Alhumdulilah (Praise be to God), we felt blessed with this opportunity to share our beloved deen (way of life) with others and felt a profound responsibility to do the best we could. But, making this presentation was a bit of a challenge, because non-Muslims will be presenting it to other non-Muslims throughout the country. So, we tried to keep things simplistic, yet comprehensive.

Since we worked so hard on this presentation, I wanted to showcase it here to gain your feedback. So, please share your comments and kind critiques below.

InshaAllah (God willing), we look forward to adapting this very specific presentation into a more general “What is Ramadan?” for non-Muslims–something I’m sure my own extended family and all the non-Muslims who visit us would greatly appreciate.

The du’a on our last slide states:

All praise and thanks belong to Allah, the Lord of the Universe. May there be the blessings and peace upon the last Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions and all those to follow his footsteps. May Allah accept our work, such as this presentation, as a humble act of worship to please Him and Only Him. May He forgive us if we misrepresented anything in our deen (religion or way of life) and/or led anyone astray, as this was not our intention and any errors or faults are of our own, for You are Perfect, The Most Merciful, Most Beneficent. ~Ameen.

[I learned how to embed our Powerpoint presentation via slideshare through this quick tutorial.]

Alhumdulilah!

An old man was selling his horse in the market.

An interested buyer came to him and requested if he could get a test drive. The imam told the man that this horse is unique.

In order to make it walk, you have to say “Subhanallah” (Glory be to God).

To make it run, you have to say “Alhumdulillah” (Praise be to God).

To make it stop, you have to “Allahu Akhbar” (God is Great),

The man sat on the horse and said ‘Subhanallah”. The horse started to walk.

Then, he said “Alhumdulillah” and it started to run. He kept saying “Alhumdulillah ” and the horse started running faster and faster.

All of a sudden the man noticed that the horse is running toward the edge of the hill that he was riding on. Being overly fearful, he forgot how to stop the horse.

He kept saying all these words out of confusion. When the horse was just near the edge, he remembered “Allahu Akbar” and said it out loud. The horse stopped just one step away from the edge.

The man took a deep breath, looked up towards the sky and said “Alhumdulillah!”

We’d love to compile funny Islamic jokes for Muslim Kids. So, if you have one to share, please submit your joke by using this form here.

It is He who has sent forth His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to uplift it above every religion; no matter how much the mushrekens (idolaters) hate it. (9:33)

The creators of the video are magnifying the phenomenon in the video but the basic idea is true. Subhan’Allah, the Almighty plan is working even while the Muslims themselves are are sleeping.

1. Have you seen him who denies the Recompense?
2. That is he who repulses the orphan (harshly),
3. And urges not on the feeding of Al-Miskin (the poor),
4. So woe unto those performers of Salat (prayers) (hypocrites)
5. Those who delay their Salat (prayer from their stated fixed times).
6. Those who do good deeds only to be seen (of men),
7. And prevent Al-Ma’un (small kindnesses like salt, sugar, water).

Please help us showcase the best nasheed and Muslim Kids videos available on the web every Sunday. So, please leave a comment below with your favorite link and check back each week to see when we post it!

From the page

“The Praised One” 2010

5th Annual Poetry Competition about Prophet Muhammad(SAW)
Theme: “A Day with the Prophet(S)”

Northstar School invites all Young Muslims (7 -12 years) to join this Competition!

WINNERS

According to age group (7-9) & (10-12)
Announced at Northstar Fundraising Dinner in April, 2010
Will be awarded a Trophy and Certificate signed by the Judges
POEM CRITERIA
1. Must match current contest theme (above)
2. Must be postmarked between Feb 22nd & Mar 5th, 2010
3. Must be CHILD’s original poetry in their own words
4. Must be submitted with signed Entry Form online
5. Must NOT have won any other competition or have been published

NEW! ARABIC version of “The Praised One” Competition Praise Rasulallah(s) in the Language of the Quran NO THEME, write a poem in Arabic about Rasulallah (saw). Competition for ages (10-13) & (14-17).

Download Poetry Contest Flier

Download Entry Rules

Download Entry Form
POETRY WORKSHOPS
In addition this year we have 2 workshops to help inspire kids:

1. English Workshop is a one day event (Saturday, Feb. 6th) at MCA in Santa Clara, CA. Deadline to register, Feb 2nd.
2. The Arabic Workshop is aimed at producing a 4-6 line poem by the end of February. This workshop is a series of 3 Saturdays (Feb. 13th, 20th, 27th) at Northstar School in Hayward, CA. Basic Arabic knowledge is required in order to benefit. Deadline to register, Feb 9th.

Download Poetry Workshop Flier

Any Questions in regard to the poetry contest? please email:  poetry@northstarschool.org

1. The Prophet Muhammad said, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him: Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother (Ahmad, Nasai).
2. A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your father. (Bukhari, Muslim).

Role of Parents in the Qu’ran

While the above ahadith are about mothers, below are a couple verses in the Qur’an about parents

Qur’an
And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour.
(Surah Al-Isra, Chapter #17, Verse #23)

And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years – give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination.
(Surah Luqman, Chapter #31, Verse #14)

Please leave a comment below with your favorite nasheed and Muslim Kids videos, since we showcase a new one every Sunday. Then, check back each week to see when we post it!

Subhanallah, they already have over 80 registered paid participants .  I just got my 6 year old registered before they closed down Level 1, since I was told by one of the organizers that it’s already full.

There are four age levels (birthdays by February 27, 2010*):

Level 1: 6-7 year old

Level 2: 8-9 year old

Level 3: 10-11 year old

Level 4: 12-15 year old

Location: 8998 Highway 18. North & Spring Valley Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08851

Time: 9:00 am sharp!

Food: Halal lunch and snacks will be provided for the kids.

For further information: Br. Yasir Shahid 917.309.9275 Br. Faisal Ashfaq 732.824.3107 Br. Muhammed Asif 347.392.7236

Sponsorship & Donations are welcomed.

Terms & Conditions. Please read these details for dress code, description of the judging process, how final decisions cannot be contested, and if anyone wants to even try to cheat or lie about his/her child’s age simply to qualify for these great prizes–you better think again! Astaghfirlazeem, this is a Qur’an Competition–let’s keep this fair and fun for everyone, inshaAlah khir.

InshaAllah, all Muslim Kids Qur’an Competitions should honor these Terms & Conditions, because we’ve witnessed too many times when parents ruin the day for the kids and other attendees because they take the competition too seriously and force their children into harmful and even haram practices, such as lying and cheating. Ya Rabb. Please forgive us all. Ameen.

Alhumdulilah, Muslim Kids Qur’an Competitions are always great to attend even if your child/ren is/are not participating. I’m notorious for tearing up and crying whenever they have the winners recite the Qur’an at the end of the day–or, even in the beginning.

So, if you plan to attend, please comment below–we hope to see you there!

I got a question for you and thought that you might know the answer or at least [know] where to find the answer.  You are such a wealth of Islamic Information.

A fellow sister has commented that when women pray and are in sujuood that we should curl up into a ball and pull everything in tight.  But all that I have come across says differently.  Is there something out there that says we should or should not do this?  Any advise that you can give is greatly appreciated.

My girls and I have found this to be a big problem here in our new hometown. We’ve noticed that a particular culture directs and teaches their women to prostate in a ball with legs, arms and thighs close to their bellies. Regardless what culture one is born and raised into, it is all our responsibilities to help one another in the most gracious and non-conformational means possible. It is my intention, that if there are future uncomfortable, possibly confrontational debate that may divide our sisterhood, that you will turn here. Through this new Q & A section, you can ask, refer, direct or lead one another to these answers. I promise to keep it in my light sisterly tone to motivate you to stay, rather than scholarly and dry to turn you away. Yar Rabb, Ameen.

Recommended books and slideshow how to pray in Islam

First, I pulled the 2 prayers books I refer too in our Islamic home library.  I recommended this one book and great free slideshow how to pray to new Muslims, and Muslim kids before. But, it can now serve as a perfect medium for native Muslims who need to read and watch prayers taught correctly based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. A more in-depth book that I’ve had since I reverted to Islam is called,

“A Guide to Prayer in Islam. Pray as you have seen me praying (Buhkhari)” by M. Abdul Karim Saqib. Although it does not have pictures, it has 63 pages filled with verses from the Qu’ran and authentic ahadith (Bukhari).

Correct position for sajdah (prostration) in Islam

None of these resources showed a different way for a man and woman to pray. They only direct the way in which the Prophet (peace & blessings be upon him) prayed and how directed us to follow his way. Only seven parts of our bodies should touch the ground during sajdah (prostration) at the same time:

1. The forehead along with the tip of the nose.
2. Right hand. The fingers should be pointing towards the Qiblah (the Kabah in Mecca) without spreading the fingers apart.
3. Left hand The fingers should be pointing towards the Qiblah (the Kabah in Mecca) without spreading the fingers apart.
4. Right knee
5. Left knee
6. The bottom of your right toes, all pointing in the direction of the Qiblah (the Kabah in Mecca)
7. The bottom of your left toes, all pointing in the direction of the Qiblah (the Kabah in Mecca)

* Place your hands down on the ground below your ears. Your forearms should not rest on the ground (lazy like a dog–another major mistake).

Pictures and slideshow shows how to prostrate correctly and when done correctly is the most comfortable position, subhannah (Glory be to Allah).

I tried to prostrate in the curled-up ball-like position, and find that one must sway their body back consciously, uncomfortably and unnaturally.  When I was trying to go into this position, I had to actually think about it and go against the natural flow of gravity that my body had to lean with my forehead leading my way. While thinking about this unnatural position, one may be too preoccupied which may in turn take our focus away from Allah (May He be Glorified).

Fatwas supporting that there is no difference for sajdah (prostration) between men and women

Next, I turned to the trusted and respected IslamQA.com and found these enlightening fatwa that stresses there is only one way to pray as directed by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him). To pray with different versions for men and women is based on weak ahadith and should not be followed.

• Proof that there is only one way to pray, with no difference between a men and women.
• Fatwa explaining the weakness of such ahadith that defends the difference between male and female prayers.

Why search engines are NOT the best place for gaining Islamic knowledge

Last, I turned to our not-so-trusted search engines.

There were many posts, articles and even free downloadable ebooks showing the difference between a men and women’s sajdah (prostration). I will not link to any of them because it will only we cloud our minds to read material that leads us astray.

When in doubt, it is important to refer to ahadith written by Bukhari and Muslim. Until we can strive to memorize and embody the Qur’an to its fullest and then the complete collection of ahadith of Sahih Bukhari, we as an ummah (Muslim community) have our hands full. Why debate, try or follow less than perfected ahadith?

Beware where the search engines take you online–not only because it will take you to less than authentic ahadith; but it will take to you fancy, Islamic-looking, web portals not written by Muslims, let alone practicing ones. There are dozens of websites are not to be trusted and should be shut down; simply because they are distorting our blessed religion for the sake of propagating hateful views and thoughts of or just and righteous deen (way of life).

Send your Questions to American Muslim Mom for Answers!

So, that concludes our first American Muslim Mom Q & A. Please share your comments below, and send us your Questions for future Q & A posts. Alhumdulilah, while writing this post and having only shared this idea with a few sisters, we already received 3 new questions. P.S. All questions will be posted anonymously, unless stated otherwise, or asked publicly in the comments section below.

May Allaah be pleased with him, put himself at the forefront of community service to the people before his reign as the khalifah. The recipients of his benevolent services were single mothers whose husbands had died or were martyred while defending Islam. He ran some house errands for them such as preparing dough and milking their goats.

However, when he was elected to be the Muslims’ leader after the death of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe was salam, the single mothers had apprehension and anxiety. Their concern was that this new position would become a stumbling block, thus preventing him from continuing his services for them. One time, he overheard one widow say: “Now, no one will milk our goats for us,” to which he responded, “No, by Allah I will continue milking your goats.”

And so, off he went to the woman’s residence. At the entrance of the door was the woman’s young daughter who exclaimed with joy, “Mum, the goats’ milker is here!!” Abu Bakr becomes the renowned goat milker. For whom? The widows, the weak, and the orphans. Subhanallah!

Truly, this is community service 101. This is a description of a selfless community service for the less privileged and underserved. In our present days and times, when the weak, the poor, the destitute, are looked down upon, and their basic rights are unfulfilled by those in authority; when wealth and riches have become the order of the day for our Muslim leaders, and pride and arrogance have beclouded their judgments to acknowledge the rights of those under them. From this story, we can all learn from the life of Abu Bakr As-siddiq. Despite his reign as the khalifah and his ultimate success as one of the top ten chosen Muslim men promised paradise by Allaah subhana wa Ta’ala, he didn’t get carried away with these positions. In reality, he got carried away by being at full service to his community members, fulfilling their basic needs, one widow and one orphan at a time.

By Maryam Funmilayo

MashaAllah, May we all strive to obtain the knowledge, confidence, will-power and dedicated to follow-through in our participation in serving our communities more. Ameen,

Please share how you and your families are serving your community; not out of arrogance, but as a means of helping all of us find more means and opportunities to give back to those in need more than others.

1. Qur’an Explorer – Review

Why we love Qu’ran Explorer:

• Tajweed color rules can be turned on or off,
• Multiple shaikhs to pick; such as Mishary and Abdul-Basit,
• Two different Arabic scripts to pick, Usmani and IndoPak,
• Different English translators, such as Dr. Mohsin, Yusuf Ali,
• Translations in multiple languages are also available, such as Spanish and Indonesian,
• The entire Qur’an is available,
• You can choose to search by Surah, Juz, Hizb, or verse (ayat),

• Advanced Options include,
  • Verse Repetition [How many times you want to play the verse before it goes to the next one],
  • Intervals Between Verse ["Continuous Play" means there are no pauses in between each verse, or "Duration of Verse" means how long it takes the shaikh to say the verse and it pauses that long, or you choose how many seconds you want to "Wait" for the pause in between the verses],
  • Auto Play, and
  • Colors.
• Audio sound and mute option,
• An option to bookmark the verse range where you are studying oo return back to the exact place you left off,
• Zoom text size, and much more.
• For a wonderful tutorial, click the “Help” button.

2. HarfKids.com Quraan – Review

While HarfKids.com Quraan is not nearly as complete as QuranExplorer.com it comes in a very close second at our home, especially for young children just beginning to memorize our Glorious Qur’an, for the following reasons:

• Everything is on one single screen,
• There is not an “Advanced Options” button to click and review,
• It’s colorful, more fun to look at, and has cuter buttons,
• For a verse translation, you click on “Explanation” for a pop-up box in English,
• Just like in QuranExplorer.com you can determine which verses you want displayed, and if you want a continuous play of the reciter or pause in between each verse,
• Shaikh AbdulBasit is the reciter,
• Made for those just starting to memorize the Qur’an, it lists Surah An-Nas (114) to Al-Qiyamah (75)

CONS

• It often locks up, and sometimes we can not even get it to work at all, and
• Since the Qur’an learning option is only one section of the large HarfKids.com website, the above navigation toolbar and bottom buttons are distracting, especially because they flash and scroll in real-time.

We’d love to hear your experiences with either of these two sites, but if you know of other helpful sites, please share them below.

This post is a part of the Mission: Ramadan 1430H project. For 29 other articles about our Glorious Qur’an, please visit ProductiveMuslim.com today!

Moreover, Suhoor helps the Muslim to fast, and it is a blessed act of the Sunnah, so it should not be overlooked.

Having Suhoor early in the middle of the night or one or two hours before dawn is also contrary to the Sunnah. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Hasten to (eating) Iftaar (in Ramadhaan immediately when the time is due), and delay (eating) Suhoor.” [At-Tabaraani] It is an act of the Sunnah to have Suhoor just before dawn (approximately half an hour before it). Anas, May Allaah be pleased with him, he said: “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and Zayd ibn Thaabit may Allaah be pleased with him had Suhoor. When they finished, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, left for the prayer. Anas may Allaah be pleased with him was asked how much time was there between their finishing Suhoor and entering the prayer; he said: ‘Enough time for the recitation of fifty verses (of the Quran).’” [Al-Bukhaari]

With all the added blessings of following the Sunnah of Suhoor, and filling our bellies in preparation for the day of fast, I was pleasantly surprise to find New York Times article,

Giving Ramadan a Drumroll in Brooklyn at 4 A.M.

This is a definite must-read article. InshaAllah, it will keep your heart beating happily along, as you read and allow yourself to almost hear and feel every beat of the drum; because every answer Brother (or Uncle/Amo) Mohammad Boota shared with the New York “Times reporter, Kirk Semple was full or life, happiness and glee.

Yar Rabb, may we all feel the pleasures, happiness, peace, confidence and strength during the glorious time of the last third of the night, when You are ever so close to the Earth to hear our humble du’a. Ameen.

Obviously, mashaAllah, Amo Mohammad feels this liveliness at 4am . My girls and I feel (with some of his encouragement) the liveliness as we stayed up all night reading, praying and anticipating Layalat-al-Qadr and suhoor.

Do you feel it!? If not, there’s a nice little audio clip of Amo Mohammad and his unique drum rolls in the article as well. So, play it once, twice, three-times or more

MashaAllah, people marvel when they see me and my girls as we fast all day; yet we have so much energy and joy leading us through what some may feel is a hardship (especially my non-Muslim family). But, over the years they’ve learned to appreciate that we’re doing so much more than fasting–we’re remembering Allah and fulfilling our days with Qur’an, charity work, kind deeds and other fun activities.

We pray during each sujood that we maintain steadfastness, and that all our brothers and sisters reach a sense of fulfillment in our lives; especially now in our blessed month of Ramadan. Ramadan should never be seen as a burden, but as a pure pleasure, gift and blessing that is willfully obliged upon us.

We’d like to make a special prayer for our beloved Sabra family in Gaza, who is ever-so-far in touch, but ever-so-close in mind. Reading this joyful article, and hearing Amo Mohammad’s accent and playful drums, reminded us of our most glorious Ramadan spent in Gaza. May staying up these last 10 days of Ramadan be as effortless and pleasurable as being with you back home. We miss you all dearly and keep you in our du’a. Yar Rabb, may You accept all our fasts, charitable work, pure intentions, good deeds, and humble du’a. Ameen.

Please share your thoughts, feelings, hardships, excitement, etc. about suhoor, waking up for it, staying up for it, enjoying it, below.

Staying healthy with an odorless mouth can be a challenge for most of us. The two common symptoms that are experienced during fasting are weakness and dry mouth. We feel weak and weary because our bodies have been deprived of food and fluid for many hours. So, what happens next? Our mouths become dry and emanate bad breath because of the presence of some bacteria which, as by-products, give out sulphides and ammonia which are the main causes of bad breath. So, how do we move up the scale by staying healthier and stronger while in the fasting mood? Well, let’s take a look at the benefits of siwak for our mouths and our bodies.

Benefits of siwak/miswak when used in moderation:

It polishes the teeth, prevents plaque, perfumes the breath, strengthens the gingival, clears the phlegm and the sight and prevents cavities. It also preserves the health of the stomach, clears the voice, helps the digestion process, helps make the speech clear and encourages one to recite the Qur’an, remember Allaah and pray. Siwak also fights sleepiness, pleases the Lord, delights the angels and increase the number of the good deeds (culled from “Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet,” page 280-282).

Al Bukhari narrated that the Prophet, salla llahu alayhe was salaam, said: “Siwak cleans the mouth and pleases the Lord.”

That does not mean that you should avoid using toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. The use of siwak is just a reminder for us all because of its immense benefits and more so, we would be upholding the sunnah of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad,salla llaahu alayhe was salaam.

In the Sahihain, it is narrated that the Prophet, salla llaahu alayhe was salam said: “If it was not for the fact that my nation would not be able to bear it, I would have ordered them to use siwak before every prayer.”

May Allaah give us all the ability to practice the sunnah accordingly, amin. May He bless this Ramadhan for us with tremendous rewards here and in the afterlife, and may He keep our mouths moist with the effects of the siwak, the natural mouth freshner while remembering Him at all times, Amin!

By Maryam Funmilayo

Jazaka Allahu Khayrun Sister Maryam, we appreciate your thorough and detailed article. We knew some of the benefits, but didn’t realize all the hidden blessings, subhanallah.

So, have you ever used a siwak/miswak before? Which word do you use? How did you feel the first time you used it? Remember the unique taste? Please share your experiences below. We love miswak, and we don’t have them often enough; but we’re trying hard this past year. Subhanallah, we just stocked up specifically for Ramadan, and enjoyed biting off the tips yesterday

Ramadan Kareem! Happy Ramadan!

The 1st Nationwide Ramadan Qu’ran-A-Thon Sadaqah Drive officially begins today, Ramadan 1, 2009 (Saturday, August 22, 2009) throughout the month of Ramadan.

Our goal is to encourage correct Qur’an recitation & memorization, and offer charity for the sake of Allah (May He Be Glorified) during our blessed month of Ramadan by our youngest Mu’miniyn living in America.

Program Materials:

• May be downloaded from the following files listed below:

1. AMM-IFUSA Qur’an-a-thon Ramadan 2009 Intro letter (critical program details are listed below in this article as well),




2. AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Registration Form (PDF), AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Registration Form (Excel file),
3. AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Certification Form (PDF), AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Certification Form (Word doc), and
4. AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Pledge Form (PDF), AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Pledge Form (Word doc).

• May be mailed upon request to:

Islamic Relief
265A Route 46 West, Suite 3A
Totowa NJ 07512
Phone: (973)890-1030

Notice of Intent

To purchase the correct amount and appropriateness of prizes, it is critical that you comment below with your Notice to Participate. Please state the number of children participating, their ages and genders.

Since this is our debut program, we are open to any and all feedback, recommendations and suggestions throughout the duration of this program. Please comment below and we will address the issues as best we can, inshaAllah.

Purpose/Objective:

Narrated Aisha: The Prophet said, “Such a person as recites the Qur’an and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person exerts himself to learn the Qur’an by heart, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.”  (Book #60, Hadith #459, Sahih Bukhari)

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: Allah’s Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to be more generous in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel used to meet him. Gabriel used to meet him every night in Ramadan to study the Holy Qur’an carefully together. Allah’s Apostle used to become more generous than the fast wind when he met Gabriel (Book #54, Hadith #443, Sahih Bukhari)

To help young Muslims appreciate and live more closely to the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) by

(1) Learning more ayats of the Qur’an by heart,

(2) Understanding and appreciating the act of earning money,

(3) Allowing children to gain a sense of pride by making charitable gifts to the needy, and

(4) Completing these generous acts in the name of Allah (May He be Glorified) during our blessed month of Ramadan when our rewards are multiplied by the number only Allah knows and wills.
Who may participate:

• Any Muslim child able to recite and memorize Qur’an based on the rules of tajweed up to 18 years of age.

How are the funds raised in this event:

• Each participating young Muslim will seek sponsorship from friends, family members, and others (Muslims & non-Muslims).
• Each sponsor will determine upon signing a pledge form to pay a predetermined amount of money (example 25 cents or $1) for each ayah (or surah) of the Qur’an that the participant reads with correct tajweed to an Islamic scholar or learned adult during the event*, OR
• The sponsor may also elect to pay a fixed amount of money as sponsorship for the participant regardless of the number of ayahs or surah he/she reads, recites or memorizes (for example: a sponsor may pledge to contribute one set price of $50).
• *It is recommended that each participating young Muslim describes the number of ayats (or surah) which is a realistic amount for that one participant to memorize with correct tajweed with in 30 days. Therefore, no one misleads the one is making a pledge. For example, its

Deadline Dates:
Ramadan 2009

• First 10 days of Ramadan [August 22 - 31, 2009] – Memorize as many ayats/surahs with correct tajweed as possible.
• Second 10 days of Ramadan [September 1 - 10, 2009] – Continue to memorize as many ayats/surah with correct tajweed as possible, and be tested by an Islamic scholar or learned adult, called the Examiner. The Examiner must use the enclosed form and acknowledge with his/her signature how many ayats/surah the participant recited correctly.
• Last 10 days of Ramandan [September 11 - 20, 2009] – Collect the pledge money.
• Last 3 days of Ramadan [September 18 - 20, 2009] – Send in your pledge form and money, bank check or money order (no cash)* of the total amount of pledges collected to:

Islamic Relief
ATTN: Ramadan Qur’an-a-thon Sadaqah Drive
265A Route 46
Ste 3A
Totowa, NJ 07512

*It is critical to collect and return pledges on or before the 30th day of Ramadan, so our children receive the greatest amount of rewards for their hard work and efforts, inshaAllah.

Jazaka Allahu Khayrun Sister Rika of Islamic Unit Studies blog for this great guest article, introducing how you can take the lead in helping your child learn more about Islam in a fun, interactive way.

A unit study is an in-depth lesson of a topic that covers multiple areas of a specific topic, such as religion, geography, science, history, art, etc. It is a complete immersion into the topic. This way, students perceive topics in its entirety instead of learning bits and pieces.

Unit studies are mostly used by homeschoolers. But, since Islam and Islamic history or geography etc. is not taught in public schools, a unit study is perfect for any parent willing to educate or assist their children in the learning process.

Unit studies can be on-going: for example, you give tips and resources for anything related to Islam.

Unit studies also work great for children with different learning styles and give multiple options to learn about a topic. For example: Allah the Creator.

• Read from the Qur’an.
• Learn about things Allah created.
• Watch a documentary on fauna or flora.
• Copy work in English or Arabic.
• Read or write a poem.
• Create a diorama with fauna or flora.
• Go on a nature walk and sketch observations.
• Do a web quest on animals.
• Listen to a narration about the beginning of creation.

Unit studies can be project-based, such as studying Ramadan during the months preceding and during Ramadan. Islamic Unit Studies offers numeral Ramadan resources.

The aim of Islamic Unit Studies is to be your one stop for Islamic lesson plans and unit studies ideas and resources. The site offers Islamic learning resources for homeschoolers, parents of school students, teachers, Muslims or non-Muslims taken from the Internet or provided to you by contributors.

We also feature links to Muslim homeschooling sites, Islamic schools in California, and a glimpse into the life of inspiring sisters.

If you have extra Islamic resources you’d like to share, we’d love to grow our list. Please comment below.

How to preform hijaamah/cupping

• Video: with glass cups, fire, and the release of blood (in Arabic) based on Sunnah

Cupping Therapy (not necessarily Sunnah)

• Video interview and demonstration using fire and glass, bamboo or plastic cups with air-suction (an alternative to massage therapy)

• More Cupping videos using different cupping sets

May Allah reward them handsomely in this life and the Hereafter. Ameen,

• Daily activities for Ramadan
• Ramadan lapbooking project
• Comprehensive post regarding Ramadan: references, and list of Ramadan resources, activities and projects for children

NEW ADDITIONS:

• Homemade Ramadan Advent Calendar - MashaAllah, Eva of Handmade Beginnings is SO talented! We have to be very crafty to duplicate this project.
• More Ramadan Activities and Printables – Easy ones for the little ones. We’ve done many of these projects when the girls were younger.
• From a Muslim Child is Born: Wonderful Ramadan projects for our littlest of Mu’min, mashaAllah:

1. Ramadan Activity # 1 : Ramadan Memory Game
2. Ramadan Activity # 2: Travel Ramadan Puzzles and Matching Game [Printable files available here].
3. Ramadan Activity # 3: Phases of the Moon
4. Ramadan Craft # 4: Ramadan & Eid Crib Toy
5. Ramadan Craft # 5: Easy Ramadan Stamps

• Ramadan Recipe Box/Cards – Jazaka Allahu Khayrun to Sister Umm Abdul Basir, especially her daughters’ help for these great looking recipe boxes. My recipes are all over the place. InshaAllah, I’ll report back once we get them all organized and pretty for our upcoming fast.
• Ramadan 3-Dimensional Letters
• Ramadan Unit Studies – Multiple activities and projects.

Here’s a page filled with colorful and helpful Qur’an printables.

It has been over a year since we last visited the site and they’ve added many new stories…but, our favorite story still remains “Waste Not Want Not” – A Story for Parents on How to Plan ~ A Clever King.

Subanallah (Glory be to Allah), I just read this story aloud to the girls again; and couldn’t finish it without crying…I’m such a sap :-/ Masha’Allah.

Other Great Online Islamic Stories for Kids:

• Prophet Stories at Harf Kids
• Books at Truth for Kids by Harun Yahya - Not short stories, but very informative, great pictures, and fun way to learn the Sciences according to Qur’an
• Islamic Library for Young Muslims – Prophet Stories, Pillars & Much more
  

Please share additional fun Islamic stories available online below.

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]

Surah al Waqi’ah

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.

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!

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.

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.

• Surah al-Dhuha (full text and translations in English)
• Tafsir (explanation & interpretation) of the revelation, setting, and timing of Surah al-Dhuha

Very briefly; as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), too was human, he too felt anxiety & distress. Early in his prophecy (in Makkah) Surah al-Dhuha was revealed to him (PBUH) assuring Allah’s (SWT) pleasure in him (PBUH) and glorious rewards WILL follow. After all, didn’t Allah (SWT) rescue you (PBUH) from what could have been a difficult orphan-childhood?

In the khutbah (sermon) last week [yes, we're still trying to understand the importance today and forevermore], the Iman continued to share that no single man on the face of this Earth endured more hardship that Prophet Ayoub (Job); yet the Qur’an revealed numerous times [as they all were recorded to be true] that Allah (SWT) rewarded him for this true devotion to Him (SWT) and Him Alone during his hardships.

For example in Surah

83 And (remember) Ayoob (Job), when he cried to his Lord: “Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.”

84 So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us.

May we always turn to our One True Lord, Allah (SWT) and Him Alone during our hardships and turmoils that this short life endures us. ~Ameen.

P.S. Don’t forget Surah al-Khaf (The Cave) – The Virtues of Reading it Every Friday