Life & Death

Allah / Mohammad
2009
80 x 40 cm
Acrylic & Marble Dust on Acrylic

A gold and chocolate brown corresponding abstract piece with the names Allah & Mohammad in contrasting corners. This painting is in mixed media with the acrylic paint mixed with course marble dust to create the texture of a sand like background.

Peace and salaams to all.

A recent death in the family has left me contemplating my own departure from this world and the preparations I have made for it.

My cousin who was only 33 years of age passed away on the evening of Thursday 5th November and was buried after the Jummah prayers on Friday. She has left behind 3 Masha-Allah beautiful young children all under the age of 9, the youngest being only 22 months. 

The last time I wrote about a family member passing away, I talked about my dear father-in-law. That was over 3 years ago. I wrote then about how much we all prepare for events in our lives. Our preparations for weddings, for Eid, for the holidays are so comprehensive, but how much do we prepare for our final and ultimate destination. These last few days have left me reflecting and questioning  how much have i tried to educate myself on death or the hereafter since my last post regarding my father-in-laws passing? How much has my eemaan or taqwa increased since then? How much have I prepared for the time when I will be called to my maker?

Every moment of time that passes, decreases one’s life span and the dying moment of the dying comes ever nearer. Each and every person has to live through the moments of death and face this event alone.

It is only a matter of time and time will eventually humble all.

“Every soul shall taste death and only on the Day of Judgement will you be given what you earned”. Quran, Al-Imran, (3):185

 I pray Allah SWA grants my cousin the highest place in Jannah and saves her from the punishment of the grave. I pray He gives patience to all the family at this time of grief. I pray Allah SWA gives the most patience to her 3 daughters and fills their lives with happiness and true eemaan Insha-Allah. Aameen.

Till the next time

Peace and salaams to all

Umm Aisha 

Bismillah

 

 

2009
Acrylic & glass on canvas
80 x 40 cm

 

A modish & chic contemporary piece of mixed media. Bismillah (Meaning – In the name of God, the most merciful) written in cream Kufic Arabic script over a background base of dark maroon. A detailed rectangle of swirly maroon patterns over a cream base is on the top left of the painting. The textured strip detail on the right of the painting has been painted using a base of cream with maroon over tiny glass beads.

Salaams to all.

The above painting was one that was recently donated and sold at auction to raise funds for the SEECC in Billericay. Alhamdulillah, it raised a good sum and kick started the fundraising for the new school they hope to aquire.

I just recently finished another Bismillah piece and will soon upload the image. I had started it in June and due to illness and other events, I had not been able to complete it. Alhamdulillah, I managed to finish it last week and I have also added it to the Saatchi Online Competition for this week.

Till the next time

Peace and salaams to all

Umm Aisha

The Ocean

This painting represents the ocean as mentioned in the Quran in Surah Kahf Chapter 18, Verse 109. Painted in royal blue and sky blue with the verse in Naskh style Arabic script in corresponding royal blue. Translation of Verse: “If the ocean were ink (wherewith to write out) the words of my Lord, sooner would the ocean be exhausted than would the words of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid”. 

Acrylic on canvas – 2009 – 50 x 70cm

I have added this painting into the Saatchi Online gallery competition. See link below to view the page or to vote. This round ends 9am on 12th October 2009.

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/showdown/index.php?showpic=233450

Detox

Kun FayaKoon / “BE” and it is!
2009
50 x 70 cm
Acylic on Canvas

This painting with its striking dark background and central fusion of colour symbolises the existence out of non-existence that God created. The fusion of colours represents atoms forming in the beginning of time where God just says Kun Fayakoon – BE and it is. This is an extract of verse 82 in chapter 36 of the Quran. It is also mentioned in other verses of the Quran on a number of occasions.

Salaams to all.

It certainly has been such a long time since my last post. I had tried very hard during ramadan (which seems like a lifetime away), to keep away from the computer. After a two month detox of the net, I was succombed to it once again. Hope you all had a fantastic and memorable Eid!

The events of the last couple of months, has certainly put a new perspective to life and to the hereafter. We make our plans for the future, but we seem to be constantly reminded by the Almighty, that He is the best of planners, Alhamdulillah.

Life is too short to stress or worry about what has happened or what may happen. Allah SWA always does the best for us and we just need to take that leap of faith and put our total trust in His hands Insha-Allah. Prayer and reflection will take you far, for Allah can put our affairs in order whenever He wills.

Remember this sister in your prayers.

Peace and salaams to all

Umm Aisha

 

Ramadan Kareem.

Elevation (From Darkness to Light)

This painting represents the darkness within our hearts. We strive to clean our hearts aiming to be one of the righteous, the ones at the top. The White strip at the top represents the most pure, the most righteous, of whom there are few.

Inscription in Naskh style reads:

“Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His will unto light and guides them to a straight way.” Quran 5:16

 Medium:      Acrylic on paper

Salaams and Ramadan Mubarak to all.

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all Insha-Allah in this blessed month. May he guide our souls to a higher level of purity and may He bless our hearts so we increase our love for Him and His beloved prophet Muhammad SAW. Aameen.

Increase your rememberence of Allah SWA in this month, for the rewards are most fruitful and please remember me in your prayers.

Peace and salaams to all

Umm Aisha

Saatchi Gallery Competition

 

Inferno

This painting (for larger image scroll down to post of 24/3/08), represents the inferno of hell. The heat and flames will be too much for anyone to withstand. Remembrance of God and God-conciousness at all times will save us from the fire of hell IA. God’s name has been written in Arabic in the shape of a flame, on either end of the gold/copper leaf squares, which represent the light of goodness.  Mixed Media on Canvas. 50 x 70 cm 

 

 Salaams all.

This painting has been added to the Saatchi Online Competition Showdown which ends next Monday 20th July at 9am.

Follow the link below to give it a vote of 1 – 10 :

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/showdown/index.php?showpic=222857

334 votes so far with an overall of 7.15 out of 10. Alhamdulillah not bad.

Peace and salaams to all

Umm Aisha

 

Saatchi Gallery Website

Salaams to all,

Not so long ago I uploaded images of my paintings on the Saatchi website of which I have been a member for a couple of years.

Please see the link below to view my home page and to see images of my latest paintings Insha-Allah.

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/yourgallery/artist_profile/Umm%20Aisha,+Awakening%20Art/91052.html

Peace and salaams to all

Umm Aisha

Shahadah / Declaration of Faith

Shahadah / Declaration of Faith

Contemporary far eastern influenced abstract painting with Shahadah written in Kufi style. The red circle represents the one-ness and everlasting attribute of God and the five textured layers in the red, represent the five pillars of Islam. The textured black at the top represents chaos outside of the faith. True belief in the shahadah and practising the pillars of Islam, brings your soul out of the darkness and into the light of Islam. Shahadah translates:  ‘There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger Of God.’

mixed media on canvas
50 x 70 cm
Salaams to all,

I pray you all are keeping well Insha-Allah. Alhamdulillah, Friday evening’s Muslim Youth Helpline’s Annual Dinner was quite an eye-opener. I had not realised that so many people of different ages suffer the way they do. We certainly take our lives for granted, living in a bubble of self-centred emotions. The volunteers of MYH do a fantastic job in helping so many in trouble and in need of saving. It really is a worthy cause so please support them as much as you can.

The above painting of mine was one which was auctioned off during the evening and Alhamdulillah it went well. The winning bidder bought it as a gift for his mother. I hope she enjoys the painting as much as I enjoyed painting it.

Peace and salaams to all.

Umm Aisha

The Alchemy of Today

A Charity Dinner to raise funds to support young Muslims in the UK The annual London dinner is back and better than ever. Come show your support for hundreds of young muslims suffering alone.

Friday 26th June 2009, 6.30pm Porchester Hall, Bayswater, W2

An evening of inspiration, enlightenment and entertainment. With delicious food catered by Sapna, exquisite surroundings and great company, with Professor Tariq Ramadan, author Shelina Janmohamed, Sheikh Babikir and BBC Asian Network presenter Murtaza ‘Mutz’ Ali. A charity auction will be held of some beautiful, exclusive artwork including Umm Aisha’s and framed photos with more to come.

More details to follow, for any further enquiries please contact:
events@myh.org.uk
020 7435 8171

Salaams to all,

The above is an add for the MYH Annual Dinner to be held on Friday 26th June 2009, 6.30pm at The Porchester Hall in Bayswater, W2. Please support the event as it is a worthy and deserving charity. I will be exhibiting my paintings at the event and praying my donated piece fetches a good amount for the good cause.

Till the next time

Peace and salaams

Umm Aisha

99 Names of Allah – Al-Wali / The Patron

 

Al-Wali / The Patron

Life is like a piece of marble, emotions we feel, people we meet.

Events we go through in our life. The darkness, the light that guides us.

These are inter-twined to create the picture of life. Without friends, the marble would be a darker shade.

With Allah SWA by your side as your best friend, your patron, there is only Light upon Light!

Insha-Allah.

Salaams to all.

The above painting is one of my older pieces. I wrote the above to go with it. The marble background represents our life intertwined with darkness and peace. Al-Wali has been highlighted in gold to emphasize the light you go towards once you remember your creator. This piece is acrylic on paper, size 40×50cm.

I recently had a minor operation and am recovering well Alhamdulillah. Sometimes when adversity hits us, its quite easy to question why we are being tested. Its simply human nature. We have to keep reminding ourselves that any illness or hardship, any type of adversity is a test from the Allmighty. We need to keep our faith and also not beat ourselves up for our questioning. Allah SWA is our Wali, our patron, our best friend and he always provides ease after hardship. You don’t see it at the time, but afterwards you see that something good has also come out of the initial hardship. Allah SWA alone knows whats best for us, we just have to keep faith!

I pray Allah SWA eases everybody’s hardships, whether they are ill, in poverty, lost or in any kind of dark despair. May He guide us all to the light of peace and tranquility. Ameen

Till the next time,

Peace and salaams to all.

Umm Aisha

99 Names of Allah – Ar-Rahmaan / The Most Compassionate

Ar-Rahmaan / The Most Compassionate

Allah is the one who wills mercy and good for all creation, at all times. He pours upon all creation infinite bounties but do we recognise these blessings.

This painting has a background of beige, white & silver and represents the blessings of Allah SWA showered upon us. The effect was created using acrylic paint and rock salt. Ar-Rahmaan is written in an elaborate Kufic style script in brown acrylic highlighted with a silver lining. Because of the elaborate design on the script, the name is barely recognisable, just as the bounties of Allah SWA.

Frame size : 40 x 50 cm

Till the next time

Peace and salaams to all.

Umm Aisha

Dazzle & Dine 2009

Salaams to all.

This years Dazzle & Dine event held in Essex was once again a very entertaining, educational and fun evening. The organisation that is required to pull off an event like this, is immense, yet sisters getting together for a good cause, can achieve it. Apart from a three course dinner, there were talks from several invited speakers, a play, a charity auction, nasheeds and a presentation of the school in order to raise funds for the cause. Masha-Allah within half an hour of starting the pledges, they had raised £22,000. That did not include sale of the auction pieces or any other money donated from the stands of stalls selling their goods in a second hall.

One of the talks was regarding Sisterhood. Now look what sisterhood achieved on that day. An event for sisters, organised by sisters, raising an incredible amount (total to be confirmed).

The above piece of mine, was one that went into the auction.

Insha-Allah till the next time.

Peace and salaams to all.

Umm Aisha

Surah Al-Fille – The Elephant  (Quran Surah 105)

This is a watercolour piece with Bismillah in Thuluth style and Surah Al-Fille in naskh style written in the centre using black ink.

The background represents the sky with the stones of clay being thrown upon the enemy of Islam as in the surah. Effect of the clay was created using rock salt thrown over the wet painting till it dried, then the salt was removed.

Frame size: 50 x 70 cm

99 Names of Allah – Al-Musawwir / The Fashioner of shapes

Allah is the one who, without using any model, shapes everything in the most perfect shape.

Al-Musawwir, one of Allah SWA’s 99 names written in black over a background of layered patterns of black and silver. A contemporary piece for the contemporary home.

Medium: Acrylic on paper

Frame size: 40×50cm

Salaams to all.

I pray all my readers have been keeping well Insha-Allah.
I have been busy preparing for an upcoming exhibition at an event I exhibited at last year. Dazzle & Dine, a fundraising event for women organised by women. Its an enjoyable, fun and heart-warming evening with great rewards. Will upload details soon Insha-Allah.

Till the next time

Salaams and peace to all.

Umm Aisha

99 Names of Allah – Al-Qaadir / The All-Powerful

God is the All-Powerful who does what He wills. He created the universe by Himself, from nothing, with neither materials nor model. He said BE and it became!

The above is a piece in maroon & beige watercolour with gold ink representing atoms combining to create a powerful background for one of Allah’s 99 names, Al-Qaadir, which is painted in black ink.

Watercolour & Ink on paper.

EID MUBARAK

BISMILLAH

Black Bismillah in Thuluth style script on silver background.
Acrylic on paper.

Salaams to all.

I pray you all had a very joyous Eid.
Good food, exciting gifts, great company and powerful prayer, what more can you ask for.

Umm Aisha

Time Flies

Allah / Mohammad
Acrylic on Canvas

Salaams to all.

My last post was during the last few days of Ramadan which now seems like a lifetime away. I pray you all had a wonderful Eid Insha-Allah.

Time is travelling far quicker than its actual speed I feel. Are we making the most of our time?

Recent events of family members falling ill makes you realise that we crave for so much from this world, yet our end is somewhere we have prepared so little for. Our holidays are planned and prepared for with endless lists. Weeks of preparation if not months. Yet our final destination is barely given a thought.

We have to live life to the full, without forgetting Allah swa or His prophet’s sunnah.

May Allah swa guide us all on the righteous path. Aameen

Peace and salaams to all

Umm Aisha

Ramadan and Patience

ALLAH / MOHAMMAD
Medium: Acrylic on Paper

Salaams to all.

As the last 10 days of Ramadan creep up, I shall not be posting much and Insha-Allah practising what I have been preaching so far. In the meantime, I had to post this following message from hafihz.com as it is a great reminder for us all.

Remember me in your prayers.

Peace and salaams to all.

Umm Aisha

Ramadan and patience… inseparable.

You wake up in the early hours, despite the heaviness, and almost force yourself to eat at times, no matter what the food, no matter how zero the appetite is. Patience in sahur.
You sleep back, and minutes later have to wake up to begin normal routine. Patience in a nap which never seems enough.
You chase the train, bus. Your sahur’s energy potential, is gone in just that dash. Patience in time.
You go through lunch time with Zuhur, and catching up with the Quran or a tazkirah. Even perhaps a youtube video. Patience in spending time which had been used for eating.
You look at the clock. Almost time to go home, but not yet. Yet you’re alittle tired. Patience in fairness.
You sit at the table. You hear the Azan. You eat what’s near, slowly. Patience in breaking fast.
No sooner you journey for terawih. Patience in routine.
You come back home, try catch up with other stuffs. Patience in prioritization.

Patience. Remember the reward, and keep your eyes on the prize.

Uplifting Our Moral Character

99 Names of Allah – Al-Aleem (The All-Knowing)

Acrylic piece on Canvas

Inscription below reads “…not a leaf falls without him knowing…”

Excepts of an Essay by Marwa Afifi  titled “Uplifting Our Moral Character“

During the sacred month of Ramadan, believers strive to purify body and soul and increase their taqwa, god-consciousness. This purification of body and soul harmonizes between the inner and outer spheres of an individual.
Muslims aim to improve their body by reducing food intake and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Over indulgence in food is discouraged and eating enough to silence the pain of hunger is encouraged. Muslims should be active, tending to all their commitments and never falling short of any duty.
On a moral level, believers strive to attain the most virtuous characteristics and apply them to their daily situations. They try to show compassion and mercy to others, exercise patience, and control their anger. In essence, Muslims are trying to improve their moral character and cultivate good habits.
Morality is perfected on three levels: individual, communal, cosmic. On an individual level, a Muslim strives to adopt honesty, justness and compassion with him or herself. Being honest is important as it separates truth from falsehood and gives the Muslim a clear direction and or focus in life.
On a communal level, a Muslim strives to positively interact with other members of society, treating them with kindness and sincerity. A positive contribution should also be made to benefit the general public.
On the cosmic level, encompassing the earth, the heavens, and the Almighty Creator, the Muslim attempts to increase his God-consciousness and his or her understanding that he or she is accountable for every action. This creates a love/fear relationship which drives a Muslim to obey Allah, through love of Allah, and never to invoke Allah’s wrath, for fear of Allah.…

As we undertake the physical and spiritual responsibilities of fasting, we should reflect on the words of our beloved Prophet, sala Allahu alahi wa sallam. He referred to Ramadan as a blessed month in which Allah has made fasting obligatory on those who are able; whosoever denies himself of the benefits of that month denies himself many virtues.

Salaams to you all.

The full essay can be read on http://www.ramadan.co.uk/

Ramadan is fast slipping away. This month is a time of reflection and evaluation. It is already the 16th fast and we need to evaluate what we have gained from this month so far. How have we changed as individuals. How have we watered the seeds of eemaan in our selves or our offspring.

How have we nurtured our souls and enlightened our hearts and minds. The next couple of weeks will soon go in a flash and we do not want to look back and think I should have done more.

Lets use our time wisely and collect as many rewards as we can for a fuller life in the Aakhirat.

May Allah SWA guide our souls on the righteous path giving us increased Taqwa and eemaan and may He accept all our prayers Insha-Allah. Ameen

Peace and salaams to all

‘Till the next time

Umm Aisha

Three Companions

“BISMILLAH”

Acrylic on paper
Bismillah in Kufic script with the surround written with repeated Allah.

Salaams to all.

Just a quick note taken from the website Ahmed’s World of Islam – Online

http://www.ahmed2004uk.blogspot.com/

 

Three Companions

 In this world you have three companions:one is faithful, the others are treacherous.The latter are friends and possessions;

The faithful one is excellence in deeds.

Your wealth won’t come with you out of your palace;your friend will come, but only as far as the grave.

When the day of doom comes to meet you,your friend will say, “I’ve come this far, but no farther.I will stand a while at your grave.

“Your deeds alone are faithful: make them your refuge,for they alone will accompany you into the depths of the tomb. 

Mathnawi of Maulana Jalal al-Din al-Rumi

 May Allah accept whatever we offer in the month of Ramadhan, and may he make us from those whose duas are accepted. Aameen.

Peace and salaams to all

Umm Aisha

Ramadan Kareem

 

Door Of Mercy

Acrylic on paper.
The top inscription reads, “O Allah, open the doors of your mercy.”
The inscription in the box at the bottom reads, “O Allah, I ask you from your favour.”

Salaams and Ramadan Mubarak to you all.

Where does the time go? It feels like only yesterday when the last Ramadan came and went.

The summer holidays have flown by. When I was young, the holidays used to feel so long, it felt like they lasted for months, not weeks.

There is no barakah in time anymore and I feel we must grab every seconds worth of opportunity and make the most of this beautiful blessed month before it flashes by before our eyes leaving us thinking “what did I gain from this month?”.

Some Important things to recite DAILY in Ramadan. (Taken from AL-ISLAAH PUBLICATIONS of South Africa)

Hazrat Salmaan(radhiyallahu anhu) reports, in a lengthy hadith that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that: “”This is a month, the first of which brings Allah’s mercy, the middle of which brings His forgiveness and the last of which brings emancipation from the fire of Jahannam. Whosoever lessens the burden of his servants (bonds-men) in this month, Allah will forgive him and free him from the fire of Jahannam. And in this month four things you should continue to perform in great number, two of which shall be to please your Lord, while the other two shall be those without which you cannot do. Those which shall be to please your Lord, are that you should in great quantity bear witness that there is no deity to worship except Allah (i.e. recite the Kalimah Tayyibah: Laa llaaha illallaah) and make much Istighfaar; beg Allah’s forgiveness with Astagirfirul-laah).” And as for those without which you cannot do without, you should beg of Allah, entrance into Jannah and ask refuge in Him from Jahannam. And whoever gave a person who fasted water to drink, Allah shall grant that giver to drink from My fountain, such a drink where after that person shall never again feel thirsty until he enters Jannah.” (Ibn Khuzaimah in his Saheeh.)

1. Read “La illaha illallah” abundantly
According to a hadith Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “Continue to renew your imaan.” The Sahaaba(radhiyallahu anhum) asked: “O Prophet of Allah, how do we renew our Imaan?” He replied: ” Recite excessively “La illaha illallah” In another hadith, it is mentioned that a person who reads this precious kalimah 100 times daily, will have a face that will have a lustre(light) of the brightness of the 14th moon on the Day of Qiyaamah. Hence, it would be highly meritorious to increase our recitation of this kalimah especially in this auspicious month of Ramadan, at least 100 times daily.

2. Be constant in seeking Allah’s forgiveness
According to one Hadith, Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “Repent(as much as possible) to Allah as I repent to Him a hundred times daily.(Hisne Haseen). In another Hadith, Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) said that.” Every man is a sinner, but the best of sinners are those who repent and seek forgiveness.” This is a month of forgiveness, so one should take the opportunity of increasing our Istighfaar. “Astaghfirullah“(I seek Allah’s forgiveness) could be read at least 100 times daily.

3. Ask for Jannah & Seek refuge from Jahannam
Frequently make duaa for entry in Jannah and seek refuge from Jahannam. It would be beneficial to read the following duaa, as often as possible, daily in Ramadhaan.
“ Allahumma innie as-alukal jannatal firdousa wa-a’oozu-bika mi-nan-naar.”
O Allah I seek Jannatul Firdous and I seek refuge from the Fire(of Jahannam)

May Allah SWA open the doors of Rahmet and shower His blessings upon us.
May He grant all our prayers and forgive our sins, enabling us to enter Jannah and saving us from the fire of hell Insha-Allah. Aameen.

Remember me in your prayers in this glorious month of awakening.
Salaams and peace to all.
Umm Aisha

99 Names of Allah – Al Waahid

 Allah is one. He has no equal, none like Him nor any partner in His essence, His attributes, in His actions, in His orders, or in His beautiful names.

Al-Waahid is written in Thuluth style on a background of repeated Allah,ceating an infinite background, representing Allah’s Infinite Nature.

Medium:      Acrylic on paper, Double mounted.

Frame Size: 50×70 cm 

 

Salvation from Hellfire

 INFERNO

This painting, which is another one that was displayed at the Dazzle & Dine event, represents the inferno of Jahannam. The heat and the flames will be too much for us to withstand. Remembrence of Allah swa at all times will save us from the fires of hell Insha-Allah.
Allah is written on either end in the shape of flames.

Medium: Mixed Media

God has said in the Quran:

Those who have disbelieved and died in disbelief, the earth full of gold would not be accepted from any of them if one offered it as a ransom. They will have a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers. (Quran 3:91)

So, this life is our only chance to win Paradise and to escape from Hellfire, because if someone dies in disbelief, he will not have another chance to come back to this world to believe. As God has said in the Quran about what is going to happen for the unbelievers on the Day of Judgment:

If you could but see when they are set before the Fire (Hell) and say, Would that we might return (to the world)! Then we would not reject the verses of our Lord, but we would be of the believers! (Quran 6:27)

Unity in Islam

Salaams and peace to all.
Once again, it has been quite a while since I have added anything. I pray all who have visited are in the best of health.
Just before Ramadan, I slowly started painting again. I recently exhibited work at “Dazzle & Dine”, a ladies only event held in Essex. It was a very fun, uplifting and enlightening event to say the least.
Seeing our ummah unite for a good cause is fantastic, but seeing women unite for the greater good and pull off an event of such a large scale in a very proffessional manner, is even more of an achievement. May Allah swa accept all the efforts of the women who organised it and I pray they raised their intended amount.
The following painting is one of eight that were exhibited at the event.

99 Names of Allah – Al-Maalik / The sovereign

This painting represents people coming from so many different parts of the world, different races, colours, languages and religions. However, one thing unites each and every one of us… The Creator, the King.
God is the owner and ruler of the entire universe, visible and invisible, and of all creation, from before the beginning and after the end.

Medium : Acrylic on canvas
Size : 23.5×27.5 inches

Till the next time
salaams and peace
Umm Aisha

Devotion

Devotion – Mixed media (Acrylic & Glitter) on canvas.
Allah written in centre in Diwany style. Exhibited at Arabian Nites in East London with Jamil Arts.

Salaams to all.

I pray you all had a wonderful Ramadan and a very enjoyable and happy Eid.

Whatever we aimed to achieve during the blessed month, should be carried with us throughout the coming year. All that we learnt, should be put into practice and passed onto others in order from them to gain some reward too.

Allah swa is there for all and everyone who turns to him.

“So remember Me-I will remember you.” (2:152)

My favourite verse is “Truly in the remembrance of Allah, does the heart find peace….” ( 13:28 )

Ibn Taimiyaa wrote, “Remembrance of Allah is to the heart what water is to fish. What happens to a fish when it is taken out of water?”

May our thirst for deeni knowledge increase and grant us a higher place in jannah Insha-Allah.

Aameen.

Peace and salaams to all

Umm Aisha

Ramadan Mubarak To All.

99 Names of Allah – AN-NOOR / THE LIGHT

Allah is the light that is shed upon the whole creation, making it apparent.

That light is the light that brought existence out of the darkness of non-existence.

(Verse below)

Light Upon Light! Allah guides to His light whom He wills.

Quran 24:35

Medium – Watercolor & Ink

Salaams to all.

I received this email from a friend re. an article at Zaytuna Institute’s website (http://www.zaytuna.org/) and found it quite informative and thought I would share it with you all.

Approaching Ramadan – Imam Zaid Shakir

If you are having difficulty viewing the article, please click here: http://www.zaytuna.org/articleDetails.asp?articleID=63

Witnessing this month is a great blessing for which we should be grateful to the Allmighty. It is an oppotunity to do good deeds so that one can achieve Paradise and safety from Hell.

Therefore let the month of Ramadan be an opprtunity for self-examination in order to amend what is damaged. Let this month be a good starting point for a brighter future and a turning point towards better deeds.

So during this blessed month, awaken your minds, your hearts and your souls towards enlightenment.

I pray we all get the best out of Ramadan Insha-Allah. Ameen.

Salaams and peace to all.

Umm Aisha

One Year On

Salaams to all.

I cannot believe it has been almost 11 months since my last post. Apologies to those who have visited the blog repeatedly to find no new posts.

I don’t have an excuse apart from the fact that I took a little time-out from my art and blogging in order to concentrate on bringing up my little baby. Sounds very adult of me but I have actually spent most of the last year on the floor playing with her. Its been great fun but as I have started painting again, i decided to post my salaams to you all.

Another year has gone by so quickly and once again Ramadan is soon approaching. A time of love, hope, forgiveness and most importantly, a time of finding inner peace.

The above painting is an acrylic piece on canvas. The inscription reads ‘Salaam’ meaning ‘Peace’. I pray we all find inner peace in our hearts and our souls in this coming month.

‘Till the next time,

Salaams and peace to all.

Umm Aisha

99 Names of Allah – AL-WADOOD

Salaams to you all.
I pray you are keeping well in this blessed month of Ramadan.
A month that is flying by so quickly. We must make the most of the blessings we recieve in this month.
Please pray for all the ummah for Allah SWA is the Most Forgiving & the Most Loving. May He forgive all our sins and look after all who are in need of love & security.

The above painting was one which was painted for a charity auction to raise funds for the SE Asia earthquake that happened around this time last year. Alhamdullillah many have helped the good cause but as I said at the time, let the help not be shortlived. There is still need for housing, basic sanitation, medicines and much more. Lets continue with our efforts and may Allah accept it from us.
The painting is in acrylic on paper and is titled “The Most Loving”. (Al-Wadood)
God is the One who loves His good servants. He is the One & only who is worthy of love.
The inscription repeated within the paisley design reads “Wahuwal gafoorul wadood”. This is translated as “And He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Loving”.

Remember me in your prayers ’till the next time.
Salaams & peace to all.
Umm Aisha

RAMADAN MUBARAK

Salaams and Ramadan Greetings to you all.

Alhamdulillah, once again we have been blessed with this beautiful month. A month of reflection, a month that plays a huge role in developing and purifying our characters so that we can become sincere servants of God.
It is a time when every believer makes a conscious effort in trying to increase their Taqwa. Mohammad Asad defines Taqwa as : “the awareness of His all-presence and the desire to mould one’s existence in the light of this awareness”.
I pray we all get the best out of this month and continue to strive to increase our imaan in the following months after Ramadan.
The above painting is an acrylic piece painted on paper. The script is in the Thuluth style and reads Bismillah, “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”. May Allah shower His Mercy and Blessings upon us all and may He accept our prayers and forgive our sins Insha-Allah. Aameen.

Until the next time,
Peace and salaams to you all.
Umm Aisha

Islamic Art Exhibition 25th Aug – 24th Sep 2006

Salaams to all.

I pray Allah is keeping you all in good health. Just a quick note to let you all know about the above exhibition organised by Jamil Arts, at Arabian Nites on Whitechapel Road in London.
It is running for a whole month so you have plenty of time to go and view the paintings, including a few of my own which I am exhibiting there.

Peace and salaams to all.
Umm Aisha

Islamic Art Aid at Emerald 30

Salaams to all.

Muslim Aid will be supporting Emerald Network in hosting the above event on Saturday August 19th 2006 at the London County Hall Gallery on the south Bank, to raise money for the Emergency Lebanon Appeal.
Insha-Allah, I will be one of the many artists who will be exhibiting at the event. There are limited places left and it is a worthy cause so book now.
Check out www.emeraldnetwork.co.uk or www.muslimaid.org for more information or to book tickets on-line.
You can also text 07830 100678 or email info@emeraldnetwork.co.uk for more info.

Insha-Allah hope to see you all there.

Till the next time.
Salaams and peace to you all.
Umm Aisha