A Muslim Woman's Diary

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Courtesy and good behavior are a very important part of the Islamic way of life. The Holy Qur’an says: Whether or not you are employed outside your home, your daily activities focus first and foremost on the material, moral and spiritual needs of your family members. A Muslim woman has the power to make her home a heaven or a hell, according to her own piety and actions. So it is very necessary to have continuous religious training at home. Bliss can be achieved by constant devotion and care to fear Allah and follow the example of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Balance and moderation in all things are vital to all aspects of home life. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) emphasized the value of a simple life. Some of his hadith are:

From enlightening memoirs to more academic non-fiction reads, there has been a surge in female-led Islamic discourse in the literary world over the past decade. Here are 10 titles by and about pious and powerful Muslim women that you should add to your reading list. 'The Unforgettable Queens of Islam' by Shahla Haeri The Unforgettable Queens of Islam: Succession, Authority, Gender by Shahla Haeri. Courtesy Cambridge University PressThe most important aspect of good hygiene is cleanliness. In accordance with the Islamic belief that the condition of the body affects the mind, physical cleanliness is essential for spiritual well-being. Allah says: The term “ halal” means “that which is lawful for you”; thus halal meat is that which has been slaughtered in the name of Allah, and has had the blood drained out from it. The term “haram” means that which is unlawful for you, and includes blood, pork and alcohol. Allah has further commanded that you eat only what is “tayyab,” that is, food that is good and wholesome. Something may be halal, but it may not be tayyab, and thus should be avoided. Islam teaches that the condition of the body affects the condition of the spirit, and thus great care should be taken to keep one’s body healthy and fit. Islam further teaches that all food should be taken in moderation, and nothing should be indulged into excess. When in doubt, try and keep your heart, thoughts and sight firmly focused on seeking refuge in Allah with patience and trust. Allah revealed in the Holy Qur’an that He answers the prayers of believers (see Holy Qur’an, 2:187). Even when the way is dark and dreary, and you are not making the progress you hoped for, do not even think of giving up! Concentrate your efforts on self-improvement, and beg Allah’s help. After morning prayers and devotions, you are prepared to meet the events of the day. The most important points to remember are to act with taqwa (the fear of Allah) in your heart, and to keep in mind the commandments of Allah, and the sunnah (practices) and hadith (sayings) of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him).

Muslim Women's Day, which falls on Saturday, March 27 , was founded to help amplify Muslim women's voices in the media, and what better way to celebrate the occasion than shedding light on their courageous contributions to the most traditional form of media – books? This festival comes about ten weeks after Eid ul Fitr, and marks the completion of Hajj (Holy pilgrimage to Mecca). It is the festival of Sacrifice, commemorating the time when the Prophet Abraham (peace be on him) was ready to sacrifice his son, Ishmael (peace be on him) for the sake of Allah. As a result of Abraham’s willing obedience, Allah did not permit Ishmael to be sacrificed, and an animal was substituted instead. It is their obedience to Allah that is celebrated by Muslims the world over. On this Eid, those that can afford it sacrifice an animal and share the meat among families, neighbors and the poor. The head is wiped over with wet hands, and the inner side of the ears wiped with the forefingers and the outer side with the thumbs. The essence of good conduct is in moderation, balance, harmony, restraint, patience and forgiveness. There are hundreds of ways of showing ideal Islamic manners. Here are some hadith of the Holy Prophet:Bathing is the complete washing of the entire body. As Islam encourages one to be in a constant state of cleanliness, it goes without saying that bathing should be part of a Muslim’s daily hygiene. Allah states in the Holy Qur’an: An academic who has translated numerous religious works and Sufi texts, Camille Adams Helminski sheds light on the several women throughout history who have followed the Sufi path of Islam. Starting from the time of the Prophet Mohammed to the present day, these poets, scholars and saints hail from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and America. Helminksi introduces core principles of the Sufi path while describing the diverse traditions and practices championed by these profound, pious women. 'Women are the Future of Islam' by Sherin Khankan Women are the Future of Islam by Sherin Khankan published by Rider. Courtesy Penguin UK