Economical Horseback Riding, Archery; Swimming in Meriden, CT
With Spring totally in the air–we’ve been having a ball the past 2 weeks!
We’ve always known about the below ahadeeth regarding recommended & permissible sports in Islam, and I’ve been researching any place economical to get our girls into lessons: specifically Archery & Horseback Riding…
Allah Ta’ala says, And (He created) horses, mules, and donkeys for you to
ride and as adornment….(16:8),and the Prophet (peace be on him) said, “There is blessing in the forelocks of horses.” (Reported by Ahmad.)
He also said, “Practice archery and horseback riding.” (Reported by Muslim.)
And again, Any action without the remembrance of Allah is either a diversion or heedlessness excepting four acts: walking from target to target (during archery practice), training a horse, playing with one’s family, and learning to swim. (Reported by al-Tabarani on good authority.)
Said ‘Umar, “Teach your children swimming and archery, and tell them to jump on the horse’s back.”
Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Prophet (peace be on him) organized horse races and gave a prize to the winner. (Reported by Ahmad.) All this was done by the Prophet (peace be on him) to encourage competition in sports involving physical exercise and
discipline.
Viola!
1. Introducation to Horseback Riding
Horse Is A Horse [Ages 8+. So we'll start off with our eldest daughter].
Learn the basics of horsemanship with a very interactive learning environment provided by Rosehaven Stabes located at 31 Valley View Drive off East Main Street in Meriden. Learn about horse breeds, riding disciplines as well as how to groom, tack and ride a horse. Rosehave will offer an introductory five week clinic for beginners. Each Child will need her own trasportation to and from Rosehaven Stables.
*Introductory 5 week clinic Session 1. Every Thursday. [We just missed the 1st session last Thursday]. $50 + annual membership to Girls Inc. ($30/year. May – May. They’ll include April for us 
]
Click here for more details ==> Girls Inc. of Meriden
2. Archery & Air Rifle
at the Boys & Girls Club of Meriden.
They have clinics & drop-in sessions for 8-9 yo+. So, our eldest will start now too!
$40/annual membership year ends August 31st.
But, look at ALL these Art, Educational, Gym Classes, Open Gym & Computer Lab! WOW! What a steal!
3. Swimming
Meriden Parks & Recreation
Click here for Program brochure.
INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM
The 2007-2008 Indoor Public Swim Program takes place at the Maloney HS
pool on the following dates and times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from
6:30-7:45PM as-well-as Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM.
All interested participants must possess a valid 2008 pool pass. Available for
purchase at the Parks and Recreation office, passes cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00
for children ages 17 and under. Potential recipients must come to the office inperson
and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass.
They said they’ve been doing this for 15+ years.
Member pass valid calendar year: Jan. 1 – Dec. 31st.
Bummed, we didn’t know about this during the winter; but Subhanallah, excited to find it now because this will be the first Summer without our own pool 
Insha’allah, anyone local–drop a note and come join us anytime!
Enjoy Spelling with Free Online Spelling Program
[The girls picked out the above banner So cute.]
Designed to to help improve your child’s spelling skills–SpellingCity made a half-hour of enjoyment for the typically boring subject of Spelling at our house today!
At the end of each session they were SO proud to get 100% on their spelling tests through a cool certificate signed by the “SpellingCity Mayor”
Alhumdulilah, this was a GREAT find, because our 6-year old had difficulty with her Challenge Words this week; and our 7-year old learns how to spell by playing around & applying her words in as many different means possible, so having HangMouse, unscramble & word find as interactive activities truly kept her motivated!
There are GREAT resources for Parents, Teachers & Kids! Very colorful, nice sound effects & More! Explore, have fun & report your experiences below!
Surahs to Pray at Night: al Mulk, al Waqi’ah; Ya Sin
Young girls at our weekend Islamic School started to learn Surah al Mulk (Dominion). The teacher shared that this Surah should be said each night and acts as a protection from grave; so I had to learn more…
Additionally, hubby had our 7 year old start learning my favorite Surah Ya Sin.
I found the Benefits of Yasin, al Waqiah, and al Mulk is desribed here.
Some highlighted ahadeeth specific to recommending these 3 Surahs read at night include:
Surah al Mulk
11. The Prophet said, ‘Surah al Mulk is the protector from the torment of the grave ‘[Sahihul Jamiea 1/680, Hakim 2/498 & Nasai]
12. Jabir (radiAllahu anhu) said it was the custom of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam not to go to sleep until he had read Tabarakalladhi Biyadihil Mulk and Alif Laam Meem Tanzeel. [Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Darami]
8. The Prophet said, ‘Whoever recites surah al Waqiah at night would never encounter poverty’ [Ibn Sunni 620]
Surah Ya Sin (at night and during the day):
4. The Prophet said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Yasin in the night seeking Allah’s pleasure, Allah would forgive him’[Ibn Hibban, Darimi 3283/A, Abu Yala, Tabarani, Baihaqi & Ibn Mardawaih]The Hadith mentioned by ‘Ataa bin Abi Rabaah (R.A.) states that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said: “Whosoever recites Surah Yasin in the early part of the day his needs will be fulfilled.” (Mishkaat, Page 189)
It is stated in Mirqaat, Sharah Mishkaat under the commentary of the above Hadith that ones worldly needs and the needs pertaining to the Deen and the Hereafter will be fulfilled. (Mirqaat, Sharah Mishkaat, Vol. 4, Page 681)
Alhumdulilah, I’ve found great peace and content by reading these conveniently after Ishaa during Sunna, Nafl & Witr prayer.
Additionally, recommended reading at night includes: Ayat al Kursi & the last 2 ayats in Surah al Baqarah. Insha’allah, I will follow-up with the appropriate ahadeeth.
Tis’ballah khir.
Sex Education from an Islamic Perspective
Alhumdulilah, when asked on-the-spot how to deal with a girl-friend’s son’s curiosity; I’m SO happy (actually relived!) to find that my initial advice is exactly in line with this fatwa on Sex Education from an Islamic Perspective.
Some main points shared include:
- Regarding seeking knowledge and NOT being shy:
In seeking this knowledge, shyness does not stand as a barrier in this case, but such knowledge must be imparted in a modest and dignified manner. Almighty Allah says, “Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only men of understanding will pay heed.” (Az-Zumar: 9)
`A’ishah, the wife of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, made this clear: “Blessed are the women of the Ansar (the citizens of Madinah). Shyness did not stand in their way seeking knowledge about their religion.” (Reported by The Group save at-Tirmizi).
Since the sex education known in the Western societies makes it lawful for any young man and woman to fall in the abyss of adultery, it becomes incumbent on Muslims to inculcate their sons and daughters with the true sex education as shown by Islam and the rulings of Allah regarding such very sensitive and delicate matters.
They discuss, appropriate ages, how to introduce necessary topics, differences in culture and societies, such as “typical sex education in America”. It’s a short-fatwa filled with critical information I highly recommend you take
Regardless of the challenges of each society, young people must be adequately informed.
In short, it is Our responsibility & obligation as parents to fill in the blanks and make this sensitive and delicate matter acceptable and beautiful (as described in Qur’an & Sunnah).
We must give our children the confidence, knowledge and comfort to discuss anything and everything openly about their bodies, feelings and curiosities to us!
Staying away from the issues when our children are most eager to know may cause them to feel indifferent to the beauty of their own sexuality–something Allah SWT gifted us, and lead them to seek knowledge themselves.
The lack of guidance may lead astray!
So, Lead my dear Sister…Be Your Child’s Leader!
Puberty and sexuality, when approached openly & responsibly is a beautiful transition in our children’s lives–from children to adulthood.
Keep it beautiful, according to the Qur’an and Sunnah, and there’s nothing to be ashamed. Our human-ness should be honored.
To follow-up this initial advice (fatwa), I’m reading Bringing up Children in Islam by M.H. Mukhtaar
What do you think? Recommend? Have to add? Please comment below.
What are Your True Muslim Motherhood Issues in America?
What do YOU want to discuss here? Read? Need Advice?
My earlier post about Major Sins versus Minor Sins caused me to cut this section out and make this a seperate post, insha’allah (God willing) to get your attention.
I’m asking that you please share your children’s problems, issues, good news, recommendations, in the comments area below!
Let’s start discussing YOUR issues that You feel Need to be addressed in raising our children and being a Muslim Mom in America!
Alhumdulilah, my girls and I have TONS of resources to share; but it will be more useful to both of use when we share at them at the most appropriate time: a time when You–our devoted sister–needs it most!
Undoubtedly, it will take more time, energy and effort to share what’s really going on in our daily lives; but rather than search for the answers yourself, or worse “avoid the issue” and let your child “trail and error…and risk erring” let’s start sharing!
For example, just last night, a dear, dear sister told me she found a Victoria’s Secret catalog underneath her 8 year-old son’s bed 2 days ago. In shock, she starting saying “Aib” (Not-acceptable) and avoided the situation.
Her son’s smirk and silence may have been of embarrassment, fear, or something else–because the issue was not discussed…so, we starting talking about “What should we do?”, “Is it too late to bring it up?” “No Way!”
Are these the things You want to start discussing now?
I am not a scholar by any means; but I am prepared to share my insha’allah, educated opinions, thoughts, ideas, advice, experience, etc. I will seek scholarly advice when necessary…
After all, each child and each situation is unique, but within our Qur’an and Sunnah, we KNOW there’s an answer!
So, the more You participate in the dialog, the more You share your experience…the better we can devise our own special way to handle the delicate and beautiful issues our own children one at a time.
So, what’s on your mind? Please share below!
Major Sins versus Minor Sins in Islam
My girls and I have been talking a lot about Major & Minor Sins.
More specifically, hubby and I are working hard to strengthen our girls with the Truth about what is really Haram and what is not.
I’ve always detested the misuse of two words in Arabic, and both are NOT allowed in our house: “Haram” (Prohibited, sinful) and “Wala” (I swear to God) [topic for another post].
Yet, children and parents use in their everyday vocabulary, that now my girls’ friends at such a young age (7, 6,& 4) for the past 3 weeks at Islamic School are saying, “This is haram!”, “That is haram!” and arguments get so out of hand in the masjid, that my girls and their friends come to our rescue to “settle” the disagreement.
As if our children don’t have enough to deal with with non-Muslim influences, vices, real-sins & Haram behavior just by living in a non-Muslim Country! Here we are “arming” our girls with knowledge and confidence to work within our own ummah!?
But, alhumdulilah, our time (insha’allah) is not wasted because Islam is its truest form is ALL about moderation. If taught confidently and appropriately based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, every moment we teach our children will be rewarded! They WILL be armed to have respectable, honorable, and trustworthy relations within our ummah of brothers & sisters, AND those who are not Muslim (the majority here in America!).
So, here are some quick links that we’ve been studying:
- The difference between between major & minor sins in Islam.
- Want to know what IS a Major Sin? Here its defined in Islam with numerous reference to Qur’an and ahadeeth, and, finally;
- Whatare the Major Sins? – From one of the Most trusted website: IslamOnline.Net
Please let’s arm our children with knowledge!
Insha’allah, we must help one another use our vocabulary correctly, and not make life even harder than it already is for our children!
We need to come together, and prevent our children from our own cultural influences that are NOT Islamic, and set it straight as parents.
I’ve seen SO many times children smothered with rules (especially exaggerated & inappropriately enforced) go astray from our beloved deen (way of life); which is a tragedy that is our obligation to prevent!
Michael’s Saturday Art Workshops – This week is Free!
The Knack (SM) Free Family Event
Saturday, March 15th
10am – 3pm
FREE (US & Canada)
Subhanallah, Talk about good timing!
We’ve never been to Michael’s Kids Events because for $2/project I’d rather buy
the stuff and make them ourselves…with supplies to spare! But, I thought I’d give them a shot
this Saturday. When I called, they told me they have a free event with 3
projects to choice from.
Check them out, and let us know what you think!
Surah Al-Kahf – Beautiful Recitation; English Translations
Click here for an introduction to the Virtues of Reciting/Reading Surah Al-Kahf every Friday.
Our 7 year-old and I just found these beautiful videos of Surah Al-Kahf. Being the 4th consecutive week of reading the English & listening to the Arabic, today we tried very hard identifying words we know & reciting as much of the Surah as possible, Alhumdulilah.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
As remarked in the comments area, we found the entire Qur’an recited by Salaah bin `Abdurrahmaan Bukhaatir here.
Please continue to share your recommendations.
Beware of ALL Islamic resources, e.g., The True Furqan
Salam my dear sister,
One major reason for resurrecting this website is to create a well-researched depository for Islamic education, tips, tools, resources for raising our children here in the West, according to the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and live only for the sake of Allah (SWT). I research everything throughly and often seek advice and counsel from hubby, trusted sisters, and our Imam. May Allah forgive me if I unintentionally err in any of my work. ~Ameen.
This was an email I received from a dear sister. Jazaka Allahu Khayrun.
Beware of the following websites (Notice, I did NOT make live-links, so you do not click-astray.):
2. www.aboutislam. com
3. www.thequran. com
4. www.allahassurance. com
These sites have NOT been developed by sisters or brothers in Islam!
There are many websites intentionally spreading wrong information about the Qur’an, Hadith, and Islam in general.
WARNING: Always check the source of any Islamic website, book, pamphlet, article, etc. even if it is very convincing. When in doubt, ask an Islamic scholar, Imam, Sheikh, or a trusted, practicing, knowledgeable Brother or Sister. I ALWAYS do!
A FAKE AMERICAN QURAAN, aka ‘The True Furqan’ was written.
Please do NOT ignore this post, and forward this information to as many Muslims as possible.
The new AMERICAN Quran is a dangerous trick. This new Qur’an is being distributed in Kuwait entitled ‘The True Furqan’. It is being described as the ayats of the Shaytan and Al-Furqan weekly magazine has found out that the two American printing companies;’Omega 2001′
and ‘Wine Press’ are involved in the publishing of ‘The True Furqan’, a book which has also been titled ‘The 21st Century Quran’!
Read over 230 customer reviews on Amazon regarding this book.
It is over 366 pages and is in both the Arabic and English languages… it is being distributed to our children in Kuwait in the private English schools! The book contains 77 Surats, which
include Al-Fatiha, Al-Jana and Al-Injil. Instead of Bismillah, each Surat begins with a longer vesion of this incorporating the Christian belief of the three spirits.
And this so called Qur’an opposes many Islamic beliefs. in one of its ayats it describes having more than one wife as fornication, divorce being non-permissable and it uses a new system for the sharing out of the will, opposing the current one. It states that Jihad is HARAM.
This book even goes as far as attacking Allah, Subhanahu wa Tahala!
All this is poisoning our children at approx. $3. Brothers and Sisters please make sure you forward this email to as many people as possible so that we can stop this dangerous trick.
Please tell everyone you know and may Allah reward you.
When the Moon Split (A Biography of Prophet Muhammad PBUH)
When the Moon Split: A biography of Prophet Muhammad by Safiur-Rahman Mubarakpuri
This book has been recommended to me for weeks, and our Sunday Islamic School uses it for the older classes.
I started it last night and enjoying reading it side-by-side with the Free Online Sirah (Biography of Prophet Mohammad PBUH) .
This book is definitely written for older readers, while the online is easily read by our 6 and 7-year old. This book is a great supplement to the online Sirah because there are more Qur’anic verses and ahadeeth shared. While I was reading it last night, I shared many new and amazing stories to the girls.
This, like the online Sirah, is easy-to-read and very enjoyable.
What are your thoughts and recommendations?
