Tuesday Tales

Today's Islamic lecture was on the Shari'a. The brother giving the lecture was MashaAllah, very learned and he managed to explain difficult concepts in easy terms, giving examples that we all can relate to.
Just some of the points I took down during the lecture:

The Shari'a has somehow been shown to be a system that is cruel and unfair. The western media does its very best to malign the Shari'a, and we are stupid enough to believe it. All you ever hear about in the news are women being stoned, people having their hands amputated.
They focus on the punishment, and NOT the actual purpose of the Shari'a; which is to protect the individual, the society and also the environment.

The Shari'a sanctions the use of one's own judgment. It also recognizes local law as long as there is no contradiction to the Quran or Sunnah.
The Shari'a serves to protect the vital needs of mankind. The vital needs (and some examples) are as follows:

1) Deen: Ensure that it is free of error, protect deen against hostile forces, invite others to accept deen

2) Nafs: Marriage issues

3) Akal (discretion/mind): For example, the Shari'a prohibits the consumption of alcohol as it causes one to get drunk and when you are drunk, you tend to do really stupid things as your senses are dulled, your reflexes become slower etc. Common stupid things include: driving while drunk, making out with stranger while drunk, puking in friend's car while drunk. Besides, we all know the side effects of alcohol consumption.

4) Honour, Chastity: Protect against slander, false accusations.

5)Wealth: Ensure that everyone is earning a lawful living, prevent exploitation

What is Halal is infact something that we do naturally in our daily lives and what is Haram is infact only a small portion of human activities. What is Halal is beneficial to the individual, his society and the environment he lives in while what is Haram is the destruction of the individual, society or environment. However, again we are constantly focussing on the Haram and end up feeling as though we are leading very restricted lives. Is it human nature to focus on the negatives?

Haram activities that are commited because of ignorance, forgetfulness or under duress are not punishable by the Shari'a and the Hereafter.

What is harmful cannot be used to combat another harm. The ends don't justify the means. I can't get rid of the pests in my room by placing food in my housemate's room so that the pests will be attracted to HER room. (Lol, darn it, I was just about to do that...Nah, kidding housemate, you already got too much food in there)

If necessary, adopt the lesser of 2 evils. You are sick and you can't get clean by performing ablution. Don't just skip your prayer. Pray, even when you have not cleaned.

Shari'a allows the meeting of vital needs such as eating of pork when there is no other source of food available to sustain life. However, once halal resources are available, this allowance is removed. Similarly, muslims can buy a house using loans from banks that involve interest. However, once there is a financial source that is halal and does not involve interest then this allowance is again, removed.

Shari'a allows the relaxation of laws in several instances such as the suspension of capital punishment for theft for food by the thief who stole food to feed his starving children.

The Shari'a also laid the foundation for today's modern law system such as the jury, an impassive judge and also punishment for perjury (just to name a few).

MashaAllah, the Shari'a is complete and deals with every aspect of life.

Then today, I witnessed my friend, and now my sister, saying her Shahadah. It is something I will not forget for a really long time. 2 other sisters who also witnessed it suggested that we buy our new sister an abaya. Hurray, I think it is time for some online abaya shopping.

Warning: A Worm has been detected

Not cyber worms, real worms. Milipedes? The other day there was a huge one on my wall.

I just pushed a tiny wriggly one into a dustbin. It was on my study table, under my books. I am short sighted. I like to touch before I put on my glasses. Lucky for me, I decided to be smart this time.

A FRIGGIN WORM ON MY TABLE!!!

Where are they coming from?? My windows are closed. Ever since the milipede on the wall episode, I have been going to bed every night fearful of worms crawling up my pants.

Okay, this is like really gross. Like really, like I'm going to start freaking out if I find another one. Like seriously. Like, how am I supposed to study like this?!!

Okay, I am freaking out now. I'm not 2 anymore. I don't like touching bugs and picking them up and putting them in my mouth. I'm bigger now, and I'm more afraid of these tiny things. Keep them away from me please.

I NEED A MAN highly trained in the science of bug & worm killing. Any takers?

Watcha lookin at??!!

Today I woke up much earlier than usual and went grocery shopping. The new shopping mall is huge but was obviously designed badly. Basically, I spent about 10 minutes trying to find a way into the shopping mall. Finally, I asked 2 construction guys and they pointed me in the right direction. They looked scary but looks can be deceiving.

I went crazy at the supermarket. My shoulders died carrying the bags home.

Many drivers gave me and my housemate weird looks. It's funny how you see people dressed weirdly in the city. Theyre all goth or emo or just plain...dumb. They dont get stares at all. But here I am, covered up and modest and I GET STARES. Reminds me of how I walked through the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and I felt like I was naked. The men were undressing me with their eyes. Oh, the torture!

I had to pay a standard ticket on the way home because my university did not update my student details and now my card is no longer on concession. I only found this out after being put on hold for 10 minutes by the transport company.

I found out that I have NO LAB or TUTORIAL tomorrow. So I will attend the Islamic lecture with my friend and then accompany her to say her shahada.

This has been a completely pointless entry brought to you by my completely fizzled out brain. Instant noodles made me dumb. I am suing MAGGI.


I kid. MAGGI, please dont sue me.

Do you see what you are doing to me?

Today I did not study much. Looks like I will have to stay up late to try and study more InshaAllah.

I don't know why I have a mental block. Nothing I read is staying inside my head and I am just feeling restless all the time. Maybe I have lost my motivation to stay on this career path.

I talked to a sister today about this issue and she asked if I would truly be happy being something else. No, I don't think I would be completely happy doing something else. The question "What if I had continued and graduated as a doctor?" would always be on my mind.

You see, it's not the anatomy that's bugging me. Not the physiology either. Or the histology. But all these BIOCHEMISTRY is KILLING my brain cells.

It is ironic but I was never good at biology and never liked chemistry. I failed these 2 subjects throughout secondary school and junior college. Miraculously, I did very well for my end of year exams.

BIO+CHEMISTRY = FRIED BRAIN CELLS

you know what, Im just going to leave all the biochem til the end and do something else for now...like draw cells for histo. so fun (:

The Muslim Woman

The Ideal Muslimah is someone who has good attitude and a positive outlook in life. She makes herself likeable because of her good nature, lightheartedness and sense of humour.

Did you know that our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also had a sense of humour?

A hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad from Aishah (RA) who said "I went out with the Prophet (SAW) on a journey. At that time I was still young and was quite slender. The Prophet (SAW) told the people "Go on ahead," and they went on ahead, then he said to me, "Come, let us have a race"

So I raced with him, and I won. He let the matter rest until I had gained weight. Later, I accompanied hi on another journey. He told the people "Go on ahead," and they went on ahead. He said to me, "Come let us have a race"

So I raced with him, and he won. He began to laugh and said "This is for that" "

This clearly shows Islam's tolerance of lightheartedness and humour. So, come on girls, don't be too uptight. But having said that, always remember to lower your voices and don't laugh like a hyena. Jokes should be appropriate and should not hurt anyone's feelings.

my time is not yours to waste.

I think there is nothing loser-ish about not wanting to eat out because I want to save money.

Besides, I bought food the whole of yesterday and spent AUD50 on a maxi dress that was way too long for me. I should have told them that I didn't need the last 8inches of the dress and demand they charge me a lesser price.

Yes, so I still think that calling someone a loser for wanting to save money is downright dumb and insensitive.

And for you JS, I waited the whole of today as always and at the very last moments, you tell me that you are unavailable.

Sometimes I think that I am forgettable. But then again, so what? If I am unimportant to you, I can easily make you unimportant as well.

Now I have lost my mood to do anything. Today has been a very unproductive day.


Anyways, yesterday while in the city, I walked past Supre and was shocked to see that their asshole of a security guard was still working there. I looked as he checked the bags of a blonde as she left the shop. I was at Supre a year ago, with 2 non muslim friends. They were carrying large handbags that were the same size as my bagpack/ backpack (spellcheck?). My friends entered the shop, no problemo. I put one foot into Supre and the guard stopped me and told me to leave my bag outside the shop.

Firstly, whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?
Secondly, if you suspected me of wanting to shoplift, couldn't you just keep an eye out for me when I leave?
Thirdly, why didn't you ask the same of my 2 friends? I am sure it is easier to stuff things into an open handbag than having to take off your bagpack and unzipping it before stuffing your stolen merchandise into the bag.
Fourthly, I am well aware of the regulation that the staff are allowed to demand that shoppers open their bags for checking when leaving the shop but dude, I wasn't even IN the shop.
Fifthly, are you going to make sure that noone steals MY BAG?
Sixthly (?), you are Asian. Stop discriminating against other Asians. Yeah, go kiss the feet of your SUPREme white masters.

Meals On Wheels

I am so behind in lectures. Right now, I'm taking a break from typing out notes. It's almost lunchtime too.
I was initially planning to cook fried rice and deep fried chicken wings (ooooh, unhealthy much) but I'm going to stick to seafood olio without the seafood. Haha

I want to buy an abayaaaaaaaaaaaa. Someone buy me one, please.



*update*
maybe olio was a bad idea. I'm having a really itchy throat right now. Why oh why? I have discovered a few expired moisturizers, oh what a waste of money! And with sunblock...it dries my skin even though its supposed to have some moisturizing effects as well. Would it be crazy to put sunblock and then moisturizer? Wait, does it matter which one goes onto your skin first? You can tell I am so bad at taking care of my face. Thank God for non pimply skin.
there is a layer of dust on all my furniture but I am too lazy to clean them at the moment. my brain seems to be very distracted and I can't concentrate on what I am reading. my plan to finish 10 lectures today may not be so successful as I have only done 1. Eeeeek!!! 9 more to go!

oh, oh oh! update about the abaya issue sisters...
Yesterday my housemates and I were talking and we ended up talking about weddings and what each of us would wear. It's cool that all 3 of us wanted to wear nice abayas... I want a white one...I dont mind a lacy trimming..ok whatever, enough dreaming.
ANYWAYS, i related the conversation to another friend of mine and she just blasted me with a "Who the heck do you think you are?? Have you lost your roots??!!"

like geez, take a chill pill sista.

I have not forgotten my roots and I still feel pretty much lost in Australia. Having said that, I think that the abaya is a loose and modest piece of dressing that completes the hijab. Besides, there are some really pretty ones out there... (that I really want *hint hint*). I should have known better than to tell this sister about wanting the abaya as she was the same one who said that only pretty girls need to wear niqab.

say WHAT??!!

so totally whacked. someone knock some sense into this misguided sister lol.

"what is your name?"
"Nadia"
"Oh, you have an arabic name!"
"Ya.. *feels miserable because I already know where this dumb conversation is heading*"
"But...you are not arab. Are you muslim?"
"Ya..."
"Oh...*looks puzzled*"

Okay, not all arabs are muslims and not all muslims are arabs. GET IT IN YOUR HEAD.

Hijabi = Avoid at all costs ??!!

This is a personal observation of mine.

Many of my christian friends are very open about their love for God and/or Jesus (+Holy spirit??). During lectures, they are always doodling on their notes writing things like...

Jesus loves me. I love Jesus. Jesus saves. WWJD.

Actually, cancel the part about them being very open about God & Holy spirit...just Jesus.

You love 1, you love them all. They are so proud of their religion.

However, we Muslims are a little different. We don't declare our love this way and hey, I think it's just fine but I know of some brothers and sisters who are ashamed/afraid to declare that they are muslims. For us hijabis, it's pretty clear and we can't deny that we are muslims.

On a separate note...

To the muslim brother in my class, I welcome discussion about the topics in tutorial. Staring at me openly is rude too if you are not even going to say Salam. You talk so openly to these girls who are wearing almost nothing yet you avoid me. Are you afraid to be associated with a hijabi?

Are you afraid that someone will make fitnah about you talking to me? I don't think that will happen. So please, if you don't want to talk to me, it's just fine but don't be hostile and don't make me feel like I don't belong... because I'm muslim, JUST LIKE YOU.

Sheesh, weirdo.

Bad Hair Day

If I see your hair, do I have to marry you?

Errm, where did you get THAT whacked idea from? NO you don't have to marry me. Besides, how can I force you to marry me if you saw my hair?
*grabs man by collar* "Ah! You saw my hair. You have to marry me NOW NOW NOW." *pulls man, ask him to declare shahadah and then proceed with nikah*

HELLO?! dumb, much? Haha its funny. If you see a guy you really like, rip off your hijab. He HAS to marry you then. easy huh?

Muslim women can't cut their hairrr!

Ok bro, where did you get THAT whacked idea from? I was just sharing with him some information regarding the plucking of brows and I told him that some religious scholars say it's haram while some say it's alright to neaten the brows and not to completely shave it off etc.
He got mad, for some reason because his other half plucks, and he told me off by saying that muslim women can't cut their hair (on their heads, don't get dirty thoughts now sisters). I asked if it was in the Quran or Hadith and he said it was.
Pffft. I'm 100% sure it's not but if anyone would like to make it a 110%, go ahead. Islam is a very practical religion bro. It's a way of life. I'm pretty sure it would be impractical for women to be walking around with super long hair, and having a 10kg bun on their head when they wear hijab.

all in all, it's been a pretty bad hair day.

Don't let the devil bring you down.

My friend forwarded this story to me and I loved it alot. May all of us learn something from this, InshaAllah.



A man woke up early in order to pray the Fajr prayer in the masjid. He got dressed, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid. On his way to the masjid, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got up, brushed himself off, and headed home. At home, he changed his clothes, made his ablution, and was, again, on his way to the masjid.

On his way to the masjid, he fell again at the same spot! He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home. At home he, once again, changed his clothes, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid.

On his way to the masjid, he met a man holding a lamp. He asked the man of his identity and the man replied 'I saw you fall twice on your way to the masjid, so I brought a lamp so I can light your way.' The first man thanked him and the two were on their way to the masjid.

Once at the masjid, the first man asked the man with the lamp to come in and pray Fajr with him. The second man refused. The first man asked him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same.

The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray.

He man replied 'I am Shaytan.'


The man was shocked at this reply. Shaytan went on to explain,

'I saw you on your way to the masjid and it was I who made you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on your way to the masjid, Allah swt forgave all of your sins.

I made you fall a second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather, you went back on your way to the masjid.

Because of that, Allah swt forgave all the sins of the people of your household .

I was afraid if i made you fall one more time, then Allah swt will forgive the sins of the people of your village, so I made sure that you reached the masjid safely..'

brekkie came from a chicken

I am about 2 weeks behind in revising lectures. I dread having to go through everything again, the lectures, the labs and the tutorials...deffo not looking forward to water diuresis lab. I remember having to drink distilled water every few minutes, and then going to the toilet to have a pee, collecting the pee in a measuring jug, then pouring a few mls into a small tube and flushing the rest down the bowl. The pee was then analysed. It was yuck. But lucky for me, I was doing the experiment with 2 other boys who kindly offered to drink more disgusting fluids, leaving distilled water for me.
This year, I'm going to try to get out of the whole experiment.
I swear the faculty is sadistic - making us cut ourselves to see how long the blood takes to clot, giving us dogtags to name the pigs that we were going to dissect (I labelled the dogtag with my name -Nadia...but then thought better of it and changed it to -Nadia's).

I am thirsty now. my high cholesterol chicken brekkie is acting up.

how not to find a job

1) search on the internet, submit applications online and wait.
2) when your friends go shopping, ask them to look around for 'HELP WANTED' signs.
3) call your friend and whine and ask him/her to find you a job.
4) get desperate and start calling random shops asking if they need workers.
5) sms dad and ask him to write you a resume.
6) go crazy because the only people you have ever worked for are your dad and the ministry, thus you have no one to list as your personal referee. hopefully, someone out there will let you work...just because.