Originally posted by Modesty: I'm not trying to sound racist nor am I racist. Really? Because you do sound like one to me when you write all caucasian men off your list and presume every somali woman who marries them has inferiority complex or is suffering from self-hate and wants to erase her 'blackness'. But I shall give you the benefit of the doubt Insha'Allah Besides, what if you one day come across that amazingly handsome white man (perfect build, green eyes, black hair, tan complexion, eyes and a smile that takes you straight to cloud # 9--u get the point ), he possesses all the qualities you look for in a future husband, and thus sweeps you off your feet and better yet, he's a convert, you become acquaintances and discover that you're very compatible...would you then reject him strictly on the grounds that he's not Somali or the fact that you may be perceived by other somalis as having abandoned your own culture if you marry him or would you follow your heart and consider him? It's really all about preference me thinks, so pls don't hasten to judge sis. ps. I've seen and heard many sisters who married Africans, African Americans, Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis and the list goes on and on...So I don't believe they limit themselves to only caucasians when marrying outside their ethnicity.

Originally posted by raula: xiin waan kuu jeeda..marna dhuubo..dheereyna dhex yar weey so socota miyaa I know eh! You'd think he'd at least be a tad bit more original soomaha...geeljire maxaad ku tiqiinay adu Baddel magaca dee. Dhuubo is a lot better. Macalasaf ya'khi xiin, if only you knew how this sister is waaaay beyond her 'dhuubo' days...imika xaaladu waxey maraysaa qacmaha oo kor loo qaadoo la yidhaahdo...Rabanna Faghfir lanaa Dunuubanaa Wa Kafir Canaa Sayi'aatinaa Wa Tawwafanaa Macal Abraar...dabadeedna waxan ku leeyahay, indhaha hoos udhigoo ameen-ka ku dar

Masaajid markii la galo Intuusan guntanuhu aqimin Qabiil baad ku goodidaanoo gacmaha la isku fiiqayaa Xan baa lala wada guclayn, beenbaa laga gajo baxay Zinaa loo guurayaa geelana waynu kala dhacnaa Gaalo iyo Muslim keenu nahay.. So sad yet so true...incredibly depressing really Waa gabay qiiro leh (as is the case with this talented poet's work always), waad ku mahadsantahay CAAMIR!

^ :confused: Maxaa ku qaadey walaal? what happened to Sh.Mokhtar Maghraoui...he's just lovely....can't imagine him without this convention. I know, he was amazingly touching masha'Allah and he made everyone cry last yr...he'll be extremely missed ps...waa qasab iney Ilhaam timaado...this yr we'll have to drag Nova as well

How did I miss this thread? Baarakallahu feek Muhammad for posting such insightful articles/audios. This is one of my favourite topics to explore and learn more about. ps. Shaykh Hamza Yusuf has done marvelous work in this area that would be of immense benefit to anyone interested in learning more about tazkiya.

^True, having a solid scientific background comes to your advantage with your studies in medicine, however, not so helpful with the admission process as you have to maintain an extremely high overall GPA which is quite challenging when you're in the sciences. I would strongly advice those of you in the sciences who want to pursue medicine or graduate studies in biomedical research or even health sciences, to gain some pracical experience. Take a semester or two to do some undergrad research (For canadian students, try the NSERC program) and if possible, work with your favourite profs(this way you can secure great recommendation letters as well). Try to TA if you can, and get involved with on campus activities as much as possible. Do a lot of community outreach/volunteering, you might even wanna volunteer for an International NGO if you have the time/means. This way, you'll have something that sets you apart from the general pool of applicants most of whom have a 4.0 GPA. Here in Canada, the competition is ridiculously fierce, and many students with excellent GPA's increasingly find themselves rejected because there's generally more demand than supply. Furthermore, I think one mistake undergrads make is they focus solely on their studies and forget to put some effort on other factors that are taken into consideration in the admission process. Wish you all the best of luck Insha'Allah. ps. Ali, I myself did my BSc in micro and I know how challenging it can be (oh how I miss my labs), so hang in there Insha'Allah. Have you also applied to McMaster? (it's only a 3 yr program and they don't require MCAT)

^oh no, not at all, lol...I was referring to the literal meaning of the name and dhuubo don't go well together waan kaa yara wareeriyay mala

Originally posted by AbStraCt: I mean, do you guys actually sit around, drink shaah and discuss current events? The older you get the more often you'll find yourself doing just that, you just can't help it really But don't feel intimidated at all, this crew takes a bit getting used to and before you know, you'll have found your own comfort zone.

Bishaarooy, rumour has it that you have mastered the art of ka jajabis...raula faraha ka qaad dee, mise waa sey u sheegtayoo intaan la iga gaadhin ka gaadh weeye xaaladaadu Raula, heedhe yaa u diiday dadka da'da ah jaceylka? waxaasu waa prejudice cad ma is tidhi Xiin...yara sug bal horta abraar iyo dhuubo isma garab galaanee, lol, waxaan ku idhi xaal baan bixinayaa iyo condition baan dadka ku xirayaa xageed kala timi...wax gogol loo dhigo maba istaahishid adu

^True, however, if the couple of Shuriyes we have and the many equally accomplished Halimos we have collaborate and do active community outreach whereby those under-achieved faraxs are motivated and inspired...we might just have a promising future Insha'Allah. As for this Shuriye, way to go! I think on campus involvement is a crucial part of one's college career, makes your college days that much more interesting.

wa iyakum brothers. Indeed the Qur'an is the greatest reminder for us forgetful/fragile humans to keep remembrance of Allah (swt) at all times. It's the best way of feeding the soul and purifying/softening one's heart which is very much susceptible to filth/corruption. "And do thou (O reader!) bring thy Lord to remembrance in thy (very) soul with humility and in reverence without loudness in words in the mornings and evenings; and be not thou of those who are unheedful." (7:205) Remembrance doesn't really require one to allocate specific time or to seclude yourself from the world and to confine yourself to a total isolation, but rather it can be performed while going on about the most mundane aspect of your day...ie while driving to work/school (instead of listening to that fav radio station of urs), washing dishes, maybe cutting down a bit on TV time etc etc. I'll leave you guys with a nice nasheed Oh Most Magnificent --Ahmed Bukhatir PS. Ayaamaha, wlc to SOL walal, hope you enjoy your stay here Insha'Allah. Btw, I'm trying think where abouts Viborg was...was it by any chance close to Aalborg (oh how I miss that place )

ws dear, we missed you too kaalay, I think maskaxdeenu wey isla shaqaysaa, I swear I was about to post this. Isn't it just unbelievable how time flies by so quickly, it only seems yesterday when we were attending RIS/04...I'm extremely excited about this year Insha'Allah (I'm trying to get everyone I know to come regardless of their xmas plans)....can't wait, esp for the knowledge retreat...IT'S ABOUT TIME! I always used to envy reer US whenever I saw deen intensives or weekend retreats held by Zaytuna in different states. Oh and Dr. Omar Abdel Kafi will be here this year (my mom will be absolutely delighted, she's obsessed with his shows, lol)...and Tariq Ramadan (one of my favourites) along with many other prominent shuyukhs...just splendid all around. It's an incredible event and I think everyone who has the means should try their best to participate Insha'Allah....I sincerely hope to see more Somalis present this year. ps. maybe we should get admin to post this on the front page somewhere, considering how many nomads don't unfortunately frequent this section.

Dhikr and Tasbihat from the Sunnah A collection of various dhikrs from the sunnah. سÙبْحَانَ اللّه٠وَ بÙحَمْدÙÙ‡Ù SubhanAllahi wa biHamdihi (Glory be to Allah and I Praise Him) Whoever says (the above) at morning and evening time, one hundred times, none shall come on the Day of Resurrection with anything better except someone who has said the same or more [Muslim; 4:42071] سÙبْحَانَ اللّه٠وَ بÙحَمْدÙÙ‡Ù SubhanAllah wa biHamdihi (Glory be to Allah and I Praise Him) Whoever says (the above) a hundred times during the day, his sins are wiped away, even if they are like the foam of the sea [sahih al-Bukhari; 7:168, Muslim; 4:2071] سÙبْحَانَ اللّه٠وَ بÙحَمْدÙÙ‡Ù SubhanAllahi wa biHamdihi (Glory be to Allah and I Praise Him) Abu Dharr reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, "Shall I tell you the words that Allah loves the most?" I said: "Yes, tell me, O Messenger of Allah." He said: "The words dearest to Allah are: subhanAllah wa bihamdihi [Muslim and at-Tirmidhi] سÙبْحَانَ اللّه٠الْعَظÙيم٠وَ بÙحَمْدÙÙ‡Ù SubhanAllahil adheem wa biHamdihi (Glory be to Allah, The Supreme, and I Praise Him) Whoever says (the above) a palm tree is planted for him in Paradise [at-Tirmidhi; 5:511, al-Hakim] سÙبْحَانَ اللّه٠وَ بÙحَمْدÙÙ‡Ù ØŒ سÙبْحَانَ اللّه٠الْعَظÙيم٠SubhanAllahi wa biHamdihi, SubhanAllahil adheem (Glory be to Allah, and Praise, Glory be to Allah, the Supreme) Muhammad (SAW) said: "Two words are light on the tongue, weigh heavily in the balance, they are loved by the Most Merciful One" [sahih al-Bukhari; 7:67, Muslim; 4:2071] سÙبْحَانَ اللّه٠SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah) Whoever says (the above) one Hundred times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him or a thousand bad deeds are wiped away [Muslim; 4:2073] لا حَوْلَ ÙˆÙŽ لا Ù‚Ùوَّةَ اÙلَّا بÙاللّه٠La Hawla wa la Quwatta illa Billah (There is no Might or Power except with Allah) This is mentioned in a hadith as "a treasure from the treasures of Paradise" [sahih al-Bukhari; al-Fath al-Bari; 11:213, Muslim; 4:2076] سÙبْحَانَ اللّه٠، والْحَمْدÙللّه٠، ÙˆÙŽ لا اÙلهَ اÙلَّا اللّه٠، ÙˆÙŽ اللّه٠اَكْبَر٠SubhanAllah, walHamdulilah, wa La illaha ilAllahu, waAllahu Akbar (Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest) The above are mentioned as the four most beloved words to Allah. It doesnt matter which of them is begun with [Muslim; 3:1685] Abu Saiid reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, "Perform the enduring goods deeds (al-baqiyat al-salihat) more frequently." They asked, "What are these enduring good deeds?" The Prophet replied: Takbir [Allahu Akbar], Tahlil [la ilaha illallah], Tasbih [subhan'Allah], alhamdu lillah, and la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah. [an-Nasa'i and Hakim, who said its chain is sahih] سÙبْحَانَ اللّه٠، والْحَمْدÙللّه٠، ÙˆÙŽ لا اÙلهَ اÙلَّا اللّه٠، ÙˆÙŽ اللّه٠اَكْبَر٠SubhanAllah, walHamdulilah, wa La illaha ilAllahu, waAllahu Akbar (Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest) Muhammad (SAW) said: 'For me to say (the above) is dearer to me and all that the sun rises upon (ie the whole world) [Muslim; 4:2072] سÙبْحَانَ اللّه٠، والْحَمْدÙللّه٠، ÙˆÙŽ لا اÙلهَ اÙلَّا اللّه٠، ÙˆÙŽ اللّه٠اَكْبَر٠، ÙˆÙŽ لا حَوْلَ ÙˆÙŽ لا Ù‚Ùوَّةَ اÙلَّا بÙاللّه٠SubhanAllah, walHamdulilah, wa La illaha ilAllahu, waAllahu Akbar, wa la Hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, There is no might or any power Except with Allah) The good deeds which endure are (the above) سÙبْحَانَ اللّه٠، والْحَمْدÙللّه٠، ÙˆÙŽ لا اÙلهَ اÙلَّا اللّه٠، ÙˆÙŽ اللّه٠اَكْبَر٠، ÙˆÙŽ لا حَوْلَ ÙˆÙŽ لا Ù‚Ùوَّةَ اÙلَّا بÙاللّه٠SubhanAllah, walHamdulilah, wa La illaha ilAllahu, waAllahu Akbar, wa la Hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, There is no might or any power Except with Allah) AbdAllah ibn Mas'ud reported that the Prophet said: "During the Night Journey I met Ibrahim (AS) who said to me: O Muhammad, convey my greetings to your Community, and tell them that the Paradise is of pure land, its water is sweet, and its expanse is vast, spacious and even. And its seedlings are SubhanAllah, walhamdulilah, wa la ilaha ilAllah, waAllahu Akbar (the above) [at-Tirmidhi and Tabarani whose version adds: There is no power nor strength save through Allah] الْحَمْدÙللّه٠Alhamdulilah (All Praise is for Allah) Verily the best supplication is (above). [Muslim; 4:2073] لا اÙلهَ اÙلَّا اللّه٠La illaha ilAllah(u)(There is No God But Allah) - The best form of remembrance is (above). [Muslim; 4:2073] لا اÙلهَ اÙلَّا اللّه٠La illaha ilAllah(u) (There is No God But Allah) - Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "When a servant of Allah utters the words la ilaha illallah (there is no God except Allah) sincerely, the doors of heaven open up for these words until they reach the Throne of Allah, so long as its utterer keeps away from the major sins. [at-Tirmidhi, who says it is hasan gharib. al-Mundhiri included in al-Targhib 2:414] لا اÙلهَ اÙلَّا اللّه٠La illaha ilAllah(u) (There is No God But Allah) - Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, "Renew your faith." "How can we renew our faith?" they asked. The Prophet replied: "Say always: la ilaha illallah." [Ahmad with a fair chain of authorities] لا اÙلهَ اÙلَّا اللّه٠وَحْدَه٠لا شَرÙيكَ Ù„ÙŽÙ‡Ù ØŒ لَه٠الْمÙلْك٠وَ لَه٠الْحَمْد٠وَ Ù‡ÙÙˆÙŽ عَلَى ÙƒÙلّ٠شَيْء٠قَدÙيرٌ La illaha ilAllahu, waHdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul Mulku, wa lahul Hamd, wa Huwa ala kulli shaiy'in Qadeer (There is No God But Allah Alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the raise, and He is Able to do all things) - whoever says the above ten times, will have the reward for freeing four slaves from the Children of Isma'il (AS) [sahih al-Bukhari; 7:67, Muslim; 4:2071] لا اÙلهَ اÙلَّا اللّه٠وَحْدَه٠لا شَرÙيكَ Ù„ÙŽÙ‡Ù ØŒ لَه٠الْمÙلْك٠وَ لَه٠الْحَمْد٠وَ Ù‡ÙÙˆÙŽ عَلَى ÙƒÙلّ٠شَيْء٠قَدÙيرٌ La illaha ilAllahu, waHdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul Mulku, wa lahul Hamd, wa Huwa ala kulli shaiy'in Qadeer (There is No God But Allah Alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the raise, and He is Able to do all things) - whoever says the above one Hundred times, has the reward of freeing ten slaves, a hundred good deeds are recorded for him and a hundred bad deeds are wiped away and he has gained refuge from the devil that day until evening and none shall come with anything better except someone who has done more. [sahih al-Bukhari; 4:95, Muslim; 4:2071] Ù„ÙŽØ¢ اÙلهَ اÙلاَّ اللّه٠وَاحÙدًا اَحَدًا صَمَدًا لَّمْ يَتَّخÙذْ صَاحÙبَةً وَّ لاَ وَلَدًا وَّ لَمْ ÙŠÙŽÙƒÙنْ لَّوْ ÙƒÙÙÙوًا اَحَدٌ La illaha ilAllahu, Wahidda(n), Ahada(n), Samada(n), lam yatakhidh sahiba(n). Wa la walada, wa la yak(n)ul-lahu kufuwan Ahad (There is no God except Allah, the One and Only, the Eternal, Who has not taken a partner nor a son. And there is none like unto Him) Whoever says the words above ten times, then 40,000 (forty thousand) good deeds will be recorded for him [Ahmad] أَسْتَغْÙÙر٠اللَّهَ الْعَظÙيمَ الَّذÙÙŠ لاَ Ø¥ÙÙ„ÙŽÙ‡ÙŽ Ø¥Ùلاَّ Ù‡ÙÙˆÙŽ الْحَيّ٠الْْقَيّÙوم٠وَ أَتÙوب٠إÙلَيْه٠Astaghfirullah al-'Adheemal-ladhi la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum wa atubu ilai (I seek the forgiveness of Allah the Mighty, Whom there is none worthy except Him, the Living, The Eternal, and I repent unto Him) Whoever says the above words, Allah will forgive him even if he deserted the army's ranks [Abu Dawud 2/85, at-Tirmithi 5/569, Al-Hakim who declared it authentic and ath-Thahabi agreed with him 1/511] اللَّهÙمَّ أَنْتَ رَبّÙÙ‰ لاَ Ø¥Ùلهَ Ø¥Ùلاَ أَنْتَ ØŒ خَلَقْتَنÙÙ‰ ÙˆÙŽ أنَا عَبْدÙÙƒÙŽ ÙˆÙŽ أنَا عَلَى عَهْدÙÙƒÙŽ ما اسْتَطَعْت٠، أعÙوذ٠بÙÙƒÙŽ Ù…Ùنْ شَر٠مَا صَنَعْت ØŒ أَبÙوء٠لَكَ بÙÙ†ÙعْمَتÙÙƒÙŽ عَلَىَّ ÙˆÙŽ أبÙوء٠بÙذَنْبى ÙَاغْÙÙرْ Ù„ÙÙ‰ ÙØ¥Ùنَّه٠لاَ يَغْÙÙر٠الذّÙÙ†Ùوبَ Ø¥Ùلَّا أَنْتَ Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, Anta Khalaqtani wa ana abduka, wa ana 'ala ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu, A'udhu bika min Sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u Laka bini'matika 'alaiya, wa Abu Laka bidhanbi faghfirli innahu la yaghfiru adhdhunuba illa anta (O Allah! You are my Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but You. You created me and I am Your slave, and I am faithful to my covenant and my promise as much as I can. I seek refuge with You from all the evil I have done. I acknowledge before You all the blessings You have bestowed upon me, and I confess to You all my sins. So I entreat You to forgive my sins, for nobody can forgive sins except You.) The above du'a is known as the Sayyid al-Istighfar and is the most superior way of asking for forgiveness from Allah. Whoever says it during the day with firm faith in it, and dies on the same day before the evening, he will be from the people of Paradise; and if somebody recites it at night with firm faith in it, and dies before the morning, he will be from the people of Paradise. [sahih al-Bukhari 8, 75 #318] If someone implements ten verses of the Qur'an, He/She will not be considerate amongst the negligent on the Day of Judgment [Abu Dawud, Ibn Hibban - sahih] If someone implements one hundred verses of the Qur'an, He/She will be considered among the obedient on the Day of Judgment. [Abu Dawud, Ibn Hibban - sahih] If someone implements one thousand verses of the Qur'an, He/She will be amongst the extremely rich on the Day of Judgement. [Abu Dawud, Ibn Hibban - sahih]

^Aggah, waaku sidee adeer? Ma qalanjooyinkii la yiqiinay ee geedkaa la ekaa eed moodaysay in gacmaha lagu qoray baad imika hadalkaa u quudhay, xaashaalilah...si degdag ah xaal u soo diyaari Bishaarooy...malaha inanka aqoon weyn baa kuugu dhiman, I'll have you know inuu hadh cad 10 faraax caadi dhinac u dhigayo Raulaay, huuno waan ogahay inuunan inanku inaba caadi ahayn koow dheh...horta ma ogtahay inuu Xaafidh yahay (yes, Masha'Allah)...kolkaa anu waxaan ku odhan lahaa marka dambe eed shaaheyneysaan intaad masaajidka jidka ka soo horjeeda u yara dhaadhacdaan, faataxada isu qabta oo si fiican winter-ka isaga xigsada dee...what do you say?

^lol @ you ladies...saad isugu camireysaan baaba i cajabisay. Raulaay, ina abti, walee waad iga qoslisay (I really needed that today), maxaad tidhi, maaanakoobiyada isugu kaaya keen aa? Heedhe waaban kaa yaabayee ma Oday Cabdulle ayeey wax kuu galeen

^I think the other word might've suited that dude better Salaam Daanyeer...do enjoy your stay here walal.

lol @ the word guji...somehow, it sounds strange...perhaps riix sounds better...ok I'm being plain silly I know Jazakallah Khair bro...I shall try and go through them Insha'Allah.

^ this lot is known to be patient alhamdulilah, so I shall suggest to the director to put much of his efforts into the much needed productions that will be presented elsewhere...and I wish him the best in this mission Insha'Allah

Modesty sis, I know what you mean. What I've personally noticed is that the religious Somali community is somewhat segregated from other Muslim communities. Therefore, although they do organize Islamic conventions and other social events, it's usually an all-Somali gathering and the lectures are conducted in Somali. Also, there are many prominent Somali scholars out there Masha'Allah, however, much of their work will most likely be available in audio/video format rather than articles/books (at least in English). I think it'd be neat if the Shayuukhs introduced written work in English or conducted some of their lectures in Eng. during conventions, considering the fact that many younger generation Somalis in diaspora have language barriers.

Simply sis, keep it up, may Allah (SWT) increase you and the rest of us in understanding and implementing His deen. I had a gut feeling this topic would spark some controversy (one that would most likely involve Islam)...apparently, it's only like the most popular trend of SOL nowadays...seriously, must every friggin' insignificant topic be debated and argued to the point of exhaustion, what's gotten into people :confused: Originally posted by Faarax Brown: Man! Before we know,they will be Riding Horses Uhm, Faaraxoow, what exactly is wrong with riding horses again...and fyi, here's a sister who wants to own some one day Insha'Allah

Inaa Lilaah Wa Inaa Ileyhi Raajicuun, I wonder dadkayagu meeshey cuqubadu ka heysato

Subhanallah! Inspiring she is indeed. How often do we find ourselves complaining about the most trivial matters in our lives...how many of us take the time to thank Allah (SWT) for the blessings He has bestowed upon us, reflect on it and remember those who are less fortunate and keep them in our prayers... Alhamdulilah Femme, Jazakallah Khair for the reminder sis.

Originally posted by Khayr: You know everytime I read about the sahaba, I am put to shame and really embarassed as a muslim. I know exactly how that feels Khayr. Do you remember last year's RIS when Mukhtar Maghraoui was talking about the Prophet (SAW) and subhanallah his tears were literally gushing out, and he was speaking as though he was in the presence of the Rasuul (SAW), speaking to him, uttering 'Habiibi Ya Rasuul-al-Allah'. Oh how I felt an enormous sense of despondency and shame for I felt as though my heart was rusted and I could feel those words pierce through my heart. I kept thinking what type of a Muslim am I, living in a state of heedlessness, devoid of any feelings of true love. I kept pondering about what it would be like to be in the company of the Rasuul (SAW), to feel his presence, to hear him speak, and to impart his wisdom. Ya Allah, send your peace and blessings upon our beloved Prophet, his companions, his family and those who follow him! Muhammad...luv the nasheeds, khayr Ilaahay ha ku siiyo.

^ stop bragging will ya ...btw, have u been to Salalah...I was told it's rather exquisite. For those of you who haven't seen koronto yet...that pic doesn't do it one bit justice I tell ya (snow or not). Liibaan, now the chinook can't be all that enjoyable could it

That's just fantastic. I have great appreciation for North African art; from architecture to calligraphy to interior design. :cool: Thanks.