"If you give a little love, you can get a little love of your own."

"If you give a little love, you can get a little love of your own."

My younger sister shared this beautiful video with me and it's now my turn to share it with my circle of friends. A small act of kindness is never really "small". If you think about it, each act of kindness that you do or receive is endless and it opens a new circle over and over again. It doesn't cost you a thing and yet, it could change someone's Moment, it can even save someone's Soul or Life.

Sooner or later, it will pay back. You cannot possibly understand the beauty of "Giving", "Helping the other" and "Smiling" until it really hits you.

"O mankind! Allah created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." Nobel Qur'an (49:13)

Give it a try, it wont hurt :-)

Walk in peace,

Nermine B.

He saved a soul and an entire family ...

Another beautiful story in today's world. This man, with his kindness and good manners, he not only saved another soul but rather an entire family and gave them a chance to live together and to stay out of trouble.

Humanity is still fine my friends,

Walk in Peace.

NB

Like the ocean

"This worldly life, the dunya, is just like the ocean. And our hearts are the ships. We can use the ocean for our needs and as a means to get to our final destination. But the ocean is only that: a means. It is a means for seeking food of the sea. It is a means of travel. It is a means of seeking a higher purpose. But it is something which we only pass through, but never think to remain in. Imagine what would happen if the ocean became our end – rather than just a means. Eventually we would drown." - Yasmin Mogahed

الهموم

عن بن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم : من جعل الهموم هما واحدا هم آخرته كفاه الله هم دنياه ومن تشعبت به الهموم في أحوال الدنيا لم 

يبال الله في أي أوديتها هلك 

(رواه ابن ماجه في سننه رقم ٤١٠٧ و حسنه الشيخ الألباني في تحقيق سنن ابن ماجه)

Giving Back on Your Birthday and on every other day

There is no joy or taste in life or in anything that we have if we keep it all to ourselves. To know that you made someone’s life a little easier today and that you allowed him or her to breath and to go to bed with one less thing to worry about; this makes life and our existence so worth living. To serve others and to give back is almost like giving birth to a new self. To know that you might have saved another person’s life by only smiling to them, isn’t this one of the greatest mission?

I don’t know about you but I personally always feel so extremely happy when I give away anything to others. Be it a present or something that I no longer use or need. Be it food, money, clothes, books, toys, flowers or even a letter; it doesn’t really matter what, how big or how small it is, or how much it’s worth, but it is all about giving, helping others and sharing!

I came across this video on my friend’s wall on Facebook  (Thank you Asma O.) and I thought to myself, WHAT AN AMAZING IDEA! This is another inspirational video and story which I had to share with you. This is something that I myself will try it on my next birthday (inshaAllah) and it’s something that I absolutely want to teach my kids and to other kiddos around me.

By watching this video, you will understand what I mean.

Enjoy it and let us make our birthdays a special and unique day to give back and to celebrate kindness, humanity and to be thankful for everything we already have!

“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.’ Hungry not only for bread — but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing — but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks — but homeless because of rejection.” ~ Mother Teresa

Walk in peace, :)

Nermine B.

PS. Yes of course, you can make every day of the year as special as this one ;)

Insaan - إنسان

During the Egyptian revolution, like many others, I came across this song “Insaan” which translates to “Human” by the famous young patriotic, true and honest Egyptian artist, Hamza Namira.

In the middle of any war or crisis (and all the way in life), we always need a helping hand, a loving heart, a kind word, a merciful soul, a fair person, a human who can feel every hidden and unspoken pain.

The lyrics of this song and the artist’s performance have inspired many hearts all across the world. The message is honest and I pray that Humanity knows more hearts like the ones portrayed.

Hold your heart between your hands and revive it with love and mercy.

Walk in peace my sisters and brothers in Humanity.

Nermine B.  

PS. for a translation of the lyrics, pls click on the icon CC under the video. Lyrics available in different languages. 

I want you to meet AMMAR

This is the story of Ammar. A short inspirational story / film (5 minutes) of a young man who despite his heavy paralysis, he has been able to achieve his goals, to pursue and to realize his dream(s). 

Not only I'm deeply touched by his story and I know there are many like Ammar out there, but this is a lesson in life that we should all learn from and teach our kids (and a reminder to ourselves) to never give up and to never say it's impossible.

With courage, will, faith , self-discipline, education, love, patience, persistence, resistance and believing in your own power and capacities, Ammar was able to do what many of us couldn't do.      

Ammar, you are a true inspiration and thank you for this lesson.

May God bless your heart and soul.

Walk in peace,

Nermine B. 

Sincerity * الإخلاصُ

الإخلاصُ

قال الشافعي رحمه الله

لَوْ اجْتَهَدَ أحَدُكُمْ كُلَ الجُهْدِ عَلى أنْ يَرضِيَ الناسَ كُلًّهُمُ عَنْهُ فَلا سَبِيلَ لَهُ

فَلْيُخلِصِ العَبدُ عَمَلَهُ بَيْنَهُ وبَيْنَ اللهُ تعالى

Sincerity
Ash-Shaafi’ee (rahimahullaah) said:

“If one of you were to strive with utmost striving to make all the people pleased with him then there is no way for him (i.e. he’ll never be able to do that). 

So let the servant purify his actions which are between him and Allaah Ta’aala.”

Whoever reads history, despair would never enter his heart...

“من يقرأ التاريخ لا يدخل اليأس إلى قلبه أبداً وسوف يرى الدنيا أياماً يداولها الله بين الناس. الأغنياء يصبحون فقراء, والفقراء ينقلبون أغنياء, وضعفاء الأمس أقوياء اليوم, وحكام الأمس مشردوا اليوم,والقضاه متهمون, والغالبون مغلبون والفلك دوار والحياة لا تقف.”  ― مصطفى محمود 

“Whoever reads history, despair would never enter his heart!

He will see that the world is days which God rotates between people: The rich become poor. The poor turn rich. The weak of yesteryear are strong today. Rulers of yesterday are vagabonds today. Judges are accused. Conquerors are defeated.

Orbits circulate and life never stops. Events never stop running.

People exchange chairs.

No sadness goes on and no joy lasts.”

–Dr. Mostafa Mahmoud

To walk by Faith

"God has a perfect plan for us. He never does it all at   once, but step by step because He wants to teach us   to walk by Faith, not by sight." 

(Borrowed from my lill sis. Ihsan Battikh)

We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).

Surah al-Hujurat (49:13)

Chocolate and sisters

Chocolate is magic. Chocolate can be comforting, lifts your mood and your spirit. Sometimes, this is really all it takes but what makes it even better is to share it with someone you love and care about.

"There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate." - Linda Grayson

But what’s even better is to always be able to SHARE and to have a great sister like you. My dear Karen Anisah, you are one of my many sisters whom I love and care about. This short post is for you. This is a tribute to tell you how much I care about you and how much you inspire me.  Like many other women, you are a Hero! May God always keep you safe and guide you.

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles M. Schulz

Those 60 minutes spent with you today meant a great deal. And sharing our food as we always did, eating from the same bowl of Poutine, sharing our Chocolate Ice cream and listening to each other … this is a true blessing. And guess what, I don’t even feel guilty about those extra extra calories ;)

 “Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow. Benjamin D.

Winter, spring, fall, summer, always wear that beautiful smile on!

Walk in peace my sweet friend!

NB

Meet Amal Chaudry

Amal Chaudry is the first practising female Muslim lawyer to work for the Crown attorney's office in Windsor. She said she believes her faith will give her 'added perspective' in her job.

Photograph by: Tyler Brownbridge, The Windsor Star , The Windsor Star

Muslim lawyer wants to carve her own niche

Crown attorney a Windsor native

By Craig Pearson, The Windsor Star September 6, 2012

http://www.windsorstar.com/life/Muslim+lawyer+wants+carve+niche/7197673/story.html

Perhaps it's no surprise that Amal Chaudry has become Windsor's first practising female Muslim Crown attorney.

Even as a Holy Names high school student, she decided she would not follow a cookiecutter path through life.

"A lot of it was when I was in high school - I guess you could call it a rebel with a cause - but I just wanted to carve my own niche," Chaudry said this week. "The initial spark wasn't so much, 'Oh, world justice!' I wanted to do my own thing in my own way on my own terms."

The 26-year-old assistant Crown attorney, who may be the first Windsor-based lawyer to regularly wear a hijab - and who describes herself as a "huge" football and hockey fan - has already made strides toward her goal.

"I'm very proud to be a Muslim. It's a big part of who I am," said Chaudry, fashionably dressed in an intense-blue jacket over black head scarf and pants. "Now in the world, Muslims and Islam have become something where people think you're Muslim, and that's all you are. You can't be anything else.

"That's really weird to me, because the Muslim part of it is just how you go about life. But you can pretty much be whatever you want."

The Windsor native holds a bachelor's degree in criminology and political science and a law degree from the University of Windsor. She was called to the bar in June, the same month she got married and moved to Toronto, and has since been hired on a per diem basis with the Crown's office for the western region, meaning she works in Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia, London, Kitchener and Hamilton.

She was born the middle child of five sisters to parents who came from Pakistan. She says she has not faced many challenges because of her faith, if for no other reason than she maintains a positive attitude.

She manages to pray five times a day, as prescribed by the Qur'an, and believes her Muslim identity can help enrich the Crown's office.

"It is a different perspective," she said. "You see a lot of minorities in the criminal system, whether it's the victim or the accused. The problems minorities, in general, have are well-documented.

"I don't know if it (her upbringing) will be helpful, but I like to think it will be. I think it gives me added perspective."

Chaudry said Islam helps her see the humanity in people.

"The religious aspect of being Muslim is personal," she said. "It grounds me and humbles me. And it reminds me all the time of the human element that everyone has."

She considers working as a Crown attorney a great fit for her. But first comes how she conducts herself in life.

"My career is huge to me," she said, noting that criminal law exposes some dark parts of society.

"And I'm at the starting stages where you make a lot of sacrifices for it. But you still have to be a human being separate from a lawyer. It's really important that it doesn't consume you."

© Copyright (c) The Windsor Star

Read more: http://www.windsorstar.com/life/Muslim+lawyer+wants+carve+niche/7197673/story.html#ixzz25f5Vu69j

HE is The Light

  “ Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is a niche wherein is a lamp— the lamp is in a glass, the glass as it were a glittering star— lit from a blessed olive tree, neither eastern nor western, whose oil almost lights up, though fire should not touch it. Light upon light. Allah guides to His Light whomever He wishes. Allah draws parables for mankind, and Allah has knowledge of all things. ” 

An-Nur

Beach & Family time

Tunisia
Summer 2011
Yeti Beach -Djerba Island

You Inspire Me

You know, as we say, it’s the *little things* in life that always make me happy. It’s also those little things in life which always keep inspiring me to be a better person, to help others, to give, to share and to remember to always do good. Simple and modest people always inspire me with their stories and way of life. They might not be famous but they are heroes to many and they have touched so many hearts and saved so many souls. Sometimes we are even inspired by total strangers, by a smile, by picture, by a flying leaf, by the sky or the sea, by the mountains or a bird (Nature and God’s creations), by a helping hand, by a lyrics or citation, by kind words and small gestures or actions. Hold the door to someone, smile, say thank you, show appreciation, accept apologies, give-give and give, tell the people you love how much you love them and cherish their presence in your life and don`t be shy to tell your family, relatives, friends, sisters and brothers in faith or in humanity, that you love them for the sake of Allah/God (not because you have other interest or expectations). As the old proverb says: Aspire to inspire before you expire! Al hamdollelah (All praise to God), there are so many people in my life who inspire me day after day. Their presence, lives, character, work and words helped to make me the woman I am today. The two first people are my parents and I own them so much. I leave you with the quotes bellow. Until the next visit, walk in Peace everyone! NB “People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; … Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; … Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; … Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; … Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; … Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; … Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; … Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; … Give the world the best you’ve got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.” ——— Mother Theresa. “Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well and that if they do wrong you will do wrong. But (instead) accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong if they do evil.” ——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1325.