A promising start (for some, of course)

We've had a warm start welcoming the new Hijri year where we fasted and had a dinner slightly more special than other nights. Then, for the new gregorian year, we were blessed with the company of a wonderful family. Despite the plunge in temperature, our house was filled with unexplainable warmth - of giggles and laughter (not forgetting fights and cries), where games like Zombie and Simon Says became instant favourites to some. It was definitely a perfect way to wrap up the school holidays for the children.

My children and I are soldiering on into the new year with new resolutions and recharged determinations, albeit the mass weight and unsettled matters on my shoulders (funny how people are always telling me to keep busy as there's no way I can do otherwise!). I have been surprisingly very calm, Alhamdulillah, trusting in Him and only Him. Subhanallah... perseverence and patience, whilst surrendering totally to Him is the best and proven thing to do! And trust me, there's a vast difference between theory and practice!

However, while we snugged closely (while stuffing our faces) and indulged in merry moments together, in one corner of the world are our brothers and sisters facing a holocaust of events. Images of the proven cruelty are all over the internet, downloaded on blog posts (example) and distributed via email. I even stumbled upon a blog containing interesting insights as they are written by real people currently affected by the war. I laud movements (such as this) to step in and help as much as it is ever possible. There is no limit to what we can do to help. For instance, in the issue of giving donations, why not contribute a little bit more than the usual. Feel the pinch, let it be worth it. It's not the usual coin or note we drop in donation boxes at the mosque or circulated at the office. Perhaps think of that new mobile phone you had your eye on, or the holiday you have been saving up for - sacrifice it and the reward is yours in Jannah, InsyaAllah...

Furthermore, this is perhaps the best time to gather our strength and TRULY TRULY boycott products from Israel. Yes, say goodbye to the usual brands such as Maggie (no more Maggie Mee), Nestle (take your break with something else now!), Marks & Spencer (boo hoo... my lingeries and biscuits!!). This will really be the best time to put that on our list of resolutions. Hey, we've managed to avoid Kinder chocs (which are by the way yummy) as a move to boycott Dutch goods, you know?

When we talk about 'sacrifices' and 'hijrah', this is what it is really about. Believe this: the more we give, the more we will get (when the Almighty is made the central reason )- if not here, then in the hereafter.