Share a verse from the Holy Book

Two weeks ago, I went to a get-together where everyone’s task was to share knowledge by discussing topics on religion. I decided to bring an ayat (i.e., verse, dua) and its significance to this group. So I decided to post it, so enjoy:

I mean we all have little duas (i.e., ayat, verses) that are stuck in our brains, taught by our parents, families, and or Imams;  we tend to memorize the duas but don’t know the meaning, but is rewarding.

The dua I would like to share with you all is from Surah Baqarah which I learnt from my maulana (also known as your Islamic teacher and can also be an Imam) when I was little. I was told to say it after durood shareef in my Salah; mom made me read a full tasbeeh in Ramadan; and dad told me this is an important dua when performing Hajj, but last weekend at a funeral, the Imam asked us to say this dua after the third takbir if one doesn’t know the Surah he mentioned. I said to myself, how can we say this ayat at a funeral (Namaz e-Janaza) and that’s when my curiosity began.

Rabbana Atina fid Dunya Hasanah wafil Akhirati Hasanah wa Qina Azaban Naar

So I asked my father to explain, he started with the easy words, we know the word Dunya means ‘this life’, ‘this world we live in’; and akhira derived from akhir meaning ‘the end’ signifying ‘the day of Judgment,’ ‘the hereafter’; May Allah save us in this world, save us in hereafter, and keep us away from the punishment in hell.

This dua was frequently repeated by our Prophets (SAW).  When we (especially myself) ask Allah for something, i.e., I ask for promotion at work, wealth, bigger house, good health for myself and my families, so our priorities come from this dunya (this dunya becomes more important than our hereafter). The truth is, I never ask for my hereafter, since I am so pre-occupied with this world than hereafter; I never say, May Allah make my journey to Paradise an easy one.

So last week when I was at one of my extended aunt’s funeral, I saw my aunt lying down in a simple wooden box wrapped with white cloth (it was first time for me), but it made me realize that I will not take anything materialistic from this world with me, neither the big house nor my position. I will only take my deeds (karma), my duas, and my prayers with me.

My dad always says, if we have the knowledge of what we are asking for, it helps our duas to come from our heart. I have read this ayat in all my prayers, but don’t know if it really counted. So whenever you read this dua, I want you all to be rewarded and remember what you are asking for: May Allah save us in this world, save us in hereafter, and keep us away from the punishment in hell. Ameen!

A small disclaimer: what I am about to share is what I have learnt from my elders, so if I am wrong, please do correct me; I am definitely in the learning process (and definitely not an expert).

August is almost over…

Ramadan began mid July, and I did not fast alot this time, so I compensated (as in donation to the ones in need) for the fast I missed, and I believe it is $3.50 per day (for 2012). It was hard due to my health issues plus the fasts are 16 hours long, so decided to skip some.

Last Saturday was Eid eve, which is called ‘chand raat,’ and it was fun with the gals. I got mehndi (also known as henna) done, pictures are below, of course it’s not the best design ever but I tried it after a long time.

Mid-July to Mid-August 2012

Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven’t half the strength you think they have. — Norman Vincent Peale (Protestant preacher)

A lot happened this past month and I thought I’d share; it’s sometimes hard for me to express bad news and one always need time to first absorb it before telling someone. I realized it’s definitely hard for me to express how I feel, and therefore it took me so long to write about it. I wish life was a bit easier but its not, the obstacles in our lives will always exist but it will surely helps us grow stronger.

Soooooo CFA Exam marks came out end of July and I did not make it — it’s really sad and hurtful but I need to move on. Its not the end of the world therefore need to come up with another study plan. The goal is that I can’t give up and neither can you (if you failed). And people who passed, CONGRATULATIONS and good luck on your next exam, you deserved it!

I am still thinking and discussing it with my other half, and will decide soon if I need to take a break or just write the exam again in December 2012. I have til mid-September to decide. Any suggestion, please do share!

Then the first weekend of August, I lost an aunt who was going through Cancer, it was hard for the family and it was my first time attending a funeral and then going to the cemetery. Seeing her in the coffin was really hard for me, and still can’t believe she is gone forever but I do hope her journey to Paradise is smoother, Amen!

 When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. – Author unknown.

Tiramisu Recipe

This recipe was given to me by my sister-in laws mother and I made it at least 3-4 times; it always finished the night I served it (which is usually a good sign).

 Ingredients

•  6 tablespoons of instant espresso powder OR strong coffee
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 pint heavy cream
• ½ to 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ to 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tub mascarpone cheese
• 1 to 2 packages Italian lady fingers

 Method

1. Take 6 tablespoon espresso and 2 tablespoon cocoa powder in 2 cups of boiled water – whisk till it all dissolves – mix it well so you do not see any powder.
2. Separately, whip the heavy cream, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ cup plus a little more sugar together until it gets thick.
3. If you have a beater, then beat the mascarpone cheese with a spatial until soft.
4. Combine the whipped cream and the mascarpone cheese together.
5. Soak some lady fingers in the espresso mixture and arranged in one layer at the bottom of a serving bowl.
6. Take one lady finger at a time and don’t dip it for too long or else they will break. You take one, dip it and place in the serving bowl.
7. Serving bowl should be rectangular and not too big. So put a layer of lady fingers, and then a layer of mascarpone mixture.
8. Repeat another layer of the lady fingers and then the cream.
9. When all complete, just dust the 2 tablespoon cocoa powder on the top and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
10. Don’t worry about perfecting the dusting, when you put it in the fridge for a while, it creates a tiramisu shape by itself so you don’t have to worry about that.

 Let me know how it goes for you all.