She migrated to Madinah on her own. She made the long and difficult journey through the desert and mountainous terrain on foot. The heat was killing and sandstorms obscured the way but she persisted, borne along by her deep love and attachment for Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace. When she reached Madinah, her feet were sore and swollen and her face was covered with sand and dust. "Ya Umm Ayman! Ya Ummi! (O Umm Ayman! O my mother!) Indeed for you is a place in Paradise!" exclaimed the Prophet when he saw her. He wiped her face and eyes, massaged her feet and rubbed her shoulders with his kind and gentle hands.

Her roots were unknown but her place in Paradise was assured.

Her real name was Barakah.

(www.sahaba.net)

The Ustaz from Indonesia was back again on last Sunday's Subuh Lecture. Heard his lecture after one of the terawih prayers last Ramadhan. Ustaz Burhanuddin emphasized on the importance of reading and understanding the Holy Qu'ran. I was impressed by his lecture and very delighted to see him again. Last Ramadhan he also talked about the Qur'an.

I could remember his words:

"When we are only in trouble, we read it. When we want to get married, we use it as a gift, then we leave it to collect dust at one corner of our home. We may read it very well but we never uphold its meaning; what it asks us to do with our life. Tell me oh blessed Jemaah, is that what the Qur'an wants?"

Thank you for your presence and lecture.

May Allah bless you dear Ustaz.

Alhamdulillah.


"This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear God" (Al Baqarah: 2)