As we begin this blessed month of Ramadan, the challenge can be sustaining the motivation and energy throughout the month. If you live in the west and your fasts are 18 hours long, it is even harder.

MashAllah, Abu Productive and his team at ProductiveMuslim and ProductiveRamadan created these excellent ramadan videos last year that are still relevant today.

Watch them to “power up” your Ramadan spirit. If you are interested in more ways of motivation and productivity this Ramadan, you can check out ProductiveRamadan.

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8 Videos To Motivate You This Ramadan is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. 30 Beautiful Pictures to get you excited about Ramadan
2. 13 Muslim Videos that will stop you from Sinning

As a muslim worker, you probably have volunteered for a non-profit organization. A key goal of any of these organizations is fundraising. I’ve listed some tips for fundraising that you should find useful. I’ve implemented or participated in most of the points mentioned.

Online Fundraising Ideas

Have a PayPal account

It is important to have an online account so that people can transfer money to your organization easily, especially if they are not local to your community. Paypal is the easiest way to do this. Go to Paypal.com and click the “Sign Up” button to get started.

Add PayPal button to website

People need a way to donate to your paypal account so you need to add a paypal “donate” button to your website. Here are two links to help you get started.

Add A Paypal Donate Button – Paypal Help

10 easy ways to optimize your donate button

Create an Email List

You need to have easy access to people in your community and more importantly, people who are willing to donate to you when you need it. That is why it is important to create an email list so that you can easily send a message that you are doing a fundraising drive and you need x amount of dollars.

I recommend using a third party email list provider as that is the most reliable even though it can cost money depending who you use. I use Aweber on this website and I’ve used Mailchimp on one organization’s website. The latter has a free option for the first 2000 emails.

Create a Phone List

This is not an online tip but important nonetheless. Many older people in any community are still not internet-savvy so you need to create a phone list as well.

You can create a master spreadsheet of these phone numbers and get volunteers to call people. I recommend using google docs or another cloud-based solution that will allow you to share the spreadsheet with multiple users and set read/write permissions to each.

Use ChipIn

This is a great online tool that can be used to visually remind your website visitors how much money you are raising. All you need is a PayPal account. Check it out here: www.ChipIn.com

Affiliate Marketing of Products You Use

If there are some books / products that can benefit your community, you can create a product link on your website and get a commission anytime a person buys a product through that link.

For example, Amazon has an affiliate program and they have the biggest online store in the world. Let’s say you run a muslim girls youth group and you really like the Jannah Jewels Book series, you can create a link to it from the amazon associate website (amazon’s affiliate program) and put that link on your youth’s webpage. Now, anytime anyone buys the book from your link, you can get a commission from it.

3rd Party Non-profit Fundraising Websites

There are websites that also assist in the marketing and fund-gathering of your fundraising campaign. I haven’t used any of these but they are worthy of a look. Check out the two links below for more info:

http://mashable.com/2011/03/14/social-good-fundraising-tools/

http://www.socialbrite.org/2010/05/28/19-tools-for-fundraising-with-social-media/

Product Fundraising Ideas

Create your Calendar

If you are feeling adventurous, you can create a yearly calendar for your organization and sell it. I did this a couple of times for an organization I was helping. I used Adobe Indesign and got a free calendar template. I then added images and Islamic quotes to it and printed it at a print shop in town. Let me know if you are interested in me creating a tutorial on how to do this (message me on facebook or twitter).

Sell Pre-Made Calendars

If you are too busy to create your own, you can also order bulk calendars from calendar companies. They usually give discounts to non-profits especially if they are done for fundraising. Two excellent calendars I can think of are Andalusian Arts and Siratt.

Create an Audio CD of your Local Imam / Leader

This is a no-brainer. Grab an audio recorder and stick it onto your imam when he gives a lecture. Transfer the file onto your computer and use an audio editing program. Audacity is a good free one for the PC or GarageBand on the Mac.

You can then burn it onto a blank CD yourself and sell it to your community. This is the quick and easy way.

If you want to make it more professional, use a company like Kunaki or even CreateSpace which will get your CD onto Amazon.com.

Create a Video DVD of your Local Imam / Leader

If I’m talking about audio, you know video will come next! The barrier to entry is so low nowadays to create and produce video, anyone can do it.

Just shoot the video, stick it onto your computer, do some basic editing and burn the DVD. That is the simplified explanation InshAllah, if you want a more detailed explanation, let me know and I will create a tutorial for you.

Create an Eco-Bag

Everybody likes to be green these days, especially Muslims. Actually, if you look at the prophet Muhammad’s life, peace and blessings be upon him, he was definitely a green prophet.

An eco-bag is a bag that can be reused. You can also fill it up with reusable utensils and a cup and plate. If your community has a picnic or barbeque event, you can sell these bags and explain to your fellow muslims the environmental reasons they should use it instead of the damaging styrofoam you typically see.

I’ve included a picture of an eco-bag my wife and I made and sold in the past.

Create Beautiful Posters

Based on my beautiful mosques post, you can see that many muslims like to see beautiful images that remind them of Islam.  That is why a poster with a beautiful image along with an inspiring quote can sell well.

Here’s how you make one (simplified version):

1. Open up your favorite graphics editor (mine is Photoshop) and create a blank image (11′ x 17′).
2. Find a photo that you want to use. You can use your own or find good quality ones online for free or at an affordable price.
3. Find a beautiful quote that inspires.
4. Put the photo and quote onto your blank image from Step 1.
5. Print and laminate it at the store.

Create Books

If you have a leader in your community who has written articles or essays, consider putting them into a book and selling them. You can then either sell them or use them as gifts to those who give monetary donations.

Sell Books

If you find a book that has a universal appeal to everyone in your community, consider contacting the publisher of that book to buy it in bulk and then sell or gift it.

Event Fundraising Ideas

Hold a fundraising dinner

I’m sure you have gone to one. They are definitely one of the best and quickest ways to raise funds.

Here’s how: Get venue. Get food. Get motivational speaker. Get excited crowd. Fundraise. Done.

Set up a Bazaar

This can be done in conjunction with your fundraising dinner. You can either rent out tables to local vendors to sell their wares or sell your own products (from the Product Fundraising Ideas).

Get a Henna Artist

Hire or enlist the help of a local henna artist and charge each sister to get it done. It would be better to get a talented volunteer so that all proceeds can go to your organization.

Have an Auction

Get local businesses to donate their products and get creative volunteers to put them on nice silver platters and decorate the products and hold the auction.

Have a Silent Auction

Just like the previous point except the products are on display throughout your event and people would put their names and the price they would buy it privately. The advantage from a regular auction is it takes less time and you get muslims who don’t like the “public” nature of auctions to participate as well.

Give Gift Cards / Certificates

When people donate money or participate in an auction, you can give away gift cards to local businesses that donated them.

Hold a Walk-a-Thon Event

No biryani at this event A participant of your walk-a-thon will get others to sponsor them. They walk for a certain distance and the money they raise from their sponsors goes to you.

I did this once with my little sister and it wasn’t fun because she wanted to run the whole way and me being a big brother I had to make sure I kept up. It was 10 kms!

Host a Barbeque Picnic

Find a sunny weekend afternoon and have a BBQ at a local park. Make your money by selling the picnic food (burgers, hotdogs, salad, juice etc) and eco-bags.

I like this type of event because it involves being outdoors and people bring frisbees and the brothers will always create an impromptu soccer match

Kids Fair!

This is great for families. You can rent out bouncy castles and get volunteers to work at amusement park-type stations and have food and even get vendors to participate or donate. You can fundraise by either charging for the event or get families to donate as they participate.

What tips do you have?

Do you have any good fundraising tips that you want to share? Please add a comment below!

Fundraising Ideas For Your Muslim Organization is a post from: Muslim Worker

No related posts.

Assalamu’alaikum dear reader,

I hope this message reaches you in the best of health and Iman (faith). I’m writing to let you know about the changes to this blog. InshAllah, we have relaunched in this month of June 2012 with new content.

I would like to thank those of you who have written to me to come back to the Muslim Worker blog and to update it more often. InshAllah, this is what I plan on doing.

For those of you wondering what I was up to the last couple of years, Alhamdullilah, Allah has blessed me with two wonderful daughters. I also started a publishing company called Gentle Breeze Books with my wife, Umm Nura.

She is a talented writer who has written an adventure chapter book series for kids called Jannah Jewels that has garnered some great reviews from bloggers and amazon readers. She recently released a new picture book, Hijab And Basketball.

I have also been inspired by many great blogs and online entrepreneurs that have motivated me to start producing content again. The likes of ProductiveMuslim, Baba Ali, Design Molvi, and many, many others that are pushing forth great islamic content, products and services.

InshAllah, I also started a facebook page so you can catch me there. You can also follow me on twitter. For some exclusive content, make sure you subscribe to my mailing list.

Thats it for now. A new blog post is coming up in a couple of days so make sure you come back soon

Wasalam,
Abu Nura

Quick Website Update… is a post from: Muslim Worker

No related posts.

Have you ever wanted to establish your Islamic Identity and still look cool and modern? Islamic T-shirts are one way. I never had any Muslim t-shirts until I went to my first big Islamic conference.

I attended the ISNA conference in Chicago years ago and went to the bazaar section. MashAllah, I was in Islamic shopping paradise I went on a spending spree and bought many muslim t-shirts among other things. I also like wearing traditional Islamic clothing but it was nice to have some cool Islamic tees when attending active Islamic events like sports tournaments and such.

I scoured the internet and found cool islamic t-shirts that you should check out…

Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite

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40 Awesome Muslim T-Shirt Designs is a post from: Muslim Worker

No related posts.

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In the world we live in today, there are many distractions that take us away from our Islam and the peace and tranquility we get from it. I’m here to explain how you can make your home islamic so that you and your family can find peace after experiencing the challenges of the outside world.

1. Establishing a Prayer Space

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There should be a place in your home where you regularly pray. If you have a big house, it is easier to section out an area and just keep the prayer rugs ready so you can pray when the time comes in.

If you don’t have the luxury of space, just use a common area of the home that everyone uses for prayer. The key here is to make it visible so that everyone knows where they can pray.

You want your family to pray in this public space as well as their own rooms. Doing this will help build an Islamic identity and presence to all who live in your home.

Parents with babies/toddlers will find this extremely beneficial as your little ones will start to imitate what you do on your prayer mat and just be around you when you pray.

2. Islamic Paintings and Muslim Posters

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You can find a lot of Islamic calligraphy and verses of the Quran in painting form that are sold online and at Islamic stores.  You should buy (tasteful) ones that complement the interior of your home and hang them on your walls.

This will establish the identity of your family as Muslims and show them the beauty of Islam.

3. Books on Islam

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You should have a bookshelf that is easily accessible in the house with Islamic books. It shouldn’t just be Qurans. You should have Islamic books for children, Islamic photography books, books on hadith and the biography of the Prophet (saw).

There should be a variety of them with different levels of reading comprehension. Anyone in your family should be able to stroll by the shelf and just pick something up and start reading.

4. Regular Rituals With Your Family

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You should pray at least one prayer at home in congregation.  For most people, it would be Maghrib prayer since it typically doesn’t interfere with everyone’s schedules.

For the one reciting the prayer, always remember who you are leading. You might be a Quran Hafiz and want to impress your family with your vast knowledge of Surahs, but sometimes if your wife is pregnant or your kids have a lot of homework to do, keep the prayer shorter and keep the longer surahs when you are doing your sunnah/nafl prayers yourself.

You want your family to enjoy the process of praying together and not make it a chore. Its not just about praying as a family, there are other rituals you can do.  Perhaps choose a hadith book and get a member of the family to read one hadith after prayer.

Once a week, you can watch a muslim video as a family and then discuss how you were affected by what the speaker said.

There are many other things you can do. Try brainstorming with your family and get them involved.

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This is just a start. Remember, its a crazy world out there. You don’t want your home to be like that too.

Imagine when you create a peaceful home that shows the beauty of your deen and what this can do to help your relationship with your family.

This is what living Islam is all about. So go ahead and make your home a place of peace

How do you make your home more Islamic? Let me know in the comments below!

How To Muslim-ize your House Today is a post from: Muslim Worker

Related posts:

1. 10 Habits of Highly Effective Muslim Husbands
2. Muslim-ize your iPhone 3G or iPod Touch
3. 2 Classic Muslim Websites still going strong today

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:

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   Photo by hamed
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   Photo by ranoush
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   Photo by hamed
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   Photo by hamed
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   Photo by hamed
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   Photo by meanestindian
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   Photo by lbrwaz
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   Photo by uaeincredible
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   Photo by hamed
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    Photo by amed
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    Photo by samirakhan
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    Photo by smsm89
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    Photo by riyadh_miss
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    Photo by islandspice
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    Photo by ahmedrabea
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    Photo by mekfouldji
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    Photo by emrank
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    Photo by ninara
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    Photo by naif style
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    Photo by cristic
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    Photo by rassiel
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    Photo by zskdan
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    Photo by jlastras
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    Photo by jlastras
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    Photo by copleys
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    Photo by uak_rock
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    Photo by jubeiz
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    Photo by ranoush
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    Photo by bethcanphoto
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    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. 8 Videos To Motivate You This Ramadan
2. 100 Beautiful Mosque Pictures from Around the World
3. 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

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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

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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

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