Sunday, December 30, 2007

A Traveler or A Stranger


May Allah grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter,
and save us from the chastisement of the fire.
Ameen.
=====


Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (Radi Allah Anhu):
The Prophet (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) said,
"There are two blessings which many people lose:
(They are) Health and free time for doing good."
[Sahih Bukhari : Volume 8, Book 76, Number 421]
======================

Narrated Mujahid (Radi Allah Anhu):
'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) said,
"Allah's Apostle (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam )
took hold of my shoulder and said,
'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler."
The sub-narrator added: Ibn 'Umar used to say,
"If you survive till the evening,
do not expect to be alive in the morning,
and if you survive till the morning,
do not expect to be alive in the evening,
and take from your health for your sickness,
and (take) from your life for your death."
[Sahih Bukhari : Volume 8, Book 76, Number 425]
=================

Narrated 'Abdullah (Radi Allah Anhu):
The Prophet (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam )
drew a square and then drew a line in the middle of it
and let it extend outside the square
and then drew several small lines attached to that central line, and said,
"This is the human being, and this,
(the square) in his lease of life,
encircles him from all sides (or has encircled him),
and this (line), which is outside (the square), is his hope,
and these small lines are the calamities and troubles (which may befall him),
and if one misses him, an-other will snap (i.e. overtake) him,
and if the other misses him, a third will snap (i.e. overtake) him."
[Sahih Bukhari : Volume 8, Book 76, Number 426]
=====================

Narrated Anas bin Malik (Radi Allah Anhu):
The Prophet (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) drew a few lines and said,
"This is (man's) hope, and this is the instant of his death,
and while he is in this state (of hope),
the nearer line (death) comes to Him."
[Sahih Bukhari : Volume 8, Book 76, Number 427]
======================

Last night, Sheikh gave very good naseeha (advise) that we should always:
- spending our time in doing good deeds,
- not talking too much,
- praying on time,
- be good to parents,
- remembering about death,
- giving charity,
- advising each other to do good,
- remembering Allah all the time,
- coming to masjid for sholat in jamaah,
- and using your time wisely.


In this worldly life, remembering these words from Prophet Mohammed (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) that:
“Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.”

A traveler is continuously on the move, from one station to another station.


There are 4 stations:
1. inside your mother womb.
2. in this world (dunya).
3. in the barzah (death).
4. in Akhirah ( the Hereafter).
All of us will go through in all that stations.


The traveler is stopping when he is only to get our basic needs (eating, drinking, and sleeping). Then he keep continue his journey toward his destination.
A stranger wanders about in a foreign place, observing his surroundings; the land, the scenery, the people, the actions.
This is exactly what we are. Travelers in this temporary world, subject to beautiful scenery, entertainment, amusement, fulfillment of our desires, and the many hardships of traveling. At times we may get distracted from our destination. But as we reflect on these beautiful words, these distractions become less trivial as our focus is shifted and we are reminded of our goal. We remember that we are just passing by, longing to reach our destination, back home to the eternal life in Paradise.

On the authority of Ibn ‘Umar, radiyallahu ‘anhuma, who said: The Messenger of Allah, sallAlahu alayhi wasallam, took me by the shoulder and said:
“Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler/wayfarer.”

Ibn ‘Umar used to say:
“When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness, and from your life for your death.”

You can read story, please click in
a beautiful story.
Studying, working, praying, eating, and sleeping, etc....all our good actions are only for worshipping to Allah.

Let's memorize surah Al-Ashr for those who do not memorize it yet and learn its meaning:


You can listen to this:


Insha Allah, We will continue with other story next time.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Learning and Having Fun in Discovery Museum

(the image is from www.SPACE.com)


On Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007, we had field trip to Discovery Museum in Bridgeport.



=============
Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before We clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? (Surat al-Anbiya, 30)

=============

He it is Who has created the heavens and the earth with truth, and on the day He says: Be, it is. His word is the truth. (Surat al-An’am, 73)

=============


There're so many activities:

- Freaky, Freezing Science!
It's not just cold outside!
Experience chills and thrills in the CineMuse Theater with frozen science demos.

- Learning about how the NASA works. The kids used the Simulator.

- Watching the movie about the amazing animal of Octopus.

- Fore! The Planet
Have a ball playing nines holes of miniature golf while learning some cool stuff about how nature works.

- Planetarium Shows,
The Skies Tonight: seeing the galaxy as it will appear that very night!

- Learning about the wigly worm for the small kids.

- and other exhibitions.

We were in there from 10 AM till 4PM. We were having lunch together and praying Zuhr and Asr together. I think, there are almost 30 kids from our Muslim Community and about 10 Moms as the chaprones.

Special thank you for the organizers this field trip.
May Allah give you rewards. Ameen.

All kids learned and had fun in the same time.
Alhamdulillah, Allah made the earth and universe just for us.

To read more:
1. Allah Is Known Through Reason
2. NASA for Kids
3. What is Octopus
4. Earthworm
5. Making Science Fun: Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
6. Science Website for Kids
7. 101 Science.com
8. Islam and Science

Insha Allah, we will do another field trip again.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

The Important of Wudhu-Ablution

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said,
"The prayer of a person who does ,
Hadath (passes, urine, stool or wind) is not accepted
till he performs (repeats) the ablution."
A person from Hadaramout asked Abu Huraira,
"What is 'Hadath'?"
Abu Huraira replied, " 'Hadath' means the passing of wind from the anus."
Sahih Bukhari.
=============


My kid said that if you are parting the gas in the masjid, the angels will get disturbed and mad at you.

Something that we should take care of our wudhu when we are going to masjid to pray. It is good that we are always in wudhu.

In Islamic fiqh, Hadath-Akbar refers to a state of major ritual impurity that requires the complete ablution (al-ghusl) before one can pray; circumambulate the Kaaba; touch, carry, or recite the Quran.
Five actions place one in the state of Hadath-Akbar, including discharge of al-mani (sperm) owing to stimulation while asleep or awake, sexual intercourse with or without ejaculation, and menstruation.
The complete ablution requires that one wash the entire body with water.

Ritual cleansing. Ghusl (complete bath) is for major defilements like sexual intercourse, while wudu for lesser defilements like urination or sleep. After stating intentions (niya/niat) to do ablutions, a Muslim says, "Bismillahi arrahmani ar-rahimi," washes hands 3 times, rinses mouth, sniffs water into nostrils and expels it, washes face, arms to elbows. Rub his wet hand through hair, touch his ears, wash his feet. Sand and dust can be used if water is not available, excess is beaten off after striking dust, and goes through the motion of washing

Some of The articles about Ablution are:
1.
Hadith Bukhari -Ablution(Wudhu)
2.
The Important of Wudhu
3.
Watch the video: How to Make the Wudhu
or
in here
4. Wudhu- Ablution, and Prayer
5.
How to make Wudhu
6.
Kitab AL Taharah
6.
Islamic Studies: Wudhu-Ablution

May Allah accept our prayer and our ibadah. Ameen

Friday, December 21, 2007

Islamic New Year Is Coming, 1 Muharam

“The number of months
in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year)
so ordained by Him the day
He created the heavens and the earth;
of them four are sacred; that is the straight usage.
So wrong not yourselves therein
and fight the pagans all together
as they fight you all together.
But know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.”
(Al-Tauba 9:36)

They ask thee concerning the New Moons, Say:
They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in
(the affairs of) men and for Pilgrimage.”
(Al-Baqara 2:189)
=============

Another new year is coming........Muharam, the first month of Islamic Calendar.

Al-Hijra, the Islamic New Year, is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the month in which Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE (the Hijra).
The holiday is also known simply as Muharram. Islamic years are calculated from 1 Muharram, 622 CE. They are followed by the suffix AH, which stands for "After Hijira" or Anno Higirae (Latin). In 2008, Al-Hijra will be 1429 AH.

The Islamic new year is celebrated relatively quietly, with prayers and readings and reflection upon the Hijrah.

Let's read more about:
1. Al-Hijra (1 Muharram): New Year's Day
2.
Social Studies for Kids: Islamic New Year
3.
Social Studies: Islamic Calendar
4.
The Islamic New Year
5. Learn Islamic Calendar
6.
Islamic Calendar
7.
The Islamic Months
8.
Al-Hijr
9.
Islamic Article: Calendar and the Black Stone
10.
Islamic New Year, Hijrah
Insha Allah, we are trying our best to be good muslim in the future year to prepare our next life.
==============


Another sharing that great website to feed the hunger around the world.
You can learn multiple choice vocabulary and rice is donated to needy people around the world.
==============


This is another good website to learn about Herbs and Plants.
================

There are alot of articles for kids about Science News.
Your kids will love to read this science news.
================

Another fun and good activities for kid are such as
or party hat.
================

This resources is good for teacher that is very well organized lesson plans, Resources by Subject and Grade.
================

If your kids want to learn how to write,
this is a good tips in writing Tips-O-Matic.
================

For the kid who want to learn about multiplication,
here is Balloon Multiplication Game.
================


May Allah always guide us in the right path. Ameen.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Eid Mubaraak

“Taqabbal Allaahu minna wa minkum
(May Allaah accept (this worship) from us and from you).”

Happy Eid to You.
Here e-card for you.
=================

When the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) met one another on the day of Eid,
they would say to one another:
“Taqabbal Allaahu minna wa minkum
(May Allaah accept (this worship) from us and from you).”
Al-Haafiz said: Its isnaad is hasan.


May Allah accept all our ibadah. Ameen
=================

Please read more:
1.
Eid: Etiquette and Rulings
2.
Virtue of the Day of Arafaah
3.
Sacrifices

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Virtues of the Day of Arafaah

The Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah.
He said, It expiates for the sins of the previous year
and of the coming year.”
Narrated by Muslim.
==========

This (fasting) is mustahabb for those who are not on Hajj. In the case of the one who is on Hajj, it is not Sunnah for him to fast on the Day of ‘Arafaah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not fast on this day in ‘Arafaah. It was narrated that he forbade fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah in ‘Arafaah.

To read more Day of Arafaah

==========================
The Day of Arafaah is Dhu'l-hijjah 9.

What are the Virtues of the Day of Arafaah ?
To know the answer is in Islam Q&A

===========================

Allah (the Exalted and Almighty) has said
Allah sends His Salat, (graces, Honors, Blessings, Mercy)
on the Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alayhi wa salam,
and His Angels (ask Allah to bless and forgive Him).
O, you who believe! send your salat on (ask Allah to bless) Him Muhammad Sallalahu Alayhi wa salam and you (should greet) salute him with the Islamic Way of greeting (salutation ie. As salamu Alaikum)
(Quran Al Ahzab: 56)

=================

Let's fasting on the Day of Arafaah.
May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family
and companions, and those who follow them in truth.
May Allah accept all our good deeds.
Ameen.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Teaching Arabic Quran

This is just my simple explaination, how i teach the kids Quran.
Insha Allah, it will useful to everybody.
================


To teach Arabic Quran to the kids, it takes time and practice alot.
================

These are the five steps ,I summarize it from what i have been done in teaching my kids and other kids ,too.

I.
Recognize the alphabets.
There are two ways:
1. By memorizing the alphabets from Alif to Yaa.
2. By learning and memorizing the Arabic Alphabet Pyramid.
II. Learn the vowel letters in Arabic (Fatha, Kasra, and Dummah)
III. Practice reading and writing joined letters in beginning, middle, and ending for three letters or more.
IV. Learn other signs, such as Tanween, Sukun, Shaddah, etc.
V. Learn tajweed , rules of recitation.

VI. Learn the meaning and memorizing the surah in AL Quran.


That's all.
=================
The kids love to read and memorize all the 28 letters, by singing it.
To learn and hear the Arabic Alphabets:
1.
Arabic Alphabet Interactive
2.
Arabic Letters Nasheed
3.
Fun with Arabic
4.
Learn Arabic Fatha/Kasra/Damma
5.
Learn Arabic Letters - Games



If your kids already memorize all the letters.
Now you can start teaching them about "The vowel in Arabics"
1. Sound A or "Fatha" , please click Learn Fatha
2. Sound I or "Kasra" , please click Learn Kasra
3. Sound U or "Dummah" , please click Learn Dummah
or click
Learn Dummah in Arabic

For big kids 13 and up or adults, the easy way is teaching them by grouping the letters.
The groups that you can use:
Abjad - The Arabic letters Pyramid
When they memorize the letters and know how the letters joined together, the kids will easy start to read the Quran.
Insha Allah.

This pyramid is very useful to make it easy to understand how the letters are joined.

To Learn Tanween, as following:
1. Learn Tanween(Fatha)
2.
Learn Tanween(Kasra)
3.
Learn Tanween(Dummah)



To learn Rules of Recitations, Rules of Recitation


That's it for today. Insha Allah, to be continued........
====================

For more informations, you can read:
1.
Learn Arabic Quran from Nooraani Qaaidah (Requires "Simplified Arabic" Font)
2.
Learn Arabic Quran
3.
Quran Page
4.
The Importance for Muslims to Learn Quranic Arabic
5. Islam About com: Learn Arabic
6.
The Arabic Alphabet
7.
How to write the Arabic Alphabet
8. Arabic Alphabets in charts
9. How to sound the Arabic Alphabets
10. Arabic Alphabets Lists


To watch Learning Arabic Letters:
1. Learn Arabic Letters
2. Muslim Kids School- Arabic Alphabet
3.
Arabic Alphabet

To watch Learning Tajweed:
1. Learn Tajweed-Lesson 1
2.
Learn tajweed-Lesson 2/Fatha
3.
Learn Tajweed-Lesson 3/Kasra
4.
Learn Tajweed-Lesson 4/Dummah
5.
Learn Tajweed-Lesson 5/Tanween(Fatha)
6.
Learn Tajweed-Lesson 6/Tanween(Kasra)
7. Learn Tajweed-Lesson 7/Tanween(DUmmah)
8.
Learn Tajweed-Lesson 8 (Alif)
9. Learn Tajweed-Lesson 9 (Waw)
10. Learn Tajweed-Lesson 10 (Yaa)
11.
Learn Tajweed-Lesson 11 (Long Vowel letters Alif Waw and Yaa)
12.
Lesson Tajweed-Lesson 12
13. Lesson Tajweed -Lesson 13

14.
Lesson Tajweed-Lesson 14 (Silent Letters)
15.
Lesson Tajweed-Lesson 15 (Saddah)
16.
Lesson Tajweed-Lesson 16 (Maddah=Prolongation)
17.
Arabic Alphabet

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Stories of Prophet Ismail (Alayhi wa Salam)




O Allah I have made some of my offspring
to dwell in an uncultivated valley by your Sacred House in order,
O Allah, that they may perform as-Salaah.
So fill some hearts among men with love towards them,
and (O Allaah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.
[Quran 14:37]


"The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka (another name for Makkah);
full of blessings and guidance for all kinds of beings:
in it are signs manifest, the station of Abraham-whoever enters it attains security;
pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah-those who can afford the journey;
but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures"
(Quran 3:96-97).

==============

Monday, December 10, 2007

The virtues of the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah

The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds
are more beloved to Allaah
than these ten days.”
They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?”
He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah,
unless a man goes out himself for jihad
taking his wealth with him
and does not come back with anything.”
Narrated by al-Bukhaari

=======================

To hear Hajj-talbiyah

What are the righteous deeds that it is recommended
to do a lot of during these ten days?

1 – Fasting
It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

2 – Reciting tahmeed, tahleel, tasbeeh, and takbeer
It is Sunnah to recite takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar (Allaah is most great)), tahmeed (saying al-hamdu Lillah (praise be to Allaah)), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (There is no god but Allaah)) and tasbeeh (saying Subhaan-Allaah (Glory be to Allaah)), during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

3 – Doing Hajj and ‘Umrah

4 – Udhiyah (sacrifice)


To read more:
The virtue of Hajj
Introduction of Hajj
Definition of Udhiyah
Q&A: The virtues of the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah
The virtues of the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah by Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid
The Superiority of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah By Shaykh ibn al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him



To watch:
Hajj - Pilgrimage Journey of a Lifetime to Makkah!
hajj - educative islamic cartoon for children (in Arabic language)

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Hybridization of Education

Now, Some people say that homeschooling is the hybridization of education.
Hybridization means mixing.
I think that homeschooling is mixing with other homeschooling to make their own classroom or the Cooperative Homeschooling.

Homeschooling can have their own class like classroom in the public school.
For example, the science class for kids, Math Club, Physical Education, Sewing class, Karate class, even Sunday School, etc.

A report by the National Center for Education Statistics estimated that the number of home-schooled children rose from 850,000 in 1999 to 1.1 million in 2003.

This statistics shows that homeschooling is expanding.

Statistics on home schooling are usually estimated, because most states don't require formal reporting. Some states, such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island, require approval that parents have to submit plans and progress reports to their local school district.

Now, Homeschoolers has no problem on socialization.
They can pray with the family at home or jamaah in the masjid.
They have the supporting groups.
They can interact with adults out there and have friends through classroom, gathering, activities, and internet.
They can go to college/university and have good job.
They can compete and win in the contests.
They have field trips.
They have their own classroom that taught by certified teachers.
They learn and have fun, etc....

Homeschooling has alot of benefits for the family, especially for the children.

Insha Allah, for those who still confuse what to do with homeschooling, I hope that this story can make your decision about homeschooling or not for your kids. Insha Allah.

To read more the article:
Expanding the horizon for home-school students
Homeschooling maintain academic success
How to Achieve Homeschool Success
Homeschool Success Stories
Learn how to success in homeschooling
Socialization: A Great Reason Not to Go to School


To watch video:
Starr Defends Right to Homeschool
Ron Paul - Homeschooling

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain



First, I would like to share the result of the AMC8 test which the kids took last month. The kids, who are all not even 8th grade yet, tried their best on that test. Now, they will need to learn more for next year again. I think they did very good for the first time. The youngest boy who is 4th grade did try to take the test even this test is for 8th grade. Insha Allah, next year they will do it more better than this year.

Second thing, today, I share with my kids about story of the great masjid of Cordoba.
The masjid is so beautiful and huge.
The kids asked why did beautiful masjid become the church, now?
I told them, it because the Ummah Islam did not worshipping Allah and making dakwa on that time. The Ummah Islam were busy about dunia instead of remembering Allah and worshipping Allah.
This history showed to us about the failure of Islam on that time.
==================

The mosque of Cordoba lies in the historic heart of the city, and is one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim art in the whole of Spain.
The Moslem emir Abderrahman I ordered construction of the temple in the year 785 on the ruins of the old Visigoth church of St. Vincent.
During the centuries that followed the Mosque underwent several changes.
Abderrahman III ordered a new minaret, while Alhaken II, in 961, enlarged the plan of the building and the mihrab was decorated.
The last of the reforms was carried out by Almanzor in 987.
As a result of all the work, the interior of the building is a myriad of row upon row of beautiful columns and horseshoe arches.

In 1523, following the Christian conquest, the cathedral was built inside. Of note here are the main reredos, the Baroque reredos and the mahogany choir stalls. The mihrab is one of the most notable in the whole of the Muslim world, and is the most noble part of the mosque. The interior decoration is full of Byzantine mosaics and marble. The Naranjos courtyard serves as an entry point.

The Mosque of Cordoba is undoubtedly a masterpiece of Muslim art.
By entering will be immersed in a veritable forest of columns and arches in the colors and shadows play a prominent role.

After the reconquest, with the new power in Cordoba, the Christians built a Gothic cathedral in the heart of the delicate craft of the mosque.

Now the mosque become the church.

==============
Let's come to masjid and help build masjid, to make the community Muslim better.

May Allah make our kids love coming to the masjid and praying jamaah in the masjid.
Ameen. Ameen. Ameen.
==============

To read more:
The History Mezquita Cordoba
When a Chruch turns into a Masjid or in NY Times

To watch
The Historic Center of Cordoba

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Chimps outsmart uni students

"Is not He, Who created the heavens and
the earth Able to create the like of them?
Yes, indeed! He is the All-Knowing Supreme Creator.
Verily, His Command,
when He intends a thing, is only that
He says to it, "Be!" and it is!"
[Surah yaseen 81-82]
===============

And your Lord creates whatsoever He wills and chooses,
no choice have they (in any matter).
Glorified be Allah, and exalted above all
that they associate as partners (with Him).
[Qur'an 28:68]
===========
"Alif-Laam-Meem.
Do people think that they will be left alone because they say:
‘We have faith’, and will not be tested?
And We indeed tested those who were before them.
And Allah will certainly make known, those who are true,
and will certainly make known those who are liars."
(al-‘Ankaboot 29:1-3)
==============

This week, my kids asked me about story of Chimps who are smarter than students.
Finally, I found the news in Science about this interesting article.
==============

This is article about young chimpanzees are better than university students at playing a computer game that tests numerical memory, a new study shows.
You can continue read on here.
Chimps outsmart uni students

================
The reality is Allah created human beings, and Allah created apes. Simply because there are many similarities, does not mean that one evolved from the other.
Allah is the Creator of everything and all animals, He is the Shaper and nothing happens except by His will.

Allah has informed us clearly in Quran and Hadith of how human beings were created.

My kids told me that it would be interesting to repeat this experiment using human children to see if human also lose the memory with the age. We knew that our memory is degradating more when we are getting old.

Chimps arn't smart.

One of my kids told me that I wonder if chimps asked us to stop experimenting and torturing them in the name of "Science." Insha Allah, the scientist will stop do the experimenting on the animals.

The chimps just performed to remembering a sequence of abstract in meaningless symbols.
We knew animals are good in something. Bats can see in the dark, and we can't. Dolphins can echoloct, and we can't. Dogs can find their way home over miles of uncharted territory, and we can't.

This story taught my kids that teori evolution is not right.
Allah is the Creator for Everything on the Earth and Heaven.
Only Allah is the All-Knowing Supreme Creator.
May Allah always guide us. Ameen.
====================

To watch the video:
Chimp counting test
Muslim TV: End of Darwinism

To read other article:
Scientists' Comments On The Qur'an
Harun Yahya

The Benefit of Surah Al Mulk (Surah Tabarak)

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "When the dead person is buried two black-blue angels come to him, one called al-Munkar and the other called an-Nakeer,
and they say to him:
'What had you used to say about this man?'
So he says what he used to say: 'Allaah's slave and His Messenger, I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.'
So they say: 'Verily we knew that you (would) say that.'
Then his grave is widened for him to the extent of seventy cubits by seventy, then it is made light for him, then it is said: ' Sleep.'
So he says: 'I should go to my family and inform them.'
So they say: 'Sleep as the newly married sleeps whom no-one awakes except his favourite wife.' Until Allaah raises him up from that place of sleep.
And if he is a hypocrite (munaafiq), he says: 'I heard the people saying something so I said it too, I don't know.'
So they say: 'We knew that you (would) say that.'
So it is said to the earth: 'Crush him', so he is crushed until his cross over and he remains in the state of torture until Allaah raises him up from that resting place."
[HASAN: At-Tirmidhee from Abu Hurairah.]

===============


Surah Al Mulk is one of our favorite surah.
I think, your kids will like to momerize it, too. Insha Allah.
Alhamdulillah, all my big kids memorize this surah.

After sholat Maghrib, we had story and read hadith. Then the kids started asking about "what is the people death doing inside the grave?"
I told them that our grandfather in Indonesia used to walk to masjid for Maghrib by the cemetery. In the cemetery, sometime he saw smoke comes out from the grave or he heard the crying people came from fresh grave.

Also , the story about our great grandfa who was dokter. He was looking in the program of digging the grave for study. Then he saw the death people in that grave sitting with the head down and holding the legs.

This situation showed us that is true there is punishment in the grave.

If you recite Surah Tabarak (Chapter 67) and the Chapter Prostration (Chapter 32) and it will save you from the terrors of the Day of Resurrection.
If you recite Surah Tabarak when you go to sleep and the punishment of the grave and the questioning of Munkar and Nakir will be removed from you.

Surat Al Mulk is surat Tabarak. The benefit of it is that it will save us from the punishment of the grave.
I hope you will memorize this surah with your kids. Insha Allah.

May Allah save us from the punishment in the grave and the Day of Resurrection. Ameen.
=================

To read :
Translation of Quran in English - Surah Al Mulk
Another Translation
Surah Al Mulk
Q&A: Punishment in the grave
Q&A: The punishment of the grave
Punishement of grave


To watch and memorize the surah in the video:
Surah AL Mulk by Sh Saad Al-Ghamidi
Surah Al Mulk
Mishary Rashid al-Efasy-Surah Tabarak
Surah Mulk with English Translation

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

The Last Sermon (Khutabul Wada) of Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon Him

The Prophet Muhammad's last sermon was offered in front of a large gathering of people on the occasion of the only Hajj he ever performed in his lifetime.
It was long and it contained much guidance and instructions on many issues.
Please read the sermon not only for the wisdom it offers, but also, try to close your eyes and picture yourself there, with the thousands of other Muslims who were.

The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon Him

===========================
The links of the week are in the following below:

Islamic Studies:
Learn about Islam
School: Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha
All about Hajj
Hajj Rites

Arabic:
Learn Quran the Easy Way

Math and English:
Math and English For any grade

Math:
Middle School Math: 6th and 7th grade Games and Woorksheets
Counting Games and Worksheets

Geography:
Geography Research Worksheets

To Read Story Time and Download the ColorBook:
The Ants and Grasshopper

Reading:
Kids' Labs: Reading Workout for different grades

Social Studies:
Games and Worksheets

Monday, December 3, 2007

The Miracle of Honey

The Prophet SAW has also told us of the healing found within honey for a variety of medical problems, including stomach ailments.

It is reported by Al-Bukhaari that a man came to the Prophet because his brother had a stomach disorder.

The Prophet SAW said: "Let him drink honey."

The man returned a second time complaining that no improvement happened in his brother’s case, and again the Prophet responded: "Let him drink honey."

The man returned again, and said: "I have done that but to no avail."

Thereupon the Prophet responded: "Allaah has said the truth, but your brother's stomach has told a lie. Let him drink honey."
He drank it and was cured.

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When my kids get coughing, I give them honey and lemon to drink as medicine.
Coughing=Honey+Lemon

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To read more:
The Miracle of Honey
The Scientific Miracles of the Quran
The Miracle of Honey
Alternative Medicine
Study: Honey better than drugs for kids' coughs
Benefits of Honey
Cures for All ManKind
Honey: The Antibiotic of the Future
Health Benefits of Honey

To watch video:
The Virtue of Honey in Al Quran

Why Muslim can NOT eat Pork

A person after travelling a long distance,
with dispersed hairs and covered with dust,
raises his hands for the prayer
and says O Allah!, O Allah!
But his food is Haram,
his drink is Haram and his dress is Haram.
So how can his prayer be accepted by Allah?
(Mishkat Sharif)

Note: It means that without Halal food, our Duas are not accepted at all.

==================

This is a good conversation between Bob and Yunus about "Why Muslim can NOT eat pork":

Bob: Tell me why is it that a Muslim is very particular about the words Halaal and haraam; what do they mean?

Yunus: That which is permissible is termed Halaal and that which is not permissible is termed Haraam and it is the Quran which draws the distinction between the two.

Bob: Can you give me an example?

Yunus: Yes, Islam has prohibited blood of any type. You will agree that a chemical analysis of blood shows that it contains an abundance of uric acid, a chemical substance which can be injurious to human health.

Bob: You’re right about the toxic nature of uric acid, in the human being it is excreted as a waste product and in fact we are told that 98 percent of the body’s uric acid is extracted from the blood by the kidneys and removed through urination.

Yunus: Now I think that you’ll appreciate the special prescribed method of animal slaughter in Islam.

Bob: What do you mean?

Yunus: You see, the wielder of the knife, whilst taking the name
of the ‘Almighty’, makes an incision through the jugular veins, leaving all other veins and organs intact.

Bob: I see, this causes the death of the animal by total loss of blood from the body, rather than an injury to any vital organ.

Yunus: Yes, were the organs, example the heart, the liver, or the
brain crippled or damaged, the animal could die immediately and its blood would congeal in its veins and would eventually permeate the flesh. This implies that the animal flesh would be permeated and contaminated with uric acid and therefore very poisonous; only today did our dieticians realize such a thing.

Bob: Again, while on the topic of food; Why do Muslims condemn the eating of pork or ham or any foods related to pigs or swine.

Yunus: Actually, apart from the Quran prohibiting the consumption
of pork, bacon (pig flesh); in fact the Bible too in Leviticus chapter 11, verse 8, regarding swine it says,” of their flesh (of the swine, another name for pig) shall you not eat, and of their carcass you shall not touch;they are unclean to you. Further, did you know that a pig cannot be slaughtered at the neck for it does not have a neck; that is according to its natural anatomy. A Muslim reasons that if the pig was to be slaughtered and fit for human consumption the Creator would have provided it with a neck. Nonetheless, all that aside,I am sure you are well informed about the harmful effects of the consumption of pork, in any form, be it pork chops, ham, bacon.

Bob: The medical science finds that there is a risk for various disease as the pig is found to be a host for many parasites and potential diseases.

Yunus: Yes, even apart from that, as we talked about uric acid content in the blood, it is important to note that the pig’s biochemistry excretes only 2 percent of its total uric acid content, the remaining 98 percent remains as an integral part of the body.

================

Do not forget that blood is source of diseases.

I think It is not about halal or haram.
The most important is that our IMAN is being tested.
If we have good IMAN, we have to follow what it had been commanded and to get rid of what it had been prohibited.
If we have weak IMAN. Then Syaitans will easy ruin our IMAN.

IMAN has six pillars, taught to us by the Prophet (SAW). These pillars are:
- Belief in Allah;
- Belief in the angels;
- Belief in the Quran;
- Belief in the commissioned Messengers (peace be upon them).
- Belief in the resurrection and the events of Qiyama.
- Belief in the predestination by Allah of all things, both the (seemingly) good and the (seemingly) bad..
May Allah make our IMAN strong and always in the right path. Ameen.

To watch the video:
1. What is meant by Halal Meat?
2. Halal Animal Slaughter - Conteporary Issues- Bilal Philips
3. Are Muslim eating Halal in Canada
4. Halal Meat in US

Sunday, December 2, 2007

School days mean staying at home

It's more work for parents, but home-schooling rolls continue to grow

Homeschool is full time job and needs patience.
Some of advantages of doing homeschooling are:
- the kids have more time to work on their favorite subject.
- they can pray
- the kids have more family time at home.
- etc.

To read more about the article:
School days mean staying at home

Have a Happy Homeschool!

Woman in Islam

Some of hadiths about woman:

Women in Islam as a Mother

[Transmitted by Sahih Bukhari]
A man enquired: "O Allah's Apostle Muhammad (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam):
Who is the most proper person in my association? Allah's Apostle Muhammad (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) replied: "Your Mother."
Then he asked: who is next? He (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) replied: "Your Mother".
Then he asked : who is next? He (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) replied: "Your Mother".
Then he asked: who is next? He (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) replied : "Your Father".


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Women in Islam as a Daughter

[Transmitted by Abu Dawud]
"If anybody has got a female child, and then does neither bury her alive, nor treats her unjustly, nor prefers his (male) children to her, Allah will admit him in Paradise".

[Transmitted by Sahih Muslim]
"Whoever maintains two girls till they attain maturity, he and I will come on Resurrection Day like this; and he joined his fingers."

[Transmitted by Ibn Majah]
"Shall I not teach you the best form of Charity? (maintaining) your daughter who has been returned to you, who has no earning member except you."
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Women in Islam as a Wife

[Transmitted by Tirmizi]
" The most perfect in believers in faith is one who is best of them in conduct, and the best of you are those who are best to their wives."

[Transmitted by Abu Naeem]
"When a woman says his five (prayers) and fasts her month, and guard her private parts, and obeys her husband, let her enter Paradise by whichever door she likes."

[Transmitted by Abu Dawud]
"Never beat your wife like your beating of your slave girl".

-------------------------------------------------

Anâs Radhi-Allâhu 'anhu reports that Nabî Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam has said: "From among the women of the world who have reached perfection and who are worthy of following are (the following four):
Miryam the daughter of Imrân;
Khadija daughter of Khuwailid;
Fatima daughter of Muhammad
and Asiyah wife of Fir'aun" (Tirmidhi)

The Qur’an states categorically that men and women who practice the principles of Islam will receive equal reward for their efforts. (Qur’an 33:35).

In the first verse of the chapter entitled An-Nissa’ (The Women), Allah says:

“O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who created you from a single soul and from it its mate and from them both have spread abroad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward Allah in Whom you claim (your rights) of one another, and towards the wombs (that bore you). Lo! Allah has been a Watcher over you.” (Qur’an 4:1)

The Qur’an states:

“By the creation of the male and female; Verily, (the ends) ye strive for are diverse.” (Qur’an 92:3-4)

In these verses, Allah declares that He created men and women to be different, with unique roles, functions and skills. As in society, where there is a division of labor, so too in a family; each member has different responsibilities. Generally, Islam upholds that women are entrusted with the nurturing role, and men, with the guardian role. Therefore, women are given the right of financial support.

Last night, The Sheikh said that the best of guide in family is woman.
She is the queen in the family.
She is the maker in the family.
She takes care of the family.

Man is always out side from home. Man is 711. He works from 7 am to 11 pm.
He never sees the children.
He only meets the family on holiday.

There is hadith:
Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #3254, Narrated Anas ibn Malik
Allah's Messenger said, "When a woman observes the five times of prayer, fasts during Ramadan, preserves her chastity and obeys her husband, she may enter by any of the gates of Paradise she wishes." [AbuNu'aym transmitted it in al-Hilyah.]

The woman says the first three is easy to do. Only the last one that is very difficult to do, because the problem is in her husband himself.

The lecture finished because the pizza was coming.
All the women in the masjid laughed.

What do you think, my sisters in Islam?
Can we do all the four things above? Insha Allah, we can.

May Allah help us to do all the good deeds. Ameen.

To read more:
Woman according Quran and Sunnah
Harun Yahya: Woman in The Quran
Quran and Woman
Woman in Islam
Great Four Women
Women in Paradise

To watch and hear the videos:
Status of Women in Islam Part 1
Status of Woman in Islam Part 2
Beating Woman in Islam
Question & Answer About Virgin Women in Heaven
Question and Anwer About Hijaab
Women status in Quran & Bibles - Truthful Comparison
Woman in Islam