Awakening Art By Umm Aisha

New Pastures

2009-04-15T00:33:00.005+01:00

Salaams to all.

I pray all my readers have been keeping well Insha-Allah.

Please click the following link to my new address for further updates and posts for Awakening Art:

www.awakeningart.wordpress.com

May the blessings of Allah be with you all and see you over onto the new site shortly.

Umm Aisha

Eid Mubarak

2008-12-09T18:16:00.003Z

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

2008-11-13T07:47:00.006Z

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

2008-09-18T21:40:00.004+01:00

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

2008-09-16T12:04:00.006+01:00

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

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

2008-09-04T11:46:00.003+01:00

"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

2008-08-31T23:52:00.003+01:00

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

Al-Waahid

2008-06-10T13:25:00.004+01:00

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: 50x70 cm

Salvation from Hellfire

2008-03-24T16:09:00.013Z

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

2008-03-19T14:20:00.004Z

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.

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 : 23.5x27.5 inches

Till the next time
salaams and peace
Umm Aisha

Devotion

2007-11-09T12:09:00.007Z

Devotion - Mixed media (Acrylic & Glitter) on canvas.
Allah written in centre in Divany style.

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.

2007-09-12T10:51:00.000+01:00

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

2007-09-10T01:11:00.000+01:00

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

AL-WADOOD

2006-10-16T11:58:00.000+01:00

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

2006-09-24T22:42:00.000+01:00

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

2006-08-23T16:49:00.000+01:00

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

2006-08-12T22:50:00.000+01:00

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

As-Salaam / The Giver of Peace

2006-08-07T19:46:00.000+01:00

Salaams to all.

I pray you have all kept well since my last post.
Apologies for not posting for a while. I have been kept occupied with my beautiful newborn baby girl who was born at the end of June. Every cry she cries and every smile she smiles, is a blessing from The Almighty, from the Giver of Peace.
The above painting is in acrylic on canvas. The painting draws the on-looker's attention from the darkness towards the light. In times of dark despair, if we turn to As-Salaam, we will find peace and harmony and eternal bliss. Allah swa is always there for those who feel His greatness with their heart.

Till the next time, may Allah's blessing be upon you all.
Peace and salaams.
Umm Aisha

Time

2006-04-23T16:43:00.000+01:00

Salaams to all.

I pray God is keeping you all in the very best of health.

Last week, my family suffered a loss in the death of my father-in-law. He was a very pious man who thought more about the after life than of this world. We spend our day to day lives wrapped up in meaningless chores
that get us nowhere. Even one minute remembering the Allmighty will take us so far, yet do we take heed.
The journey of life is but a short one, the hereafter is eternal yet how much do we prepare for that destination.
My father-in-law was an inspiration to me and the whole family as he prepared well for his destination in the form of his worship, his charity and much more. I pray Allah grants him Jannah in the highest state and grants sabr and patience for the family.
The above painting is an acrylic piece titled The Time. It is of Surat Al-'Asr from the Quran (30:103).
The translation is as follows:
In the name of God, the most Gracious, the most Merciful.
By Al-'Asr (The Time). Verily, man is in loss. Except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and recommend one another to the truth, and recommend one another to patience.

May Allah forgive me for any mistakes I have quoted.
Umm Ibraheem ( http://expressionsofpeace.blogspot.com ) writes beautiful poetry and has written one titled "Too Busy To Think About Death". Have a read and lets all try and change our ways.

Salaams and peace to you all.
Umm Aisha

The Muslim Weekly

2006-04-15T13:32:00.000+01:00

Salaams to you all.

I pray you are all keeping well.
Thought I would let you know of the recent article regarding my exhibition and my art in The Muslim Weekly newspaper.
Go to the Art & Culture section of http://www.themuslimweekly.co.uk
The article is titled "Talent is born, not made."

Thank you to all of you who visited the exhibition and for your positive feedback.
One of the pieces I had in the exhibition was "Kalima Tawheed". (Above) This painting represents who I am. A British born Muslim of Indian Origin. The Article of Faith is in the paisley design in the centre, with the translation in urdu on the left and in Gujerati on the right.

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

Prophet Mohammad SAW

2006-03-30T10:50:00.000+01:00

Salaams to all.

I pray you have all kept well.
Thank you to all of you who have visited my exhibition and sent me feedback. It is running until April 9th, so if you have not been, you still have time.

When I write or paint Allah's name/s, I am filled with joy and enlightenment. The same goes for the name of our beloved Prophet Mohammad (peace of God be upon him). He was a man who portrayed love and peace, strength and chivalry, honesty and kindness, and total commitment to God. He was well known for his supreme qualities. He had experienced human aspects of life from many different angles. From a poor orphan, a brilliant merchant, triumphant statesman of a society devoted to One Deity, Almighty Allah.
He is the best-known example of humanity to follow in order to achieve peace, love and success in the life of the world and a salvation in the life of Hereafter.

The above sets of canvas pieces are in corresponding silver and black acrylic.
May we all find love in our hearts for Allah and His Beloved Prophet and may He guide us and give us the strength to follow in our Prophet's footsteps.

Untill the next time.
Peace and salaams to all

Umm Aisha

Forthcoming Exhibition Details

2006-03-14T23:07:00.000Z

Salaams to all.

Awakening Art Exhibition by Umm Aisha

My forthcoming exhibition will run for three weeks, insha-Allah.
Details as follows:

Dates : March 20th 2006 - April 9th 2006
Venue: Halaliano Restaurant, 1st Floor, Mile End Road,
(under Green Bridge, South Side)
Mile End, London, E3.
Contact: Halaliano, Tariq Younas (for Directions) -
020 8983 1144
Umm Aisha ( Exhibition Enquiries) -
awakeningart@hotmail.co.uk

There will be no entrance fee and opening times for the restaurant are daily 4pm to 12am (midnight).
Hope to see some of you there Insha-Allah.

Till the next time, may God be with you.
Peace and salaams to all.
Umm Aisha.
.

Rememberance of Allah

2006-02-27T11:33:00.000Z

Salaams to all. I pray you have all kept well.
Apologies for not posting for a while. I have been preparing for my forth coming exhibition which starts end of March for 3 weeks. I will soon post more details of the event once all confirmed.

The above painting is a large Acrylic piece and is one that I really enjoyed painting. "99 Names of Allah" was one that I took most pleasure out of. I found it soothed and relaxed me as I wrote each name and tried to remember their meanings. It filled me with peace and tranquility, joy and life, together with moments of reflection all in one go, Masha-Allah. Alhamdulillah, All Praise is for Allah. May we all find peace and love for God in our hearts and souls.
Till the next time, peace and love to all.

Umm Aisha

Salaams.

2006-02-06T18:29:00.000Z

May you all be in good health by the grace of the Allmighty.
It has been some time since I have posted anything but I am back and pray I do not leave it this long again.
I am having some technical difficulties uploading my images at present but will soon upload some more photos, once I have sorted out the problem.
May God be with you all.
Salaams and peace.

Umm Aisha

Trust in Allah

2005-10-18T21:22:00.000+01:00

Salaams to all
The above painting is titled 'Trust' and reads "We rely and put our trust in Allah".
In light of the recent tragic earthquake in India and Pakistan and also prior to that, the hurricane in America, it is important we stand firm together, be it helping at the sights affected, sending donations to the unfortunate survivors or in our homes raising our hands to the Allmighty. We need to hope and pray for those in need and most importantly, put our trust in God to do the best for us all insha-Allah.
Don't stop helping or giving or even praying. In times of crisis, aid is always shortlived. Let it not be that way this time around.
May God grant those passed Jannah in the highest state and Sabr for those left behind with nothing but our prayers going their way.

Wassalaam
Umm Aisha

Ramadan Mubarak

2005-10-06T20:48:00.000+01:00

Salaams to all and Ramadan Mubarak.

This painting is titled 'Grief, Anxiety and Sadness'. The background represents your inner-self. The nafs trying to overshadow the light. Turn to Allah and you will always see the light (the centre).
May God shower His blessings upon us all in this holy month and guide us all onto the right path insha-Allah. May God accept all our prayers insha-Allah. Aameen.

Wassalaam
Umm Aisha

Al-Khaaliq - The Creator

2005-08-12T17:37:00.000+01:00

Salaams all,
Hope you have all kept well whilst I was away at the Living Islam Camp 2005 and then to Andalucia in Spain. I have captured some good shots out there and Insha-Allah will post them on soon once I have uploaded them on to my computer.
I came back last night and could not wait to log on and check out some of my favourite blogs to see what new posts have been added. One in particular is Expressions of Peace by Umm Ibraheem.
The sister has added this new poem and with her permission, I have posted it to my blog to go with my painting also titled Al-Khaaliq - The Creator. Read on, and take heed of the words.

Wasalaam
Umm Aisha

THE CREATOR (by Umm Ibraheem)

HE IS AL-KHALIQ,
THE CREATOR,
HE CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH,
THE RIVERS AND THE SEA,
THE MOUNTAINS AND THE FIELDS,
THE STARS AND THE MOON,
ALL THAT WE SEE AND DON’T SEE ARE CREATED BY THE ALMIGHTY.

WE ARE THE HUMANS,
MOST REVERED OF ALL HIS CREATIONS,
WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN KNOWLEDGE,
FREEDOM OF CHOICE,
TO BUILD, RE-CREATE, TO TRAVEL,

WE ARE THE DESTROYERS,
POLLUTING THE SKIES AND THE SEAS,
CREATING WASTE,
KILLING THE TREES,
ABUSING NATURE,
SLAUGHTERING ANIMALS, NOT FOR BASIC NEEDS,
DO WE THINK OF OUR ACTIONS,
EACH TIME WE PUT OUT THE TRASH,
WITH OUR MODERN LIFESTYLES,
WE TAKE TOO MUCH FOR GRANTED.

LET US TRY TO STEP BACK,
TAKE A LOOK AT ALLAH’S swt’s BLESSINGS UPON US,
LET US TRY TO TURN GREEN,
THINK OF EACH ACTION AS PRESERVATION,
OF ALLAH’S AMAZING CREATIONS!

UMM IBRAHEEM (Copyright 28th JULY 2005)

Umm Ibraheem's Blog :
http://expressionsofpeace.blogspot.com

Glorify

2005-08-01T13:14:00.000+01:00

Salaams,
The above two paintings were a first for me.
The one at the top is my 1st attempt at a geometric pattern. I have used circles throughout in the pattern and for the Allah in the four corners, as circles represent an eternal nature of no beginning no end. God is Eternal. He has no beginning. He has no End. Subhanallah.
This is in mixed medium (watercolour & gouche). I love bright colours as do my children. This is a particular favourite one , of my daughter.

The one below is my 1st attempt at a scenery piece. The painting is titled Glorify and the words read "And Glorify Him in the Morning and Evening". This is in Watercolour.
I pray you will all keep well 'till the next time Insha-Allah.

Salaams & peace to all
Umm Aisha

More Reminders

2005-07-25T16:26:00.000+01:00

Salaams all,

Here's another installment of some of my pieces.
The purple Acrylic piece is bold and bright, reminding me of the mightiness of Allah SWA.
The olive green one is my second attempt at a geometric piece. This is in mixed medium ( watercolour & acrylic).
The blue & red piece is titled 'Chaos'. It represents a chaotic lifestyle where turning to the Almighty gives you peace and tranquility. This is in mixed medium (acrylic & ink).

Till the next time,
Salaams & peace to all.
Umm Aisha.

Recent Exhibition

2005-07-23T19:19:00.000+01:00

Salaams to all.

Insha-Allah you have all kept well since my last post.

I thought I'd post some photos of an exhibition of some of my work, held at SEECC's Sunday Islamic School on 17th July 2005. It was the first time I had shared my work with such a huge amount of people and Alhamdulillah the day went very well. I got the opportunity to speak to some amazing people from different walks of life, who shared their experiences of awakening to the right path or their search for peace and tranquility.
Mecca to Medina, a UK based Islamic Rap group were also there and they were absolutely fantastic and very inspirational to the young and old alike.
I thank SEECC for allowing me to exhibit there, but most of all I thank Allah SWA for the whole day.
Till the next time

Wassalaam & peace to all

Umm Aisha

Awakening Art

2005-07-10T00:44:00.000+01:00

All Rights Reserved Copyright. No reproductions without artist consent.

Al-Baseer - The All-Seeing

This piece has the name Allah hidden many times in the pattern in the inner circle.
The watercolour painting represents the fact that Allah is All-Seeing, He sees what is hidden and what is not.

Allah's Favours -

Which one of Allah's Favours can we deny?

Allah

A very bold and striking piece.
Nothing is as powerful as the One Himself.

Visual Awakenings

2005-07-10T00:27:00.000+01:00

Name : Umm Aisha Location : United Kingdom

Salaams to all. I am an artist with a passion for Islamic Art. I set up this blog to share some examples of my work with others in order for them to find some sort of enlightenment or visual awakening, Insha-Allah.
As someone once said to me 'Reminders Benefit Believers', I pray my paintings are a source of reminders for others.
This Acrylic Paisley design Allah-hu -Akbar, is one of my favourites as it is a fusion of Islamic Calligraphy and traditional Indian design. It speaks to me, as I am a British born Muslim whose parents are Indian.

Contact me with your comments by email awakeningart @hotmail.co.uk .
Will update website in due course but in the meantime salaams and peace to all.