The Caged Soul

The cage around my soul
Is built by my finite flesh.
Invisible yet existing!
Fragile yet forceful!
If only I could see through the web of my desires
If only I could burn and beat my Satan
I can find the golden enviable key,
To unlock the gate of my self made cage.
What stops me is the fear
The forbidden fear!
Of the ones who fear themselves
Of those who are fatal like me
Of those who are trapped in the same black old cage.
May curse be upon such fear!
If only I could break that barrier
And be blessed with the key
I’ll never see the sky
And bow till I die.
One step! is all it takes
And I’ll be skies, clouds, and stars
Away from all fears
To the fear of my only Lord!

Zoya Eitezaz Ahmad.

I'm Lucky

by Mobina Rehman (aged 10)

I’m lucky I have feet,
I’m lucky I can walk,
I’m lucky I have a mouth,
I’m lucky I can talk,

I’m lucky I have ears,
I’m lucky I can hear,
I’m lucky I can do these stuff that people can not bear,
But I’m mostly lucky because I’ve been cared.

I’m unlucky I have no feet,
I’m unlucky that I can’t walk,
I’m lucky I have a mouth,
But I still can not talk,

I’m half lucky I have 1 ear,
I’m lucky I can hear,
I’m lucky that I can do some things that some people can't bear,

But I’m mostly lucky cause I’ll always know that I am cared by the Almighty God that every one fears!!!!!

My sins block my dua'a

(by Anon)
As I sit here alone, the tears rolling down my face
It is not salt, but pain that I taste

So I leave now to go stand before You
I am helpless and alone, what else can I do?

I have asked, I have begged but my sins block my du'a
I will come now still begging, forgive me O Allah

Forgive me and grant me what it is that I ask
For me it is impossible but for You a simple task

I try and I try but I do not succeed
But I understand and know it is because Your Words I do not heed

I hear, yes I hear but I do not always obey
Perhaps that is why I am destitute, isolated and why You have written that I will be alone this way

I have no to blame but the person in the mirror I see
No one else must pay for my sins, no one else, no one else, no one else but me

So I stand before You to again beg forgiveness because You said that I can
You have told us in Your Book that You are Ar-Rahman

I will ask, I will beg but my sins my block my du'a
But I will keep asking, forgive me O Allah

Ramadan is back

by Ahmed

Ramadan is back
Alhumdulillah still alive
to see its blessed days

Taqwa I hope I am able to achieve
Before again it takes leave

The days are quickly slipping away
Pray I am able to make the most of each day

Who knows whether this maybe my last
Next Ramadan I might already be buried and forgotten in the past!

Do You...

by Junayd Makda

Do you hear the cry of a broken heart
Someone who's life has been torn apart
Adying child, in pain calling out
Hoping his voice to be heard far out

Do you not picture blood being shed
No doubt more merciless then read or said
Do you not feel for the lonely mother?
An orphan for whom no one will bother

Do you not know what the reason is?
Islam at rise-thats what it is!
As the world joins forces against Islam
Show the Muslims help-by leaving Islam?

Should they adapt their styles and follow their ways
And turn their back on the Prophetic ways?
Continue to follow their desires' call
And not give a bother to the enemy's call

The time has come for Muslims to awake
Understand what is really at stake
There's only one way for us to come back
And this is no doubt the best way to attack

Soul search and look deep within
Ensure you leave each and every sin
Show the world the beauty held in Islam
Attract them towards the sweetness of Iman

This is the day when Islam will regain
The respect it once deservingly attained.

Imagine Your Death!

Imagine yourself after you pass away
Imagine your grave through night and through day
Wishing that you did not do as they say
Wishing that you had got up and had prayed.

Imagine, my friends, the day that you died
Imagine all of the tears that they cried
Remember how it felt when your body was tied
Remember how it felt in the grave which you lied.

Imagine the day you'll be called to account
Imagine the sum to which your life will amount
Think for a moment of the deeds which you mount
Think for a moment how much they will count.

What will they say of you when you are dead?
What will they say, what will be said?
Will they speak of all the poor who you fed?
Will they remember all the Qu'ran that you read?

Think not of them, but of Allah, Lord of mankind and jinn
Think of Allah when tempted to sin
Think of the paradise which you will dwell in
Don't wait till later to think what might have been.

My Sister?

Isn't the woman there my sister?
in Islam, I mean to say
For I just took my shahadah
at the Masjid here today

Isn't the woman there my sister?
I openly ask without any qualms
The one who just walked past me
Without offering me her salaams

Isn't the woman there my sister?
Though she stands alone to pray
Each time I move to touch her shoulder
She takes a step and pulls away

Isn't the woman there my sister?
the lady that is not of my race,
for both of us are muslim women
with varied hues making up our face

Isn't the woman there my sister?
Who laughed and made fun of me
And those other sisters of mine who listened
Doesn't their silence make them also guilty

Isn't the woman there my sister?
Who didn't call me when I was sick
For she seems to only show concern
for those special sisters, in her own click

Isn't the woman there my sister?
Who I invited for iftar in my home
But unfortunately she did not make it
How I wish she had bothered to phone

Isn't the woman there my sister?
Don't we both love our religion - this Deen?
Then why am I sharing my lament
About her being uncaring, indifferent and mean?

Isn't the woman there my sister?
Won't she open up and try to treasure
The love I want and need to share with her
As we both seek Allah's Merciful Pleasure

By: Mahasin Shamsiddeen

Simply Islam

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How it works is that customers register their £10 voucher after sending out an email to 5 friends informing them of the same offer. The voucher redeemable on purchases over £30 and the promotion lasts until August 31st 2007
Simply Islam

Lal Masjid Massacre

By: Showkat Ali

Lal Masjid Massacre

You have seen us on the news
Heard many stories
Mostly negative
Don’t blame you if you hate us
But now its time to hear our views

You have seen men with beards and turbans
Women with faces covered and sticks in one hand
Children shouting militant slogans
We don’t blame you if you are scared

Who are we?
Are we mad, raving lunatics?
Intent of destruction and mayhem
Or are we human and Muslim just like you?

You have seen the house of Allah surrounded
Helicopters and armed soldiers
Used to attack us in our place of worship and home
You have seen bodies flooding out
Most believed the official version
But some sincere Muslims have doubts
Questions and criticisms

Do we not deserve justice and a fair hearing?
Or is it ok for us to be butchered like animals at Qurbani?
Over hundred plus dead and even more wounded
Mass graves and cover ups
Some witnesses say 1500 martyred
what was our crime and who convicted us in what court?

If you’re willing to listen and think for yourself
Then here is our story

We are Muslims
Just like you
Believe in Allah and his book and Prophet
We accept all the verses and hadith
Regardless of the change in time and place
Islam is not only in our hearts
But in our actions too

We saw the evil all around just like you do
We felt angry and sad like everyone else
Pakistan established in the name of Islam
But where is Islam in society we asked?

Musharaff came
some people applauded
Need for change from the Bhuttos and the Nawaz Sharifs
what has he delivered?
A partner in America’s war against Islam
Thousands of Muslims dead
And open vice and evil everywhere

Brothels even next to masjids
Corruption so open
Modernisation and progress some say
It’s the price we pay
For being Secular

Islam inside people’s hearts
While the decadent values tear our nation apart
Polarisation
Islamists and Secularists
With millions in the middle

So we took a stand
Against those who do evil
Used our hands
To change the condition of the people
We expected the Government to attack us
But we expected better from our brothers and sisters

Do you not wish to live in a better society?
Free from corruption and evil
Based upon the Prophets Sunnah
Where your daughters can walk without being molested
Your sons can get jobs without paying bribes
And the nation’s wealth will be utilised for the ummah

So we suffered the consequences of our sincerity to Allah
We have no regrets
After all death is decreed by the creator
We leave this world working for Allah’s deen
You and us will meet again soon
Where the only currency will be good deeds
So take advantage of the time you have left
And read the Quran and Sunnah with an open mind
And act upon its commands
InshAllah

Young Huffaz

by Ahmed

The beautiful quran can be heard
with care is recited each and every word

To memory with attention they are committed
in jannah, they hope of being permitted

These young boys of 9, 10, 11 and 12
Their fun and games they shelve

Instead dedicated they sit and learn
May Allah bless them!

Turn to Allah

When you have a terrible day
You just want to scream
just turn to Allah

When your feeling so down
you have lost all hope
just turn Allah

when your feeling betrayed
you just want to curse
just turn to Allah

when you can't see a way out
of a terrible situation
just turn to Allah

when your feeling like
you have no self esteem
just turn to Allah

when your feeling all OK and
the world is at your feet
just remember not to forget Allah
you can then be certain he will remember you !

Ladies first

It's easy to get swept into this society's norms
In a World of "After you" and "Ladies first"
All wrongs seem to come at you in the right forms.
In a World of "After you" and "Ladies first"

In a world where girls and guys can intermingle
In a world where it's a virtue to stay single
Where the only guideline is in each persons ability
Where everyone has stripped themselves of liability

We tend to forget the people of our history
making the achievement of good deeds a mystery

such as the story of a man in madyan
who helped some women get water from a well

such as the story of a man in madyan
who into his desires, he did not sell

"come with me" the girl said
and to her father, he was led
the father was impressed with his manly nature
He wanted to see this man of great stature

on the way he did not twidle
making sure there was no chance for shaytan to fiddle
Ahead of the girl he chose to walk
and if he were to walk too far, he bid her to throw rocks

he dared not walk behind her
not because of arrogance or pride
he dared not walk behind her
for fear he would take joy in their stride

a man of great stature indeed
a man who truly did succeed

A different story, today's society does tell
A different story, into which many of us fell
a story of "After you" and "Ladies first"

Allah

When things are down
And you are out of your mind
Remember just remember
Allah is The Kind.

When your life is in darkness
And nothing is right
Remember just remember
Through the darkness,
Allah is The Light.

When nothing makes sense
And your heading for demise
Remember just remember
It doesn't make sense, but Allah is The Wise.

When times are troubled
And no one seems to care
Remember just remember
Allah won't hurt you, He is The Fair.

When your heart is breaking
And your pain makes you fall
Remember just remember Allah Sees it all.

When you are weak
And the road seems long
Remember just remember
Seek strength from The Strong.

When life is a burden
And everything is unstable
Remember just remember
Allah is The Able.

When the way is cloudy
And there is no one by your side
Remember just remember
Allah is The Only Guide.

When no one wants to listen
Or is willing to lend an ear
Remember just remember
Allah is always ready to hear.

When you are poor and penniless
And you are stuck in a niche
Remember just remember
Allah is The Rich.

When you are down in your misery
And there is nowhere to run
Remember just remember
You can always run to The One.

And when your scars are hurting
And your heart is in fear
Remember just remember
Allah is really here.


Subhanallah

Actions speak louder than words

Once I was walking down the road
On a dark and foggy night
When there was hardly any light

I called out “Hey, mister, What’s your name?”
At first there was no reply
Perhaps he was a little shy

I called out yet again
But it was all in vain
I was about to give up when it suddenly began to rain
And as we ran helter, skelter
To find ourselves shelter
He opened his umbrella
Willing to share
And then I realized that my friend of few words
Really did care

And as we huddle together, cold and numb
I realized that my friend couldn’t speak
Because he was deaf and dumb

And then a sudden thought flashed through my mind
Do we really need words to be kind?
What words couldn’t do, his actions had done
For life long in me
A friend he had won!

Of Angels And Men

Allah made the angels out of heavenly light
created for His service, to do what’s right.
Whatever Allah commands, they must obey
and from these duties they never stray.

Unlike Humans, they cannot choose
so when Allah commands, they can not refuse.
They are the dedicated servants of our Lord.
They wont do anything on their own accord.

Some angels are told to worship and pray
and they follow these commands night and day.
Some performing Sajda and others in Ruku
From the moment of creation this is all they do.

Every angel has tasks that Allah has assigned.
Some are commanded to serve mankind.
Some provide sustenance from hunger and thirst.
Others are with us from the moment of birth.

Two angels are assigned to record our deeds,
whilst some take care of our other needs.
Like bringing us sunshine and also the rain.
Like protecting us from harm and also from pain.

There is another creation - it is called man.
They live on Earth for a very short span.
After their time expires they are returned
and through their deeds, paradise is earned.

Adam was first and he was made from mud
which was then turned into flesh and blood.
Unlike the angels, he has a choice to obey
- to go for guidance or to go astray.

So humans have choices to be the best
as freewill can raise them above the rest.
The ability to choose between wrong and right.
To return from darkness to knowledge and light.

Through choice we can follow Allah’s command
and refrain from everything Allah has banned.
We can follow Islam, becoming pious and just
so both learning and practice become a must.

If we ignore Islam and follow our desire
sand lose ourselves in building our empires.
Our purpose in life becomes obeying our lust
- chasing the Dunya we become spiritually bust.

When our whims and desires is all we select.
Our real purpose in life we tend to neglect.
When Islam isn’t the centre of our lives,
our heart becomes empty where nothing survives.

Our Creator’s wishes we no longer observe
when our nafs and ego is all we serve.
We forget the reality that life is a test
and the path of righteousness is the best.

If the Path we tread is of virtue and merit
then the gardens of paradise we will inherit.
Many hardships and trials we will ultimately face
When the pious and righteous we emulate.

The amount of wealth is a test from above.
Do we love to share or is it hoarding we love?
Are we grateful to Allah for whatever he has sent?
Or do we complain of poverty and show resent?

If Allah has given us power over others
Do we treat them as equals and as brothers?
or do we feel superior and are filled with pride?
Do we practice fairness or are their rights denied?

Allah has blessed us with youth and good health,
both these qualities are our greatest wealth!
Do we pick on others demonstrating our brawn?
Or are we up for Fajr at the crack of dawn?

Are we careful to use our precious time?
Or is it devoted to TV, music and rhyme?
Do we try to create a better place
and improve the conditions that Muslims face?

Do we obey our parents and give them respect?
Are we good role models are our morals correct?
Do we help other people and are we always fair?
Do we earn halal income or don’t we care?

Do we follow the guidance from the Qur’an?
By shunning all evil and following Islam?
Do we read the Qur’an and heed its advice?
Or have we sold Jannah for a meagre price?

For all Allah’s blessings we show gratitude
with generosity, kindness and the right attitude.
So in doing good deeds we should not delay
and our commitment to Islam should start today.

On the last day all souls will be raised
and we will face Allah – the most praised.
Standing before Allah what face will we show?
When the truth of our actions will freely flow.

By Zahid bin Ghulam

Allah Knows Best

Allah knows what’s best for us
So why should we complain
We always want the sunshine
But He knows there must be rain

We always want the laughter
And the merriment of cheer
But our hearts will lose their tenderness
If we never shed a tear.

Allah tests us often
With suffering and with sorrow
He tests us not to punish us
But to help us meet tomorrow

For growing trees are strengthened
If they withstand the storm
And the sharp cut of the chisel
Gave the marble grace and form

Allah tests us often
And for every pain He gives to us
Provided we’re patient
Is followed by rich again

So whenever we feel that everything is going wrong
It is just Allah’s way
To make our spirit’s strong.

Author: Unknown

Quran And The TV Guide

They lie on the table side by side
The Holy Qur'an and the TV Guide
One is well worn and cherished with pride
Not the Qur'an, but the TV Guide
One is used daily to help folks decide
Not the Qur'an, but the TV Guide
As the pages are turned, what shall they see?
Oh what does it matter - turn on the TV
So they open the book in which they confide
No, not the Qur'an, but the TV Guide
The Word of Allah is seldom read
Maybe a verse before they fall into bed
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be
Not from reading the Qur'an - from watching TV
So then back to the table side-by-side
Lie the Holy Qur'an and the TV Guide
No time for prayer, no time for the Word
The plan of worship is rarely heard
But forgiveness of sin, so full and free
Is found in the Qur'an - not on TV!

The Miracle, The Quran

So brothers and sisters, to increase your iman
Read the miracle, read the Quran
Here's a fact for the ones who are keener
92 surahs revealed in Mecca, 22 in Medinah
Read it every day and to read it be proud
The word Quran means to read it aloud
Read the book from the Lord of the worlds
Over 6,000 verses and 77,000 words
Read with respect,no disturbance, no laughters
from Al Fatiha to An naas, all 114 chapters
And in it 14 times you need to prostrate
And say Allah ho Akbar, meaning Allah is the greatest
In this book, 25 prophets are mentioned by name
Who came at different times but their message was the same
This miracle was revealed over a 23 year span
Sent from Allah(swt), to an angel and then to a man
That man was Muhammed (saws), the best of creation
And we are proud to be part of his nation
He gave us a message and that was Islam
So read this miracle, read the Quran

Smoke Break

Smoke Break
Author unknown

"I really need a cigarette" she muses
As she steps outside her door
Searching with nimble fingers
For the cigarette that she craves for

"Its not that im addicted...much" she justifies
As she lights that little stick
The stick thats only leaves and paper
that gives her that special kick

"Its just what i really needed" she thinks
As she enjoys that first inhale
Why is this smoke so sexy
Now her coffin has a premature first nail?

"I'll give up one day" she promises
As once again she drags
Her cheeks cave in...ahh nicotine
The drug that always nags

"I love it when you smoke" I comment
As i arrive on the smoky scene.
Why is smoking so sexy?
So sexy yet so unclean?

Gangster Youth

Author: Unknown

It saddens me,
When I see brothers and sisters being gangster wannabe's

Not praying like they should,
Hanging on street corners in the hood,

Fighting over gang turf,
Like something outta the smurfs,

Hanging out like thugz,
Drinking alcohol and taking drugs,

Tryna be like 50 cents,
But on the last day he aint gonna be worth 50 pence,

Even when its Ramadan,
They don't give two about islam,

They'd rather live there twisted ideologies,
But on the last day there won't be time for apologies,

They tryna be the next best thing,
But listen carefully to my linguistic sting,

Islam aint just for Fridays,
If you think that prepare to be set ablaze,

So keep hold of your imaan,
And follow the Islamic clan,

The reward in the hereafter is gonna be greater,
So keep Islamic, coz we all gonna die sooner or later,

Don't kid yourself into thinking your still young,
Indeed this is the shaytaans tongue,

Take heed of the quran and sunnah,
And islam will take you to jannah,

Now sadly I must end,
But, contemplate the words I spoke my friend..

Valentines day

Valentines Day

It’s coming soon
And I don’t know what to do
How many cards to buy and send
To the good looking people
It’s quite funny
they never ever send me any?

Every year it’s the same
Being asked the question
How many did u get?
I lie
and say I got over twenty
Sent most of them to myself

Not into religion much
Aint got time and I am too busy
more time for that stuff when I’m older
but every Valentine ’s Day
I buy and send cards
Didn’t realise that I was a practicing pagan
Worshipping Satan
Instead of my religion Islam

I go with the flow
And the flow goes westwards
Live life based on desires
No fear for the hell fire
Religion is just a joke
In this modern age of technology

Desires satisfied
But always more to do
Humans are pretty
When u get one
The one u don’t have seems desirable
Always the opportunity cost
And sometimes u feels lost
And spoilt for choice

Who shall I date?
And have as my mate
Coz Feb fourteen only comes once a year
Full of fear
As I ask out a nice girly
Is she taken or playing hard to get
Get my wallet out
and she’s mine without a doubt

Cash always works
And the promise of a good time
Better than the last one she was with
Hope she’s not too experienced
With a good memory
Hate comparisons
But that’s just the way it goes

In this day and age
Changing partners every few months
It’s all the rage
Me and her both

Also being careful
Not to be caught by the family
Otherwise
It’s the arranged marriage route
for her and maybe for me
Honour and all that
But we both lost ours years ago

I like women’s equality
Any excuse to go all the way
Hope she don’t get pregnant
Or pass me any diseases
Asian girls are cleaner
Compared to the others
So I don’t bother with protection

Feb fourteen
Is all about following St Valentine
Dating and mating
Not debating
Serious issues
As I pursue my prey
All the way
And practice being a pagan
For just one day

Even if it means
Catching diseases
Loss of honour and respect
And being caught by the family

Author: Showkotali

Ya Allah

All praises are for you Allah, how I hope that you are there.
For sinful though I know I am, your displeasure I can not bear.
Never, till this moment, did I realize how much I've strayed.
Never, till now, was I more conscious of all those times when
I should have prayed.

For sins are like heavy baggage, that one carries through Life, the airport.
Why didn't I realize sooner, that Earth is but a place of sport?
Ya Allah ! Forgive me. Save me from the fire of Hell.
Forgive me as you did my parents, from Jan'ah though they fell.
Ya Allah ! Protect me. From myself for my soul is weak.
Let me not falter ever, for Jan'ah is the abode I seek.
Ya, Allah! Please help me. For I don't understand and thus, I fear.
What happened to all those moments when I never doubted that you were near ?

My actions once were guided, by my faith which, once, was strong.
Ya Allah! please guide me . What happened, what went wrong ?
Each footstep that I used to take, I took with you ever near my side.
The Quran was my faithful companion, Rasoolallah my beloved guide.
How I yearn for those bygone days Allah, for I know that the day comes near.
When we'll each receive our just rewards, and Truth will stand sparkling clear.
Life is like a spider's web Allah. We get caught in its tricky snare
So thoroughly are we disillusioned, time for salat we can not spare.

I sit here and I wonder, Ya Allah! Why did I fall so low ?
What happened to my faith Allah? Where did my Iman go?
In this earthly life of ours, so often does sin seem right.
Falsehood seems to be the truth, as if days are confused with night.
Man is an imperfect creature. And thus, Man shall always wrong.
For the road to Jan'ah is rocky, and the journey seems awfully long.

Ya Allah ! Our creator, we are all just peices of clay.
Please help us with our steps in life, and let us not lose our way.
All praises are for you Allah, I know that you are near.
I know that you have read my heart, and my words I know you hear.
Ameen

Author Unknown

The Torments Of Hell

If only you knew the torments of hell
It is the worst of places where anyone could dwell

It is in existence even as we speak
And for its inhabitants the outlook is bleak

On the day of rising, hell will be in view
A terrible sight, if only you knew

It will be brought forward by 70,000 reigns
And 70,000 angels will be on each of those chains

After burning for a thousand years , it’s flames turned white
A thousand more years, now it’s as black as the night

You think the flames are bearable, you’re totally wrong
The flames are of hell are sixty nine times as strong

In a flash it will disintegrate all of your bones
The hellfire will be fuelled by man and stones

The thickness of your skin will greatly increase
Causing your threshold for pain to greatly decrease

The people in hell are there to stay
They will melt to nothing, 70,000 times in a day

70 years it will take, for a stone that is thrown
to hit the bottom of hell and it won’t be alone

the food of hell resembles a devil’s head
and to drink, boiling water and blood bright red

which cuts up the bowels, everything will fall out
the inhabitants of hell will scream and shout

some will be taken out by Almighty Allah’s command
but the polytheists will stay eternally damned

take up islam, the only way to succeed
and if you don’t, you’re unfortunate indeed

Brothers and Sisters, Help determine your fate
Once you see Hellfire, It'll be far too late...

Author Unknown