Photo by hamed

Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem to you all!  I’m sure everyone is excited that we are in the blessed month again this year.  Stores are selling lots of dates and people are filling up the masjids for Tarawih prayers.

The Quran is being read in homes and people are gathering with friends and family more often in this beautiful month.

To help you get into the festive Ramadan mood, here are some memorable images:

1. 
   Photo by hamed
2. 
   Photo by ranoush
3. 
   Photo by hamed
4. 
   Photo by hamed
5. 
   Photo by hamed
6. 
   Photo by meanestindian
7. 
   Photo by lbrwaz
8. 
   Photo by uaeincredible
9. 
   Photo by hamed
10. 
    Photo by amed
11. 
    Photo by samirakhan
12. 
    Photo by smsm89
13. 
    Photo by riyadh_miss
14. 
    Photo by islandspice
15. 
    Photo by ahmedrabea
16. 
    Photo by mekfouldji
17. 
    Photo by emrank
18. 
    Photo by ninara
19. 
    Photo by naif style
20. 
    Photo by cristic
21. 
    Photo by rassiel
22. 
    Photo by zskdan
23. 
    Photo by jlastras
24. 
    Photo by jlastras
25. 
    Photo by copleys
26. 
    Photo by uak_rock
27. 
    Photo by jubeiz
28. 
    Photo by ranoush
29. 
    Photo by bethcanphoto
30. 
    Photo by dominikgolenia

Which is your favorite picture? Do you have any special memories about Ramadan that you would like to share? Let me know in the comments!

30 Beautiful Pictures to get you excited about Ramadan is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. 100 Beautiful Mosque Pictures from Around the World
2. 50 Beautiful Mosque Pics from the Inside

Photo by Swami Stream

Note: This is a guest post from my wife
After my husband wrote the “10 Habits of Highly Effective Muslim Husbands,” he thought it would be interesting to add the other perspective. 

So, I made a list of 10 habits that my husband has commented on over time that has produced positive changes in our relationship.  He is right, the first year of marriage is really about adapting and compromise.  We are shown our terrible habits (how did our parents put up with us?) and overtime you do fall into a groove. 

But, don’t get too comfortable in your routine.  Adding some spice and maintaining some good habits will make a very successful and enjoyable marriage.  Some of these habits are similar to the “Muslim Husband Habits” but, some are just for us, girls.

1. Stay Healthy and Get Outside!

   This is by far the most important habit a Muslim Wife can do to make a successful marriage.   Before marriage, my husband and I were both active people.  He was an extreme biker and I played basketball for almost 10 years before we met.  After marriage and the onset of chores, work and family obligations, time for staying healthy was becoming low on our priority scale. 

   Over time, we both forgot the initial attraction we had for one another – an active, healthy lifestyle.  An active lifestyle brings many benefits from  clearing the mind from trivial matters to enjoying each other’s company in a different way.

   As we have brought the active lifestyle back into our lives, we both realize we learn a lot about each other through activity.  For example, on our hikes we see the other person’s stamina and determination, in playing basketball, we see our competitiveness side, and in our daily walks we see each other’s stillness and appreciation for nature. 

   It is by far a crucial aspect of our relationship and one that really keeps us connected, alhamdulillah.

2. Listen and Be Supportive

   One of the best things a Muslim Wife can do for her husband is be supportive.  We all know the famous story of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him; after receiving revelation, he came straight home to his nurturing wife, Sayyidina Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her.  She wasn’t on the phone with her girlfriend nor was she too busy on the computer, she was ready to comfort and listen. 

   For me, this starts as soon as your husband comes home through the door.  Greeting your husband with a salaam, a smile and a hug is sure to set a peaceful atmosphere right away. 

   A Muslim Wife is attentive to her husband’s needs.  If he is holding something in his hands, like groceries, take them from him, hand him a glass of juice or have some fruit or snacks readily available.  These small gestures show simple kindness and goes a long way. 

   If your husband had a hard day at work, the initial greeting will soothe him.  Thereafter, if he needs to vent about his boss or co-worker, listen to him.  A good listener asks questions, makes good eye contact and reassures with nods and affection.  Initially, take his side!  If things are said that you don’t agree with, wait until a better time to give advice.  The first initial response he is looking for is support and kindness from his wife, even if he is wrong.  Thereafter, of course you can give advice and guide.

   Another tip – remember names of people your husband says.  A week later after the work problem is over, simply ask your husband, “Is everything okay with Michael, now?” He will be happy that you really listened by remembering names. 

   So, lend a good ear and your hearts will come closer together.

3. Be Creative – Change is Good! 

   We like to change things around in our apartment every season.  This is as simple as changing the furniture into a different position, changing hanging pictures or de-cluttering old knick knacks. 

   Over time, my husband and I have become minimalists.  We like the clean counter-tops, things put away in drawers and cupboards, and we have a new distaste for random objects.  So, we minimize every season by giving away clothes, dishes and books. 

   We also change our “usual” eating spots at the table and seating in the living room.  We change our chores around too.  I usually cook and he washes the dishes, but lately we have been cooking together and then sharing the dishes too (I soap while he rinses). 

   We have about four or five home-cooked meals that we both enjoy and we basically just rotate them week to week.  But, after a while we add a new dish to the mix.  I’ll learn something new from mom or a girl friend and surprise him with it one night.

   Small changes creates new growth and stimulation to your relationship without falling into boredom and we always feel like “we’ve just moved in” every time we change things around.

4. Engage in Good Conversation – Learn New Things

   Engaging in meaningful dialogue that does not consist of talking about family, friends or every day matters can boost your marriage.

   Very easily we can fall into talking about what’s happening in our lives right now, which is fine and needed.  However, your relationship truly grows and tests new boundaries when you learn new things and share them with your spouse. 

   My husband shares new things he is always learning from blogging, marketing and computer stuff.  To be honest, this is foreign to me.  But, it is something that he is motivated by and by listening to him I have learned a lot of interesting things about it (and he has convinced me to write this article for example, lol.) 

   It’s nice to talk about the books or articles I’ve read and thought about with my husband so I can gain his perspective, learn about him and enrich my own.  At times, when we disagree on a topic, our persuasive strategies kick in, allowing for a good debate. 

   When other temporary things fall away that make you happy – a good conversation can last a life-time.

5. Be Alive and Excited about Life

   Do you remember the first time you met your husband?  Probably one of those awkward meetings or something.  But, I remember both of us being alive and happy.  We tried to look our best and be interesting too.  I don’t remember either of us letting all of our problems out! 

   I’ve met a few sisters in the last little while that exude a certain kind of sadness or worry or fear that they don’t even realize that they exude.  They actually walk around with a frown! 

   They might have a problem or concern that of course makes them look and feel a certain way, but over time if the sad state continues it can really dampen the best of relationships. 

   Yes, the honeymoon phase (they say it’s the two year mark) can reach it’s end – but it doesn’t have to!  If you find yourself bored and sad, then it is really up to you to make a change in the relationship.  If you are seriously upset about something, then seek help! 

   There are so many things to be excited and alive about in the world!  You might need a change in your circle of friends (who really do have a big influence on how you see and do things) or you might need a new hobby or need to get outside and get fresh air on a regular basis. 

   Being energetic and happy and willing to try new things with your husband is an important aspect of marriage.  Being grumpy and unmotivated can lead to a whole bunch of problems for both of you.  Find a new friend or a new hobby or a new book and get excited about life.  Your husband will notice the energy and cheerfulness in you and you could change the atmosphere of your home and relationship just by changing your mood.

6. Have One Good Girl Friend (Or Mom) – Share your Problems with Grace

   There are some things that you just need to tell a girl friend because she will just understand and some things you can only tell your husband and it is important to know the difference. 

   It is very easy to get so comfortable with our husbands that we share some  things with them that they really could be spared.  There is a certain kind of respect and dignity a husband needs to have.  And, sisters, there is a certain level of respect and dignity he also has for you, too. 

   I have seen too many times, sisters complaining about other sisters, their clothes or their characters to their husbands.  Please don’t do this!  Sharing secrets or worse the flaws of other sisters to your husbands is a big no-no, especially if the sister confided in you.  Even though you and your husband are a pair, your sister friend should not feel that everything she tells you is going straight to the husband! 

   This is not only gossip and forbidden in Islam, but boring and undignified to your husband.  Instead, having a good girl friend or even your mom or someone else you trust provides an excellent outlet to let out frustrations that can dampen a marriage or a husband’s mood or respect for you.

   In the same vein, sisters should not tell other sisters their husband’s secrets!  It’s okay to seek advice but not in a way that can make your husband lose respect in front of your friend. 

   Your husband can be your best friend and will be with you to the very end, inshaAllah.  It is not worth it to lose your husband and what matters to him over a friend who no matter how close they are, can end up not being there for you in the end.

7. Dress Up and Smell Good – Take Care of Your Outward and Inward Appearance

   Finally, after years of searching for the “one” you are married!  You look into the face of your spouse and you think, “so it was you” that I was meant to marry.  And, the marriage chapter of your life begins. 

   Marriage is “half our deen” and now that there is this one man in your life, this is your chance to make it everything you’ve ever dreamed of.  And one fun thing a Muslim Wife can do is simply dress up and smell good. 

   I always think it’s interesting that sisters (and brothers) can be “frumpy” in their homes but as soon as they step out of the door they dress up and go all out.  Very often we dress up for the world (strangers who we don’t know or at our workplace) and sometimes we just let ourselves go in front of  family and our spouses.

   I think it’s great that couples get so comfortable with each other that they can stay in their pajamas all day.  But, sisters, simply dressing up and smelling good can really uplift your husband’s appreciation of you and may make him dress up and smell good for you too.

   If you are a stay-at-home sister/mom, yeah you can stay in your pajamas all day – but if you know your husband is coming home at 5:30, then change into something nice and put on some perfume at 5:00! 

   Taking care of personal hygiene and working on yourself inwardly is sure to add to your overall character.  Reading Quran, catching up on a Islamic lecture, praying and making heartfelt dua’a all add to the beauty of you. 

   So, strike a balance between the outward and the inward appearance of you and watch the positive benefits come into your marriage and family.

8. Be Affectionate – Don’t Hold Back Your Love

   I think culturally, many sisters can bring a lot of baggage to their marriages and it is not our fault because it’s the way we’ve all grown up. 

   Some of us have been too immersed in Western culture and seen all the movies that we have expectations of our husbands to act a certain way or we are the complete opposite where we have been so sheltered that marriage and the thought of living with a boy (when you are married) is strange and almost – wrong! 

   And, it is strange.  All of our lives, sisters grow up in the homes of parents only to leave them (quite suddenly) to live with a complete stranger (most people only know each other for a short while before they get married.) 

   But, the truth of the matter is that marriage is a noble sunnah that is one of the most beautiful aspects of our deen.  And, one of the best things a Muslim Wife can do is to be affectionate, even if it has to be learned over time.  This is your husband now.  The one man that you married and will be married to for ever, inshaAllah.  Be affectionate with your husband, whatever that means to you, and the affection will lead to a closer and more connected relationship. 

   Human touch, whether it be holding hands or a hug, leads to Mercy (Rahma) in relationships whether it is with your husband, sister friends or even your parents.  So, be affectionate often and reap the benefits.

9. Go the Extra Mile – He’ll Notice (Hopefully)

   Going the extra mile means doing something for your husband that goes above and beyond what he expects of you. 

   If he asked you to make a meal for his family, it means you go all out and make the dishes with care and effort. 

   If you are going out for a special day, it means you take time to find the right outfit and perhaps wear it a bit differently than he is used to.  It could mean sending him a random text message to say you are thinking of him or a random e-card. 

   It could mean spending extra time listening to him talk to you about his concerns without you changing the subject.  It could mean baking home-made cookies, inviting him on a special day you have planned, making him a gift or cleaning his desk space. 

   It could mean wearing earrings if you normally don’t at home, or giving him free time to work-out or for his hobby, or even helping him get ready in the morning with a packed lunch with a nice note inside. 

   The ideas are endless and with a bit of extra time and effort, your husband will appreciate the little details you’ve paid attention to, inshaAllah.

10. Say “Thank You” – Be Grateful for Small and Big Things

    One of the hadiths that scare me to death is the one that says, “The majority of hell is made up of women who were ungrateful to their husbands.” Yikes! 

    So, say thank you every night to your husband before you go to sleep for anything and everything that he has done for you.  Don’t overlook things you have got used to like him buying groceries, helping out with dishes, listening to your problems or simply going to work everyday. 

    Remember the big things and the small things and soon all small things will turn into big things for you, inshaAllah. 

    Thank him sincerely: “Thank you for helping with the dishes because it really cuts the time out I have to spend in the kitchen.” Rather than simply saying thank you, explain yourself to him and tell him why it’s important to you and that you noticed. 

    He will feel happy that he could help and may make him feel like doing it even more for you!  Most importantly, give thanks to Allah, most Generous, and He will increase your marriage even more, inshaAllah.

Parting Thoughts

This list is a reminder first to myself before I send them to you.  All of these are from experience of being married for almost three years now.  You may agree or disagree, but these are just some things that have helped the both of us over time. 

And, we are always learning and growing and making mistakes, alhamdulillah, it’s all part of the journey.  Feel free to share more insight or your own tips with us in the comments below. 

InshaAllah, may Allah pour blessing upon blessing into all our marriages!  Ameen!

10 Habits of Highly Effective Muslim Wives is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. 10 Habits of Highly Effective Muslim Husbands

When I first got onto the internet in the 90′s, the world wide web was very different than what it is today.

There were good Islamic websites online.  Two that I frequented a lot and still exist today are IslamOnline and Islamicity.

Why are they worth visiting? Let’s find out…

IslamOnline.net

This is a great website, mashAllah.  In my younger years, the cyber counselor section of the website really helped me out a lot.  Many people with issues seek counseling there. Usually, their problems are common and the counselor’s advice is beneficial to both them and the reader.

Aside from regular news on Islam, they also have different sections like Living Shariah, Family, Art & Culture and also Youth.  You can read more at IslamOnline.net.

Islamicity.com

This website hasn’t changed their design since I first started visiting them many years ago.  Their news column on the right side of the page contain fresh links from around the Internet about Islam and current events.

I really like the Comprehensive Quran search feature of Islamicity having used it many times when researching specific verses and meaning.  You can search for words found in translation and get Ayahs/Verses returned with the Arabic/ Transliteration/Translation. You can switch the translators and even the translation language. 

The coolest feature is the Phonetic search.  For example, imagine you just heard someone recite a verse and you are not sure which chapter it belongs to. Just type out what you think you heard (eg. “Allah hu ahad”) and the search will return all verses it thinks has that Arabic in it.

Islamicity also has a great bazaar section with items I have not seen sold anywhere else.  I especially like their elegant crystal collection.

Should you visit these websites?

I don’t frequent these websites as much as I used to but they are still great resources about Islam and can benefit you. Even though many good Islamic websites have popped out in the last few years, these two classic websites are still worth visiting. Check them out and let me know in the comments what you think.

2 Classic Muslim Websites still going strong today is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. Top Two Websites to Read and Listen to the Quran
2. 5 Muslim Video Alternatives to YouTube
3. Muslim-ize your iPhone 3G or iPod Touch

The goal of a video trailer is to entice us into watching the documentary or movie it is promoting. It could also advertise a program or conference we plan on attending.

I always enjoy watching these previews of documentaries or movies that are Islam related.  Its exciting to see the different perspectives in our Muslim community and to also marvel at our glorious history.

I’ve found 5 different Muslim video trailers that I think you should watch.  They all vary in content and style. Check them out and let me know what you think in the comments.

1. Journey To Mecca – In The Footsteps of Ibn Battuta Trailer

   I had first heard of Ibn Babutta when my wife was doing her thesis research.  He was one of Islam’s most famous travelers having visited many different parts of the World (and this was before airplanes so it makes it even more interesting).

   I am really looking forward to this IMAX film.  This trailer does a beautiful job of getting us excited and wanting more.  Just imagine seeing the Kaaba on a giant IMAX screen, SubhanAllah! You can find out more info here: http://www.journeytomeccagiantscreen.com/.

2. Tufaan

   Tufaan is a documentary about the Hurricane Katrina Experience. It talks about Muslims who experienced it and who were involved in the relief work after the disaster. You can find out more information from http://tufaanmovie.com/.

3. New Muslim Cool

   New Muslim Cool is about a convert brother named Hamza Perez who quit his life as a drug dealer and became a Muslim 12 years ago. He moves to Pittsburg to start a new religious community and takes his message to youth using Muslim Hip Hop.

   The documentary also shows his struggles as a single dad of two trying to get married and the issues he faces as a Muslim in a post 9/11 world. You can find out more information at http://www.newmuslimcool.com/.

4. Fiqh of Salah Promo

   This is a promotional video for the Fiqh of Salah program by Al Maghrib Institute. It was done by Belal Khan, the same talented brother who worked on the Tufaan documentary above. MashAllah, he is doing excellent work. You can read about him and see more of his videos at http://www.leechon.com/.

5. Deen Tight Trailer

   Last but not least, we have a documentary about Music and Muslims. Deen Tight looks at how music, specifically Hip Hop, impacts and influences Muslim youth. Also, it discusses the perceived conflict between the traditional and modern in regards to the ruling of music in Islam. Check out more info here: http://deentight.com.

5 new Muslim Video Trailers worth watching is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. 5 Muslim Video Alternatives to YouTube
2. Top 5 Nature Documentaries that will make you go SubhanAllah!
3. Muslim-ize your iPhone 3G or iPod Touch

Web Forums have existed since very early on the Internet.  Nowadays, they aren’t talked about as much as social media websites like Facebook and Myspace.

However, the communities around these forums aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.  Because of this, they will continue to be used by many and are still growing everyday.

I have looked at many Muslim Web Forums and have compiled a list of the top ten online based on the number of users.

If you’re thinking of joining a Muslim community online, here is a good place to start. There are different types of Muslims that join each of these forums so you should check out the content and topics discussed to see which fits you best.

Here they are:

Muslim Forum Image	Muslim Forum Address	Total Users	Total Posts	Total Topics
	http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/	53789	293084	38230
	http://www.ummah.com/forum/	43768	3100587	199874
	http://www.yanabi.com/forum/	36391	247911	42392
	http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/	27472	339,510	38046
	http://www.ymsite.com/forum/	26907	56242	6072
	http://www.islamicboard.com/	20098	909270	49572
	http://www.gawaher.com/	19943	502774	n/a
	http://forums.almaghrib.org/	18553	318292	24086

Stats for forums were taken April 16, 2009. Numbers can fluctuate.

The number 1 spot for total users go to www.turntoislam.com/forum/

The number 1 spot for total posts go to www.ummah.com/forum/

The number 1 spot for total topics/threads go to www.ummah.com/forum/

Top 10 Biggest Muslim Forums Online is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. 2 Classic Muslim Websites still going strong today
2. Top 5 Nature Documentaries that will make you go SubhanAllah!

Photo by Dewang Modi

Due to the popularity of my 100 Beautiful Mosque Pictures, I have decided to do another one. This post focuses on the beauty of the interior of the Masjid.

Take a look and let me know in the comments what you think!

1. 
   Photo by Hamed Saber

2. 
   Photo by dynamosquito

3. 
   Photo by dynamosquito

4. 
   Photo by dynamosquito

5. 
   Photo by dynamosquito

6. 
   Photo by dynamosquito

7. 
   Photo by Atilla1000

8. 
   Photo by dynamosquito

9. 
   Photo by pasotraspaso

10. 
    Photo by bachmont

11. 
    Photo by seier+seier+seier

12. 
    Photo by dynamosquito

13. 
    Photo by seier+seier+seier

14. 
    Photo by seier+seier+seier

15. 
    Photo by dynamosquito

16. 
    Photo by Atilla1000

17. 
    Photo by dynamosquito

18. 
    Photo by marfis75

19. 
    Photo by Desmond Kavanagh

20. 
    Photo by seier+seier+seier

21. 
    Photo by ReefRaff

22. 
    Photo by Desmond Kavanagh

23. 
    Photo by zoghal

24. 
    Photo by Rosino

25. 
    Photo by Guijarro85

26. 
    Photo by seier+seier+seier

27. 
    Photo by dynamosquito

28. 
    Photo by Rosino

29. 
    Photo by [n]

30. 
    Photo by ReefRaff

31. 
    Photo by John Althouse Cohen

32. 
    Photo by seier+seier+seier

33. 
    Photo by Ipoh 子

34. 
    Photo by P.J.P

35. 
    Photo by marfis75

36. 
    Photo by mamamusings

37. 
    Photo by Giorgio Montersino

38. 
    Photo by vorspeir

39. 
    Photo by icelight

40. 
    Photo by ReefRaff

41. 
    Photo by lugarzen

42. 
    Photo by Ahmed Rabea

43. 
    Photo by Tommy and Georgie

44. 
    Photo by icelight

45. 
    Photo by John Althouse Cohen

46. 
    Photo by papalars

47. 
    Photo by N_Creatures

48. 
    Photo by *_*

49. 
    Photo by don@ipoh

50. 
    Photo by Unhindered by Talent

50 Beautiful Mosque Pics from the Inside is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. 100 Beautiful Mosque Pictures from Around the World
2. 30 Beautiful Pictures to get you excited about Ramadan

Some of you have seen these excellent Muslim Video series on Shaytan but for those of you who haven’t, I present them to you here.

These Muslim Videos are in Arabic but have English subtitles. Check them out and tell me in the comments what you think!

13 Muslim Videos that will stop you from Sinning is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. 5 Muslim Video Alternatives to YouTube
2. Muslim-ize your iPhone 3G or iPod Touch
3. 5 new Muslim Video Trailers worth watching

When you are learning to read Quran, it is always good to listen to someone recite. For many growing up, it is usually the local Quran teacher or their parents.

If you are online and want to listen and read Quran at the same time, there are two great resources you can use. Both have great reciters you can follow along with like Abdul Basit, Al Husari, Mishary Al Afasy and other good Qaris.

Here is a breakdown of both websites:

1. www.Reciter.org

This Quran website has these reciters you can listen to:

• Abdulbaset (default)
• Ali Alhodaifi
• Mahmood Alhosari
• Abdullah Basfar
• Ibrahim Alakhdar
• Mohammed Ayoub

If you are familiar with the Saudi/Arabic script Mushaf of the Quran, you will feel right at home here. You can choose the verse you want to listen to by clicking on it and then pressing the Play Button.

You can also read the translation (in either English, French, German, Turkish, Indonesian, Malayu) or Arabic Tafseer of a verse by going to the Tafseer/Translation menu and making your selection.

There is also a nice Quiz/Test section where you are presented with a verse and you must choose which of the 4 surahs it belongs to.

2. www.QuranExplorer.com

This Quran website has these Qaris you can listen to:

• Mishari-Rashid (default)
• Abdul-Baasit
• As-Sudays-Shraym
• Saad Al Ghamdi
• Sheikh-Ahmed-Ajmi
• Sheikh Al-Huzaifi

The first thing you will notice about this Quran website is that it has the Arabic script on the right side of the screen and the translation on the left.  This makes it much easier to follow along as you read.  There is also more variety of Qaris to listen to.

You can choose to listen to the translation after each verse of the Quran (An English translation by Pickthal or Urdu translation by Jalandhry).  You have the choice of choosing either Usmani Arabic script or Indo-Pak Arabic script to follow along to.

QuranExplorer.com gives you three options when wanting to choose what to read: Surah/Chapter, Juz, Hizb.  This is helpful. If you can’t remember which Surah starts the last Juz, you can just choose Juz 30 and start reading from there.

Side-by-Side Comparison

For those of you who like detailed comparisons between both these sites, here it is:

Top Two Websites to Read and Listen to the Quran is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. 2 Classic Muslim Websites still going strong today
2. English Translation of Quran – Buying Guide
3. Muslim-ize your iPhone 3G or iPod Touch

Youtube has become the defacto standard for online video and is one of the top websites on the internet for traffic. Even though there are tons of great Muslim and Islamic Videos on there, there is also a lot of other videos that are not Islam related.

Alhamdullilah, there are Muslim Video alternatives to Youtube. If you want to browse specifically for Islamic Video content and not worry about other content, I will present to you 5 websites that will help.

Here they are:

1. tv.muxlim.com



Muxlim.com is a really big Muslim Social Media website. Think about it as Facebook for Muslims. The video section of their website, tv.muxlim.com has a lot of great and different content about Islam.

2. www.IslamicTube.net



MashAllah, IslamicTube.net is another good Muslim Video sharing website. They have a nice, clean design and logo too.

Their videos are pulled from popular video sharing sites like YouTube and Vimeo and also have videos hosted on their website.

3. www.guidedways.com/islamicvideos



Guidedways.com, the group that brought you iQuran and iPray for iPhone, also has a video sharing website. It doesn’t have much videos as the previous two and is not updated as often, but it is still worthwhile to check out.

4. www.halaltube.com



This website is unique among the rest in the list. It focuses solely on English Muslim scholars and provides videos and audio for them.

Since everyone has different styles and prefer to learn with certain scholars, this website covers the whole gamut. Everyone’s favorite speaker should be available here.

5. www.muslimvideo.com/tv



What is unique about this Muslim Video website is that it also has a lot of Islamic Videos in Arabic along with many English videos. So if you know Arabic, this is a good website for you to look into.

Instead of adding a sixth item, I’m going to stick one last website in here. www.MuslimVideos.com has almost the same website address but it is another general Muslim Video sharing website. I notice it has more general videos and less lecture videos.

If I missed any Muslim Video website, please feel free to share them in the comments!

5 Muslim Video Alternatives to YouTube is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. 13 Muslim Videos that will stop you from Sinning
2. 2 Classic Muslim Websites still going strong today
3. Muslim-ize your iPhone 3G or iPod Touch

Alhamdullilah, I have been married for almost three years now and I feel that Muslim Marriage is one of the most beautiful gifts that Allah has given to Muslims in this world.

However, Muslim Marriage doesn’t come easy right away. Actually, many husbands today have been spoiled by family or their environment or even society and media. This has caused us to lose our manliness and personal striving that our forefathers and great men in the history of Islam had.

Now, as a Muslim Husband in this generation, I know how important and necessary it is for every Muslim Husband to work hard at their marriage in order for this Ummah to be strong again. After all, without the Muslim Family foundation, all other foundations cannot be formed.

I’ve put together some habits as a personal reminder to myself first and hopefully it can benefit Muslim Husbands out there who want to create a blissful marriage. Some ideas presented are from what I’ve read and heard and some are from experience. Take what applies to you and act on it.

So, let’s start…

1. Exercising, Staying Fit and Healthy

Sorry, brothers, you know this was coming. It is important that we stay healthy, exercise and keep fit for our wives and children. Many of us let ourselves go after marriage when it should be the other way around. When we are fit, we can do more for our wives and children. We also feel good that we are a strong contributing member of the Ummah.

My wife told me a story of how she was visiting a Muslim country recently and saw many couples where the wife was still dressed up nicely but the husband had totally let himself go.

I’m not asking everyone to be Arnold Schwarzenegger but to exercise so that when your kids are 12 years old, you can still kick a soccer ball with them. Because of my career in the software industry, I have to especially work hard at it as it is so easy for me to slack off (which I already have on a few occasions).

Doing what you enjoy will also help you stay fit. You don’t have to lift weights to stay in shape. As long as whatever you do helps you maintain a healthy, fit, Islamic lifestyle.

Also, it is imperative to eat a healthy diet. It doesn’t make much sense to work-out and stay fit and indulge in sweets and desserts everyday. Having a sweet tooth my whole life, I have now limited my sweet intake to one day of the week and have noticed positive changes like having more energy.

2. Dress well and with Ihsan (Excellence)

This is something I had to work on as I was never a good dresser when growing up. It doesn’t mean you have to wear rich expensive clothes. It means that your clothes are in good condition and you look presentable.

Muslims in history were known to dress excellently and to take care of their bodies. In the middle ages, Muslim Spain had running water and baths while the rest of Europe hardly washed their bodies.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to wear Musk to smell good.

Prophetic Saying:
Muslim narrated that Abu Sai’d Al-Khudri said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The best type of perfume is Musk.”

Try to buy quality over price or quantity as this is what dressing with Ihsan (Excellence) is about. At the end of the day, your wife will be happy with you and be thinking “MashaAllah.”

3. Read

It is no surprise that the first word revealed from the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was “Read…” (Surah Alaq 96:1).

I always struggled with reading growing up as I was too preoccupied with TV and video games. Even though I excelled in school, reading was always a chore and I didn’t do a lot of it.

However, as a Muslim Husband, reading is an important skill to have. Not only will it enrich you with more knowledge, it can also help with your communication and conversation skills with your wife and children. You will have much more interesting and important things to say and teach your children too.

Especially in today’s age of changing media and technology, if you are not reading and learning, you will be more susceptible to negative influences around you.

4. Help out around the house – Clean!

Many wives today juggle more daily than ever before. Things like working full-time, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the kids are all part of her daily regimen. Your wife will be more than happy if you can take some of that load off her.

Washing dishes, vacuuming or other chores around the house should be taken up by you and it should be proactively done. Read: Do them before being asked.

Even the best of creation, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) helped around the house.

Aisha (Ra), the wife of Muhammad (SAW) said: “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) used to patch his sandals, sew his garment and conduct himself at home as anyone of you does in his house. He was a human being, searching his garment for lice, milking his sheep, and doing his own chores.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi).

5. Read Quran

A Muslim Husband is the leader of a Muslim Family. He needs to be setting the example for his wife and children. That is why it is important he reads the Quran.

Children imitate. If they see their father read Quran, then they will want to read Quran too. Doing this can actually make children look forward to the dreaded Sunday Quran school.

Before marriage, I wasn’t very good at Quran and barely had any surahs memorized. I then worked hard at improving my reading by attending Tajweed classes and memorizing more surahs.

Praying together is a large part of a Muslim household and knowing Quran will help you, the Muslim Husband, to lead your wife and family. The Muslim Husband or Father should strive to lead the members of his house in prayer at least once a day if not more.

6. Be Critical and Analytical – Talk about Ideas

When I was growing up, my mom had put up a sign in a hallway of our house saying: “Small people talk about other people, Average people talk about things, Great people talk about ideas.”

It is important that a Muslim Husband matures beyond self-interest and is able to transcend petty talk about people around him and material things. He needs to start talking about ideas.

It comes back to the fact that the Islamic role of a Muslim Husband in the family is to lead. If all he talks about is how he hates his boss at work or about his new pair of shoes, his family is going to suffer.

Before being married, it was easy for me to slip in to friends and enjoy trivial things like movies and sports, however, I knew that I had to rise above these activities and start reading and learning more about ideas and principles about how our world works. I needed to increase my knowledge.

I didn’t want a superficial marriage and I didn’t want to be a superficial husband. So I stepped out of my comfort zone and took action to grow intellectually. I believe that if you want a successful Muslim Marriage that Allah will shower His blessings on, it has to be about more than food and cars.

7. Take your wife out – Plan stuff

Every wife likes to be taken out, no matter how religious she is. You also don’t have to be rich either to do so.

Going to the park or buying her a new hijab or checking out that new halal restaurant are all fun activities you can enjoy with her.

I know that I sometimes slack off in the planning department. But every time I plan an outing with my wife, our marriage and relationship improves.

My wife and I have one day of the week that we go out together to explore a part of the city we haven’t yet been or we re-visit a favorite place. It is the day of the week that we re-connect and talk about our ideas.

Try it out, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

8. Act Manly and Confident – Make Decisions

Men today behave less like men than our forefathers did. If you think back to the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), his companions were all manly men, were confident and had presence.

Basically, Muslim Husbands need to take action in their lives and not sit idly by and let life slip away from you. I used to be very laid back and complacent in my first year of marriage but I realize that this quality is not beneficial in a relationship. When I started to act with confidence and to take action in my life, I began seeing positive changes in both my marriage and my personal life.

It is important to note the difference between confidence and aggression/domination. The former deals with taking positive action in how one carries himself while still maintaining the haqq/rights of those around him. The latter does not focus on the haqq.

A confident Muslim Man, although a leader of his home, also knows and applies the concept of Shurah/consultation. It is important to include your wife and children in any major and minor decisions that will effect everyone.

Be a Muslim Man. Take Action. Be Confident. Your wife will be happy and your marriage will prosper, inshAllah.

9. Balance between Career/Work and Religion

A Muslim Husband must have balance. He should work and strive in his career to provide for his family as it is a haqq/right of the wife to be provided for (even if she chooses to work). He also must understand the fundamentals of his deen/religion. He doesn’t have to be a scholar, but he should at least know the basics.

I remember I was at Eid Prayer a long time ago and I saw a father teaching his son how to pray before the prayer itself. As a leader of the home, a Muslim Husband must know enough about Islam so that he can teach his wife and children. He shouldn’t be doing it at Eid prayer. He should have done it at home already.

If you can, go to a class once a week about your deen and read more about it. There are also vast resources online about this beautiful religion of ours.

Also, a Muslim Husband should strive to be excellent in any work/career that he takes on. Remember that balancing both is difficult to do but can be achieved gradually.

10. Cook and help with meals

OK, this is a contentious issue. Even though shariah doesn’t say that a wife must cook for her husband, she usually does. And, I am thankful that she does!

As a Muslim Husband, you should help with cooking dinners and preparing meals. This will alleviate some of the load off your wife and she will be very thankful you assisted.

You can do this by making a schedule and telling her which days you can help. Believe me, this will also really help your marriage and improve your relationship.

Parting Thoughts

There you have it. 10 habits that will make you a better Muslim Husband. You may already be doing some of the things I mentioned or none at all. You may even completely agree or disagree with me. You might have more habits to add. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Resources you might like:

• The Muslim Marriage Guide
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
• Islamic Marriage – Initiating and Upholding
• The Rights and Responsibilities of Marriage (14 Audio CD’s)
• The Secrets of Happily Married Men

10 Habits of Highly Effective Muslim Husbands is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. 10 Habits of Highly Effective Muslim Wives
2. 2 Classic Muslim Websites still going strong today
3. English Translation of Quran – Buying Guide