I have worn the Abaya- and survived!

I have finally worn the black abaya that I got from Ebay- it was very comfy [though the sleeves fit a little snug and around my shoulders also] It was nice not to have to worry if this or that was too tight- I knew I was covered.

It was a little odd for me because it reminded me of a mu-mu- large and shapeless and also of a robe. But I also felt somewhat connected to traditional Muslim culture, that I was wearing what other Muslimahs have and do wear.

I also ordered some more colorful ones and can't wait to wear them

Highlight on- Burkini

-I've been obsessed with the burkini for a little bit so I wanted to record my 'internet findings"


Burqini: Muslim women's reply to bikini
Print Email Bookmark Save to my profile 39 Comments - last on Sep 27 at 1:23 PM

Close Gallery
Zoom Picture Sydney.– It's not itsy-bitsy or teenie- weenie but the Burqini may prove to be just as popular as its polka-dotted predecessor.

The modest bathing costume is designed for water-going Muslim women who, because of religious values, cannot show more than their face, hands and feet in public.

A cross between a burqa and a bikini, the polyester suit is made up of pants and a long- sleeved thigh or knee-length A-line top with head covering. It is water-repellent, UV-resistant and comes with Arab designs.

Its Australian designer, Aheda Zanetti, has been swamped with thousands of inquiries about the product from Europe, Britain, the United States, Asia and the Middle East. Zanetti said she started producing the Burqini as Muslim women were missing out on sports because of their dress code.

"Not only does it look good, not only is it practical to use, it feels good to use – it's extremely comfortable," she said. Before the Burqini, Muslim women either avoided swimming or tried to swim in full clothes.

"Every day people are walking into my (Sydney) shop and saying, `Finally, I don't have to watch my husband and kids playing any more; I don't have to stand on the sideline'," Zanetti said.

Retail stores have not yet been set up but the Burqini is available online for $NZ192 to $214, plus shipping. Christchurch Muslim Naaz Shah said the Burqini was a great idea, especially for young Muslim women at school.

"Some of the schools have swimming programmes – it's like compulsory – so for those type of things, the Muslim girls must really have a tough time."


http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/this-and-that/2007/1/11/21441/Burqini-Muslim-womens-reply-to-bikini

http://islamineurope.blogspot.com/2008/02/netherlands-woman-in-burqini-kicked-out.html

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1645145,00.html

Thoughts on: Quran Alone

I have been curious about the Islamic sect 'quranists' or 'quran alone' as I first did a lot of my research on Islam on the website 'submission.org' and became more interested because I agreed with the information- that site as I have now found out is a 'quranist' site.

No matter, because I don't like to use labels or subscribe to any 'sect'- I do believe in following only what the Quran says but I also believe in utlizing the hadith and sunnah for extra guidance if they don't contradict or 'add to' the Quran.

Also, I was always shying away from Islam because of the emphasis placed on Prophet Muhammad- I respect him and all the other prophets but I don't believe in making him 'more important' than any other prophet and don't feel comfortable including mention of him in my salat- to me, that action is making him on the same scale as Allah and that is wrong to me. Why should I focus on being Muslim because of what Prophet Muhammad did- what about the other Prophets? Prophet Jesus was also a wonderful example of how to submit to Allah and be a good person. That bothered me and that is why I am drawn to being Muslim by what the Quran says as much as I'm able to understand- and no hadith or book can ever claim to 'explain' the Quran fully, as Allah said in it that this action would be impossible.

So I was doing some reading on 'quran alone' and the following sites were interesting.

It is annoying how some people say you need the hadith/sunnah to know how to do salat- it is in the Quran on how to do it [rakats, timings, what to say] You only have to look.



http://pressthat.wordpress.com/2007/05/16/quran-alone/
http://www.quran.org/
http://submission.org/dozen.html

Thoughts on Islam History

I have been listening to a book on CD- Islam by Karen Armstrong. It is really interesting and one point that really 'spoke' to me.

Muslim Fundalmentalists- the book noted that due to past oppression by colonizing western nations [britian and india] and the insistance that society become modern and government by secular, some groups protested by reinterpreting the Quran to emphasize particular aspects and completely create new factors that are supposedly "muslim": like veiling women and not allowing them to be apart of society, or believing any nation that is modern is against Islam and therefore a war enemy worthy of death.

From a socialogical standpoint, that makes sense to me. Of course I am no way approving it at all. It just speaks of people feeling they are being pushed and wanting to push back, though in a very wrong way that has the media reporting on their actions and telling the world 'this is how all muslims are'

My Fav Pics

HIjab styling

Esilks add color and versatility to your hijab style.



A.
Bandana Style

Worn over a 2-piece hood for accent and color.

Add a contrasting cotton under scarf or a decorative brooch for more accent.

Pick a color to match or highlight your outfit, tie esilk, bandana style, at nape of the neck. You can either leaves ends loose (2nd picture from left) or twist the ends into a bun (and pin to secure). Note: Tucking the hood into the blouse gives a more tailored look.



B.
Headband Style

Worn over a 2-piece hood for accent and color.

This is an easy way to add color to your hijab...and no need for pins. The esilk is folded to headband width and tied at the nape of the neck.



To achieve this look, we started with a dark brown 2- piece hood as a base, added a pink under scarf, folded in half, then folded and tied a brown & tan esilk on top, leaving ends loose. This style only works if you have long hair pulled into a bun, so that you can wrap the twisted long end of the esilk around the bun.
Here, we started with a black headband to give contrast at the face, then a light moss 2 pc hood, a cotton under scarf folded in half on top of that, then an esilk tied at back leaving one end long. That end was twisted and folded around the bun, leaving the very end loose.
For this look, we picked 2 complementary esilks, tied one bandana style and the other headband style. The long ends of the two esilks were twisted together then folded (as you would make a ribbon rose), and pinned to secure, as our model did not have long hair to pull into a bun.



C.
Fringed esilks and special effects

Worn over a 2-piece hood for accent and color

Add a contrasting cotton under scarf or a decorative brooch for more accent.


This look was accomplished by using:

(1) 2-piece dotted jacquard hood

(1) black headband

(1) fringed esilk

(1) strand sparkly beads

(1) vintage star pin

We started with the black headband for contrast at the face, then put the 2-piece white hood. The esilk came next, folded lengthwise to headband width and tied at the back of the head, leaving one end very long. We twisted a thin string of sparkly beads with that long end of the esilk, then twisted and wrapped both to form a bun at the back of the head. This was pinned to secure. To complete the ensemble, we added a decorative silver brooch at the center of the bun.

D.
Combination esilks


These super sheer esilks are too sheer to give proper coverage alone, however, we found that wearing 2 together will cover properly, depending on the color choice. Another way to get a special effect is to wear a colorful esilk in combination with a plain color shawl.

To manage wearing two (2) esilks together, and to get the striped effect, we found it easiest to wrap them as one, rather than as two separate scarves. The trick is to lay the scarves out, one on top of the other, overlapping slightly, (so that the bottom one will have a band showing), then wrap and pin as you would one scarf. (Pin first under the chin, leaving one end as long as possible. Wrap the long end under chin, around and over head and pin.)

E.
As a neck accent

Worn around neck for accent and color.

http://www.veiledbydesign.com/pub/scarves/esilk/newsilks/template_large.htm

Sports and Muslimah

I am so excited about the warming weather- I really want to try and stick to my plan to be more athletic- I love it but then I don't keep it up

The hijabis [there was more than one!] from the 2008 Olympics inspired me so much! I am hunting down coolmax/nike fitmax type clothes so I will be comfy in the heat- my brother told me 'underarmor' works great- but its all so pricey. Here is the result of my research

http://www.swimoutlet.com/Modest_Swimwear_s/781.htm

http://www.ahiida.com/index.php?a=subcats&cat=20

Here is a great article on the olympics

http://www.islamonline.net/english/Science/Health/GeneralHealth/2008/09/01.shtml

http://rahma.hadithuna.com/category/sports/

Islam and Marriage- articles

The ups and downs of marriage- oh joy :+

Tips to a Better Marriage
By: By Sr. Muntaqima A.Rashid



"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." (Ar Rum: 21)

I have listed some rules that may benefit those seeking an Islamic marriage, as well as, those who are already married. I do not pretend to be an expert of any kind. I have learned what I know through marrying at the early age of 18, just 9 months after embracing Islam. I muddled my way through much of my 14 years of marriage, and consider myself a graduate from the 'school of hard knocks'. The rules are:

Be conscious of your physical appearance. No one was more conscious of this than the Prophet. His Sunnah reflects keen attention to personal hygiene and good grooming. He kept himself strong and muscular. Most likely the first aspect of you that attracted your mate was your appearance, so don't think that simply because you are married the task is over. You can't hide a weight problem under Thawbs' (dress) and long Khimars' (veils). Your mate knows. Be aware that you live in a society that places a high premium on physical appearance. It flaunts the shapely female and her muscular counterpart. Temptations that beckon non-Muslims beckon Muslims as well. Don 't allow your mate to get side-tracked by the likes of a 'Raquel Welch or an Arnold Schwarzenegger'. Jog, join a gym, roller skate, swim and stay in shape. Insha' Allah, you will be more vibrant, more radiant, and more attractive to your mate.

Be aware of your role, but do not fall into role playing. Muslim spouses sometimes experience difficulties because they are trying to do things 'by the book' without giving due consideration to the conditions prevailing in their country. For example, most female converts are taught that the role of the Muslim woman is to be at home raising her children. Supposedly, it is the man who works outside the home to maintain the family. She may have read about Birth Control and assumed that it has no place for the Muslimah; yet, it is worth noting that the Prophet himself allowed coitus interruptus. If ideal Islamic conditions prevailed, there would be no reason for a sister to worry about her financial situation interfering with her right to bear children. However, without an Islamic society, needy Muslim families may have to resort to welfare and food stamps rather than Zakaah and Sadaqah. This creates a feeling of dependence and humiliation that can place extreme stress on a marriage. In this ease, it may be helpful for the Muslim couple to delay having children, for the wife to work while the children are young and until the couple 's financial situation improves. Islam gives you this flexibility. Don't be afraid or ashamed to use it.

Be a companion to your mate. Try to show enthusiasm for your spouse 's interests and hobbies. It is well-known that the Prophet would run races with 'Ayesha. By all means try to involve your mate in your interests. Be active in Islamic community life. This will strengthen your commitment to Islam while providing your wish for a wholesome social outlet. Encourage your spouse to engage in activities that promote Islam. Have dinners at your home for Muslims as well as non-Muslims, and don't neglect your relatives. These activities will indirectly enhance the quality of your marriage through widening your circle of

Admit your mistakes and have a forgiving, generous attitude when your mate errs. This country is a difficult place to live in. Most Muslims fall short of the Islamic ideal. Contradictions abound. Be quick to admit your shortcomings and work to amend them. Be understanding when your mate does not live up to the Islamic ideals and expectations and gently try to motivate him or her in the right direction.

Have a sense of humour. Be able to chuckle at life's minor aggravations.

Be modest when around members of the opposite sex. Do not try to test your spouse's affection by feigning interest in another. This will only cause dissension and bad feelings.

Share household duties. Brothers, take note. This is especially important these days when women work outside the home. The Prophet always helped his wives around the house and even mended his own clothes. Who knows? You might find you actually like preparing the evening meal or taking care of junior so your wife can have the afternoon off. The Messenger of Allah said, "The most perfect of the believers in faith is the best of them in moral excellence, and the best of you are the kindest of you to their wives" (at-Tirmidhi).

Surprise each other with gifts. Treat her to an evening out alone, away from the children. There are no words to describe the lift this can give to a marriage.

Communicate your feelings to one another, good and bad. Tell him how handsome he looks.Where there is disagreement, have an open discussion.Don 't collect red stamps. Nip it in the bud.

Live within your means. Stay away from credit cards if you can. Sisters, take note. Don't envy the possessions of your friends, and belittle your husband because he can't provide them for you. Muslim couples will do well to stay away from ostentatious living. The Prophet did not live this way, neither should you.

Respect your mate's need for privacy. A quiet time to oneself, either at home or away from home, each day can make a disagreeable person agreeable.

Don't share personal problems with others. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but if you must discuss personal problems, make sure it is with a person in whom you have the utmost confidence. If you have a learned Muslim brother or sister in your community, seek him or her out first.

Be sensitive to your mate's moods. If you want to share a personal achievement, don't do it when your spouse is 'down in the dumps ' . Wait for the proper time.

You may be saying to yourself, "This is easier said than done." Well, you're right. A successful marriage doesn't just happen. It's not simply a matter of luck or finding the right person. It takes hard work and determination. It means being selfless and making mistakes. It means having vengeance on your mind but forgiveness in your heart. But, then, its perfection is "half of faith".

"Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead righteous." (Qur'an, 25:74)

"The whole world is an asset and the best asset is a good wife." (Muslim)

"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." (Quran, 30: 21)


ON HAVING A BETTER HUSBAND AND WIFE RELATIONSHIP...

Although many Muslims may right now be in failing marriages and on a fast track to divorce and its terrible consequences, there are many ways to put their marriage back on the right track if the husband and wife are sincere in their desire to reconcile. The following principles can be used by Muslims whose marriages are already in trouble or by Muslims who would like to avoid trouble in their marriage.


Examples of Negative Relationship of Husband & Wife

Many Muslim husbands and wives treat each other like adversaries rather than partners. The husband feels that he is the boss, and whatever he says goes. The wife feels that she must squeeze everything she can out of her husband. Some wives never show their husband that they are satisfied with anything he does or buys for them in order to trick him into doing and buying more. They make him feel like a failure if he does not give them the lifestyle that their friends and families enjoy. Some husbands speak very harshly to their wives, humiliate them, and even physically abuse them. Their wives have no voice or opinion in the family.


Marriage In The Eyes of Allah

It is very sad that this relationship which Allah (SWT) has established for the good has been made a source of contention, deception, trickery, tyranny, humiliation, and abuse. This is not the way marriage is supposed to be.

Allah (SWT) described marriage very differently in the Holy Quran:

". . . He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts)..." (Quran, 30:21)


Do not be a Tyrant

Regardless of whether or not Islam has made the husband the head of the household, Muslims are not supposed to be dictators and tyrants. We are taught to treat our wives well. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was reported to have said: 'The most perfect Muslim in the matter of faith is one who has excellent behavior; and the best among you are those who behave best towards their wives" (From Mishkat al-Masabih, No. 0278(R) Transmitted by Tirmidhi).


Be Partners in the Decision Making Process

Follow the principle of 'Shura' and make decisions as a family. There will be much more harmony in the family when decisions are not imposed and everyone feels that they had some part in making them.


Never be Emotional

Never be emotionally, mentally, or physically abusive to your spouse. The Prophet (SAWS) never mistreated his wives. He is reported to have said: 'How could they beat their women in daytime as slaves and then sleep with them in the night?"


Be Careful of Your Words

Be very careful what you say when you are upset. Sometimes you will say things that you would never say when you were not angry. If you are angry, wait until you calm down before continuing the conversation.


Show Affection

Show affection for your mate. Be kind, gentle, and loving.


Be Your Spouse's Friend

Show interest in your mate's life. Too often, we live in the same house but know nothing about each other's lives. It would be great if the husband and wife could work together for the same cause or on the same project. They could perhaps establish a husband/wife prison ministry, take care of orphans in their home, or lead an Islamic weekend class.


Show Appreciation

Show appreciation for what your spouse does for the family. Never make your husband feel that he is not doing good enough for the family or that you are not satisfied with his work or his efforts, unless, of course, he is truly lazy and not even trying to provide for the family. The Prophet (SAWS) was reported to have said: 'On the Day of Judgment, God will not look upon the woman who has been ungrateful to her husband." Show your wife that you appreciate her. If she takes care of the house and the children, don't take it for granted. It is hard work, and no one likes to feel unappreciated.


Work Together in the House

The Prophet (SAWS) is known to have helped his wives in the house. And if the Prophet (SAWS) was not above doing housework, modern Muslim husbands shouldn't feel that they are.


Communication is Important

Communication, Communication, Communication! This is the big word in counseling. And it should be. Husbands and wives need to talk to each other. It is better to deal with problems early and honestly than to let them pile up until an explosion occurs.


Forget Past Problems

Don't bring up past problems once they have been solved.


Live Simply

Don't be jealous of those who seem to be living a more luxurious life than your family. The 'rizq" is from Allah (SWT). In order to develop the quality of contentment, look at those people who have less than you, not those who have more. Thank Allah (SWT) for the many blessings in your life.


Give Your Spouse Time Alone

If your mate doesn't want to be with you all the time, it doesn't mean he or she doesn't love you. People need to be alone for various reasons. Sometimes they want to read, to think about their problems, or just to relax. Don't make them feel that they are committing a sin.


Admit Your Mistakes

When you make a mistake, admit it. When your mate makes a mistake, excuse him or her easily. If possible, never go to sleep angry with each other.


Physical Relationship is Important

Be available to your mate sexually, and don't let your sexual relationship be characterized by selfishness. The Prophet (SAWS) was reported to have said: "It is not appropriate that you fall upon your wives like a beast but you must send a message of love beforehand."


Have Meals Together

Try to eat together as a family when possible. Show the cook and the dishwasher, whether it is the husband or the wife, appreciation for his or her efforts. The Prophet (SAWS) did not complain about food that was put before him.


Be Mindful of Your Discussion Topics

Never discuss with others things about your marriage that your spouse wouldn't like you to discuss, unless there is an Islamic reason to do so. Some husbands and wives, believe it or not, complain to others about their mate's physical appearance. This is a recipe for disaster. Information about your intimate relations should be kept between you and your spouse.

Many of us treat our spouses in ways that we would never treat others. With others, we try to be polite, kind, and patient. With our spouses, we often do not show these courtesies. Of course, we are usually with our spouses at our worst times --- when we are tired and frustrated after a hard day. After a bad day at the office, husbands usually come home angry and on edge. The wife has probably also had a hard day with the children and the housework. Wives and husbands should discuss this potential time bomb so that if they are short-tempered with each other during these times, they will understand the reasons rather than automatically thinking that their spouse no longer loves them.

Good marriages require patience, kindness, humility, sacrifice, empathy, love, understanding, forgiveness, and hard work. Following these principles should help any marriage to improve. The essence of them all can be summed up in one sentence: Always treat your spouse the way you would like to be treated. If you follow this rule, your marriage will have a much greater chance for success. If you discard this rule, failure is just around the corner.

Links:

The Virtues Of Hijaab

Great reminder of why hijab matters

The Virtues Of Hijaab
Wednesday, 30 May 2007

An excellent essay consisting of eight points regarding the Hijaab of the Muslim woman.
The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart.





1. An act of obedience.


The hijab is an act of obedience to Allaah and to his prophet (pbuh), Allaah says in the Qur'an: `It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error.' (S33:36).

Allaah also said: 'And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna.'(S24:31).


Juyubihinna: The respected scholars from As-Salaf As-Saleh (righteous predecessors) differed whether the veil cover of the body must include the hands and face or not. Today, respected scholars say that the hands and face must be covered. Other respected scholars say it is preferable for women to cover their whole bodies.


2. The Hijab is IFFAH (Modesty).


Allaah (subhana wa'atala) made the adherence to the hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allaah says: 'O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested.' (S33:59). In the above Ayaah there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allaah (swt) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty.


3. The hijab is Tahara (Purity)


Allaah (swt) had shown us the hikma (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijab: `And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts.' (S33:53).

The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijab) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts:

`Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.' (S33:32)


4. The hijab is a Shield


The prophet (pbuh) said: "Allaah, Most High, is Heaven, is Ha'yeii (Bashful), Sit'teer (Shielder). He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)." The Prophet (pbuh) also said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allaah's shield upon her. "The hadith demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad).


5. The hijab is Taqwah (Righteousness)


Allaah (swt) says in the Qur'an: `O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better.'(S7:26). The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allaah. It is an act of Taqwah (righteousness).


6. The hijab is Eemaan (Belief or Faith)


Allaah (swt) did not address His words about the hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mo'minat. In many cases in the Qur'an Allaah refers to the "the believing women". Aisha (RA), the wife of the prophet (pbuh), addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tameem who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed: "If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it."


7. The hijab is Haya' (Bashfulness)


There are two authentic hadith which state: "Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is haya'" AND "Bashfulness is from belief, and belief is in Al-Jannah (paradise)". The hijab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women.


8. The hijab is Gheerah


The hijab fits the natural feeling of Gheerah, which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Gheerah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight MUSLIM man has Gheerah for ALL MUSLIM women In response to lust and desire, men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters. The mixing of sexes and absence of hijab destroys the Gheera in men. Islam considers Gheerah an integral part of faith. The dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended.

SUFI Poetry

Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai
(1689 - 1752)

If you are seeking Allah,

Then keep clear of religious formalities.

Those who have seen Allah

Are away from all religions!

Those who do not see Allah here,

How will they see Him beyond?

Let us go the land of Kak

Where love flows in abundance,

There are no entrances, no exits,

Every one can see the Lord!

There is no light nor day

Every one can see the Lord!

Those who love the Lord

The world cannot hold them.

Palaces do not attract them,

Nor women nor servants

Nothing binds them:The renouncers leave everything behind.

A message came from the Lord:A full moon shone

Darkness disappeared

A new message came from the Lord:It does not matter what caste you are

Whoever come, are accepted.

Where shall I take my camel,

All is Light...Inside there is Kak, mountain and valley,

The Lord and the Lord: there is nothing but the Lord.

http://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/B/BhitaiShahAb/Ifyouareseek.htm

-I have been reading up on Islamic history and came across a section about sufi's: personally I think some aspects are extreme [drunken sufi?] but I admire the mediatation and poetry to get closer to Allah.

Also I've heard of Rumi too so I'm putting up a link

http://www.rumi.org.uk/