Mina- walking to the jamrat

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Hajj 2007 - Jamarat, walking to wards the first Jamara

Hajj stoning in Mina

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته


Hajj pilgrims stone the 'devil' - 19 Dec 07

Arafat Day - Day of Repentance

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Hajj pilgrims descend on Mount Arafat - 18 Dec 07

Leaving MIne for Arafat

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Hajj 2007 - View of tents when leaving Mina for Arafat.

Muja's schedules for last week.

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

This week updates:

1. On Monday Muja did accupuncture at Natureco with Lawrance. She was so brave she didn't cry at all even when 3 needles were left in her head for almost 20 minutes. Masha Allah!
2. On Tuesday morning Muja went to TCCP to measure her new insert for her NEW zippie wheelchair. Alhamdulillah it's actually progressing. For the first time I got look at the actual wheelchair. Masha Allah it is gorgeous but VERY HEAVY. I am worried about carrying and lifting it into the van. I definitely need to find a way to get a fund for the wheelchair accessment in the van very soon. I didn't know the measurement can take one and half hour. There are few things that need to be changed like her pulmo, hip rest and under arm rest. And also cushion, head rest and straps.
   
3. In the afternoon I went to PMH for an appointment at the Gastroenterology Clinic to discuss with Dr Patric about PEG.
4. On Wednesday Muja had an appointment at the TCCP again but for spinal clinic. She went to school (Conductive Education Kindy) after the appointment. She also had hydro therapy.
   
5. On Thursday Muja went to Conductive Education Kindy. In the morning I used the PODD book to tell her about going in the car to school. Then she told me with her PODD book that she does not like it because it is hard. Like yesterday she was really tired.
   
6. On Friday Muja missed her School for Parents program because Khai, Muja older sister, had a dentist appointment for her teeth to be clean thoroughly and a filling.
   
7. In the afternoon Muja had her third appointment at TCCP for this week to review her insert. She was very unsettled because she had not open her bowel yet.
   

What a week! Alhamdulillah!

'life is beautiful'

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

This a beautiful true story of a cerebral palsy girl who completed her post graduation in Sanskrit with merit. Inspiring and touching!

Warning: Videos contains music.
Part 1.


Part 2.


Part 3.

Light of Dawn (Allah hu Allah) By Talib al Habib

I wake with the light of the dawn whispering
With joy in my heart and with praise on my lips
In stillness and twilight I stand before you
Bowing, prostrating I call Allahu

My eyes see your beauty in the dawn's golden hues
My ears hear the thunder as it glorifies you
The rhythm of my heart beats the sound of your name
My breaths rise and fall with the tide of your praise

My soul knew and loved you before I was born
And without your mercy is lost and forlorn
Wherever I may wander down the pathways of life
My cry to you, oh my Lord, is 'guide me to light'

Through all fear and helplessness, to you do I turn
For your breath of healing and peace do I yearn
For all that I have, my Lord, all that I am
Is from You, is for You and to You will return

A cuddle can make me happy.

Last night Muja was crying like any other nights. It is her way of telling us something is wrong. Masha Allah. Like always Tas, Muja's sister, shows her concerned to Muja. She came up with a drawing of happy and sad smilies. Then she presented them to Muja. Muja looked away when she pointed to her the happy face. Muja kept looking at the sad face when she showed it to her. So she concluded that her little sister was sad and told me about what she had found. I said to Tas that maybe Muja will be happy if she gives her a hug. She hugs Muja and Muja smiles. Tas was so happy that she just made Muja smile.

Alhamdulillah, I am so proud of Tas. She always expresses her care for Muja. She made du'a for her especially when she is unwell and can't go to sleep. Although she is only 7, she tried her own way to communicate with Muja. She knows that Muja has something to say even she cannot utters any words. When Muja is crying, she asked her if something is wrong. She would suggest that Muja needs reposition because she is uncomfortable. She would ask me if Muja is hungry or thirsty. If Muja is hungry, she asks her older sister to feed Muja. If Muja is thirsty, she feeds her with water through the tube using a syringe. If she doesn't know what to do, she asks someone to help with Muja. When Muja drool, she wipes it. When Muja nose running, she rubs it. When I wash Muja, Tas helps with rubbing her body with soap and shampooing her hair. When Muja needs a nappy change, Tas gets the clean nappy and throws the dirty one in the bin. Tas will do anything for her little sister Muja. Is this love?

Today, Tas taught me about unconditional love. Allahu Akbar. Thank you Tas for showing how caring you are to Muja. Thank you Tas for your patience with Muja. Thank you Tas for believing the power of prayer and never give up praying for Muja well being. Thank you Tas for pointing to me that with simple hugs it can make someone happy. Alhamdulillah – all praise be to Allah.

Sharing Muja story in AussieMuslims.com forums

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

The AussieMuslims.com forums is a home for Australian Muslims. Currently under Society, Culture & Family thread is discussing about "Any parents of kids with special needs?". It made me send the following story of Muja to the forums.

Alhamdulillah, I also have a special needs daughter who is 4 years and 5 months. She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy a month after she was born. She had a severe brain damaged during birth time. She has spasticity CP, which makes all her muscles stiff and tight. She cannot walk because she can’t control her muscles voluntarily. Any movement is difficult for her. Both her arms and legs are affected including her trunk, face and mouth. Insha Allah, it is not impossible that she will walk one day.

She has eating and drinking difficulties because her muscles that open and close her mouth, lips and tongue are affected. She also has trouble chewing and swallowing, so she is feeding through a tube that goes through her nose, throat and ends in her stomach. She cannot say any words because her mouth muscles are affected. But Subhana Allah when she was around 2 years old she smiles. Allahu Akbar. It brings me hopes.

She also has hearing and visual problems. She has a moderate hearing loss but more severe in her right ear. Although she is using hearing aids, it is hard for her to respond because of her physical difficulties. Both of her eyes are squints because her eyes muscles that control its movements are affected as well. She has intellectual disability and learning difficulties because of her physical difficulties. Basically she is in her own world, but she is so much joy to my family and me.

Alhamdulilllah she has mild epilepsy only without violent uncontrollable contractions of muscles. When she has it she appears to be daydreaming, her eyes are blinking rhythmically and her muscles are twitching. She also has unusual, repetitive, uncontrolled movements, such as chewing movements of the lips. Usually it bleeds her tongue and mouth because she bites them.

Alhamdulillah, I treasure the opportunity to care for her and she taught me unconditional love. She is a blessing for my family and me and brings so much happiness.

The way tea should taste.

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته



I love drinking tea especially earl grey tea. Earl grey tea is a tea with bergamot flavour. Eight years ago, I meet with this sister. Everytime I came to her house she served me with earl grey tea. She said her husband got it at auction. It has a wooden packaging. But I forgot its brand. That was my first introduction to earl grey. At that time I only drink tea for socializing.

I became addicted to caffeine soon after that. I drink tea (Dilmah, Lipton and/or Twinings) with full cream milk 3 to 5 times a day. I drink tea at breakfast, morning tea, after lunch, afternoon tea and after dinner. I am so addicted to tea I can't do anything without it. I drink more tea in winter to keep me warm, because I like the feeling of holding a warm mug.

When I was into natural stuff, four years ago, I reduced my tea intake to 2 to 3 cups a day. I even drink caffeine free organic tea like Nature's Cuppa Organic Ceylon Tea. I use skim milk instead of full cream milk. I put a drop of bergamot essential oil so my caffeine free organic tea taste like earl gray, because I could not find it in the shop. Bergamot essential oil is refreshing, uplifting and can be relaxing. It also has antiseptic properties.

But guess what? Yesterday when I went shopping I found a caffeine free earl gray tea at Woolworth. Woohooo! I am so grateful for Nature's Cuppa Organic Earl Grey Tea. I love it. I love the taste of its tea combined with pure oil from the peel of organic Bergamot. Masha Allah this is exactly the way tea should taste like.

You are very special

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

“You Are Very Special” movie is a video clip about Muja. Most of her pictures in it are new; she was around 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 years. Alhamdulillah, I lost most of her pictures when my computer got virus few months ago. I used Picasa 3 to create this movie. I load brother Zain Bhikha audio nasheed or song You Are Very Special from his Towards the Light album. When I heard this nasheeed I knew that it is singing about Muja, my special child. Then I decided to make her a movie with this song. This is the very first movie that I produced and uploaded to YouTube. It was pretty simple to make but the upload can take some time. I think its worth it. So enjoy it!

Muja developmental progress.

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته


Alhamdulillah, Muja is not well. It has been a few days. She has a running nose. She dribbles a lot more than usual. Her nappy wet more than usual. Her cloth was soaking wet with her saliva in a few minutes after I change her. When she woke up this morning I found her nose filled with dried discharge. It has been a few mornings like that.

Few days ago her tonsils started to swollen again. Her breathing is wheezy. Her sleep is disturbed because her airway is blocked with the swollen tonsils. She is restless at night. I give her homoeopathy remedies for tonsils and immune system that I got last time from Muja's naturopath.

I ask Allah to protect her from tummy bugs, Ameen. It makes her weak and lose weight. I am really hoping that Allah will preserve her from any nasty bugs and gain more weight. Most of all, May Allah make her well soon; by strengthen her immune system, Ameen.

This morning she was scheduled for acupuncture. Unlike last treatment, she didn't cry when the needle enter her skin. Not a single cry. In fact she felt a sleep while a needle was left on her head for 5 minutes. Alhamdulillah she was so brave with the needles today. Last week she screamed when a needle was inserting on her neck. At home she still remembers and cried. She looked really sad with tears coming out from her eyes. Poor thing!

Alhamdulillah, there is something better I notice on Muja recently. Allahu Akbar, she is making sounds. When I call her name or talk to her, she listens. She is so much alert and looking around like she is really interested on what going on around her. When she lay on her tummy she bent her left leg and pushes herself forward, masha Allah. Her right legs were hard and stiff when I tried to help her bent it. She uses her arms to hold her head up while on her tummy. She also licking her tongue and move her mouth like wanting to say something. Off course, her muscles are not as stiff as hard iron although it still stiff sometime. I am so please with her progress, alhamdulillah.

But at night is difference story. She does not like laying down when I tried to put her to bed. She wanted to sit up right but then her clothes becomes wet because she dribbles. Tonight I hold her from maghrib until finally she slept at quarter to twelve. That was almost four hours. I gave her Ant Tart for her wheezy breathing and other complex remedies for her tonsils, immune system and sleep. I also give her herbal that was prescribed by her acupuncturist. I changed her top few times as it got wet by her own saliva. My clothes was not only wet but it smell with her saliva. I ask Allah to replace the smell of her saliva with the best of perfume in jannah (paradise) for me, Ameen.

I prayed, I supplicated, I said istigfar and I made zikr. When I didn't know what else to do I called to Allah in my heart for mercy until this one particular words came out from my mouth and it put her to sleep. I said this a few times Y a H a y y u Y a Q a y y u m (O Ever-Living One, O Self-Existing One upon Whom we all depend), Y a D z a l J a l a l i l w a l I k r a m (O Glorious and Mighty) birahmatika Y a A r h a m a ’ r - R a h i m i n (By Your mercy, O Most Merciful of the Merciful). Alhamdulillah I felt Allah heard my call and he bestow mercy on us. Subhana Allah (Glory be to Allah), masha Allah (as God has willed), la haula wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no power or strength except with Allah.

Lightnur in CONDUCTIVE WORLD.

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته


I have received a rather nice gesture from Andrew Sutton who wrote Good news, faith and optimism from Western Australia in his blog CONDUCTIVE WORLD. He described me as indefatigable which means showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality in the WordWeb thesaurus and dictionary software. As English is not my first language there are some words that I am not familiar with so the WordWeb is my handy reference other than Google search engine off course.

I appreciated his kind words. I am also grateful for his blog because each time I search into CE his blog comes out. There are so much that I discover about CE from his writing. I am new to this world but I believe with CE my child has a bright future as bright as mountain of light, the koh-i-nur diamond.

When you believe.

Muja's PODD Communication Book Part II

As I promise on previous post here is the second part of Muja's Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) Communication Book.

On tab or page 6 there is a pictograph with verbal cue of go somewhere. Under this pictograph there are more pictographs with verbal cues like home/somewhere in the house, in the car/ for a drive, CE (Conductive Education)/school, outside, visit someone, shop, park, swimming pool, beach, hospital/ PMH, somewhere else.


Do something is a verbal cue in tab 7. The pictograph of this cue is shown in the picture below. Under this page there is a pictograph with a verbal cue of move. Sometime there are list to any verbal cue. For instance in the move verbal cue there is a movements list including sit up, lie down, roll, stand, stretch etc. If the word we want to say is not in the book, we can add it to a list. There are other pictograph of verbal cues under this tab which include listen, see/look/watch, give, say/talk/tell ans something else.


Under tab 8 with a pictographs of verbal cue I'm asking a queation, there are verbal cue of you need to tell me yes or no, What's that?, What's happening?, Why?/Why not?, Where are we going?, Where is person?, Where?, Who?, When? and What's your name?


Then on the last tab 9 there is a pictograph with verbal cue of I'm telling you something. There are three small pictographs on this page like show below with verbal cues of something to say, you need to tell me yes or no and Is this what you're saying?


So that's it about Muja's PODD communication book. I hope I am not confusing you. You could always ask your child speech pathologist about this communication aid or perhaps other that suit your child better. I am so glad that TCCP is using this book as well recently. It is a shame that my child was not introduce to this system early in the TCCP Early Intervention Program. I guess it is better late that never.


Just remember this "Not being able to talk doesn't mean you have nothing to say." Communication Aid Users Society

To read Part I of Muja's PODD Communication Book go here.

National Geographic - Inside Mecca

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Since Hajj season is here now this is a beautiful documentary about pilgrimage to Mekkah by National Geographic - Inside Mecca. Enjoy it.

National Geographic - Inside Mecca Part 1 of 5


National Geographic - Inside Mecca Part 2 of 5


National Geographic - Inside Mecca Part 3 of 5



National Geographic - Inside Mecca Part 4 of 5


National Geographic - Inside Mecca Part 5 of 5

Invitation to International Day for People with Disability

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته



The Muslim Women Support Center of WA and The Muslim Youth are organising an event to celebrate the International Day for People with Disability on Sunday, the 30th. November, 2008, between 10 am to 2 pm at Langford Islamic College, 57 Southgate Road, Langford.

Please come to join and celebrate with Muslims with disability, their carers and other Muslims community in Perth, Western Australia.

Insha Allah I will hold a stall selling my homemade natural soaps and gift bags of natural skin care products that I made from scratch.

Muja and I hope to see you there, insha Allah.


Today, you can make an immediate difference in the life of Muja. Please send the most generous gift you can here! Thank you.

Note: Due to unexpected visitors and travelling, I have cancelled a stall for that day. I am sorry!

Conductive Education at Carson Street: The State of Play

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

I am just posting a link to Carson Street School Newsletter. Carson Street School is the school where my child began her new learning experiences that giving hope for her future. I would like to see the Conductive Education continue at this school until my child reaches Year 12. There is an article about the developments made in Conductive Education at this school in Conductive Education at Carson Street - The State of Play written by the Principle of Carson Street School Mr. John Exeter.

Muja's PODD Communication Book Part I

On my previous posts I mentioned about Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) Communication book. Muja uses this communication book because she has severe physical, audio and visual impairments that need special communication aid.

This book was made or I would say designed by her speech pathologist at Carson Street School for Conductive Education Kindy. If you read this Yvette, thank you very much. The background of this book is black because Muja can see better in black. Sometime I use small torch to get Muja attention.

When Muja has something to say I grab the book and show to her the pictographs and ask her out loud if she has something to say and show her the pictograph of this verbal cue - something to say. Then I show her the pictograph of this verbal cue- you need to tell me yes or no and say it out loud to her. I start with the first verbal cue - chat words. When she indicate "yes" by looking at the pictograph or smiling or vocalising "yeah" I turn the next page and read through each chat words page until she say "yes" again. If Muja does not respond or she indicates "no" by turning her eyes or head to the side, I turn to tab 2 - something's wrong page.

This book has 9 tabs. On the first tab there is a pictograph of chat words. There are few more pictographs under chat words tab like more, finish, Uh oh,Wow, I do, Me, help, hurry up, wait and I don't know.




The second tab is something's wrong. Under this there are pictographs of these verbal cue - tired, pain, sore, sick, uncomfortable, hot, dirty/wet nappy, sad, angry, grumpy and I want someone



In the I like this tab or page, there are cues like - good, great, funny, fun, clever, trying hard, nice,beautiful, pretty, yummy, special and exiting.




Under the I don't like this pictographs which is on tab 4 there are pictographs with verbal cues of yucky, scary, too hard, noisy, do something else, I can't do it, silly and boring.



Then, on the fifth tab is a pictographs of I want something. There are more verbal cues under this pictographs including - rest, cuddle, something to eat and drink, book/story, music, play with toys, I want someone, make something, potty/toilet and something else.


There are four more verbal cues in Muja's PODD Communication book. I will post them next time under Muja's PODD communication Book Part II, insha Allah.

Alhamdulillah, the book works. Even though Muja can't talk, there is so much things that she wants to tell us and we want to tell her. With the aid of PODD communication book, communication is possible.

Enjoy your day!

More visits to the doctor

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Alhamdulillah, I was busy taking my children to the doctors in this couple of weeks and I am loving it.

On Monday I went to PMH with Muja for her respiratory medicine appointment. You can read the post about how frustrated I was with the hospital system here.

The next day I went to the PMH for Muja's Botox injections. A nurse pre-examined her and found out that her temperature was 38.5. It was quite high and she had it suddenly. When I changed her before we got to the hospital she was fine. Anyway the injections for that day was canceled because her temperature was high. The doctor prescribed her with an antibiotic instead.

I took Muja to Naturopathic consultation on Thursday. Her Naturopathic practitioner prescribed her with homeopathic remedies for immune system, pain, bowel movement, tonsils and sleep. She also gave her the Ultra Muscleze - A Nutritious Powder with Magnesium for relaxing her muscles. She was happy that Muja's tonsils were smaller that her last visit and her breathing is less wheezy. Alhamdlillah, I found that she is not snoring as much as before when she's sleeping at night.

On Monday I took Hani, Muja oldest sister, to our Family Doctor because she had a boil near her right eye. She had it since Eid - the celebration for Muslims. She took Apis, a homeopathic remedy for allergic reaction. I thought it will go away pretty soon like usual when she had an allergic reaction. She is allergic to fresh cut grass. She step on it when her father finished cutting the grass. Since that she developed rashes on her skin and a boil near her right eye.

The doctor cut it and squeezed the pus out. Then blood came out. She was so brave and did not even said ouch although it hurt her. The doctor gave her jelly bean for being brave and antibiotic to stop the infection.

The next day Tas, Muja other sister, complaint about her ear. Last time she had a pimple in her ear and it hurt her a lot. She can't move because every move hurt. Her father took her to our family doctor because Muja has her physiotherapy at home. It turn out to be an ear infection. The doctor prescribed her with an antibiotic, ear drops and paracetamol.

Then on Wednesday, Hani had her dentist appointment. I picked her up from school at lunch time. We had a quick lunch and she was just on time for the appointment. Alhamdulillah, her teeth are fine and the dentist told her that her teeth are better than before. All she needs to do is to make sure she doesn't open her mouth too big so the toothbrush can reach the end of her molars.

Alhamdulillah, Muja Botox was rescheduled from last Tuesday to Thursday. So here we were again in the PMH hospital. We arrived at PMH at 12:00 noon. I found it hard to get a parking. I parked on Murry Street road which cost $2.40 per hour compare to the hospital parking which is 60 cents per hour. What a rip off?! Alhamdulillah there were only 2 children, a boy and Muja, for the injections that day. Huraaay ! That means no long wait.

At the hospital the nurse who pre-examined Muja said that she was fine. She put on some cream on Muja inner tight and back tight to stop the pain of the needle. While waiting for her injection I asked Muja using her PODD communication book. I was surprised when she told me that she scared. I can't blame her, maybe she remember what happen to her when she was born. I believe she was traumatized by the incident. I told her not to worry because I will be right here with her. Then she told me to hurry when at 2:00 pm the doctor wasn't there yet. Even Muja doesn't like the waiting.

While waiting Dr Wot, a clown doctor came in. He made funny stuff and I laughed. When Dr Clown left, I asked Muja about him and she said that he was funny. Then she told me that she need a rest, so I picked her up from her stroller to lay her on the hospital bed.

The physiotherapist who worked that day was Nadine. She was Muja first physiotherapy. She was so nice and great. She was the one who referred Muja to orthotic clinic for AFOs before she was transfered to TCCP care. I was so glad to meet her again. She always look happy and willing to help in any way that she could. She will sent a report to Muja physiotherapist at TCCP and organise for her Botox review in the developmental and rehabilitation clinic.

At 2:30 a nurse came with sedation medicine Midazolam. The doctor called Muja in at around 2:45 pm. Remember on my previous post the doctor said that her Botox will be increased so it was increased. The injections took about 15 minutes. Alhamdulillah, she was doing fine and no complaint of any pain. By 3:15 pm Muja was allowed to go home.

On the night after the Botox she was so uncomfortable and her legs and arms were very stiff. Maybe her stomach in pain because she hasn't open her bowel about few days. I gave her Movicol-Half to help her bowel movement. Alhamdulillah, the next day she was happy when she woke up in the morning for Conductive Education School for Parents on Friday.

When I looked back at what happen to me in this couple of weeks, I am so grateful being a mother and be there for my children at the time when they need me especially when they are not well. Alhamdulillah - all praise be to Allah.

Adhan: Islamic call to prayer

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Adhan - U never heard like this - English Transl.


Amazing Adhan, must listen

Finding modest swimwear for a Muslimah

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

I am in a mision of finding a modest swimwear. Masha Allah I was surprised because I saw quite a few of them. May be you would ask why I want a swimwear? I have to admit it that I can't swim. I don't like going to the beach because I hate sunburn. Well I want a swimwear because I need to take Muja to Hydrotherapy myself.

The Ahiida Burqini Swimwear is design by Aheda Zanetti, an Australian Lebanese. I like the Ahiida® 2 piece Burqini®™ Modest-Fit more than the Slim-Fit because its pants is not too tight. I don't like the hood though because it looks funny to me.

The Bodykini has been designed to respect Islamic values principle of modesty by only exposing face, hands and feet.I prefer the Modest Bodykini Swimwear more than Ahiida Burqini Swimwear because its plain style and dark colour. Its hood is better than the Ahiida's hood.

TheSplashgear is the idea of Shereen Sabet, who's a microbiology scientist, to create swimsuits that would conform to the Muslim dress code, but also be comfortable and fashionable. I find the Splashgear swimware shirt too bright and shiny. I like the Resort shirt compare to Island shirt because its looser fitting and longer length. I really love its pants especially the La Femme, which is combining an A-line skirt attached to the Sport pants.

After searching for a while I found the one that I like the most. It not only looks modest to me but also not as expensive as the others. Zikky swimwear is a Malaysian owned company. What I really like is its cap and head cover that cover your chest area.

Insha Allah when I got my swimwear I can do hydrotherapy with Muja where she can benefit from it by relaxing her stiff muscles.

Hydrotherapy is actually a form of treatment. Its benefits include strengthens muscles, pain relief, increased mobilities, stress reduction, cardiovascular fitness, relaxation, improves balance and co-ordination. It is instructed by a Aquatic Physiotherapist or qualified Instructor. It is conducted in a heated pool therefore it can aid in muscle relaxation, just what Muja needs.

Last year Muja done hydrotherapy at The Center for Cerebral Palsy with a volunteer. I would love to do with her but I didn't have appropriate swimwear at that time. Anyway I took it as a rest time for me from Muja as my care for her is like 24/7. Currently she is doing Hydrotherapy once a week at her kindy, Carson Street School.

Campaign To Expand Cerebral Palsy Program

In the name of Allah; the Merciful; the Compassionate
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you - السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Stateline Western Australia Transcript

Campaign To Expand Cerebral Palsy Program

Broadcast: 10/10/2008

Reporter: Veronica Buck

Kindness The Heart Learning

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu


This is part of Heart Learning Series.

Kindness is the state or quality of being kind, in any of its various senses; manifestation of kind feeling or disposition beneficence. It is also a kind act; an act of good will; as, to do a great kindness.



Quotes from the Qur'an

Surah Al Maun (Small Kindnesses), Surah 107 Verse 1 to 7, " ,
1. Seest thou one who denies the Judgment (to come)?
2. Then such is the (man) who repulses the orphan (with harshness),
3. And encourages not the feeding of the indigent.
4. So woe to the worshippers
5. Who are neglectful of their prayers,
6. Those who (want but) to be seen (of men),
7. But refuse (to supply) (even) neighbourly needs"

Kindness to Parents



Quotes from the hadith

Kindness toward the animals

On the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah pleased with him), who said:
The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:
"A man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well he descended into it, drank water to fill and came out, then he saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud to quench its thirst. The man said to himself that the dog was feeling the same extreme thirst as he had felt a little while ago. So he descended once more into the well, filled his leather hosier with water and came up holding it by his teeth and gave the dog a drink. Allah appreciated the act of this man and forgave his sins."
The Holy Prophet was asked: 'Messenger of Allah, are we rewarded for kindess towards animals as well?'
He said: "There is a recompensation for kindess to every living things."
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Bukhari's version concludes with: "Allah appreciated his action and admitted him to Paradise."

On the authority of Abu Y'ala Shaddad bin Aus (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:
The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:
"Allah, has made it obligatory to adopt a benevolent attitude towards everything. If you have to kill any animal, kill it in the kindest way. When you have to slaughter an animal, you must make it less painful for the animal you slaughter. Everyone of you must get his knife sharpened to reduce the suffering of the animal to be slaughtered."
(Muslim)

Adhan and Readings of Hadith on Kindness and Charity




Other Quotation

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. - Aesop



Poetry

Kindness
Author: Beverly F. Walker

Every drop of kindness
That you give away,
Returns to you to bless your life one day!



Stories

Islamic story about kindness of a queen


The Lion and The Mouse



Articles

Concerning the Good Treatment of One's Parents

Good Manners At Home

The Story Of Prophet Ayoub

The Virtue of Kindness According to Quran and Sunnah

The Treatment of parents in Islam



Activities

Kindness Counts!

International Acts of Kindness Day (IAKD)

A list of multimedia art activities that can be used to explore the theme of kindness.



Charity Organisations

Small Kindness

Please bookmark this page and come again as I would updating on this topic regularly, insha Allah.

Talib Al Habib Iman: Articles of Faith

amantu billahi wa mala'ikatihi
wa kutubihi wa rusulihi wa al-yaum al-akhiri
wa al-qadri khayrihi wa sharrihi min Allah
wa al-ba'si ba`d al-maut, la ilaha illa Allah

Faith is belief in Allah and the Messengers
The angels and the Final Day, and the holy scriptures
And to believe in destiny
That good and bad both come from Him
And the Resurrection; there is no god but Allah.

La ilaha illa Allah (x3), Muhammad Rasulullah

Allah is the creator of heaven and of earth
Nothing may compare with Him, He is the One alone
The prophets, best of humankind
Sent to all nations and all tribes
Last of all Muhammad, mercy to the worlds.

Formed of light and beauty, the angels of the Lord
To praise Allah, to help mankind,
Jibril brings the word.
The scriptures, all by Allah sent,
Torah, Psalms and Gospel then
The source of perfect guidance, the Glorious Quran.

The reckoning, the Final Day, when all will see their works
Remade in soul and body to stand before the Lord
With patience bearing every grief
With thankfulness for all blessings
We are content with destiny, the Will of Allah.

Faith is belief in Allah and the Messengers
The angels and the Final Day, and the holy scriptures
And to believe in destiny
That good and bad both come from Him
And the Resurrection; there is no god but Allah.

Have you been frustrated at the way the hospital treated your child?

I have. NOW I am so frustrated with the way the hospital and health system work. And I want to do something about it. Just wait and see!

On September Muja had 2 appointments in one day. They were at two different places and the times are close to each other. I had to reschedule one of them.

Number one appointment was at Rehabilitation Mobility Clinic of Developmental and Rehabilitation Paediatric. I have rescheduled one appointment before because Muja was sick. If I have to rescheduled again for the second time I have to get Muja's Paediatrician re-referred to this clinic. So I though I better keep this appointment and reschedule the other one as it have no conditions for rescheduling.

Number two appointment was at Australian Hearing. I decided to reschedule for this appointment as this one is less complicated that the other. I called them for that and guess when did I get it rescheduled. FEBRUARY. Can you believed it? Muja hearing appointment is rescheduled from September to February NEXT YEAR!

Remember on May, Muja had her second sleep study done. The doctor from Respiratory Department discussed the result with us on June which shows that Muja has breathing difficulty during sleep because her tonsils blocked her airway. That is why she has trouble with sleeping. The doctor gave us two options whether to remove the tonsils or to use the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Muja's father and I decided not to remove the tonsils now but to try the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help with her breathing during sleeping at night.

The doctor from Respiratory Department said she would organised a machine for Muja or refer her back to ENT doctor for his advise regarding Muja's tonsils. But she picked to refer Muja back to ENT. The ENT was the one who refered Muja to Respiratory after he heard Muja's loud sound of breathing like snoring. We waited for three months to get back to the ENT which was on September. The ENT sent us back to Respiratory because we are firm with our decision.

Yesterday we were back at Respiratory Department. I thought in this appointment she, the Respiratory doctor, has organised for the machine but I was told that Muja needs to do another sleep study to try a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. I asked to myself why she made this appointment only to tell us that Muja needs another sleep study instead of making this appointment as a sleep study?

This can only means another long wait because the waiting list for a sleep study is about 3 month from my previous experiences even though they said it is 8 weeks. So it will not be until FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR for Muja to get a sleep study appointment because we are going away during December and January.

Today I felt like what are these all about? I felt like the system of this hospital does not support Muja and her family decision to use the machine to manage her breathing difficulty. Here we have a girl who have problem with breathing since she was born and a mother who is sacrifice her sleep to make sure her daughter is breathing through out the night and all they can do is to place us in another long waiting list. Sometime I ask weather Muja has been discriminated against?

Oxygen Therapy

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

Muja yawns a lot. Since she was born she yawns. She can yawn more than 20 times in a day before we started the oxygen therapy. She use to yawn until she can't close her mouth. Is this a sign that her blood is lacking oxygen?



Anyway this post is a short update on Muja hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The picture below is taken yesterday when Muja was in the oxygen gas chamber. What I notice is that once the pressure fills in the chamber Muja body is so relax and for sure her spasticity decreased, alhamdulillah. She would straighten her legs and open her fingers.



This picture is taken last year. Notice that her index finger of her right is sticking out on both picture like signing her shahadah. I just realised now. Maybe she learns how to do that since she start the oxygen therapy. See the pressure in that chamber help Muja to relax and it opens her fingers from a fist, masha Allah.




Most of the time her muscles is so hard and that makes her body curl like in the picture below. If she in in this position most of the time her muscles can be short and her bones can become deformed. It is so important to relax her muscles and the oxygen therapy is one way to do that.


I always pray to Allah that Muja's functioning will improve with the following outcomes

• decreased spasticity,
• improved speech,
• increased alertness,
• increased cognitive abilities,
• and improved visual functioning.

Ameen.

By the way she is also prescribed by her homeopath, Kate, a homeopathic remedy call Carbo Veg 6 to increase oxygen in her blood 3 times daily.

With Allah's permission I am hoping that the hyperbaric oxygen therapy can benefit Muja and I ask Him to make this possible, Ameen.

Kalimatan - The Seal of al-Bukhari

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu


This nasheed is based on the following hadith:

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "There are two phrases that are light on the tongue but heavy on the scale of rewards and are dear to (Allah) the Gracious One. These are, subhanallah wa bi-hamdihi (All Glory is to Allah and all Praise to Him), and subhanallah al-azim (Glorified is Allah, the Great).'' (Muslim, Bukhari, and Tirmizhi)


Listen to the nasheed of Kalimatan by Talib Al Habib



The transliteration of Kalimatan nasheed:

Kalimatan habibatan ila ar-Rahman
Khafifatan `ala al-lisan, thaqilatan fi al-mizan
Subhanallahi wa bi hamdih, subhanallahi al-azim


The translation of Kalimatan nasheed

there are two phrases which are beloved of the Most Merciful,
light on the tongue, yet heavy on the scales (of reward):
glory be to Allah and all praise to Him, glory be to Allah, the Mighty

Nasheeds by Talib Al Habib Album Rahmah

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

Muja hip update.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

It is spring school holiday here in Perth. There is no kindy for Muja for 2 weeks. There is no physio therapy, no speech therapy and no occupational therapy also during this school term 3 holiday. Alhamdulillah no appointment. I feel relax and calm. Alhamdulillah I'm not busy.

Muja's health is so great, masha Allah. A few posts ago I let you know about Muja hip review where I mentioned about how stiff her legs are because the Botox is wearing off. But masha Allah, Allah has made Muja's muscles relax without the Botox. La houla wala quwwata illa billah (There is no power except with Allah). I notice the ayat on the title of my blog say that "Verily, You are Able to do all things." Indeed I believe that Allah is able to do all things. Allahu Akbar.

I prayed to Allah so hard during Ramadan. So did her father and her sisters. One night during the last ten nights of Ramadan her sister was distressed at Muja crying of pain. She was so worried about her pain. I was worried as well because her next Botox injection is in 2 weeks. It is a long way. Then I suggested that we make du'a for Muja. Together Muja's sister and me said the supplication for a sick person 7 times right from our hearts.

Alhamdulillah, that night Muja sleep real comfortably and since that night her legs are not so stiff. She is relax and her muscles are loosen and no complains from her about her hip. Not that she can tell me that her hip is alright. I can sense her being so well because when I touch her hip, she did not mind at all. Changing her nappy is not so hard. Alhamdulillah ala kulli hal.

Usually I apply Arnica oil on Muja hip and legs, which I made using arnica infused oil with lavender, marjoram, rosemary and basil essential oils. Masha Allah that oil relief her muscle pain.

I also use a wheat bag for a natural remedy of ache and pain. I heated the wheat bag in the microwave oven before using it on her hip and legs to relief the muscle pain.

Her father also massage her with a special massage oil he made for Muja. She love the massage. Only towards the end when her father put her on her tummy she feels uncomfortable and she cries. Maybe that position hurt her hip so bad.

I am so grateful that Allah protect her hip from being stiff so that can avoid her hip from dislocating like what happen to Afiqah who had to do surgery on her hip recently. My du'a is always to Afiqah for her well-being.

I ask Allah to preserve Muja health and our health so that we can serve Him in the best of our ability, Ameen.

8 Basic Errors Muslims make when Paying Zakat Al-Fitr

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

By Muhammad Alshareef, compliments of www.HeartWheelJournal.com

I feel compelled to put this together because I’ve seen the following errors being committed even since I was a young boy. In sha Allah, you can help me spread the word by sharing this article with your community, friends and family.

What is Zakat ul-Fitr? Think “Iftar”, Zakat Ul-Fitr is the charity that we pay at the end of Ramadan. Here is the foundational hadith that establishes the obligation of Zakat ul-Fitr:

Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam), made Zakat al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one
Saa` (a measurement: four double handfuls) of dried dates or one Saa` of barely.
[Sahih Bukhari - Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no. 579]

To understand Zakat ul-Fitr, here is a good summary of it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakat_al-fitr

But unfortunately, our community makes some basic errors in the payment of Zakat Al-Fitr that must be clarified.

Error One: Paying at Eid Salah
Some people go to Eid prayers and drop money into the donation box thinking that they have paid their Zakat ul-Fitr. No, Zakat al-Fitr, which is food, must be in the hands of the needy family BEFORE Eid prayer. If someone goes to Eid prayer and pays then it is GUARANTEED that the money will NOT arrive on time. And thus the person paying is sinful for having missed the payment of Zakat al-Fitr. May Allah forgive us.

Error Two: Snail mailing the money overseas
Basic principle as before: the Zakat al-Fitr, food, MUST be in the hands of the needy BEFORE Eid prayer. One cannot mail the money overseas and have it arrive in the hands of the needy after Eid prayer is over.

However, if one is able to get the Zakah al-Fitr to the needy overseas BEFORE Eid prayer is conducted in their locality, then in sha Allah it’s alright.

Error Three: Not paying
Yes, as simple as this error is, it is HARAM to skip the payment of Zakat Al-Fitr. EVERYONE must pay Zakat Al-Fitr, every member of the household. So if you have 8 people in your house, Zakat Al-Fitr must be paid x 8, even if the youngest member is just a few days old.

Error Four: Confusing Zakat ul-Fitr with Zakat ul-Maal We are talking about Zakat al-Fitr here (think “Iftar”, i.e. Ramadan). Zakat Al-Maal (Maal literally means wealth), is the Zakah due on ones money – and that could be due any time during the year depending on when it was due.

Error Five: Giving money instead of food Although some scholars have allowed giving money instead of food, the spirit of Zakat Al-Fitr is to give food to the needy of the community, NOT money.

The Companion of the Prophet, Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree, radi Allahu 'anhu, said, "In the Prophet's time, we used to give it (Zakatal-Fitr) as a sa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese".
[Bukhari - Arabic/English vol. 2, p. 340, no. 582]

Error Six: Giving one’s Zakah al-Fitr to a charitable building project
Some people mistakenly give their Zakah Al-Fitr to a charitable building project: like the building of a Masjid, or Islamic school. There is a difference of opinion on this issue, but suffice it to say that the spirit of Zakah Al-Fitr is that the needy should have plentiful food on Eid. All eight types of recipients of Zakah mentioned in the Quran are HUMANS, not “building projects”.

Error Seven: Giving Zakat ul-Fitr to non-Muslims
Charity is given to both Non-Muslims and Muslims. However, Zakah al-Fitr charity is something exclusive to the MUSLIM poor and needy. Hence, one could not give Zakah Al-Fitr to any needy person on the street. “Regular” charity can be given to them, but not Zakah Al-Fitr.

Error Eight: Delaying distribution
Sometimes Masjids might collect Zakah Al-Fitr money and then put it in a bank. It doesn’t reach the needy for months and months. The correct method is to give Zakah Al-Fitr immediately when it is due.

These are my eight. You are welcome to share other common errors on my blog. www.DiscoverULife.com/Blog

In sha Allah, if you have Zakah questions, I encourage you to seek counsel from your local sources of knowledge. People you can speak to directly.

With best wishes to see you succeed at the highest level!
- Muhammad Alshareef

Muja's bowel movement.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

Muja toilet training.

Just a quick update about Muja's bowel movement. Alhamdulillah since she was prescribed with Movicol-Half, she can open her bowel movement every two days. She takes a sachet of Movicol-Half dissolved in water every two days.

Movicol-Half is made of Macrogol 3350, sodium chlorine, sodium bicarbonate and potassium chloride. It soften the stool in the intestine with the water taken with it because it cause the water to keep in the gut instead of absorbed in the body.

Before she opened her bowel every 5 to 7 days. Ouuuch! It does hurt her a lot, and sometime with blood. I am so distress to see her trying hard to push hard stool with great difficulty and uncomfortably. What I did sometime was insert an almond size of my homemade unscented soap in her bottom and usually in no time she will open her bowel with a little struggle. I tried to give her every 3 days but only some time it open until I give her another after two days.

Previouslly she was prescribed with lactulose but it does not help her bowel movement at all.

Although the Movicol-Half works well for Muja now, I am worried about the long side effect of it. Movicol-Half contains Macrogol 3350 which contains polyethlene glycol. Polyethlene glycol is also widely use in cosmetic products. According to a report by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) committee that was published in the International Journal of Toxicology, polyethlene glycol can increase the risk of cancer.

Does you child have constipation? What do you do? Are they natural ways to treat constipation?

Have A Blessed Eid ul Fitr

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

Download Takbir in MP3 and Real.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Allahu Akbar - Allah is the Greatest.

Takbeer Eid-ul Fitr in Masjidil Haram.



Eid Takbeer (Educational)




To download, right click on the link below and save,
Eid Takbeer in MP3 Takbeer recorder in Studio.
Eid Takbeer in Real Takbeer recorded in Madinah

اللّهُ أكبر اللّهُ أكبر

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
Allah is Great, Allah is Great


اللّهُ أكبر

Allahu Akbar
Allah is Great


لا إلَهَ الا اللّه

La illaha il Allah
there is no God, but Allah


اللّهُ أكبر اللّهُ اكبر

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
Allah is Great, Allah is Great


و لِلّه الحمدَ

walilahil Hamd
to Him belongs all Praise


اللّهُ أكبرُ كَبيِرَا

Allahu Akbaru Kabeera
Allah is the Greatest


وَالحَمدُ لِلّهِ كَثِيرا

wal-Hamdulilahi katheera
And all Praise is due to Him


وَ سُبحَان اللّهِ

wa Subhan allahi
And Glory to Allah


بُكرَةً وَأصْيِلا

bukratan wa aseila
eventide and in the morning

Sunnah of the Eid

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu


By Sheikh Ali Hasan Al-Halabi

Bathing, perfume and best clothes
Naaf’i reports: “Abdullah Ibn Umar used to bathe on the day of Fitr before setting out to the Musallaa.” (Malik (1/177), Ash-Shaafi’ee (73) and Abdur-Razzaaq (5754) and it has an authentic chain of narration)
Imam Ibn Qudamah said, “It is preferred to purify oneself by bathing for Eid. Ibn Umar used to bathe on the day of Fitr. This is also reported upon Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and it is the opinion of ‘Urwah, ‘Ataa, An-Nakhaa’ee, Ash-Sha’bee, Qatadah Abu Zinaad Malik, Ash-Shaafi’ee and Ibn Mundhir...” (Al-Mughnee, 2/370)
Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “He (peace be upon him) would wear his best clothes when proceeding to the two Eids and the day of jum ‘ah.” (Zaad-ul-Ma’aad, 1/441)


Eating before prayer
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Messenger of Allah would not set out in the morning of Eid-Al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates.” (Bukhari)
Imam Al-Muhallab said: “The wisdom behind eating before the Eid prayer is so that no person doubts that fasting remains until after the prayer. So it is as if he (peace be upon him) wanted to stop this from occurring.” (Fath-ul-Bari, 2/447)

Takbeer in the Eids
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to emerge on the day of Eid-Al-Fitr and say the Takbeer up until he reached the Musallaa and up until he had performed the prayer. So when he had performed the prayer he stopped saying the Takbeer. (Silsilatul Ahadeeth As-Saheehah, 170)
The scholar of Hadeeth Al-Albani said, “This Hadeeth contains evidence of saying the Takbeer aloud on the way to the Musallaa; even though many Muslims have become negligent of this Sunnah to such an extent that it has nearly become a “thing of the past”.

Ibn Mas’ud used to say:

“Allahu-Akbar. Allahu-Akbar. Laa ilaaha illallah. Wa-Allahu Akbar. Allahu-Akbaar. Wa lillaahil-Hamd”

(Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. There is none who has the right to be worshipped except Allah. Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.)
Salmaan Al-Khair (may Allah Pleased with him): “Make takbeer of Allah: Say:

Allahu-Akbar Allahu-Akbar Allahu-Akbar kabeera (Baihaqee)

Saying the Takbeer aloud does not mean that it is permitted to say it in unison, as some people do. Likewise, all other supplications in which raising the voice has or has not been prescribed, then reciting the supplication in unison is not permissible. So be cautious of this and let us always focus upon the fact that the best guidance is the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Different route to and fro the Musallaa
Jabir Bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “When it was the day of Eid the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to alter his route (of returning).” (Bukhari)
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawzeeyah said, “The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to change his route on the days of Eid, such that he went by one route and returned by another. According to the most correct opinion, he did this to make manifest the rituals of Islam.” (Zaad-ul-Ma’aad, 1/449)

Praying Eid Musallaa
Aboo Sa’eed Al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) on the days of Eid-Al-Fitr and ‘Adhaa, used to go out to the Musallaa and the first thing that he would begin with was the prayer...” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The aim of the prayer in the Musallaa is to gather the great majority of Muslims in one place.

Greeting
The companions when they met each other on Eid would say:

“Taqabbala Allaaha minnaa wa minkum”

May Allah accept it (the worship) from you and us. (Fath Al-Bari)


– Courtesy AbdurRahman.org

You could also go here to refresh yourself on what you should do on Eid.

Supplication for a sick person

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said,

"He who visits a sick person who is not on the point of death and supplicates seven times:

As'alullahal-`Azima Rabbal-`Arshil-`Azimi, an yashfiyaka

(I beseech Allah the Great, the Rubb of the Great Throne, to heal you),

Allah will certainly heal him from that sickness.''

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Muja six month review in Hip Surveillance

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

This month is the fifth month after Muja has had her last Botox injections. Since the fourth month after the Botox her hip gets tighter like I have mentioned on my previous post here because the Botox is wearing off.

Alhamdulillah, I see patterns on Muja when she is not comfortable. It began on the fourth month after the Botox. The fifth month is too much pain for her and for me as a mother to see and living with it. Sometime I hope that there will be any quick fix to this but I don't know what. O Allah, Ar Rahman - The Most Merciful, I ask You by Your most beautiful names for Your mercy to ease Muja pain, Ameen.

When her hip become so tight any movement can hurt her. It is so difficult to change her nappy because I try to be gentle but her legs are too stiff to be apart for changing it. Some stretches are not for her at this time. She would really cry out in pain for certain stretches. The walking task is not easy as well. Buckling her up on her car seat is also tough. Alhamdulillah ala kulli hal.

Last Monday we went to PMH for pre-Botox injections appointment. The developmental pediatrician and physiotherapist measured her legs. Insha Allah the doctor has set a date for her Botox next month. Her Botox will be increased because her hips and muscles became tighter based on the measures they made. O Allah, Al 'Alim - The All Knowing, I ask You by Your most beautiful names to make this increment only good for Muja well being. Ameen.

But I have to agree with them. Before this appointment which was two weeks before she came to PMH Physiotherapy Department for her six month review in Hip Surveillence Clinic. In this appointment her hip was x-ray and then the physiotherapist calculated how much her hip has been dislocated. She reported that her hip status is at risk but stable. Alhamdulillah ala kulli hal.

At this time of hardship I am blessed by Allah during this last 10 days of Ramadan to stay awake as Muja stay awake most of the nights because her pain can't make her go to sleep. I am sure there is so much wisdom behind this that I have not come to comprehend them yet. O Allah, As Sabur - The Enduring, I ask You by Your most beautiful names to give me patience with all the affairs You destines for me, Ameen.

I finished this post with a translation of beautiful surah from Al Quran Al KAreem called Surah Al-Inshirah about hardship.

1 Have We not opened your breast for you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him))?
2 And removed from you your burden,
3 Which weighed down your back?
4 And raised high your fame?
5 So verily, with the hardship, there is relief,
6 Verily, with the hardship, there is relief (i.e. there is one hardship with two reliefs, so one hardship cannot overcome two reliefs).
7 So when you have finished (from your occupation), then stand up for Allahs worship (i.e. stand up for prayer).
8 And to your Lord (Alone) turn (all your intentions and hopes and) your invocations.

Or you can listen to its recitation here:

Minibeasts Incursion at Carson Street School

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

This term at Carson Street School Kindy Muja attended an incursion on minibeasts.

Dua Qunoot recited by Sheikh AbdurRahman as-Sudais

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

Ramadan 1429H/2008, Night 9, Makkah

Muja signing her shahadah

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

Subhana Allah this is a picture of Muja signing her shahadah. I noticed that when she is signing her shahadah, she is using her right finger, Allahu Akbar!

A shahada is declaration of Islamic faith, which consists of the statement, "I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except God, and I bear witness that Muhammed is His Messanger".

As you know Muja was born with brain injury. She can't talk nor walk. She can't see nor hear. She is a four years old child with multiple disabilities, but Masha Allah she can signing her shahadah.

What's on her cheek?

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu



I always experienced that kind of question when going out with Muja. Usually children are more curious and honest so they ask me directly.

Like any other child Muja is different but special. She had brain injuries at birth time. That left her muscles unable to control voluntarily. Just a simple muscle movements like smiling is difficult for Muja but not impossible. At one stage I was so sad that my poor child could never smile. It was so devastating to have a child that could not communicate with you. All she could do is high pitch of crying.

With the help from speech therapist, I do massage or stroke around her mouth. By the will of Allah, at the age of around two Muja began to smile. Masha Allah, the world is mine. The long wait is rewarded. Since that day I am so positive. Insha Allah everything is possible with Allah permission. In Muja case, it is only the matter of time. It could take longer time for her to do any task but it could happen. She is 4 now. At this time normal children would already talk fluently, I am working on to help her to call me, Mama. This would be my dream come through, Insha Allah.

Well, now I am coming to the answer of my question on the title of this post which is what's on her cheek? It is call nasogastric tube in the medical world. Basically is is just a tiny tube that goes through her nose, throat and ended in her stomach. It is for feeding purposes. She has that on since she was 6 months old. When she was about 12 months her developmental pediatrician suggested placing tube feeding in her stomach, but her father show unwillingness towards the surgery. Anyway, I believed she just needs more time to practice like more time to start smile.

You see as I explained before Muja has no control of her own muscles, so even the acts of eating like chewing and swallowing is hard for her to do. Any small lump in her food could only choke her. The food can also goes to the lungs instead of stomach which can create problems.

Although most of her nutrition come from a formula called PediaSure through tube feeding, I keep on practice feeding her orally. She would takes very smooth food without any lumps but must be thick consistence. Every time I put food in her mouth she is panicing because she has no idea what it is. Alhamdulillah she takes about 5 - 10 teaspoons now, but not enough for nutrition. It is to taste only. Insha Allah, one day she will be feeding orally without the nasogastric tube. I ask Allah to make this possible, Ameen.

By the way if you look at the picture of Muja above, she has her hearing aids on. There are previous post on the hearing aids here and here.

Insha Allah, next time I will post about how Muja indicates yes or no.

Home based therapies session for Muja from TCCP

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

Last Monday, Muja therapists from The Center of Cerebral Palsy came home as usual to do a therapy session and a family meeting for this school term. The last family meeting was in February. Muja is in the Early Intervention Program run by TCCP. Most of her therapies are home based so instead of her going to the center, they come to our house.

Muja has been a member of TCCP since she was 7 months old. She was referred by Princess Margaret Children Hospital (PMH) to The Center for Cerebral Palsy (TCCP). TCCP is providing most of the treatments for her including physio therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathologists, mechanical aids, AFOs and developmental pediatricians. Muja also comes to the TCCP for playgroup, Techno Kids group and Hydrotherapy.

Most of Muja’s equipments are provided by TCCP also. It is a non profitable organisation and does not get funding from the government. She is depending on generous people to help fund for her special needs equipment which include her insert or seating frame, tray, walking frame, standing frame, bath chair, braces of AFOs and sleeping management. She needs the funds for repairing, maintaining and upgrading these equipment.

I am so sad that one of the agenda of the meeting was to transfer Muje from TCCP to Rockey Bay. Muja is going for full time school next year so the Early Intervention Program is coming to end for her.

After the meeting, the therapies began. The physiotherapist work on Muja upper body and to help her try to reach the switch where a toy is attached to it. At the same time the speech therapist giving Muja a choice of what toys to play with. She is also using Muja's communication book which have pictures in it. Muja usually blinks her eyes to indicate yes and look away or turn her head from the picture when indicating no.

While doing the therapy, I asked them what stretching is good for her arms which are usually bent to her body. Her occupational therapist showed me a stretch which is to turn her hands up.

Before finishing, her physiotherapist help her to sit on a stool while her speech therapist sang Old Mac Donald according to the animal Muja chooses. She kept choosing the pig. I wonder why? Maybe she likes pink.

Muja was so happy that afternoon. The next day the therapist from Vision Impairment came to do therapy for her vision which she enjoy it very much as well. Insha Allah I will post about it next time.

Conductive education walking task series

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

I have promised in the Conductive Education: School for parents and in the Conductive Education: Rolling over task to post on Muja walking task series. So here it is with some photos of Muja at her Conductive Education Kindy doing the walking task.

Before it begin her arms are wrap to straighten them so it is easy for her hand to hold on the ladder. Then her AFOs need to be on her foot.

For this task usually two assistant are needed. One person to hold the arms on the ladder which sometime I do when I attend the school for parent and another person to do the walking series.



In the photo the assistant help Muja to bend her knee before taking a step.



Here after taking the step, her leg is stretched out while her hand pushes the ladder forward..



Conductive Education using a lot of rhymes so while doing the task, the rhyme goes like this - bend and step, stretch and push - over and over again until you reach the place intended to go for example the toilet or the plinth to do other task series.