Cercatore’s Congeries

Peace and Blessings

MuslimFest is coming to Mississauga, Canada again.  MuslimFest started in 2004 as a humble effort, by DawaNet, Sound Vision and Young Muslim Canada, to provide a platform for the Muslim Artists (professional and amateur) to showcase their work. Since its official launch in 2005, it has attracted the attention of many people from all over Canada and even United States.  

MuslimFest celebrates the best in Muslim arts and entertainment. The event features over 50 local and international artists who showcase their talent in various areas. Concerts featuring popular Muslim artists, comedy shows, a multicultural bazaar, and a kids carnival constitute some of the fun things one can expect at MuslimFest…..

Organizers included experts in various fields such as media relations, marketing, television and radio production, writing, web development, event planning, project management, sales, fine arts, technical arts, drama, academic research, law, medicine, and engineering.

In a post 9/11 world that is filled with violent images, we at MuslimFest believe it is imperative to hold bridge-building events that positively engage young Canadians.

MuslimFest has been ranked among Ontario’s Top 100 by The “Top 100 Ontario Festivals” for April 2008 – March 2009 at Festivals & Events Ontario’s annual conference during the prestigious President’s Gala in London, ON.

Check out more details about the event at MuslimFest.com

Oh, lastly, we will need more volunteers. Majority of our Managers, Coordinators and valued volunteers are ladies (Bravo!) and men are totally (ahem) under-represented.  So, everyone, specifically males, please see if you can schedule some time to volunteer with MuslimFest. Everyone, please fill out the volunteer form. Oh, just a note, people of any faith may volunteer and attend MuslimFest. 

Thanks

Take Care

Peace and Blessings

Today as my mom was about to throw out some Chateline magazines, I hurriedly collected them. They were in mint condition and I thought there might be some useful articles there. I came across this really interesting article titled “How to Answer Nosy Questions”  in Chateline  June2007, pg. 235-236.  I am going to jot down some quick-tips I learned about how to handle nosy and abnoxious questions like “What is your salary?”, “If you can have kids, then why would you adopt?”, “What did you learn about yourself in your performance review” etc.

1-Avoid being shocked by the question. Practice it in the shower, car, in front of the mirror. Its extremely important to avoid being shocked since shock would prevent you from reacting properly.

2-Laugh it off. Hahahahah! or say “Priceles joke!”

3-Another way would be roll off your eyes and change the subject completely.

4-Delfect the inquiry. Say somthing like “I’m not at liberty to discuss this” or “Its just not appropriate for me answer this inquiry. ” Avoid sounding aggressive like “Its not appropriate for you ask?” or ‘”Why would you like to know that?”

5-Forgive them for forgiveness is divine. Also, you are unlikely to get frustrated by thinking over the notion since you have already forgiven them.

6-Turn into an Ice Queen or Ice King. Say something like “I am extremely uncomfortable with your question”, “I find that question very offensive and unnecessary”.

Remember, after handling nosy questions, don’t think about them about too much so much so that you are forced to judge people. People are curious by nature and sometimes they just don’t think what they saying or what its impact is gonna be on the listener. So, remember not to think much on it.

Later Days

Take care

Peace and Blessings

These vids are by Improv Everywhere. Their team pulls off pranks, musicals, skits anywhere in this world. Its so funny and entertaining. Watch these vids. Its a blast!

Peace and Blessings Everyone

My very first recordings were published by Puella Mea Pulp Magazine. Check them out here.

They are still fixing the audios so be patient about this inshaAllah.

Do comment and let me know what you think about the poems and the recordings.

Later days

Take care

Kind regards

Peace and Blessings Everyone

A friend and mentor of mine just passed away. I feel so vulnerable at her loss. It was totally unpredictable since she looked pretty healthy to me last time I saw her. Although I knew her for only one year, she influenced me positively in many ways. Verily, to God we belong and to God we return. May God forgive her and enter her in paradise, amin.

So, I grieved in the night and thought about this all, this Life. Some have it easy, some have it rough, some have it really really rough. When I couldn’t get an answer, I just went and rested next to my mom who was fast asleep. I held her feet trying to feel the warmth that has always been there ever since I gained enough maturity to comprehend her love.  I tried going to sleep but tears kept coming. As I stared at her feet I realized one day I won’t be able to see her again. One day she won’t be by my side, teaching me, nurturing me, soothing me or yelling at me. <Yea! that’s family> 

Finally, I decided to be stronger and stronger. My mind asked me one thing only: “What now? What will hold me through? People come in your life and then they go away! Either they are parted away from you by fate or they are taken to God. What do I hold onto in truth, something that is persistent, ever-going,  forever there? Remind me of something good again.”

Religion has to ease my pain. It just had to. So, I went to this favourite blog of mine and came across this text.

Best Way to Increase Eman?

April 17, 2006 on 11:07 am | In Aqeeda, Islam, Q&A, Tazkiyyah
| By Ilm Seeker

Question: What is the best way for a person increase his or her eman?

Answerer: Shaykh Yasir Qadhi

The single greatest way to increase your eman is to gain knowledge.

Study what eman is, study tawhid, the pillars of eman, etc. It automatically increases your eman.

Good deeds also increase eman–each and every single good deed and act of worship you perform increases your eman. Fast a day. Read Qur’an. Pray Tahajjud.

And don’t forget to make du’a, for the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) made du’a that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) make his heart firm in Islam (i.e. increase his eman). It is narrated that he said: “o Controller of the Hearts, make my heart firm in Your faith.” [Ahmad]¹

Also study the biographies and lives of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم), companions and of famous scholars. When you see all the things they did and the great trials they went through, it increases your eman.

And finally, beware of sin, for each and every sin and act you commit against Islam decreases your eman. Wasting time also decreases eman.

People of eman don’t enjoy life quite the same way as other people–they’re always busy doing something.

Contemplate the creation and it’s perfection.

May Allah increase us all in our eman, and make firm our hearts on Islam. Ameen!

Source

Perhaps increasing faith (eman) is the only answer. I just wanted to know what will hold me through this life and now I know what will hold me through the next life as well. May God grant us all patience in time of tribulations, Amin.

Note to all my dear non-Muslim bloggers: Although, you might not be interested in reading the biographies of Mohammad and his companions, do whatever you can to increase your own faith. In my viewpoint, even smile is charity and it would increase faith. So smile at those strangers and loved ones and be mindful of them. And don’t forget to send a solemn prayer to the Creator every day.  < My! I think I just sounded like mommy>

Later days

Take care