requirements and then fly back for a second chance? NEVER!

Thus Allaah SWT Makes His Case against mankind via similitudes, but only those who are wise and posses the ability to reflect can see beyond the earthly example and it's attending consequences.

A Saudi Hajj Authority against Nigerian Female (Non-Mahram) Pilgrims, that's all there is to it, most of us might think. But, look closer and think further and deeper..... There's more to it than meets our bruised ego.

May we be among those who will prepare well for that one way trip (death) and get to successfully make it through the first time (Jannah), and not among those who will forget their one chance opportunity (this life) to prepare their entry, only to find tbemselves in an unfortunate situation where there will be no second chance to come back, that Nigerian 'mahram'less female hajj pilgrims have had, in this situation and are feeling disgraced about.

Tijjani M. M. (c)(r)2012

SECRETS OF HAPPINESS IN MARRIAGE

.....By Tijjani Muhammad Musa

 Happiness in marriage is multi-facet and depends on the individual both male and female. So many things combine to produce a blissful happy marriage. Among them are the followings;

1. Living together as husband and wife according to the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet SAWS. This is most important please. So the need for you to study and abide by them all.

2. True love, not for what you have or who's son or daughter your spouse is, but who they are as a person, is none negotiable. You see, if you marry anyone not based on love, which in itself will wane with time unless constantly re-invented, refreshed, recharged, re-invigorated, it is bound to be a failed union.

3. Courtship must be based on sincerity, truthfulness, flare, excitement, smiles and much laughter. What I mean here is always tell each other the truth about yourselves. Likes, dislikes, wants, diswants, pleasures, displeasures etc. Any time you promise to do a thing or be there for any reason, always fulfill thy promise. This will establish a sound reputation for you in your partner's mind and she or he will forever believe you and in you.

On flare and swagga, be you always clean and well dressed, appearing in clothing that you are most comfortable in, that you usually wear. But if they are revealing of your shape and attributes, please restrain the urge. Then be lively and cheerful and always store interesting gist to share with each other when you meet. Also watch out for moods, which are infectious and quickly adapt, to show you are one with each other.

4. If you are truly intending to marry her or him, try as much as you can not to have pre-marital ''garmenting'' i.e. sex, even if the other partner should lay it down as a pre-condition for marriage. Keep your chastity at all cost. You see, none of you two can guarantee for sure whether the union will actually happen or not, as confident of your love and compatibility as you might be about each other. And I don't mean discovering something nasty about one another in the course of the courtship that might warrant a change of mind. Travelling, sickness, deformity, death could change the status quo and when you have indulged in the garmenting thing, the woman is left the looser always and of course the guy could be too, if he is blessed with a higher grade of modesty than the average guy. 

5. Time, this is a very valuable asset to you, but it must not be more valuable than your wife-to-be. I have said it before, the greatest need of the woman is ATTENTION, while for the man, it is TO BE LOVED. I could be wrong though. Now based on that, you MUST spend as much time as you can spare with her, talking about everything under the sun, sharing your private and most intimate thoughts. Do not forget to LISTEN to her when she wants to talk and help her develop her interest along with yours, so that you start to think as one entity. Be a FRIEND to her. Let her realize that you are her best friend and keep her secrets secret. NEVER let her get to hear something she told you only, to be heard by her from somewhere else. It will mean you have a ''Basket mouth''. Of course you should not.

6. Be the man! Assert your authority from Day One. Let her know what you will tolerate and what you will not. Also start expressing your joys and pleasures about things you approve that she does and vice-versa. Keeping quiet, waiting till you are married before showing your authority over her is tantamount to cowardice. She'll always say ''Wallahi, you have changed. You were not like this before you married me. So now that you have gotten me where you want, you can make your selfish demands and put your unfair restrictions upon me. Well for your information, you can't!'' and then you will have a herculean task bringing things back to order. Trust me on all this, Allah Has Given me 15 years of marital bliss and more. It is a good thing to hate being single, you are desirous of something much more better and Allah SWT Will bless you with it. Though there is nothing wrong with being single for life, if you will safeguard your chastity, that is.

7. During the course of your courtship, take the role of her husband full time. Demand obedience, respect, courtesy, interaction with your family members, whom you must take the trouble to introduce her to and insist she gives them their due regards. You must lead by example. You must do everything to her own family that you want her to do to your family. Take her with you to both sides, your side as well as her side, Show no difference between the two. Be fair and just in your dealings. Do not disrespect her family members and she will not disrespect yours. If she does, let fire rain down. All this nonsense about a wife being rude to one's family boils down to this or to your failure to express your intolerance from the on-set. Oops am forgeting, not all of us are equally blessed by Allah SWT to do this though. Anyway, just prepare yourself for an exciting journey. Patience is next.

8. No, not patience yet. Diplomacy, my broh. You must be very diplomatic. Take the trouble to do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, where it needs to be done and to whom it needs to be done as at when due. MOST IMPORTANTLY, do it FOR ALLAH'S SAKE ONLY. You will NEVER BE SAD. NEVER! You know why? Most people would never appreciate what u do, starting from.....your spouse. So if you are expecting that or a ''Thank you, Honey'' and it is not forth coming, you will be grossly disappointed. But if you say to yourself ''This is for ALLAH's Sake'', then if nobody says "Thank you Darling" or says to your wife ''Wallahi, your husband is a kind hearted man, please thank him for me'' then you are always good, for you know deep down, if Allah Accepts the act of you, your reward is assured, guaranteed and safe with HIM AWJ. Any thanks from others will just be a bonus. 

9. Now, let's talk about Patience. Please refer to the sound example of the Prophet's marital life. Go into his household and observe carefully how he conducts his affairs with his wives. Nothing can be said to elucidate this better. A'ah G'man, you may need to do some research now. 

10. Let's move to the next very important matter. Study Your Partner. The moment you see a wife or husband material that captures your interest and imagination, you must switch on your 'Curiousity Mode'. You must become a researcher, scrutinizing your target with your eyes stealingly, listening attentively and studying their body language. You can learn so much about a person from these in the first instance as to know if you will get on well. Many choices of partners come to a failure due to lack of this. Remember, this is someone you might end up spending your whole life with, so everything must be right, but not 'PERFECT' with you. Also give room for some "discounts" please. If you do a sound job at this, you will never be there as a single again, unless if your wifey or hubby unfortunately dies. Now about that, me too I no get experience at all, at all. *smiles*

11. You have finally arrived at the marriage union and celebrations... Oops Mr. Groom, about the Sister, she knows what I know not and maybe I know what she knows not. So if she needs my advice, am sure I need hers' even more.... Ehen, the marriage ceremony. Here elders, culture, traditions, ethics, personal principles etc all have to be addressed. Gaddafi, ''BANDA 'KARYA!'' meaning "NO LIES!'' Celebrate it to the fullest within your limit and financial capacity. Let whoever wants to contribute to one of your most important days do so, without your asking for it. DON'T BE EXTRAVAGANT. ALLAH HATES IT. Capture it all in your memory, 4 yr memories. Stories will be told by you two to your children in sha Allah....*smilez*.

Remember to execute the marriage in accordance with the Islamic injunctions. I know some celebrants would 'yab' you, that you are being ol' fashioned and the rest. But do not forget that, they will leave for another wedding ceremony and you will deal with the aftermath of your disobedience to Allah and you know not in which way HE SWT would extract retributions as a trial upon you both. Also remember Allah much all through the occasion. And "Angon......, Gaddafi dan Iyal, ku yi celebrating the marriage till the whole city, no! country, kai till the global village echoes it and vibrate!

12. On your WEDDING NIGHT, you must be calm, and as eager as you might be to be with your ''Iyawo'' i.e. bride, you must not fail to perform the 2 raka'ats of salat and thank Allah SWT for giving you success in making your heartbeat, your constant companion from that moment on. Then after that, you are to hold her head and recite the du'a (supplications) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAWS, seeking all the goodness in her and warding off all evil from her. Then sit and gist while eating or drinking and congratulate each other for pushing the proverbial camel through the needle hole. Then reach out to each other, but do not forget to say the Prophet's du'a of launching your garmenting era with your "Amarya" or "Ango" i.e. groom before your very first encounter, then ''GARMENT'' till day break. 

Break it, take a bath and pray Subh' and garment some more. Break once in a while eat, pray your salats refresh, recharge and indulge all over again. Exhaust your individual fantasies like there will be no tomorrow. Wow! Its 24 hours already, "How time flies when you are having fun" Well recharge and hey, you 2, crawl up the ceiling, cling to it upside down if you can, in the corridor, on the kitchen floor, in the bath, against the wall, standing, kneeling, bending, one leg up, lying down, from the front, through the back, hey go NUCLEAR, explore all possibilities, and bang each other till you can hardly lift a finger... savor FREEDOM!!!!!!!

13. Finally, G'man, there are learned people endowed by Allah, the Only God worthy of your worship, who can tell you what are the complete requirements of an Islamic marriage are, consult them, verifying your facts via reading for yourself from Sahih (authentic) sources, so that you do not get misled by so-called malams. Hopefully, you are abit ok with these little experiences of mine. Now, I might be wrong in my explanations, so do not take them until you confirm from the Qur'an and Hadiths before absorbing it. Any where you find me iin contradictions against these sources, PLEASE IGNORE MEEEEEE!

Conclusion: For your information, this is the PRE-MARITAL experiences (my personal), there is PART II i.e. POST- MARITAL, which we will treat another time in sha Allah... In that part, watch out for: First 90 Days (3 Months) of Discovery... If you scale this stage, you stand a good chance of having a successful marriage. You fail to pass through these days and em....em...em..... Hey Gee, gotto go

(Written as comments on a Facebook status update, available in My Notes on my Facebook Profile)

 Tijjani Muhammad Musa

 (c)(r) 2009 All Rights Reserved

Standing on top of the Archers Hill @ Uhud during my Umrah 2011 in Ramadan 1432AH. NOSTALGIC!!!

Saifuddeen Yakubu Musa Wrote:
Allahu Akbar! This Hill that Tijjani Muhammad is standing upom is the hill top that the Prophet of Allaah Subhanahu wa Ta'alah stationed 50 of his soldiers on the day of the famous Battle of Uhud, instructing them not to move an inch no matter what happened. But they witnessing the early victory of the Muslim Army over their adversary during that ill-fated clash were so overwhelmed with joy that some of them forgot themselves and rushed down to partake in the victory. Only for the enmy army to come from behind the very hill and dealt a damaging attack to the Islamic army.

Wannan dutsen da Malam Tijjani ke tsaye a kansa shine dutsenda Manzon Allah S.A.W. Ya ajiye Sahabban nan guda Hamsin a kansa ranar yakina Uhudu, Ya Umarcesu da cewa kada su sauko koda kuwa menen ya faru. Wancan Babban Dutsen kuma Shine Dutsen Uhudu. Wannan farfajiyar kuma dake tsakanin duwatsun biyu shine fagen faman da aka gwabza yakin Uhudun a cikinsa. Wannan yar haraba kuma da aka kewaye da bango nana ne wurin da makabartun Shahidain Uhudun suke, irinsu Sayyiduna Hamza R.A. Dasu Mus'ab da sauransu. Allah Ya yarda dasu baki daya.

MEN ARE ARCHITECTS OF CRISIS IN THEIR HOMES

(A True life story) ...by Tijjani Muhammad Musa

A man who was about to take in a second wife, lived in his big house with sections that could accommodate the two wives comfortably, but the house was a bit outdated. So as part of preparations for the coming bride, he planned to embark upon restructuring and refurbishing the house and so approached his embattled first wife and informed her of his intentions. She accepted the offer that renovation works should commence with her side of the residence, which was wise on her part and only natural, just in case resources should dwindle for the excited groom, at least she would be safe and sound, or so she thought.

After finishing the works on her unit, the husband again approached her with the options of her choosing which side she would prefer to occupy. She told him once again she was ok with where she was living, which was looking so fresh and new after the refurbishment. Now, having settled that, the husband started works on the side that would accommodate the bride. As usual, the first wife never bothered to visit the works on the bride's unit, most likely to save herself further anguish as the D-Day gradually moved closer.

Taking advantage of her disinterest, the man went the extra mile in  restructuring and refurbishing the bride's unit to taste, with exquisite designs and styles. When he was done and was fully confident that the new place was befitting his new "Princess", he then went on to hire special interior decorators and gave them a blank cheque to decorate the abode and make it as beautiful as his money could afford. All these was going on, with the trusting uwargida thinking nothing of the issue, having surrendered her fate to her Lord and Maker.

Then, just before the whole renovation was finished, she felt an urge to check out the works and possibly use it as a source of harassing the annoying man she calls her husband. She waited until one Friday afternoon when the bride's side was devoid of all human activities, with the workers having gone for the weekly Juma'at prayer, she seized the opportunity and sneaked in for a secret preview. She almost fainted from the sight that greeted her. The lavishness of the works before her made her completely forget she was in her own house. Shocked and with eyes wide open she took a quick heart-pounding tour and could only cover her mouth with her hand to prevent herself from screaming.

Quickly, she left the place before she was discovered. Back in her now "jaga-jaga" looking unit in comparison to where she just ventured out of, she sat down dazed beyond composure, staring into space for God Knows how long. What was that she had just seen? Could it be true or was it a dream? How could all that have happened without her knowledge? So, her jealousy could be taken advantage of, so much so that millions of her "sweat" and her children's inheritance was being wasted on a stupid project, right under her nose? What an audacity!

So what should she do? She thought to herself. Pack out that very moment? Call her friends or family and cry her heart out to them lamenting his betrayal? Wait till he comes home and make him regret ever knowing her? Or simply "kill the bastard!"? Or may be.... Then she found herself smiling at the idea crossing her mind at that particular moment in time. "Yes!" she satisfactorily concluded.

Fortunately, she was a calm and composed woman. And decided to play the "Dummy" of a woman, her "darling" husband took her to be. in fact, she became even more nicer to him and just demanded that he should respect her feelings and not do anything to remind her of the new life he is about to subject them to. Apart from that, she's "good". And so she allowed him to continue enjoying his fantasy that she was his vulnerable fool.

2 weeks later, the Wedding Fatiha conducted by the ulamas and invited male guests and the much talked about marriage ceremony had taken place. Some of the most beautiful women were in attendance and she took all the necessary steps to behave herself in the most dignified manner, to the extent that many were pleased with her conduct during the event. "Ita ce Uwargidan kuwa? Sai ka ce ba wacce ake yiwa kishiya ba! Gaskiya, ta burge ni sosai, wallahi!" were some of the comments and  commendations she elicited from the gathering. And you know women and their intuition, some still suspected she was upto something. Her composure and gayness was too good for comfort.

Later that evening, the bride was to be prepared for conveyance to her brand new multi-million naira matrimonial unit, but first her stuffs (furniture, kitchen wares, electronics etc) had to be loaded in trucks and taken to her new residence for arranging in her groom's home. Upon arrival there, as her aunties and friends disembarked fro the vehicles to take in the bride's stuffs into the elegantly reconstructed unit, they met the Uwargida and her friends arranging her equally brand new household stuffs she had bought secretly without the husbands knowledge into the bride's side of the house!!! Wow!

She warmly welcomed them and wearing her most charming smile said they should please wait a few minutes more for her to move her remaining things from her former unit, which is to be the bride's new residence! "Ku ba su kujeru su zauna a waje. Ina Musa? Akai musu ruwa da lemo don Allaah!" and left them dumb-founded for a change! The husband soon arrived looking so angry, it's redness was showing clearly on his face even though he was a dark skinned. She came out and greeted him with a smile and respectfully told him " Na gama kwashe kayan nawa." and turned to go back into her brand new home!

The "Tariya" had to be delayed for a few more days, before the Amarya moved into her "brand new refurbished unit". Now, that's what calm and composure can do for you in times of a crisis.  €€€ Don't Panic. Just THINK!

Tijjani Muhammad Musa

(c)(r)2012 DesignWorld International

SoundWord & Sight Communications Document

DESTINY or STUPID HEART - A True Life Candy Love Story.

....by Tijjani Muhammad Musa

It is said by the wise that "It is better to love and lose than never to have loved at all." Though some people would rather not love at all, because love hurts, most times if not always. Once in a while you hear a lamentation song, "Where do broken hearts go?" Well, in answer I say, they move on to find another love, possibly better or they enter the "Hate-love lane" and poison their hearts slowly to death.

Many would think only a stupid heart allows a rare gem to go, but i think it not true. Personally, the heart ain't stupid, it is just being smart and realistic. Have you ever heard of the Hausa phrase "Yaro baya daukan yaro? Sai dai babba ya dauki yaro"? (A child can not carry a child, only a responsible grown up can do that) May be, just may be, the heart realizes that it is not the right time for it to carry such an emotional, sensitive and heavy-duty responsibility, so rather than stupidly do it and fail the pearl, it decided to let it go.

Remember, it is also said "To love is to let go" meaning if you really do care for someone or for something and the best place for that someone or something is not with you at that particular moment in time, but with someone or somewhere else, then it is a demonstration of sound love to let that someone or something "go" to that which is better for it and still celebrate the fact that you did let go. I have a strong conviction that is what someone should do when the situation warrants.

I had this experience once. She was an angel and I will call a Z. And "it stands for a) Zulaikha b) Zahra'u c) Zubaidha d) Zamzam. Circle the best answer" *smiles*. Now we met when I was finding my direction.

I met Z through my sister. But what we had was strictly our secret, though we were seen talking on occasions to each other, nobody took it as anything or quite so serious. We were too young to be considered as talking at that frequency... Marriage. But we were sincerely into each other and cherished that fact, while to others it was just candy attraction. But man, was she beautiful! Subhanallah!

One of the most beautiful women I have met. Way beyond my level then Allaah Knows. She liked me, no loved me, yes! As small in capacity as I was, she'd listen to me, look deep into my eyes and smile at me, my yarns, my smiles. She was willing to elope with me, knowing how impossible it would be for me to meet up to the requirements of making her my wife legally.

So, I had to stand up to the occasion by imprisoning my selfishness. I called her one day and talked to her intimately. She listened to me with rapt attention, understood exactly what I was saying and lowering her head at the last moment before she was called to be taken home at a "biki". What I said to her? Much as I love her, want to marry her, make her the mother of my children and believe she does feel the same way too, it's not gonna be possible then. I was just out of secondary school and she was still in school. For a princess like her, she deserves the best of men and the best of care.

Now I might be the best of hearts she'll find, but right then I am not the best place she deserves. She shook her head, but I said it is true. I have to get properly educated, become a doctor or an architect or something like that, build her a beautiful house befitting a beautiful wife like her and be able to give her and the kids all we would desire for them. That would take at least 7-8 years or even more. Would her parents let her wait that long even if she wanted to? No!... She sadly came to terms with what I said and luckily that was when she was called to go.

Reluctantly, without looking into my eyes she turned and walked away. I could only look on to her back as the distance between was increased. About ten steps away she turned and took one last look at me and got swallowed by her friends and family members. That was it. She was gone. I HAVE NO REGRETS TOO! 2 years later, she was married off to another person. 

Years later, after she has had 3 children, my sister went to visit her at her home, and suddenly she popped head out of her kitchen door and asked "Wai in tambayeki mana, don Allaah ki gaya min gaskiya. Ina Tijjani kuwa?" Shocked and surprised my sister looked at her and realised who she was enquiring about. She asked her which Tijjani? "Teejay nawa na sani tsakanina da ke?" she said waiting, and seeing her impatience my sister quickly answered "Yana Zaria yan Masters dinsa a Architecture". She said she saw her smile and nodding her head she went back into the kitchen.

And when she came back out with drinks, curious to know why the question, she asked Z what prompted the sudden question, but she refused to say another word about it. Only once in a while she'll see her lost in thoughts and smile to herself. My sister came back and told me what happened and insisted I must tell her what transpired between her and me to warrant such a reaction from Z years on. Of course I did not explain it. So there you go.

Till this day, I never saw her or talk to her again and I don't want to. I prefer her memory in my heart just the way it was when we parted. Young, fresh, stainless love immortalized!

Tijjani Muhammad Musa (c)(r) 2012 All Copyrights Reserved.
SoundWord & Sight Communications Publication
DWinternational Magazine - www.designworldinternational.com

WHO SHOULD THANK WHO?

By Tijjani Muhammad Musa

(Being a chapter from my forth coming book "BEYOND IMAN") 

How often have you observed this scene: Someone comes to a place, looking completely uncomposed due to a certain problem that has rendered him and all his smartness utterly useless? He stands and gazes into space, focusing on to nothing in particular, yet deeply engaged with a vision nobody else is seeing but his mind’s eye. Upon careful consideration of all his possible options, he decides to go and meet a close relative of his for assistance. After divulging his heart’s content to the attentive relative, he is told that he has just missed a perfect opportunity. If only he had come 5 minutes earlier, all his problems would have been solved. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about his predicament at that particular moment in time as all extras reserve for assisting people has been used. Sad and further dejected, he gets up and drags his weak body out of the place. 

He comes back out and had you seen him a second time, one would see him looking exactly the same as he did earlier on or even worse. He keeps quiet for a while, only for another "good" friend of his to come into focus and without much ado he takes off to the friend’s house, only to be told the person has travelled the week before. Again he is back to “Square A” as the saying goes. This time around, a neighbour comes into his mind and against his pride and better judgement he forces himself to go and table his case, per chance he might find the relief he has been looking for, a loan. Once more after hearing him out, the neighbor cooks up an excuse and pleasantly denies him the much needed assistance. 

Almost frustrated, he thought to himself “And the most annoying part of it all is, they always let me tell them the ugly development first, exposing my intimate fears and secret, then they tell me ‘Sorry, there nothing I can do for you’. Why do they listen to my pains first? May be they even enjoying it, watching me suffer. And my friend just travelled out of town without informing me. Yet he calls himself a friend. Even though, so and so owes me money, its going to be the same story if I should go asking for it. ‘I don’t have anything to pay you, please come next week, or next month, or even next year’ Wicked people all over the place, feeling comfortable with people money in their hands ” So he thinks on and on and on. 

Now, while in this critical dilemma as he walks absent mindedly across a road, a man driving a very expensive car hits him. He gets hauled into the air, falling on top of some crate of eggs just delivered and waiting to be moved into a grocery store. Dazed and bruised from the fall, with raw eggs splattered all over him, the car driver after stopping comes to him in a rush amidst other passersby. They help him to his feet, with the driver expressing his sincere apologies and at the same time enquiring if the man is hurt anywhere worriedly looking him all over to see any sign of a wound. From no where, the store owner emerges and seeing the poor shaking man covered in egg shells, yolk and all, holds on to the man's pants, demanding to be paid every single egg that has broken, at the same time shouting on the poor man to clean up the mess. 

The car driver, though aware of the fact the it is the man’s fault that the accident has happened, pleads on his behalf, explaining that the man must be in shock and should not be shaken further by the shop owner, who continues the shouting session any way, demanding to be paid for his crates of eggs. The driver, as sympathetic and involved in the incident as he is could not afford to pay the shop owner. So he begs the shop owner further, all to no avail. Other passersby try to calm the shop owner down but no one seem to be succeeding. The estranged man is obviously in another fresh fix and upon realising the situation at hand, he sits back on the road tar mark, resigning his fate to whatever might wish to befall him further. 

As things seem to progress from bad to worse, a kind hearted man among the on-lookers decides to interfere and immediately offers to pay off the damage. He then takes the still shocked man aside and gives him some money to help him with possible medication bill, just in case it is discovered that the man might need to go to the hospital after getting home. He even offers to take him home to which the man politely decline. Assured the man is alright, the driver is relived and quickly gets in his car drives off. The man, though still covered in raw eggs, wipes off tears from his eyes with his messy yolk covered right hand and focus on the content in his other hand. Seeing money in his hand, he gradually starts to come back to his senses. When the man looks closely at the amount given to him, he discovers that it will completely solve his entire problems with a lot more to spare. So, he could not help but start thanking and smiling at the kind man, who seems much more worried than any others people, still standing all around. 

“Alhamdullillah, alhamdullillah. Thank you, thank you, thank you very very much” he keeps saying again and again almost embarrassing his “angel”, who in return says to him “No, please don’t thank me. I should be thanking you for accepting my offer. Honestly, I am the one who is grateful to my Lord and so the one who should be thanking you” But the yolk covered man keeps on thanking him and smiling despite his pains as he struggles to a standing position “No, no, you don’t understand. May be you would not understand, but thank you a 1000 times” says the poor man. Others observing the development become dumb founded at the turn of events. The sudden change in attitude of the poor man seem confusing to the crowd. First he looks so much in distress, but all of a sudden he could not stop smiling and thanking the kind man who seems more grateful to the man for accepting his assistance. 

One of them who could not hold his patience taps the kind-hearted man on the shoulder from behind and asks “Why are you thanking him, when it is you who has helped the poor man. You deserve all the thanks” The kind man smiled at the ignorance of the questioner and those other curious and confused faces surrounding them. So he explains; “How often do you get the chance to do good to someone, especially if it is genuinely needed as in this situation and it does not make you feel good yourself? Has any of you ever offered to give something to someone who sincerely needs it, deserves it, favoured to receive it and his offer gets turned down by the recipient? Can any of you tell me the sadness, humiliation, embarrassment, disappointment, pain and regret among other negative feelings you experience from such a rejection?” he pauses briefly for an answer, looking at their faces. 

“Don’t you see that it is only someone who wants to hurt you that would reject your offer of anything? If someone you love wants to punish you, they refuse to accept your gift of love. How terrible does that make you feel? If a commoner wants to be famous, he refuses a bountiful offering from a king. If a hero desires to discredit an honor, he refuses to accept it. And if a child wants to make his parents feel guilty for life, he denies them the opportunity to rescue him from imminent danger or death. Need I say more?” He again waits for any one to answer, on getting none he continues “So who should be thanking who? 

Now you can understand why I should be the one thanking him for accepting my offer to salvage the chaos. For it is ALLAH Subhanahu wa Ta’ala Who has accepted it from me through him. Had he refused, it would be most painful for me bear the humiliation of the rejection, for I would surely know that my Lord has rejected my offer through this tested man and that would have done more damage to my peace of mind than to the fragile eggs of the store owner or to the peace on this street. As for him (he point to the recipient), he should thank his Lord for using me to save him from the distress he has found himself in” 

Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. Behold! They each presented a sacrifice (to Allah): It was accepted from one, but not from the other. Said the latter: “Be sure I will slay thee” “Surely,” said the former, “Allah doth accept of the sacrifice of those who are righteous” Q5:27 

So the next time someone asks you for help or assistance or if you go out to give charity, or you find someone attractive and summon the courage to approach and offer your undying love, or you are invited to visit the homeless or you decide to visit the sick in a hospital, do pray to Allah SWT that what you are offering gets accepted, for if the opposite should happen, you might taste a feeling that would leave you forever drained. And when it is accepted be grateful to the recipient and ultimate to your LORD ALLAH AZZA WA JALLAH. 

May Allah SWT accept all our good deeds and reward us with the peace of mind associated with our offers being accepted by HIM and every one. 

SHE WAS A LESBIAN AND VERY PROUD OF IT!

........by Tijjani Muhammed Musa

She was young, at the peak of her youthfulness
She was beautiful, like she flawlessly sculptured herself
She was elegant, tall, slim, fair, regal and graceful
She was sexy, hot, flairy, generous with a killer smile
She was attractive to men, and women too she claimed
She was sexuality unequalled, even animals heat up on her
She was friendly, none was in doubt about her charms
She was popular, only a few knew her not in the area
She was devoted in her worship, all bore her witness, but
She was a lesbian and very very proud of it...SCREEEEEEEECHHHH!

Woman2Woman: Doing their thing, against all logic.

Here's her story....

One day a brother of hers, living in the same house with her and their other family members approached her and said "You are indeed one of the most beautiful creations of Allaah, that I have seen. With no equal among the girls, ladies or women of this city. You are also always up at the first call of prayer every morning, pray fajr and engage your tasbihi much till the day breaks. I bear you witness to that. You are also kind and generous, with many admirers and many more suitors falling all over themselves eager to celebrate you as their wife. So what in Allaah's Name is wrong with you, that you can not choose one of them and perfect your life, your religion? Why in Allaah's name do you do what you do with women. How can this be happening and yet you are so so prompt with your salat? Nothing bothers me more about than this. Why not please repent to Allaah and stop this sexual interactions with fellow women?"

She calmly replied him, that he should stop worrying himself about her. Afterall what is she doing? There are worst atrocities being committed right that moment by many men and even women and are hiding it. Well she is not a hypocrite and that's why she lets whoever care to know what she is. She will stop it when the time comes, there's plenty of life ahead of her and when she grows older, she will seek forgiveness of Allaah, marry a man of her choice and settle down. But until then, she is good.

As Allaah SWT Would have it, 3 days later, just 3 days, she became ill. It was so sudden and so serious many were confused as to what might be the possible cause of the sickness. She was so ravged by the mysterious illness, she lost all sense of her surrounding. She was subsequently taken to a private hospital, without her being aware of herself. Within 7 days, the whole thing she held most dear to her and which made her what she was, withered away like the twinkle of an eye. Helpless with the case, she was discharged from the specialist hospital on a referral to be taken abroad. Though she had regained her being, but by then she has lost her senses of sight and hearing!
She could neither see, nor could she hear a single word. Deaf, dumb and blind she became.

Her family were informed of a traditional medicine man in one village and without wasting time, they prepared her for the journey and took her there. Within 3 days of her arrival there, she died. It was so shocking to all who knew her and the steps she has left in the sands of time were talked about and many were left with the unanswered question, "Whatever happened to her, so suddenly?" Nobody knew for sure but her brother, who approached her just a day or 2 prior to her falling sick, was left with so many unanswered questions.

Was he the last chance she was given to save her soul? Why did she think she had a lot more time ahead of her? Did she get a divine promise of long life? What ever happened to her in so short a period? Could it be witchcraft as some were speculating? Or possibly she might have hurt someone unjustly, and nemesis caught up on her? What becomes of her now that she died, clearly she use to perform her salats regularly? Could it be so, as some said the drastic breakdown of her beauty within such a short period of time and the devastating sickness may have atone for her sins? "O Allaah, Do have Mercy!" he finally gave up pondering.

As I reflect over the sad story, a similar parable from the Holy Quran refreshes in my mind. It gave me solace to realize Allaah SWT Has indeed Guided us, it is we, men that are ignorant or neglectful of HIS Guidance?

In Surah al-Kahf i.e. Q18 verses 32 - 47, Allaah SWT Says:

Q18:32 "Set forth to them the parable of two men: for one of them We provided two gardens of grape-vines and surrounded them with date palms; in between the two We placed corn-fields.

Each of those gardens brought forth its produce, and failed not in the least therein: in the midst of them We caused a river to flow.

(Abundant) was the produce this man had : he said to his companion, in the course of a mutual argument: "more wealth have I than you, and more honour and power in (my following of) men."

He went into his garden in a state (of mind) unjust to his soul: He said, "I deem not that this will ever perish,

"Nor do I deem that the Hour (of Judgment) will (ever) come: Even if I am brought back to my Lord, I shall surely find (there) something better in exchange."

His companion said to him, in the course of the argument with him: "Dost thou deny Him Who created thee out of dust, then out of a sperm-drop, then fashioned thee into a man?

"But (I think) for my part that He is Allah, My Lord, and none shall I associate with my Lord.

"Why didst thou not, as thou wentest into thy garden, say: 'Allah's will (be done)! There is no power but with Allah!' If thou dost see me less than thee in wealth and sons,

"It may be that my Lord will give me something better than thy garden, and that He will send on thy garden thunderbolts (by way of reckoning) from heaven, making it (but) slippery sand!-

"Or the water of the garden will run off underground so that thou wilt never be able to find it."

So his fruits (and enjoyment) were encompassed (with ruin), and he remained twisting and turning his hands over what he had spent on his property, which had (now) tumbled to pieces to its very foundations, and he could only say, "Woe is me! Would I had never ascribed partners to my Lord and Cherisher!"

Nor had he numbers to help him against Allah, nor was he able to deliver himself.

There, the (only) protection comes from Allah, the True One. He is the Best to reward, and the Best to give success.

Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: It is like the rain which we send down from the skies: the earth's vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah who prevails over all things.

Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world: But the things that endure, good deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best as (the foundation for) hopes" Q18:47

***Is there any more doubt as to the Mercy and Compassion of ALLAAH AWJ upon HIS Creations? May Allaah ArRahman Save us from pursuing our heart's desires... Amin thumma amin!

ALLAAH’S NAME APPEARS ON A CURTAIN RAIL!

 ……by Tijjani Muhammad Musa

This is what I saw at first.

Upon a closer look, I then saw this.

Finally, I saw it as clear as the rising Sun! Allaah Akbar! 

There are certain spiritual developments you wish you’ll be opportune to witness in the course of your daily activities. You know, stuffs like seeing Prophet Muhammad SAWS in a dream, standing before the Holy Ka’abah for the first time, deserving an honor that is so rare it’s given only to a few among mankind etc. Personally, I often pray such a blissful experience would also happen to me too.

Today, Friday 15th June 2012 I woke up to my own sensational discovery! One of those rare phenomenon you only dream of, hear about or see others relate on Facebook, Twitter, BBM and other social networks and wonder how others are so lucky to be part of such once in a blue moon sighting! Around 9:20am I was lying in bed quietly enjoying the Juma’at morning peace, doing my internet browsing thing. I don’t know what attracted my attention to it or directed my eyes towards it, but suddenly, I saw what looked like the name of Allaah SWT written by the crease of the curtain on the rail hanging over my bedroom door. It appeared in Arabic letters, naturally formed on its own like we use to see pictures of such cases on many Islamic websites on the internet.

Amazed at the discovery, I sat up and look at it with a keener concentration to make sure of what I was witnessing. Of a surety, it was indeed what it appeared to be, the name ALLAAH in Arabic clearly written by the curtain pleats for all to see. So I called my wife from the kitchen to authenticate what it is and she immediately confirmed it to be Allaah’s Name “ALLAAH”. I called in the rest of my family, children and showed them each the rare sight. Alhamdulillah!

And as a FRIDAY GIFT to all Netizens (Internet citizens) I present the pictures for all to share in on the Blessed Sighting.

Enjoy it and SHARE!

ALLAAHU AKBAR! JUMA’AT MABROOR!

(c)(r) Tijjani M. M.
SWS.Comms All Rights Reserved

PRAYING STARS

http://www.facebook.com/mmtijjani.….by Tijjani Muhammad Musa

Muhammad Ali  (Right)
3 Times World Heavyweight Boxing Champion

The other day I performed my ablution and hurriedly walked a little distance to enter the mosque in our area, with the intention of praying Asr salaat. I had to content myself with standing in the 5th row, because I had allowed some worldly interest and of course my Qaarin to distract me from promptly responding to the adhan after he had called to prayer. The iqamat had already been said and everybody was adjusting his position to form a clean, neat, straight row. As I raised my hands looking straight at the qiblah to say my takbir after the imam, I could not believe my eyes as something or should I say someone attracted my attention.

Right there in the first row, I saw a famous international football star. Though I was in the local mosque in our neighborhood, yet there he was standing upright in front of his Lord, Allaah Subhanahu wa Ta’alah (SWT) in total submission and devotion. And what more, he was ahead of me in arriving to the congregational prayer. Shame enveloped me at first. My inner voice, looking for the slightest excuse to distract my Khushu’ (concentration) from the salaat quickly seized the opportunity and whisked me away into my ocean of thoughts.

My mind’s voices (I have 2 of such voices in me, always at loggerhead with each other. One always getting unnecessarily excited and wanting me to do things in a hurry, discouraging me, unless it is towards evil, highly pessimistic, irrational, stupid, bad and so on. The other is foresighted, calm, composed, patient, wise, careful and calculated in his utterances) immediately commenced their usual exchange;

“Is it possible that he’s the one? No, it can’t be!”

“So who does he know around the neighborhood, could it be the mosque owner? Or maybe he has some relatives in one of the houses on the street”

“Surely he cannot be passing by and heard the adhan being called and just stopped to pray”

“It’s possible you know. With Allah, all things are possible. Probably he has reverted”

“No way! And the prompt response to adhan, even among devout Muslims, not many do that”

“I guess you are right, for it is a rare gift bestowed by Ar-Rahman upon some of His slaves. Maybe he came with a friend, another football star from this part of the county, perhaps?”

“But, look man! Look closely at who you are talking about! Do you think he’ll be here with a friend? If you say he is here to see a babe, a beautiful chic, that is a probably studying or living abroad, but happens to be the daughter of one of the rich guys living in the vicinity, I might agree with you. But look again; he is the current FIFA World Footballer of the Year!”

“That is not what is amazing me…” the good inner voice sounding hopeful concluded “I never thought he is among the ones who bows down in total submission to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. He looks so so humble”

“Allahu Akbar!” suddenly I heard the imam say, bringing me back to reality and the prayer we were observing. I raised my hands to my ear level and softly repeated after the imam, Allahu Akbar and bowed down in Ruku’, then started whispering softly my supplications of that position. Subhana rabbiyal adhim wa bi hamdihi…(3 times). As I stared at the ground, the toes of the man standing next to me looked so clean compared to mine, that for a moment I could not help but admire them, wishing I had taken the trouble to cut my toe nails as I had earlier intended. “May be when we conclude the prayer and I get back home” I said to myself.

Allahu Akbar! Again the gentle voice of the man leading us in salaat recalled me from my straying. As I stood up from the bowing position, the back of the iconic football star came into focus again, “Subhannallah! Could this be real or am I dreaming? Is it really him?” I asked myself again as I fell down on my face to perform the sajdah in unison with the rest of the congregation. Subhana rabbiyal A’alah wa bi hamdihi… I could hear the worshipper to my right softly praising his Lord as he supplicated some more with some other beautiful and eloquent words befitting only Allaah. Allahu Akbar, I heard myself saying from far off. We were now in the prostration position, so I struggled to remain focused, keep my mind off all worldly things as this is the most important part of my salaat, for Allah was now closest to me, mind, body and soul while I am in this position of my prayer. Thus, I kept reminding myself not to entertain any more thoughts outside my God. Fortunately, with the Help of Allaah, I managed to shut out all other attractions, so as to experience His presence in my heart. Mmmhm, sweet delicious delight, peace, tranquility which lasted for a brief moment… Oh how I love that feeling, always. We sat back up and then repeated that motion of the forehead touching the floor and it gave me a rush, a recharge, a high! “O how especially beautiful you are, O Allah” I thought to myself, celebrating that bliss.

With another “God Is the Greatest!”, we stood up and I silently commenced reading again the Seven Oft-repeated verses of the Qur’anic recitation with the melodious voice of my mind, after the imam’s, though he was reading silently too. I raised my eyes to look ahead as I did before and the name of that famous footballer immediately came into focus again, ready to engage my thoughts and so resume its distinctive distraction of my prayer, but then I recalled one of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be Upon Him, that while in prayer do not raise your eyes up, looking ahead or around, but look to the ground, particularly at the point where your forehead would rest in the prostration position and immediately I complied. Behold! I was instantly rescued from the diversion and remained in focus for the rest of the salaat.

After the prayer was concluded with the tashahud and salaam, the congregation started to disperse one by one. It was then that I saw the football hero was no more that some young man in the area who happened to be wearing a fan jersey with the name and position number of the famous footballer. Who was it? It does not really matter, does it? Ok! It was this…em…em French guy, that prolific goal scorer…oh what’s that his name again? He plays for that English club Arsenal. Gosh, his name kept flashing into my mind and just when I was about to grab it, it slipped away. Now you see how the Devil works. When I was in salaat, he kept the name ringing in my head with every tic of the clock, but now that I am not in prayer he sees no benefit in reminding me of the name of the footballer in question. Should it still matter? No! But come to think of it, why not frustrate him, I mean the frustrated and the accursed that he is. I’ll try to remember……em….Yes! The footballer’s name is “Thierry Henry!” So, Mr. Distracting Whisperer, go eat your heart out!

By the way, Thierry is not the only one I have seen praying in several mosques, scattered among the congregations at various times, in different towns and cities across the world. I have seen many equally famous names all bowing down in prostration to Allaah during the five (5) daily prayers. In actual fact, I have seen in some instances two or three of them in different rows of a single congregational salaat. I have seen Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Michael Jackson, Zidane, Eto’o, J.J Okocha, Tupac, 50 Cent, Kanu, Ballack, Owen, Kanoute, Diouf, Messi, Weah, Abedi, Drogba etc. I have also seen presidents of countries of the world on one or two occasions at one time or another do the same thing. Powerful people like Nelson Mandela, Bush Jr. Obasanjo, Putin, Castro, Chavez and so on.

In the past I use to see Maradona, Pele, Platini, Michael Jordan, Shaquille Oneal, Olajuwon, Muhammad Ali, Magic Johnson and many more. So long as a person or a star was popular enough to have his name and or photo on a t-shirt or in the media, I use to see them bowing down in total submission to Allaah, in salaat. So it has been, so it will always be. Interesting to note is the fact that some of these persons have actually been witnessed to have embraced Islam and did bow down to Allaah in humility and self humbleness before they died. Several others, male and female are accepting and practicing the Din, just like many more will return to the true creed, before they exit this world in shaa Allaah.

This singular act of worship i.e. As-Salaat, is essentially that which differentiates the Muslim from the Non-Muslim, so said to his Ummah, the last Prophet and Messenger of God (Muhammad SAWS) to mankind. Now, as we all know, only Muslims bow down to Allaah in prayers. So in essence, these names, each is a Muslim in its spirit, even though in their physical fame and fortunes, the persons think otherwise. Thus their names bow down to Allaah and there is nothing any of them can do about it. For me, the only thing that makes such famous names bow down to Allaah is the realization by those names of ALLAAH’s Supremacy over and above all things, their owners inclusive, even if the personalities are too proud to submit to His Glorious Majesty.

So, as powerful as leaders are, as talented and skillful as football and sport stars are, as famous as some personalities are, as iconic as certain statesmen are, as legendary as inventors are, as idolized as music and film stars are, as rich as business tycoons are, as historic as Discovers are, they all know that their’s is just an illusion, and to Allaah belongs the sovereignty and master keys of all that they have become and to Him is their final return.

©® 2008 Tijjani Muhammad Musa

Revised 2012 All Rights Reserved