First, I want to thank Sisters Aisha and Naseem for sharing their opinions, “…that purchasing eid decorations are copying the commercialization of holidays as done by the kuffar; and also a great waste of money…” and thought it’s critical that I write an article detailing all of the points they mentioned, in which decorating our homes for Eid and Ramadan are not prohibited under the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa salam (Peace and blessings be upon him).

Please note, that I, nor my family, friends, colleagues, and scholar (who we consulted), are not offended by these sisters’ comments. Rather, I am grateful for their input, alhumdulilah, Praise be to God, because it caused me to reflect and assure that my family and I are on the straight path to jennah (heaven), inshaAllah (God willing); and not misguiding others to go astray through my actions.

Aisha Umm Abdurahman Hasan I honestly feel – without offending anyone – that purchasing eid decorations are copying the commercialization of holidays as done by the kuffar; and also a great waste of money. Instead of spending money on completly unbeneficial decorations, you’ll receive much more reward giving the money to an Islamic charity, or spending on your own child. We can make our own decorations out of household items while sharing that time making memories with our kids. i’m hoping this year to finally experience making eid cookies.

Naseem Yusuf I agree with sister Aisha

Fatwas about Decorations and Giving Incentives or Rewards

The article below is written from a combination of the following fatwas with Qur’an and Sunnah to support them:

• Fatwa regarding celebrating and decorating one’s return from Hajj,
• Fatwa on decorating for Eid rather than Christmas (please refer to the middle of the fatwa where the scholars mention that Jennah is especially decorated during the month of Ramadan) [I have not yet found the hadith that speaks specifically to this point, but our local scholar insists that Eid and Ramadan decorations are good ways to spend on our families as a celebratory reward and festive pride. Khair, inshaAllah],
• Another fatwa, which I can not find right now, that allows Muslims to offer incentives to our brothers and sisters, not just our children to make an necessary ibadah (act of worship) as a routine, and a good habit in one’s life. For example, offering to reward to one’s father so he will grow a beard for the intention of gaining reward from Allah first and not the gift itself. So, rewarding our children for developing new skills, especially ibadah (acts of worship) is permissible and encouraged. NOTE: My husband and I do not, nor recommend, giving monetary incentives to our girls for fulfilling any of the five pillars. Yet, we reward their pure completed actions with surprises after the fact. And, we do not reward them all the time, so they don’t expect to gain anything else but the love and happiness of Allah subhanallah wa Tala, and
• I consulted a local scholars in Islam to confirm the below statements.

Eid and Ramadan Decorations Are Permissible

1. Pure intentions - Decorations are permissible, if parents have pure intentions to celebrate their family’s completion of a good deed, especially one of the pillars, such as Hajj or Fasting during the month of Ramadan. A parent’s pure intentions to provide rewards to celebrate the fasts of their family members, especially children, may be counted as charity as well.  “If a man provides for his family hoping for the reward, it will be counted as charity for him.” (Bukhari & Muslim).
2. Decorate in Moderation and Not Extravagance - It is recommended and encouraged that we reuse, re-purpose, and recycle household items as a family activity to make decorations. This is the first year that we drew attention to Eid decorations made available online for sale. Based on our review, the prices of all the online stores are highly economical and not extravagant. Since the announcement of  Ranoon’s unique products prompted this discussion, we believe that their classy, unique products are not expensive, and do not resemble holiday lights or decorations of other faiths. “If a woman spends from the wealth of her house without causing harm (to her family), she will get the reward of what she spend and her husband also gets a reward because he earned it. (Moreover) the one who is entrusted with money gets the same reward (of spending it), without any of them (the wife and the entrusted) decreasing the rewards of the others.” (Bukhari)
3. The action of decorating does not become an act of worship, bidah - We cannot make habits that are expected by ourselves or our families,  or induce feelings that something is incomplete because the action is not completed. For example, the family feels like that it’s not “Eid” because one doesn’t have special Eid decorations. Again, we must check our intentions (point #1). We cannot worship the decorations or the act of decorating in any way.
4. The only times to decorate are for Ramadan and our 2 Eids – Not copying other religions or faiths - We should not copy the act of placing lights outside our houses like Christians during Christmas time. Our decorations should remain inside, or should be taken down after the 3 days of Eid al-Fitr, or 4 days of Eid al-Adha are completed. We should not keep them up and “hold on to the good times”, otherwise our intentions are not solely to celebrate the good deeds of the completed two pillars.
5. The act of Hajj & Ramadan are not private acts of worship, so celebrating one’s completion is allowed - We are allowed to celebrate, reward and draw attention to one’s completion of these fardh (obligatory) actions. Again, we cannot be so extravagant (point #2) that we are perceived as a showing off. Hence remaining moderate (point #2) and keeping all decorations inside (point #4) is protecting our pure intentions (point #1) once again. Hajj and fasting is different than giving charity in secret or in public. Charity in secret is more rewarded than giving in public.
6. Ramadan and Eid Decorations acting as a form of dawah (introduction to Islam) – Subhanallah, Glory be to God, my non-Muslim friend was curious what’s the latest project or contest on AmericanMuslimMom.com after visiting Ranoon.com, she asked what’s the significance of the moon and star, and the difference between Ramadan and Eid. Alhumdulilah, Praise be to God, because she thinks one particularly product was beautiful, she said she’s going to purchase it,and  hang it up as a house decoration. She thanked my girls and I because now she has an explanation for its significance when people ask her about this new wall hanging
7. Ramadan activities should be emphasized over Eid celebrations - Eid is solely the days of celebration, our feast and festival. Since  Ramadan is our month of fast, and our good deeds are multiplied by an amount only known by Allah, we should always emphasize doing good deeds, actions, celebrations, feasts during Ramadan and especially iftar (the meal breaking our fasts).  Our rewards are multiplied during Ramadan. Encouraging our children to participate in programs like the Ramadan Qur’an-a-thon Sadaqah Drive and striving to learn all the names of Allah are worthy activities during Ramadan, inshaAllah.

Ramadan Gifts are Giving-Gifts; while Eid Gifts are Celebrating-Gifts

We emphasize giving during Ramadan rather than Eid, to protect our pure intentions (point #1), and to gain more rewards for Allah, ishaAllah (God willing). Also, we believe it protects us, inshaAllah, from mimicking the holidays of other faiths, and possible commercialization of our feasts.  More specifically,

• We stress that “Eid” = Food/Feast, Family, Friends, and Fun. We do not call it a “holiday”, as to not assimilate, or be associated with celebrating a “holi/holy-day”. We have a different kind of pride and honor that is associated with our Eid, and we should celebrate and decorate accordingly and appropriately.
• “Giving-Gifts” means that our Gifts that keep Giving. We give any kind of gift (money, food, smile, etc.), and Allah gives back, inshaAllah (God willing): furdos (the highest Heaven). We give during in Ramadan purely and innocently; not to gain anything in return, expect Allah’s pleasure and acceptance. This is why we stress the importance of knowing when and how to give Zakat al-Fitr.
• “Celebrating Gifts” are Gifts given to help Celebrate with others. We give gifts purely to share the great accomplishment of completing our month of fast and/or Hajj. Therefore, again; we do not expect any gifts or rewards in return, except from Allah. We want to spread happiness, cheer and the love of Allah as He commissioned us with these 2 wonderful days of Eid. By giving Celebrating-Gifts, we also protect ourselves from commercialization and assimilation because
  • We are not intending to “exchange gifts on a specific day” like birthdays and holidays, which is prohibited.
  • We do not have hopes of receiving gifts equal or greater value to what we give and to who we give too. After all, if we’re sharing our celebration, gifts should be given freely, openly and to any of our brothers and sisters; not just immediate family and friends. If you can afford to give gifts to any and all kids and the needy in your masjid during Eid, and anonymously (since it’s charity), do it! Celebrate!
  • We do not have a goal of receiving any special gifts on the days of Eid. For example, making “Eid wish lists” like “Santa’s wish list”, which is definitely assimilating which is prohibited, and can be commercializing the days. Time to check our intentions, yet again.
  • Here are tips for Creative, Cost-Cutting Eid Gifts.(Includes baking, arts & crafts).

If I offend or lead anyone astray by this article, the fault is mine and mine alone and I seek forgiveness by Our Creator, for He is Perfect and does not lead astray. If you agree with the above, please enter to win your own free Eid decorations by Ranoon.

Since Eid is quickly approaching, we must make sure we have the correct intentions. So, please continue the dialogue. We’d love to hear your thoughts, concerns and support.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgGtt-BmVx4

As always, please share your favorite Muslim Kids Videos with us below!

What is a Ramadan Qur’an-A-Thon Sadaqah Drive?

In this post you will find all necessary information to participate:

• The Program’s Purpose/Objective, Deadline Dates, and Contact Information,
• Instructions how to participate, and
• The Qur’an-A-Thon Certification Pledge Form.

This program is designed to be completed completely online this year. At http://americanmuslimmom.com each participant may register, download pledge   forms, seek pledges from local family and friend, have their Qur’an recitation certified by a local official of his/her choice, and then make secured online pledges directly to Islamic Relief USA.

American Muslim Mom launched July 15, 2009 as the first and only online (or offline) blog magazine dedicated to Muslim Moms and Their Children in America. With our growing international community of Muslim parents determined to raise Mu’miniyn in the West (and East) despite any obstacles we may face. As such, American Muslim Mom designed this program with the Purpose and Objectives listed below.

American Muslim Mom chose to partner with Islamic Relief USA because it is one of the most reputable, international relief and development Islamic non-profit organizations. In support of encouraging children to study the Qur’an and make charitable giving a part of their daily habits, Islamic Relief USA willfully accepted the opportunity to partner and promote this program for the 2nd year in a row. Together, we will acknowledge every child that participates with gifts and awards, inshaAllah.

Together, Islamic Relief USA and American Muslim Mom are determined to reach as many children as possible in this year by allowing all children to participate even though payments are only accepted in US dollars for Islamic Relief. Intenational children will be given the opportunity to make sadaqah at their local Islamic charitable organization of their choice. Of course, if they have USD, we pray that they’d contribute to IF-USA

We graciously ask that you help us recruit participants individually or collectively as part of an Islamic day school, weekend school, homeschool coop, Qur’an/Hifz school, Islamic youth groups, and/or individuals such as public school students who seek private Qur’an tutoring.

Program Materials:

Program information is all available on this post, and the only form to downloaded this year is  Qur’an-A-Thon Certification Pledge Form.

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.

NEW: Worldwide Participation.

• Muslim children in the US will make sadaqah to Islamic Relief USA and pick his/her preferred charitable campaign (”Designation) here.
• Muslim children living outside of the US may make sadaqah to any Islamic institution or charitable organization of their choice.

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

How to Participate Ramadan 1431/2010?

• First 10 days of Ramadan [August 11 - 20, 2010] – Memorize as many ayats/surahs with correct tajweed as possible.
• REQUIREMENT: Comment below with your child/ren’s first name and last initial, age and his/her goal for memorizing the Qur’an.
• Second 10 days of Ramadan [August 21 - 30, 2010] – 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 certify on the bottom of the pledge form and acknowledge with his/her signature how many ayats/surah the participant recited correctly.
• OPTIONAL: Comment below with your child/ren’s progress so we can help motivate one another.
• Last 10 days of Ramadan 21-26 [August 31 – September 8/9. 2010 ] – Collect the pledge money and make your Sadaqah. US residents donate directly to IF-USA here. Please let your child/ren pick his/her own Designation for his/her sadaqah.
• REQUIRED: Upon completion,
  • Fax or email your Pledge form to contact@americanmuslimmom.com or Fax 858-552-5656, We will post the amount of sadaqah raised based on these completed pledge forms.
  • Comment below stating that you completed the program.

*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.

Jazaka Allahu Khayrun to my eldest daughter for making this year’s blog button. Please feel free to check out her many tutorials “How to Blog”, and grab your own button to show your proud participation!

He is Allah beside Whom La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshiped but He), the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.

We’re practicing our Arabic spelling with the harakat (accent marks), and practicing our pronunciation by reading alongside Shaikh Mishary on QuranExplorer.com (one of our favorite places to learn Qur’an). We’re using SearchTruth.com for the online Qur’an and writing by hand in our Qur’an notebooks.

Let us know how you’re studies are going by commenting below, or commenting on our progress chart here.

Of course, they never stressed the words “used to”, since their pride flows with all the other words. But, I finally told them they shouldn’t be proud because the key words “used to” shows a great fault of mine, and as a Muslim that’s something I should not have let go.

So, rather than beat myself any longer, I challenge my girls. Now, we’re determined to learn the names once and forever, inshaAllah, as a family. So, we can all proudly say “We know All 99 Names of Allah”. And, I don’t mean just memorizing the names, because

Sahih Bukhari 8:419, Narrated Abu Huraira

Allah has ninety-nine Names, i.e., one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is Witr (one) and loves ‘the Witr’ (i.e., odd numbers).

Most Muslims mistakenly say this hadith states that “one who knows the names will enter Paradise”, and this is not the case. So, simply memorizing a nasheed definitely will not cut it. But, teaching babies the nasheed definitely has its advantages.

So, my girls and I set a goal to memorize all 99 Names of Allah throughout Ramadan, and would love for you to join us in the process.

With a few days before Ramadan, if we just memorize 3 names a day (*33 days), we should finish just in time for Eid, inshaAllah.

How to Memorize the 99 Names of Allah

Here are some ways we plan are doing to learn all the names:

• Listen and learn the nasheed. We downloaded this MP3 to our cells and iPod.
• Use MuslimStickers.com’s 99 Names of Allah Sticker chart to document our progress.
• To write, paint or play with playdoh to remember each name in Arabic,
• Read each ayat (in Arabic with English translation and tafsir) for each name as listed here: Qur’anic references to each of 99 Names of Allah, and
• Discuss stories taught in the Qur’an to remember the names, and finds ways to apply each lesson throughout our lives.
• New: Here’s a nice chart with the names written in Arabic and English, Translations & Qur’anic references.
• New: Awesome slideshow with our preferred nasheed, shows the Arabic and English, and ends subhanallah (Praise be to God), with the 2 ayats for the first 14 names on Allah (subhana wa Ta’ala).
• New: Another clear and clean chart with Qur’anic references,
• New: The girls found this chart with Arabic & English and find it very helpful.
  

Do you have any additional methods or suggestions?

Want to join our 99 Names of Allah Challenge?

Please comment below if you want to join our challenge. Then, comment often with your progress, so we can motivate each other. We’ll keep updating this blogpost of our progress too, inshaAllah.

Our 99 Names of Allah Challenge Updates

*The Arabic letters are not displaying nicely, therefore we have the transliteration, but we are memorizing the correct Arabic spelling and pronunciation.

Arabic		Translation (can vary based on context)	Qur’anic usage
1		Ar-Rahm?n	The Compassionate, The Beneficent, The Gracious	Beginning of every chapter except one, and in numerous other places. Name frequently used in Surah 55, Ar-Rahman.
2		Ar-Rahim	The Merciful	Beginning of every chapter except one, and in numerous other places
3		Al-Malik	The King, The Master, The Sovereign Lord	59:23, 20:114 TIPS for #3-#10 Here.
4		Al-Quddus	The Holy, The Pure, The Perfect	59:23, 62:1
5		As-Salam	The Peace and Blessing, The Source of Peace and Safety,	59:23
6		Al-Mu’min	The Guarantor, The Affirming,Inspirer of Faith	59:23
7		Al-Muhaymin	The Guardian, The Protector, Watcher of Things	59:23
8		Al-Aziz	The Almighty, The Sufficient, The Honorable	3:6, 4:158, 9:40, 48:7, 59:23
9		Al-Jabbar	The Irresistible, The Compeller, The Lofty,Repairer, Restorer	59:23
10		Al-Mutakabbir	The Highest, The Greatest, Supreme	59:23
11		Al-Khaliq	The Creator	6:102, 13:16, 39:62, 40:62, 59:24
12		Al-Bari’	The Rightful, Inventor of Things	59:24
13		Al-Musawwir	The Evolver, The Fashioner/Maker of Forms	59:24
14		Al-Ghaffar	The Forgiving	20:82, 38:66, 39:5, 40:42, 71:10 Tip: Ghaffanik = Forgive Me
15		Al-Qahhar	The Subduer, Conquerer, Prevailer, Victorious	13:16, 14:48, 38:65, 39:4, 40:16
16		Al-Wahhab	The Bestower, Giver of Gifts	3:8, 38:9, 38:35
17		Ar-Razzaq	The Provider, Supplier	51:58
18		Al-Fattah	The Opener, The Victory Giver	34:26 Tip: Al-Fatihah
19		Al-’Alm	The All Knowing, The Omniscient	2:158, 3:92, 4:35, 24:41, 33:40
20		Al-Qabid	The Restrainer, The Straightener, Withholder, Constrictor	2:245
21		Al-Basit	The Extender, Expander who grants abundance	2:245
22		Al-Kh?fid	The Abaser	95:5
23		Ar-R?fi’	The Exalter	58:11, 6:83
24		Al-Mu’izz	The Giver of Honour	3:26
25		Al-Mu’dhell	The Giver of Dishonour	3:26
26		As-Sam?	The All Hearing	2:127, 2:256, 8:17, 49:1
27		Al-Bas?r	The All Seeing	4:58, 17:1, 42:11, 42:27
28		Al-Hakam	The Judge, The Arbitrator	22:69
29		Al-`Adl	The Utterly Just	6:115
30		Al-Lat?f	The Gentle, The Subtly Kind	6:103, 22:63, 31:16, 33:34
31		Al-Khab?r	The All Aware	6:18, 17:30, 49:13, 59:18
32		Al-Hal?m	The Forbearing, The Indulgent	2:235, 17:44, 22:59, 35:41
33		Al-’Az?m	The Magnificent	2:255, 42:4, 56:96
34		Al-Ghaf?r	The All Forgiving	2:173, 8:69, 16:110, 41:32
35		Ash-Shak?r	The Grateful	35:30, 35:34, 42:23, 64:17
36		Al-’Aliyy	The Sublime	4:34, 31:30, 42:4, 42:51
37		Al-Kab?r	The Great	13:9, 22:62, 31:30
38		Al-Haf?z	The Preserver	11:57, 34:21, 42:6
39		Al-Muq?t	The Nourisher	4:85
40		Al-Has?b	The Bringer of Judgment	4:6, 4:86, 33:39
41		Al-Jal?l	The Majestic	55:27, 39:14, 7:143
42		Al-Kar?m	The Bountiful, The Generous	27:40, 82:6
43		Ar-Raq?b	The Watchful	4:1, 5:117
44		Al-Muj?b	The Responsive, The Answer	11:61
45		Al-W?si’	The Vast, The All-Embracing, The Omnipresent, The Boundless	2:268, 3:73, 5:54
46		Al-Hak?m	The Wise	31:27, 46:2, 57:1, 66:2
47		Al-Wad?d	The Loving	11:90, 85:14
48		Al-Maj?d	The Glorious	11:73
49		Al-B?’ith	The Resurrecter	22:7
50		Ash-Shah?d	The Witness	4:166, 22:17, 41:53, 48:28
51		Al-Haqq	The Truth, The Real	6:62, 22:6, 23:116, 24:25
52		Al-Wak?l	The Trustee, The Dependable	3:173, 4:171, 28:28, 73:9
53		Al-Qawwiyy	The Strong	22:40, 22:74, 42:19, 57:25
54		Al-Mat?n	The Firm, The Steadfast	51:58
55		Al-Waliyy	The Friend, Patron and Helper	4:45, 7:196, 42:28, 45:19
56		Al-Ham?d	The All Praiseworthy	14:8, 31:12, 31:26, 41:42
57		Al-Muhsi	The Accounter, The Numberer of All	72:28, 78:29, 82:10-12
58		Al-Mubdi’	The Originator, The Producer, The Initiator	10:34, 27:64, 29:19, 85:13
59		Al-Mu’?d	The Restorer, The Reinstater Who Brings Back All	10:34, 27:64, 29:19, 85:13
60		Al-Muhyi	The Giver of Life	7:158, 15:23, 30:50, 57:2
61		Al-Mum?t	The Destroyer, The Bringer of Death	3:156, 7:158, 15:23, 57:2
62		Al-Hayy	The Living	2:255, 3:2, 25:58, 40:65
63		Al-Qayy?m	The Subsisting	2:255, 3:2, 20:111
64		Al-W?jid	The Perceiver, The Finder, The Unfailing	38:44
65		Al-M?jid	The Illustrious, The Magnificent	85:15, 11:73,
66		Al-W?hid	The Unity, The Indivisible	2:163, 5:73, 9:31, 18:110
67		Al-’Ahad	The One, The Unique	112:1
68		As-Samad	The Eternal, The Absolute, The Self-Sufficient	112:2
69		Al-Q?dir	The Omnipotent, The All Able	6:65, 36:81, 46:33, 75:40
70		Al-Muqtadir	The Determiner, The Dominant	18:45, 54:42, 54:55
71		Al-Muqaddim	The Expediter, He Who Brings Forward	16:61, 17:34,
72		Al-Mu’akhkhir	The Delayer, He Who Puts Far Away	71:4
73		Al-’Awwal	The First (Alpha)	57:3
74		Al-’Akhir	The Last (Omega)	57:3
75		Az-Z?hir	The Manifest, The Evident, The Outer	57:3
76		Al-B?tin	The Hidden, The Unmanifest, The Inner	57:3
77		Al-W?li	The Patron	13:11, 22:7
78		Al-Mut?’ali	The Exalted	13:9
79		Al-Barr	The Good	52:28
80		At-Taww?b	The Ever Returning, Ever Relenting	2:128, 4:64, 49:12, 110:3
81		Al-Muntaqim	The Avenger	32:22, 43:41, 44:16
82		Al-Afuww	The Pardoner, The Effacer	4:99, 4:149, 22:60
83		Ar-Ra’?f	The Kind, The Pitying	3:30, 9:117, 57:9, 59:10
84		M?lik-ul-Mulk	The Owner of all Sovereignty	3:26
85		Dh?-l-Jal?li wa-l-’ikr?m	The Lord of Majesty and Generosity	55:27, 55:78
86		Al-Muqsi?	The Equitable, The Requiter	7:29, 3:18
87		Al-J?mi	The Gatherer, The Unifier	3:9
88		Al-Ghaniyy	The Rich, The Independent	3:97, 39:7, 47:38, 57:24
89		Al-Mughni	The Enricher, The Emancipator	9:28
90		Al-M?ni’	The Withholder, The Shielder, the Defender	67:21
91		Ad-D?rr	The Distressor, The Harmer, The Afflictor	6:17
92		An-N?fi	The Propitious, The Benefactor, The Source of Good	30:37
93		An-N?r	The Light	24:35
94		Al-H?di	The Guide, The Way	22:54
95		Al-Bad?	The Incomparable, The Unattainable	2:117, 6:101
96		Al-B?qi	The Immutable, The Infinite, The Everlasting	55:27
97		Al-W?rith	The Heir, The Inheritor of All	15:23
98		Ar-Rash?d	The Teacher	2:256
99		As-Sabur	The Timeless, The Patient	2:153, 3:200, 103:3

Don’t forget to make du’a before you start studying!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzHX8SlJkoM

We’d love to see what you think of this movie. So, please share your experiences with us in the comments section below. As always, if you have an Islamic movie video or nasheed you’d like to share, please let us know about it by clicking here.

At our home, you’d either hear my husband’s unique and gorgeous Surah Al-Fatiha, or my girls and I reciting the surah following Shaikh Al-Kanderi as he recites beautifully while leading jummah prayer in this video.We also like this video because it has the Arabic and English translation subtitles.

Subhanallah, my husband witness this Shaikh while at Hajj and Umrah and said it’s one of his most powerful experiences! People rush to Majid AlHaram when he leads prayer, as everyone submits themselves humbly to Allah (subhanallah wa’Tala) in His house (the Kaabah) and feels the strength of His powerful words recited so beautifully.

May Allah reward him handsomely in this dunya and the akhira. Ameen.

You may also find his recitations online with spellings of his name as: Kandery, Kanderi, of AlKandery.

Please share your favorite Islamic movie video or nasheed by filling out this form by clicking here.

• Surah Yaseen in the Qur’an can be found here.

• Translation in of Surah Yaseen English available here.

1Ya-Sin. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings].
2 By the Qur’an, full of wisdom (i.e. full of laws, evidence, and proofs),
3 Truly, you (O Muhammad-salalahi wa layhi wa salam) are one of the Messengers,
4 On the Straight Path (i.e. on Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism).
5 (This is a Revelation) sent down by the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful,
6 In order that you may warn a people whose forefathers were not warned, so they are heedless.
7 Indeed the Word (of punishment) has proved true against most of them, so they will not believe.
8 Verily We have put on their necks iron collars reaching to the chins, so that their heads are raised up.
9 And We have put a barrier before them, and a barrier behind them, and We have covered them up, so that they cannot see.
10 It is the same to them whether you warn them or you warn them not, they will not believe.
11 You can only warn him who follows the Reminder (the Qur’an), and fears the Most Gracious (Allah) unseen. Bear you to such one the glad tidings of forgiveness, and a generous reward (i.e. Paradise).
12 Verily, We give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before (them), and their traces and all things We have recorded with numbers (as a record) in a Clear Book.

• Tafsir (meaning and understanding) of Surah Yaseen in available here.

If you have an Islamic movie video or nasheed you’d like to share, please let us know about it by clicking here.

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,