Whatever you do in life, work, family, relationships, kids, business, sports - whatever - make sure YOU are in it to WIN it! We are heading into half-time for Ramadan. Are YOU making the most of it or have you started to fizzle away? Let me help you make THIS Ramadan your ultimate and best Ramadan insha'Allah. Remember, each moment is our only moment - whose to know if we will make it to the end of Ramadan let alone the end of today. I've got an awesome gift for you this Ramadan. Watch the video below right now and make sure to register immediately as spaces are absolutely limited! And this Masterclass is open to sisters and brothers. (Just a quick one - the training is worth £197 but i'm gifting it to you for absolutely FREE and and the end of the Masterclass i have more gifts for you AND an opportunity for you to join the Ramadan-Spiritual-Fix-Club where i will be personally mentoring and coaching you through the last half of Ramadan insha'Allah). So, hurry and watch the vid and if you want to secure your seat first then CLICK HERE TO REGISTER RIGHT NOW!
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Last Thursday my cousin brother was taken into hospital in an emergency as he threw up blood. They put him on the machines straight away to ease the pain and so they can do scans. On Friday at 5pm we got a phone call from his elder brother that he only has a few hours left. We rushed to the hospital in a taxi and guess what nasheed was playing? 'Oh traveler you are here for a few years and the grave is your ultimate destination'. I was shaking all the way from home to the hospital. I had always heard about ICU but on Friday i experienced it for real. I don't think i want to experience it again. Well, not for a long while anyway! We walked through the first double doors - me, my mum and dad and my nephew - and everyone was there. My aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, my cousins wife and kids - even extended family. I hugged my niece and she said; 'Chacha (uncle) is leaving us. His 11 year old son was sitting next to her...quiet. Walked through the second double doors and saw another family in another room leaving, crying. Walked through the third double doors and the room was packed! All i could hear was Surah Yaseen being recited loudly by my uncles and few other relatives reciting the kalima loudly. I slowly walked forward....and there he was...on the bed....on the machines... I grew up at my aunties house (khala) as a kid and my cousin brothers used to take me over. I grew up as their little baby sister. I was there at ICU for 7 hours and said my goodbyes. I came home and tossed and turned all night. At 7am my mum told me that he returned to Allah. His heart went down and down and they switched the machines off and at 4am the Angel of Death took him. Saturday was his Janazah and we sent him off. He had nour shining from his face and he was smiling. Over 100 people attended the burial and every single person praised his character and personality and continues to praise him. Let my brothers death be a reminder for us all - because reminders benefit the believers and as humans we need constant reminders - we easily forget and get caught up in this life. - He had been ill for 3 years and he left this world within 48 hours. - He was scheduled for an appointment in London in 6 weeks for treatment yet his appointment with Allah came before that. - He was the youngest of his brothers and his elderly mum is poorly. Yet his time came. How many times have we heard of instant deaths when someone was absolutely fine and the next minute they're gone? This teaches us that this life is not a guarantee for 100+ years. We don't take anything with us except our deeds. We don't even have to have an illness and our time could be up. So let's ask ourselves; * Am I praying all my 5 compulsory prayers on time? * Am I spending time with the Qur'an daily? * Am I doing dhikr and tasbee and keeping my tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah? * Am I actively seeking knowledge and implementing it in my life? * Am I learning about the rules and rites of life and death and everything in between? Because the reality is that you and I don't know about all the rites and rules! The reality is that we're living in ignorance and even in sin. Even when we find out the rules and rites we actively choose to ignore it. We listen to laws by man yet ignore those by Allah. We don't actively seek to know so live in ignorance and sin. We have no one to blame! No western illuminati masonicy conspiracy cult. Nope! You and I are to blame! Right now we seek Allah's forgiveness from our ignorance. Right now we decide to seek knowledge, implement it and teach it. Right now we prepare for our meeting with the Angel of Death. Right now is when we decide to live on purpose with purpose. If you've read this then now you're not in ignorance any more. Now you decide which path to take. Let's take the path which leads to Allah. My cousin Ramzan was in his early 40's and leaves behind his elderly, poorly mum, brothers, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a wife who is 35 years old and 5 children age 14, 11, 7, 6 and 5. Please keep them in your duas as they are the ones whose life has changed forever.... A personal reflection... They say that it has to get worse to get better. They were right! March 2010 - April 2014 I still get flashbacks! I go into deep reflection mode and get emotional and teary! I go quiet... I'm teary writing this... Even back then walhamdulilah I still got to do a two week KSC Easter Playscheme through the drama and went London for an evening workshop. Only through God's will and Mercy did I make it through those two weeks in April. God is Great! April 2010 - I thought it was the beginning of 'The End'. April 2014 - Am I still alive? Wow, subhan'Allah - I still pinch me to make sure it's real. God is Great! Everything is not what it always seems - especially on social media. Don't be fooled by my 'khaapiness' on display. There's a reason why I'm still alive and there's a reason why you are alive and reading this. There's a reason why I do the personal and spiritual development work I do today. Everyone is on a journey. This journey is back to God. This moment is all we have. I promised that if I got better through my illness I would make each my moments count. It's not funny being 'alive' and telling your family 'I might die and we need to prepare now' and trying to be ok with it all. It's not funny sitting at hospital alone not taking your family with you so they won't be upset and getting those biopsies and stuff. The Nurse: 'You're a brave girl!' Me in my head: 'It hurts lady - it hurts! I just don't wana show you my tears!' And yes I cried when I left that hospital! It's not funny trying to fake smile at your nieces during the playscheme and lying to them; 'Don't worry - I'm ok - everything is ok!' And they know everything is not ok. It's not funny seeing your Mama trying to be ok as she might lose her youngest and being brave. Everyone is on a journey. I know you have your story too. It's ok if no one gets you - I get that all the time! I'm misunderstood most the times! Remember though Allah has put you here for a reason. Be ok with that and do what you gotta do - even if no one gets you. Coz we're all on a journey and it's all gona end soon. Make the most of yours - make your moments count - as this moment is all we have... I know I don't share this with y'all - but I am today - just so you get a glimpse into my world and maybe it gives you some soul therapy too. Nadia x Happy Monday! So, you know how my brain is always working non-stop right? And you know how i'm always coming up with new ideas and brands right?? And you know how i just want to help you make positive changes in your life, live upon the deen and prepare for you best akhirah, right??? Ok, well, I've just launched a new private group on facebook and i'm now taking applicants and enrollment is open for UK & Global! :D Click here to join; 'Nadia's Diamond Entrepreneur Academy'. Make sure you bring pen and paper or your smartphones or online devices. We're already on lesson 4! I know, i'm such a geeky-nerd. My family call me nerd-brain and my friends call me a learning-machine lol! Anyways, see you inside the Diamond Academy now :) Here's a video which was shared by one of our WBI fans. It brought tears to my eyes. And I know it will move you too. It will mean to you whatever it needs to mean to you right now. The video is a commercial for some financial company - but honestly just watch the video for what it is and then ask yourself; 'What am I doing to become and extraordinary human being?' Because you can - if you believe and you allow yourself - and give yourself permission to become extraordinary. Remember our role models - Rasool-Allah and our Pious Predecessors. Believe and become extraordinary and do something great for humanity! :) Question: What lessons did you just learn from watching this video and what one thing will you do right now to move towards your extraordinary self?
Comment below and let us all know! :) The sun is out and the weather is getting warmer - alhamdulilah. Spring is all about 'New Beginnings'. The winter time is to rest and relax and spring time is time to get back into action. I was born in March - so spring time - or March itself - is very special for me. I usually go into a mental hibernation from November to end of February. Right now though I'm back full in action and full of energy - walhamdulilah - and looking forward to an awesome summer insha'Allah. Today's post is a re-post. I dropped it last year when spring came late in the UK - in April! But since we are experiencing some warm weather already I thought let's drop this again. So here is the original post...enjoy and make this spring your best ever! :) ************************************************************************** Spring is a time for new beginnings. Its one of my favourite times of the year. I love all seasons. They are all important. But I guess spring is special because I was born in spring time :D This time is also a good time to have a bit of a clean - you know, get rid of those winter-blues and clean away the cobwebs and get some bright colours into your day to day - oh and fruits - lots and lots of fruit! Have you done your spring cleaning yet? No? Why not? Get those old clothes into a clothing bank. Clean away the cobwebs. Throw away the unused bric-a-brac and shred those shreddable piles of paper (which you know you don't need!). That's one sure way to get sprung and you'll feel much lighter insha'Allah. But in today's post I want to talk about something we ignore and which needs a constant spring clean - not just spring time (although right now would be great time to start). We know that once we declutter our space it gives us inner calm and peace. Even if you're not a clean freak like me - whenever you do clean up it does give that refreshing breather. Islam teaches us a lot about cleanliness. In fact Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said; "Cleanliness is half of faith." (Hadith Muslim) This is cleanliness of ourselves and our surroundings. "Truly, God loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves." {Qur'an 2:222} But what about the purity of our mind? If cleaning our surrounding gives us such inner peace then what would happen if we cleaned our minds? The thing is we spend so much of our time working on our relationship with everyone else that we ignore the relationship with ourselves. We try to make others happy and are always 'thinking' how we can be the best for them that we ignore how we think about ourselves. It's time to spring clean our thoughts! The way we talk to ourselves at times is as if we are our own enemy. You know, other people probably don't even think of us in a way we think they think about us! This spring time spend some time spring cleaning your thoughts. The reason we have so many thoughts - and usually negative ones - is because we have given it a free ticket of think what you like whenever you like. Instead of wasting our time thinking all the bad stuff we could be reprogramming our sub conscious with all that is good and positive. Of course things happens and we have to deal with them - but to replay that movie in our mind over and over just so we fill up mind space is mind blowing! It can lead to self-sabotage, chronic health issues and even depression. You have the power to control what you think. You've just never done it before and you think you can't. But you can! Has there ever been a time where you prayed and had full khushu - deep concentration of who you were standing in front of and what you were reciting? Yes? Well then yes you can control your thoughts! Check out today's tips and action points insha'Allah because if you want true inner peace then it starts with our thoughts. (Oh and it might just help you get khushu in your salah!) "It's time for a spring cleaning of your thoughts, it's time to stop to just existing it's time to start living." Steve Maraboli Grab your pen and paper! :) Tips and Action Points: 1. Reflection time. Each night before you go to sleep have a 15 minute reflection of the day gone. Did you do what you aimed to? If not why not? Where can you improve? What do you need to be doing? This reflection and journaling (if you want to journal it - its a good idea) will help you realise how you spend your day/time and where you need to make some improvements. Its a start insha'Allah. 2. What issues do you keep repeating? What thoughts keep occurring? What do you need to sort out? If you need to sort it out then take action and sort it out (ie need to speak to someone re issue, resolve a matter at work etc). If it is something which is not part of your life no more then end the movie NOW. That's right - the sooner you put an end to the movie the better for you. 3. The past is history - learn the lessons from it. The future is a mystery - prepare for it. The present is all you have - be in it - in this moment because once this moment is gone its gone. Some therapists also advise putting a rubber band on your wrist and every time you have a negative thought snap the rubber band. It will bring you back to now. If it works for you - it works for you (I kinda find it 'ouch' type!). So here you go - three steps in creating a fresh start in your life - starting with your thoughts - right now insha'Allah. Its all good to declutter in the house and clean up - the peace is beautiful. But remember, the deepest inner peace comes from within. So get sprung this spring to clean up those thoughts insha'Allah. ...Let me know what you're thinking, okay? Lol :) Today's date - 5th March - is very special for me, my parents, my soul-sistah and her parents and sister too! What's so special about today's date? On Monday 5th March 2001 I, alongside a billion other souls, were on the plains of Arafat - for our 'Journey of a Lifetime! Yes, it was 'our' Hajj Day! :) My soul-sistah and I (and her sister too) first met on the coach, outside our mosque. I had previously visited Mecca and Medina - well 6 months previously (summer 2000) and our relatives went with us - their daughters were a few years younger than me and we were there for two weeks. I had friends! This time round we would be there for a month and although we went with a big group I didn't know anyone and as soon as I got on to the coach I saw my soul-sistah and her sister, we all smiled at each other and I said to my mum; 'Ami, ami - look - my new friends!' - and the rest is history! Lol. "Friendship isn't about whom you have known the longest, it's about who came, and never left your side." Unknown So anyways, I thought today share a post I previously wrote during Hajj season a few years ago as this topic is our daily topic and not just for special seasons like Ramadan or Hajj. Are YOU feeling an emaan-low right now? Are YOU in need of a quick spiritual fix right now?? Want some instant heart and soul therapy??? Well, read on and apply these 7 steps now. And in fact Ramadan is about 3 months away - so let's prepare for it now insha'Allah! :) Ready? Bismillah-ExCel! Grab a notepad and pen (ipads/iphones, etc, etc) and switch into Ramadan mode (to do this close your eyes and think of a day in Ramadan where you felt totally at peace and on a spiritual high - when you can feel a tingling throughout your body open your eyes and begin and yes, I can see you smiling!). 1. Obligatory Ibaadah: Are we praying our five daily prayers and praying them on time? Do a prayer check! Check the times of start and end and pray now! 2. Qur'an-Time: How much time do we spend each day on Qur'an? Reading it, reciting it, memorizing it, listening to it, understanding and studying the translation. Schedule in time for Qur'an. If we can make a date with the TV and our favourite shows then I'm sure we can make a date with the Qur'an. Start and end the day with the Qur'an. 3. The Fast Life: Get into Ramadan mode and fast. Fast the sunnah fast - Monday and Thursday to get into the habit and prepare you mind, body and soul now. 4. NBN - Nocturnal By Nature Pray the night prayer. Qiyaam, tahajjud, read books, watch lectures, listen to audio reminders, study and recite more Qur'an. If you're going to do an all-nighter then sprinkle a dose of the above insha'Allah. You'll be glad you did! (Otherwise, just go to sleep and get some rest!) 5. Just Dua It! Do you make dua? Allah says; 'Remember me and I shall remember you.' In a hadith qudsi He (swt) also says; '...walk to me and I shall run to you!' Yet most of us are still crawling! Run to Allah!!! We have no where else to go! Make dua, lots and lots. For yourself, family, your pet parrot and cat, the entire Ummah. Raise your hands to the skies and make dua! (No I don't have a mia mithu (parrot) but I do have a cat - Mano). Study the Names and Attributes of Allah and so when you make dua you can call Him with those names (i.e. asking for rizq, forgiveness - its more powerful when asking by those specific names). Make dua when it rains, when breaking the fast, between asr and maghrib prayer on Friday - on these occasions ones duas are answered. The supplication of every one of you will be granted if he does not get impatient and say (for example): `I supplicated my Rubb but my prayer has not been granted'.'' [Bukhari and Muslim] 6. Dhikr Allah 'Keep the tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah'. Make dhikr constantly. If you're still struggling with vain talk and vulgar language - time to wash the mouth and tongue with dhikr Allah. Try it! Just remind yourself - 'Dhikr and Tasbee'. 7. Charity RasoolAllah (sws) said even a smile is charity but I'm sure that we can give more than a smile. Give a pound to a charity a day. Set up a direct debit to give charity on a deceased loved ones name. Give and you shall receive! All our rizq is a blessing from Allah and He is the true owner of it. We can't take money to our grave - we can't use it as ransom to keep the punishment away! And so if Allah has blessed you with wealth then spend on those who have less than you. Those are our 7 steps to a quick spiritual fix. Is there anything else we could add to that list? Comment below and let's inspire our 'We Be Inspired' community. Oh and here's some inspiration from the Qur'an and Sunnah about friendships! :) Allah says in the Qur’an: “And (remember) the Day when the wrong-doer will bite his hands and say: Woe to me! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger. Woe to me! If only I had not taken so- and-so as a friend! He has led me astray from this Reminder (the Qur’an) after it had come to me. And Satan is ever a deserter to man in the hour of need.” (Al-Qur’an 25:27-29) And... The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows. So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Salaam WBI'ers! Pray all is well in YOUR world! :) I have a *NEW* workshop announcement for you today. Tomorrow (Thursday 20th Feb 2014) I will be delivering a workshop in Birmingham called; 'It's MY Life! A sister approached me to deliver a workshop for her Qur'an class all about time management and study habits. The major misconception in life is that we don't have enough 'time' and therefore we cannot do all the things we want to and so we need to learn 'time management skills'. It's is not about managing our time as we all have the same 24 hours in the day and we can't really manage time - it has a duty to fulfill and a job to to do - we cannot control it. What we can do it to start creating some positive changes in our life and learn skills to manage our life. Once we learn 'life management' we learn 'time-management'. If you want to make the most of your time and want to fulfill all your dreams yet you keep saying; 'I don't have enough time!' then THIS workshop is for YOU! Alhamdulilah we have a lot of sisters attending tomorrow and the sister host decided to open it up to the local community so everyone can benefit since it is half term holidays. If you are free tomorrow and want to attend then please see details below. This workshop is also available for both genders and if you would like to attend or host it for your organisation, company or business then do email me asap so we can sort out the dates now. Just a little while ago a sister asked me if instead of covering the 'study habits' part we can cover 'work habits' - so insha'Allah this workshop is tailorable for your needs as everyone is on a different level and place in life right now. Anyways, for tomorrow here are the details and please pass them on to someone who may benefit. ~ Date: Thursday 20th Feb 2014 ~ Time: 10-2pm (with breaks) ~ Venue: Bordesley Centre, Bham ~ Tickets: £20 incl workbook ~ Lunch: Bring your own ~ Must be 16+ to attend. ~ No creche! ~ Registration: 9.30am sharp! (Sisters only for tomorrows workshop) I will see you tomorrow if you can make it insha'Allah - if not do make dua for this workshop that Allah puts barakah in it and it is a success. Question: Would YOU like any other workshop? Is there anything specific you want to learn about? Comment below and let me know - i'm all ears! :) Remember those good old days when we used to write letters to our friends and loved ones? Whatever happened to them?! Well anyways, I have just written you a letter. If you have been considering working with me in a one 2 one coaching, mentoring and healing session or even wanted to attend a workshop but still not sure then click here now to read the letter - because now is a chance for you to make that decision. I have just launched the VIP Days! *Takbir* I am pretty open and transparent in this letter. I am a private person at times and I don't usually open up to everyone - however over the years writing has really helped me to express my emotions and feelings alhamdulilah - but I also believe it is important for you to know more about me, my journey and how and why I can help you on your journey in this life too. So click here to read the all important personal letter from me to you and let me help you help yourself insha'Allah. ---> Click here for the VIP Days letter from me to you! <--- Want to live an awesome life now? Well, of course you do - we all do - I do too! And you can live an awesome life - starting right now. Even if you are going through some challenging situations right now - you can still live an awesome life. Ok, maybe you are raising your eyebrow and thinking; 'With all that is happening in the world, with all my personal challenges - this girl is crazy!' Well, yeah, I am crazy for sure - but hey listen, being crazy ain't all that bad - if you know how to do it right that is! Lol. Here are 5 simple steps to help you create an live your awesome life now. Grab your pen and journal to take notes as these 5 steps are not just theoretical but practical - you must apply them to get the results you want. *WARNING* This post will create an immediate shift in your current way of thinking, seeing and perceiving and in fact years of conditioning will be questioned. It's ok though - you'll survive it! :) Ready? Bismillah-ExCel! 1. Know Your Purpose: Do you know why God has created you? Do you know what your unique purpose is? If you don't know what your 'Unique Purpose' is yet - then it's ok as it is a process we all have to go through to find out - even yours truly - but here is your ultimate purpose: Allah said; "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me alone." That, my dearest soul, is our ultimate purpose and the reason God created us. Once we understand this very simple, basic and fundamental verse then insha'Allah everything else in life becomes clear. Yes, we will still have those challenging situations and 'tests' as this life is a test and remember Allah does not burden a soul more than it can handle (Surah Baqarah - partial). But once we understand this simple truth we can even start to understand our own specific tests, trials and challenges - and of course each of us have a different set of challenges daily. 2. Know that life is but Moments: YOLO that! (Yolo - You only live once.) OK I know this concept gets bad press - i get why it gets bad press - because it's an 'assumption' that because we only live once its a free ticket to do whatever and we won't be accountable for anything we do! This is half the truth. We can use this for the positive and say we only live once in this world and this world is where we face our tests and challenges which determines our life in the next world and any moment could be our last so let's do the best. Buy maybe that's too much of a mouth-full... But you get what i'm saying here. Each moment is our only moment that knows the moment that was, is and will be and each moment could be our last. The Angel of Death is not going to SMS, BBM, Whatsapp, Tweet or facebook his arrival! :) How are you spending your moments and are you ready for the meeting with the Angel of Death? Let this be a reminder for us to make the most of our moments insha'Allah. 3. Catch those Thoughts: Do you sometimes find yourself stuck in the thought-loop? Those negative nancies just going round and round...and round? Ever started with one thought and then created a complete new life story out of it? Oh dear God...ME TOO! And then we spiral downwards and we start hurting and getting upset and.... And - what about when you used those thoughts for a positive thing - see how you got excited and happy and that life story was now full of butterflies and other happy things? Conclusion: You have control over your thoughts! If you don't get it - read the above again and again and you'll be like; 'Oh yeahhhhh....' ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab is reported to have said: “No amount of guilt can change the past, and no amount of worrying can change the future. Go easy on yourself, for the outcome of all affairs is determined by Allah’s decree. If something is meant to go elsewhere, it will never come your way, but if it is yours by destiny, from it you cannot flee.” Wow, how's THAT for a powerful dose of inspiration and motivation. Bottom line, control your thoughts - control your life! 4. Just Go Do It: So now that you have your thoughts on a lockdown, what is it that you want to do in your life? You know, your dreams, goals, intentions? What do you want to achieve, study? What new skills do you want to gain? Want to write a blog post? A book maybe? Launch a business? Yes?! Great! Just go do it then! No, really - just go do it! That's how i do it! :D I get an idea or 'thought' in my head - i play around with it - tweak it - visualise it - see it happen - plan the steps in my head and then get really excited, jump up and down, go in sujood and say; 'Thank you Allah-Ji' and then just go do it. Seriously, if you don't take the first step now - you'll go back to the thought loop and we've just been through that loop. So, just go do it now! 5. Believe in Yourself: If you don't believe in yourself - no one else will believe in you and even if no one belives in you then know that Allah believes in you and if He (swt) didn't then He (swt) would not have created you - but since you are here and reading this then it is proof that you are here for a special reason. "You say that you are just a body but inside of you is something greater than the universe." Imaam Sha'fi Enough is enough! You have dreams - wishes - hopes and ambitions. Believe in them just the way you believe in Allah - that strong faith and go do something great with your life now. How do you think all the 'greats' in this world do great stuff? By magic? Nope! Belief! They believe wholeheartedly that they can achieve and they are determined to achieve their dreams and so they put aside all their excuses and give it their all. Yes they fall, they hurt and they cry - but they keep going - they keep that flame of hope alive in their soul and they know that God will help them and it's meant to be. Still don't believe it and need proof? You're reading this right? Well, i'm your living proof right now! :) Now, will you believe in yourself? Awesome! So, well, there you have it - 5 simple steps. See, the thing is, we humans have this thing about complicating things for ourselves. I mean - all of life's truths are simple and easily applicable - and even all these 5 steps - you already know about them - but just consider it a gentle and friendly nudge - from me to you - to say 'I believe in you!' Let me know in the comments below which point really resonated with you, what's the first step you'll take right now and if you have any more steps to add to this. Go on now, make your life AWESOME! :) (Just a heads up - official news on Vip Days coming up this week insha'Allah - you'll get a chance to actually put these 5 steps into practice whilst working with me insha'Allah as well as a *FREE* webinar on this concept - so get excited!) |
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