Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Back to Homeschool and Going to College

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

We are back to homeschool for this year and one of my kids is going to college.

How is your homeschool going?

A lot of members in the group want to know how to start homeschooling their kids.

If your kids are in the school age, 7 years old, then you have to formally homeschool them at home.
If you want to start homeschooling for big kids, then you should withdraw your kids from your school by writing the letter of intent to Board of Education and the principal of school to let them know that you are going to homeschool your kids.

If you need the sample of the letter withdrawal, it is in here.
You can start homeschooling when you get the approval letter from Board of Education, in one or two weeks.

Some of other suggestions are:



  • Finding out about the regulation of homeschooling in your state.

  • Finding your homeschooling group so you can get support from the group.

  • Finding some used or new text books or reading books that you can use for your kids.

  • Keeping all the homeworks that you have done with your kids.

  • Writing down the plan and the journal, it is good way to use as record keeping.

  • Always be happy with your kids surrounding you at home.

  • Having alot of patience (sabr).

  • Always making alot of doa to Allah.



You can find some of more informations in Ikhlas Homeschool: All About Homeschooling.


I also want to let you know that this is my last post in this bloq.
I will continue writing and sharing my homeschool year 2008-2009 in my new :
Muslim Homeschool in America '08/'09
Insha Allah.
Happy Homeschooling!!!
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Friday, August 22, 2008

Learn Sabr and Shukr

I shared the story to kids.
==================

To hear the khutbah:
Halaltube: Sabr or Shukr The Worry Stops Here! by Muhammad ash-Shareef

Aasiyah, the wife of Fir’own. Her Eeman in Allah thrived under the shadow of someone that said, “I am your Lord, Most High!” When news reached Fir’own of his wife’s Eeman he beat her and commanded his guards to beat her. They took her out in the scalding noon heat, tied her hands and feet and beat her perpetually. Who did she turn to? She turned to Allah! She prayed, “My lord, build for me a home with you in Paradise and save me from Fir’own and his deeds and save me from the transgressive people.”


It was narrated that when she said this, the sky opened for her and she saw her home in Paradise. She smiled. The guards watched astonished, she’s being tortured and she smiles? Frustrated, Fir’own commanded a boulder to be brought and dropped on Aasiyah, to crush her to death. But Allah took her soul before the boulder was brought and she became an example for all the believing men and women till the end of time:


"And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe:
the wife of Fir’own (Pharaoh) – when she said,
“My Lord, Build for me a home with You in Paradise,
and save me from Fir’own and his deeds,
and save me from the transgressive-disbelieving people."
(Al Qur'an Tahreem 66/11 )


In the hadith of Jibreel, when he came to the Prophet (SAL ALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM) and asked him about Islam, Eeman, and Ihsan, the Prophet SAL ALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM said about Eeman, “Eeman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His Messengers, the Final Day, and the divine decree, the good and the bad thereof.” For the past few weeks we have been reflecting on this hadith, only glimpses. Today we shall conclude with the last article of Eeman: to believe in the Divine decree, the good and the bad thereof.


As you and I travel though life we find ourselves in one of two situations. Either something good is happening in our lives and in which case – as Muslims- our role is to thank Allah for the blessing. Or something bad is happening to us, something we dislike and our role here is to be patient (Sabr). This is the formula for a happy life, a life cruising towards the pleasure of Allah. Sabr or Shukr, the worry stops here.

The Messenger of Allah (SAL ALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM) said, “Strange is the affair of the Mu’min (the believer), verily all his affairs are good for him. If something pleasing befalls him he thanks (Allah) and it becomes better for him. And if something harmful befalls him he is patient (Saabir) and it becomes better for him. And this is only for the Mu’min."

=========================
Please continue reading the article :
Sabr or Shukr The Worry Stops Here! by Muhammad ash-Shareef
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How To Finish Recitation Al Qur'an In A Month

Ramadhan is the month of the Qura'an.

Insha Allah, you can finish recitation Al Qur'an in a month if you can read around 4 to 5 pages after each salaah.

4 X 5 salaahs a day X 30 days = 600 pages
(approximately the number of pages in the Al Qur'an which is 604 pages )

Each letter one reads counts 10 hasanat.

Don't forget to learn the meaning of Al Qur'an, too.

May Allah increase our ibadah in the month of Ramadan. Ameen.
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Monday, August 18, 2008

Home Education Resources IV - August 2008

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Friday, August 15, 2008

Ramadan Is Coming

I have some students who need to learn about fasting Ramadan.

May Allah increase our iman and accept our ibadah in this Ramadan. Ameen.
=================================




Fasting Ramadan in Islam





  • Fasting Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.
  • Fasting in Islam means to stay away from eating, drinking and sexual activity from early dawn when Shubuh/Fajr begins to sunset with a Niyyah (intention) of fasting.
  • Fasting in the month of Ramadan is Fard (obligatory) upon every Muslim, male and female who is sane and mature.
  • Fasting is a worship which is only between humans and Allah since no-one else knows for sure if this person is actually fasting. Allah has promised great reward for those who fast. Allah says in hadith qudsi that "Fasting is for Me and I only will reward it".
  • Fasting Is Good For Our Body and Soul.
    • Fasting is good for our body. It means we clean our body by fasting not to eat and drink. Fasting make Muslim become healthy, clean, and energetic.
      We should remember that in Al Qur'an, Allah said: "...Eat and drink but do not be excessive." (Al Qur'an 7:31)
    • Fasting is good for our soul. It means we clean our soul by:

      • increasing our ibadaah.
      • reading Al Qur'an.
      • giving charity.
      • doing all the good deeds.
      • remembering Allah all the time.

      In fasting, we should try to refrain from all kinds of sins - protecting ours ears, eyes, tongue and all other organs from indulging in unlawful activities.


    The most important is that your heart and mind must be with you in fasting.
  • Ramadan is also the month in which Al Qur'an was revealed as a guide to mankind, and a clear guidance and judgement (so that mankind will distinguish right from wrong).



Fasting Ramadan In Qur'an



  • "O you who believe fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you can learn Taqwa." (Al Quran 2:183)


Fasting Ramadan In Hadith




  • The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:“In Paradise there is a gate called al-Rayyaan, through which those who used to fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one but they will enter it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who fasted?’ They will get up, and none will enter it but them. When they have entered, it will be locked, and no one else will enter.” (al-Bukhaari, 1763; Muslim, 1947).


  • Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: “When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained.
    (Sahih Muslim Book 006, Number 2361)


  • It was narrated from Abu Salamah that Abu Hurayrah said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.’" (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, al-Eemaan, 37).


  • It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Allaah says: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except for fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward for it.” Fasting is a shield and when one of you is fasting he avoid sexual relations with his wife and quarreling. If somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allaah than the smell of musk. The fasting person will have two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.’”
    (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1771)



  • In the saheeh ahaadeeth it says that there are eight gates:
    It was narrated from Sahl ibn Sa’d (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “In Paradise there are eight gates, among which is a gate called al-Rayyaan, which none will enter but those who fast.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3017).


  • Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Allah, the Majestic and the Exalted, said: Every act of the son of Adam is for him except fasting. It is done for My sake, and I will give a reward for it. By Allah in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.
    (Sahih Muslim Book 006, Number 2564)


  • Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."
    (Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 125)


  • Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)"
    (Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 127)


  • Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel visited him, and Gabriel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Holy Qur'an to Gabriel, and when Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare).
    (Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 126)










All Gates In Paradise Are Open In Ramadan.



It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Ramadan begins,the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3035; Muslim 1793)





People Exempted From Fasting In Ramadan

  • Sick people when their health is likely to be badly affected by fasting. They should make up the loss, a day for a day, when they recover after Ramadhan.
  • A Musafir (one who is undertaking a journey of more than 48 miles and does not intend staying more than 14 days at his destination).
  • If it is feared that hunger or thirst will lead to death, it is permitted to break one's fast.
  • Kids who are not puberity, but they can exercise fasting if they want to.
    Most of the kids who are 7 years old can do fasting.


Things That Can Break One's Fast



  • Eating and drinking.
  • To have sexual intercourse.
  • Women who miss the fast due to monthly periods will do Qadha only for the missed fast after Ramadan


Conclusion

The important lessons from fasting Ramadan are:
  • Gaining more iman, taqwa, obedience to Allah.
  • Seeking more closeness to Allah.
  • Patience.
  • Doing more good deeds and good manners.
  • Getting unity among Muslim by helping each other.

If you perform Salat Fard, Sunnah and Nafl and Taraweeh prayers throughout life, you will get protection and a positive effect in terms of health and longevity.
And the most important thing that we should have the spirit of Ramadan all year long, from this Ramadan until the next Ramadan. We should continue to do all what we have done in Ramadan to be close to Allah, such as giving charity, salah five times a day, going to masjid, etc.


May Allah make us among those who will enter Paradise. Ameen.

Ramadan Mubarak to all of you.

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


Some of activities for kids and all of us are:



  • Fasting.
  • Going to masjid for salah Maghrib, salah Isha, salah Taraweh, and salah Witr at night.
  • Reading Al Qur'an if they are not salah Taraweh.
  • Going to masjid for salah Shubuh, just for boys.
  • Giving sadaqah or charity for yatim (orphan) or who need help.
  • writing about Ramadan.
  • Memorizing and learning Al Qur'an.
  • Feeding the poor and hungry or giving ifthar to others.
  • reading Al Qur'an and trying to finish (khatam) Al Qur'an during Ramadan.
  • Observing I'tikaaf within the Masjid during the last ten days of Ramadan.
  • Searching for Lail atul Qadr in the Last ten days of Ramadan (specifically on the odd nights).
  • Memorizing dua for beginning and breaking fasting from here.
  • Not backbiting or ghibah.
  • Not be lazy.
  • Doing all others good deeds.
  • Working on some homeworks.
  • Making some activities from the links below. Our favorite is making the "ketupat" from the ribbon. You can fill this ketupat with the gift, candies, or money for Eid present. The kids really enjoy with this activities and give present to others in the Eid.

Other resources activities for kids in the Ramadan are:







Useful lectures about Ramadan are as following:






Other useful links:







Note: Don't forget to fast to make up the loss from last year before Ramadan is coming.
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Thursday, August 14, 2008

Home Education Resources III - August 2008

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Friday, August 8, 2008

Home Edu. Resources II - Aug. 2008

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Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Home Edu. Resources I - Aug. 2008

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Monday, August 4, 2008

Free Used and Some New Books

(Note: I found this picture when I looked for the link of this organization and wanted to share it to others about this place.)

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Every week, we look for the books.
The kids love to read.

This is the place where we go beside library, New Haven Reads Org.
Address : 45 Bristol Street, New Haven, CT 06511
Telphone : (203) 752-1923
Open hours: Monday–Friday 1:00–6:00 pm; Saturday 12:00–4:00 pm.

Alhamdulillah, we can find the used text books in there. The people in there are very helpful. The books are very useful for us who are doing homeschooling.
When the kids finish reading or using the books, we return the books to this place or give to someone else.

All the books are donated by individual or community groups. Some books come from the leftovers from library sales. Some others also come from First Book and from some publishers.
You can donate Islamic books in there or Qur'an translation for dakwa, Insha Allah.

If you need some used text books, please let me know.
Insha Allah, I can help other homeschoolers or anybody to find the free text books in here.

Happy Homeschooling.
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Monday, July 28, 2008

Home Education Resources - Last Week of July 2008


  • Islamic Studies
    • Hijri and Gregorian Calendar
      Important Note for Beginning of Ramadhan and Shawwal

      The Islamic.Calendar, like any other calendar based on calculation, gives ONLY estimated date. The calendar is not based on actual sighting of the moon, which is required for the beginning of the month of Ramadhan and Eid. Therefore, for the beginning of these months you should contact your local masjid, organization or scholar.




  • Math
    • Count Along to 100
      For grade K.
    • Math 123 xyz
      It offers FREE interactive multimedia math resources. These include math lessons, interactive tutorials, learning tools, enrichment and extra practice.
      For grade K-12.


  • Language Arts


  • Social Studies


  • Virtual Field Trip


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Friday, July 25, 2008

The Kids Ask About Life After Death






Kid: "What is death?"

Father: "Death is a natural physical change for all living things. Death overtakes the human body and it continues to develop through the processes of declining and decaying.

In Al Qur'an states:



  • "Does man think that we shall not assemble his bones? Yes, surely, yes, we are able to restore the very shape of his fingers." (Al Qur'an surah 75:3,4)

  • "We have ordained death among you, and We are not to be overcome, so that We may change your state and make you grow into what you know not."
    (Al Qur'an surah 56:60-61)


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

Kid: "Is death the same as sleeping?"

Father: "Yes, Death is exactly like sleeping. The period between death and resurrection passes like one night of sleep. Death brings an end to our temporary life on this earth. It is occasion of sorrow and grief for the loved ones of the deceased. In Islam, people mourn by reciting Al Qur’an and prayers for the dead."

In Al Quran states:
"Allah is the One who puts you to death during the night, and knows even the smallest of your actions during the day. Allah resurrects you every morning."
(Al Qur'an surah 6:60)


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

Kid: "How is the situation inside the grave?"

Father: "When one dies, soul is taken off from the body; and then, the soul is kept in "Barzakh" for a period of time. Barzakh is the temporary place where a person enters into this from the time the soul leaves the body, to the time of resurrection.
After the burial, the people return home, then 2 angels, Munkar and Nakeer, will come in the grave. Those Muslims, who led good lives and obedient to Allah, will rest in comfort in the Barzakh, awaiting the Day of Judgment. Those Muslims, who led bad lives, will be punished severely in the Barzakh."

In Al Qur'an states:



  • "(In falsehood they will be) until, when death comes to one of them he says "oh my Lord send me back (to life), in order that I may work righteousness in the things I neglected" by no means! It is but a word he utters and before them is a "partition" (barrier-Barzakh) till the Day they are raised up".
    (Al Qur'an surah 23:99-100)

  • "O soul who is at rest, return to thy Lord, well-pleased (with Him), well-pleasing (Him). So enter among My servants, and enter My garden."
    (Al Qur'an surah 89:27-30)

  • In the Quran emphatically asserts that death is not the final end but a gateway to a different kind of life: We mete out death among you that We may transfigure you and make you what you know not. And verily you know the first creation. Why then do you not reflect.
    (Al Qur'an surah 56: 61: 63)

  • And they say, what! When we have become bones and dust shall we indeed be raised up a new creation. Say thou: Be ye stones or iron or a substance still more improbable in your hearts (to be restored to life). But they will say; Who shall bring us back? Say thou: He who brought you into being for the first time.
    (Al Quran surah 17:49-51)

  • "There is no other than life in this world. We live and die and nothing destroys us but time."
    (Al Qur'an surah 45: 24)

  • "The great horror shall not grieve them."
    (Al Qur'an surah 21: 103)



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



Kid: "Why do people afraid of death?"

Father: "People do not want to die, it is because that the world is very pleasure life for them. As Muslim, we learn that Islam teaches us that death can arrive at any time. Only Allah knows when His servants will die. Death puts an end to human body but it does not destroy our soul. The soul is taken away the angel Malakul Maut (‘Izra’il or Azrail) to Allah. "

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



Kid: "Why do we have to believe life after death?"

Father: "It is important because:


  • to encourage man to do good and restrains him from doing evil.
  • to teache us that the inner worth of man (good deeds such as salah, fasting, charity) will survives forever even after death, rather than the outward appearance (such as wealth, position, beauty, or education)."


The Qur’an repeatedly tells us that those who believe and do righteous deeds will be greatly rewarded in the afterlife, while those who disbelieve and do bad deeds will be severely punished.

Believing in life after death gives meaning to our life, for it tells us that this life is only a test and preparation for an eternal life.
Believing in life after death encourages a person to lead a good life on earth,


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


Kid: "What will happen if we don't be good?"

Father: "Allah will punish who do not do good deed in their life."

Those who have believed and acted righteously will be made happy in a splendid Garden. Those who disbelieved and rejected Our Signs and the meeting of the Hereafter will be brought face to face with punishment.
(Al Qur'an surah 30:15-16)

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




Kid: "Do you think someone will angry to angel of death because the angel will take his soul from his body?"

Father: "Allah already plans about how someone will die. Allah will make a cause how someone will die. For instance, he dies because of heart attack or because of accident or because of sick. This person dying is not because all of above. It is just because his life time in this world stop in here. When the angel come to the person who will die, ready or not that person has to say "Yes, I am ready to die."

The Qur'an says:
"Everyone shall have to die." (3:185)

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



Kid: "What should we say when hearing Muslim die?"

Father: We have to say, "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rojiun."

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



The story above came from the kids when they saw the janazah one of our father's friend who just passed away in the hospital.
My kids could not believe to see this.
They saw him everyday in masjid for salah jamaah, especially in Isha.
Sometimes, the man gave the kids alot of candies or sweet.
The kids feel so sad. He returned to Allah because he was very nice man.

May Allah(SWT) forgives him, showers with His mercy upon him, bless his family with patient, and strengthen their Iman...Aamiin Allaahumma Aamiin.


When our kids were facing this kind of situation, we should remind them about how important doing good deeds in this life, such as:




  • Telling the kids that everything in this world will die.

    • Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun.

      To Allah we belong and truly to Him we shall return.
      (Surah Al Baqarah, 2: 155-156)

    • "To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens
      and whatever is on the earth.
      And to Allah will [all matters be returned]."
      (Al Quran 3:109)



  • The important of salah five times a day in the right time,
  • The important of giving charity to poor and orphans,

    "Verily, Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth,
    but Allah looks to your heart and to your deeds."
    (Sahih Muslim Book 32 Number 6221)


  • The important of fasting in Ramadhan, salah sunnah, Hajj, and other good deeds.
  • The important of reading, learning, and memorizing Al Qur'an.
  • The important of listening and be nice to parents and all human beings.

    "You shall do good to your parents and to the near of kin and to the orphans and the needy."
    (Al-Baqarah:83)

  • The important of being nice to people and your environment.
  • Making alot of doa for yourself and other Muslim.

    "Rabbana'ghfirli wa li walidayya walil-Mu'minina yawma yaqumul-Hisab."

    "Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established."
    (Al Qur'an, surah Ibrahim 14:41)

  • etc.


We went to go to masjid on that Friday for salah Jumuah and after that we went to funeral home for the ghushul the janazah.

Seeing the janazah is very good for us to remind that how important to do good deeds all the time. It also give you reward for accompanying the process of funeral, as you can read the hadith below.



Narrated Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu): Allah's Apostle (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) said, "(A believer) who accompanies the funeral procession of a Muslim out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's reward and remains with it till the funeral prayer is offered and the burial ceremonies are over, he will return with a reward of two Qirats. Each Qirat is like the size of the (Mount) Uhud. He who offers the funeral prayer only and returns before the burial, will return with the reward of one Qirat only."
[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 2, Number 45]



This video is very good reminder for all of us,



Other useful links are:





Our life's time is so short.

May Allah guide us in the right path, let us enter Jannah, and save us from the Jahannam.
Ameen.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008

Home Education Resources - July 2008

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

In the last three weeks, we were so busy with the preparation for report and test.
Alhamdulillah. The report was done. The result of test was excellent.

Insha Allah, I will start sharing the home education resources again.

==========================
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Thursday, July 17, 2008

Test in Our Life


Alhamdulillah, today one of my children was taking test in one of college near our house. On Monday, she was interviewed by director of admission. Then she had the appointment for the placement test on July 17.
My daughter had the test from 11am to 1pm.
When she finished, we did not know the result was good or not. We only knew that there was score on that print paper.
After test, my daughter had to go to one room for counseling.
The people in the office were all surprise with her score.
They were starting to ask to my daughter:

  • How old are you?
    They said that she is very young for this score. And It is impossible.
    Well, she did very well on the test. Alhamdulillah.
  • Where did you learn? I want my kids to learn, too.
    Homeschool....hmmmm
  • Who are the teachers?
    My parent.


Next, The director of admission talked with my daughter for next interview with dean to talk about what class she will take for this fall.
Insha Allah, the appointment will be at the end of July or the beginning of August.

I said to my daughter, this is just test for the dunya, wordly life.
Success or Failure is from Allah subhana wa ta'ala.
Allah already has plan for this.
We have to be ready also the test for akherah.
My daughter said, "Ibu (Mom in Indonesian), I just finished memorizing six juz of Al Qur'an. I want to be like my sweet friend, Zainab, who was already hafidz in memorizing Al Qur'an."
Alhamdulillah.
She is going to miss her friend, Zainab, if she will move to other place.

This is my daughter's favorite reciter, Qur'an Audio MP3.
You can hear and memorize or review your surah from this Qur'an Audio MP3.
Insha Allah.

This is all about test in our life.....for dunya and for akherah.
We have to make balance in our life.

Insha Allah, we will see more homeschooling story to share with us.

May Allah help our kids to be success in their life for dunya and akherah. Ameen.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Learn How To Pray

Yesterday, I had students who want to learn how to perform salah or pray as Muslim. I was so happy that the kids understand how important the salah is in their life. Salah is the second pillar of Islam after saying Shahadah.
One kids ask me, "why are we so lazy to do salah five time a day?"
I said that shaytan always wants us to go to the hell fire.
When you feel lazy to do salah then remember about shaytan who wants us to go to the hell fire. You can read The Benefits of Prayer


In Hadith:


  • Salah is one of the Five Pillar of Islam

    "Islam has been built upon five things - on testifying that there is no god save Allah, and that Muhammad is His Messenger; on performing salah; on giving the zakah; on Hajj to the House; and on fasting during Ramadhan."
    [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]



  • Questioning Salah in the Day of Judgement

    On the authority of Hadrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said:
    The first of his actions for which a servant of Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted) will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, then he will have prospered and succeeded; and if they are wanting, then he will have failed and lost. If there is something defective in his obligatory prayers, the Lord (The Glorified and the Exalted) will say: See if My servant has any optional prayers with which may be completed that which was defective in his obligatory prayers. Then the rest of his actions will be judged in like fashion. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, an-Nasai, Ibn Majah and Ahmad). (Hadith Qudsi)

  • Salah of Prophet Muhammat (PBUH)

    Hadrat Mughira (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) prayed for so long in the night in standing posture that his feet got swollen up. His companions said to him, "O Prophet of Allah! Why do you exert so much when Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted) has forgiven you all sins." The Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) replied, "Should I not be a grateful servant of Allah?" (Bukhari, Muslim)

  • Salah in Congregation

    • Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Salat in congregation is twenty-seven times more meritorious than a Salat performed individually.''[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].



    • Hadrat Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) said: They Holy Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said, "If they are three persons in a habitation or in a jungle and they do not say their prescribed prayers jointly, it would mean that the devil has gained ascendency over them. Therefore, make a rule for yourselves to say congregational prayers, for a goat which leaves the flock is devoured by the wolf." (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasai)

    • Special reward for salah in congregation in special Masjid

      Hadrat Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said: Prayer of a man in his house is one prayer, and his prayer in the mosque of the tribes is prayer by 25 times, and his prayer in the congregational mosque is prayer by 500 times, and his prayer in the farthest mosque Masjid Aqsa (of Jerusalem) is prayer by 50,000 times and his prayer in my mosque is prayer by 50,000 times and his prayer in the sacred mosque (of Ka'ba) is prayer by 100,000 times. (Ibn Majah)




  • When you hear Adhan

    Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A blind man came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said: "O Messenger of Allah! I have no one to guide me to the mosque.'' He, therefore, sought his permission to perform Salat (prayer) in his house. He (PBUH) granted him permission. When the man turned away, he called him back, and said, "Do you hear the Adhan (call to prayer)?'' He replied in the affirmative. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) then directed him to respond to it.[Muslim].



  • Salah can erase minor sins.

    Hadrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Let anyone tell me; if a stream flows by the house of any person and he baths in it five times a day, whether any dirt will remain on his body." The companions replied that no dirt would remain in such a case. He said, "So is the case with prescribed prayers. Allah forgives men's sins (minor) on their account." (Bukhari, Muslim)

  • Salah in any position

    Narrated 'Imran bin Husain (may Allah be pleased with him): I had piles, so I asked the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) about the prayer. He said, "Pray while standing and if you can't, pray while sitting and if you cannot do even that, then pray lying on your side." (Bukhari)


  • How to Perform Salah

    Hadrat Abu Hamid as Sayidi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated amongst ten of the companions of the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him): I know better than you about the prayer of Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him). They asked: Narrate. He said: When the Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) stood for prayer, he raised his hands till he took them opposite his shoulders, then he recited takbir, then he read (the Qur'an), then he recited takbir and raised up his hands till he took them opposite his shoulders, then bowed placing his palms upon his knees, then making himself straight, neither lowering his head nor raising it up. Then he raised up his head saying, "Allah hears one who praises Him": then he raised up his hands till he took them opposite his shoulders by being straight: and he said: "Allah is the greatest." Then he lowered himself to the ground in prostration keeping his hands away from his two sides and bending the toes of his feet, he raised up his head and bent his left foot and sat on it, then he sat straight till every bone returned to its proper place. Next he prostrated and said: "Allah is Most Great", raising himself, and bent on his left foot and sat on it. Then he sat straight till every bone returned to its proper place. Then he stood up and did the same thing in the second Rak'at. At the end of the two Rak'ats he stood and said takbir raising up his hands till he took them opposite his shoulders, just as he recited takbir when he opened the prayer, then he did the same in the remaining portion of his prayer till when the prostration in which there was Taslim, he put out his left foot and sat on his hip bone upon his left side. Then he uttered Taslim. They said: You have spoken the truth. He used to pray thus. (Abu Dawud)

  • Timing of Five Prayers

    Hadrat Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) said: The time of Zuhr prayer remains till the sun declines and the shadow of a man becomes double his length and so long as the Asr prayer does not come, and the time of Asr prayer remains so long as the sun does not become yellow: and the time of Maghrib prayer remains so long as the red hue does not disappear; and the time for Isha prayers remains up to the midnight, and the time for Fajr prayer runs from the appearance of dawn till the sun does not rise, but when the sun rises, keep away from prayer because it rises between two horns of the devil. (Muslim)



Please do not miss to do salah in the right time.

Some of useful links are:






  • Before you pray, you need to learn how to take wudu/ablution.


  • The Benefits of Prayer

  • Calmness-Khushu in Salah

    • May Allah make us easy to do our salah everyday in our life and accept our salah. Ameen.

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    Wednesday, July 9, 2008

    Poem: "Please Don't Leave Me Alone"

    by Hanafi kids Family

    I am alone;
    Because nobody accompanies Me.

    I am dusty;
    Because nobody touches Me.

    I am useless;
    Because nobody understands Me.

    I am lonely;
    Because nobody reads Me.

    I am rusty;
    Because nobody memorizes Me.

    I am sad;
    Because nobody loves Me.

    I am happy;
    Because everybody reads, understands, and memorizes Me.

    If you learn and teach about Me to others.
    I will be your friend in the grave until you arrive in paradise.


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

    This is poem that my kids wrote about the dusty Al Qur'an.
    The poem made when we were in masjid found the dusty Al Qur'an.
    You maybe find the dusty Al Qur'an in your own house, in drawer, or in bookshelf.

    May Allah always bless us to learn, read, memorize, understand, and teach Al Quran.
    Ameen.

    Useful links:
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    Friday, June 27, 2008

    Satan Eats And Drinks With His Left Hand


    It is important to teach our kids that the right hand is used for clean practices like eating and shaking hands. The left hand is used by a person to clean up filth, wash himself after going to the bathroom, and other similar activities.

    This tradition reflects the unseen wisdom behind eating and drinking with the right hand, as we see that Satan, who seeks to lead us away from Allah, eats and drinks with the left. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has taught us a complete system to release ourselves from Satan’s control, and thereby earn the Pleasure of Allah.

    The implementation of the sunna is a form of remembrance of Allah. We as Muslims believe that Allah has put blessing and good in every action of the Prophet. Through His Mercy, He has enabled us to get close to Him through every act we do, even those that are considered routine.


    In Hadiths Regarding Eating With Our Right Hand.

    • Once a man was eating in the company of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and was using his left hand. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Eat with your right hand."
      The man responded: "I am not able to do so." He only said this out of obstinacy.
      So the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Then be unable to do so."
      The narrator of this hadîth then adds: "He was not able after that to raise his right hand to his mouth."
      [Sahîh Muslim (2021)]


    • The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If one of you eats, he should eat with his right hand. And if he drinks something, he should drink with his right hand. For indeed, Satan eats and drinks with his left hand."
      [Sahîh Muslim (2020)]


    • The Companion Jabir (God be pleased with him) said:
      "I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying: ‘Do not eat with your left hand, because Satan eats and drinks with his left hand.’"
      [Reported by Muslim.]


    • Ibn 'Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam) as saying:
      "When any one of you intends to eat (meal), he should eat with his right hand. and when he (intends) to drink he should drink with his right hand, for the Satan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand."
      [Sahih Muslim: Volume 3, Book 23, Number 5007]


    • Salim (Radi Allah Anhu), on the authority of his father, reported Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam) as saying:
      "None of you should eat with his left hand and drink with that (left hand), for the Satan eats with left hand and drinks with that (hand). Nafi' has made this addition in that:" Do not take up anything with that (left hand) and do not give anything with that."
      [Sahih Muslim: Volume 3, Book 23, Number 5010]


    • Umar Ibn Abee Salamah reported, "The Messenger of Allaah, sall-Allaahu `alayhi wasallam, said to me, "Mention Allaah's Name, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you.""
      [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


    Let's teach our kids to eat and drink with his/her right hand.

    May Allah help us in teaching our kids in Islamic ways. Ameen.
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    Monday, June 23, 2008

    Home Education Resources IV-June 2008

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    Saturday, June 21, 2008

    Homeschool Families Gathering

    On Thursday, June 19, we had Homeschool Families Gathering in one of sisters from the group. The families were from different cities, different backgrounds, different ethnics, different languages, different point of views, different way of teaching kids, different ages, differents taste, etc. We came together because we were all Muslim and were homeschooling our kids.

    Alhamdulillah, we were having fun. The kids were busy:
    • played together,
    • talked about their homeschool,
    • got to know each other,
    • played ball,
    • played jungle gym,
    • and at the end, the kids got wet because of playing water.
      (They love to play water in this summer.)


    The kids got along each other even some of them were never meet each other.

    Insha Allah, We will have next gathering in other place.

    These were some of the discussions that we talked about:
    • A sister will plan to have field trip a fruit picking soon.
    • Some sisters were organizing Al Mustaqbal Islamic Homeschool Cooperative. This is very good idea. The families, who have kids in eight grade in Islamic School, have problem to find out the place for continuing their school after eight grade. Insha Allah, this is the answer of their problem now, the Islamic Homeschool Coop.
    • Other sister would like to have small halaqah once a week.
    • Other wants to have meet once a month.
    • Other wants to stay home most of the time to teach the kids at home.
    • etc.


    Thank you for the sister who was hosting this gathering for us in her house. The foods were so delicious. I think we should have cooking class with her next time. Insha Allah...What do you think?

    May Allah give you alot of rewards. Ameen.
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    Wednesday, June 18, 2008

    Home Education Resources III - June 2008

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    Friday, June 13, 2008

    Helping Hands in Homeless Shelter


    On Thursday, June 12th, we helped to prepare the food for the homeless shelter, Columbus House, in New Haven.

    The kids were so exciting. They never saw or been in the homeless shelter. When we got there, first we helped to prepare the food in the kitchen. Everyone got to wear gloves. We met the person who was in charge in the kitchen.
    We started to get very busy.

    • Cutting the meatloaf.
    • Spread the bread on trays.
    • Put together all the vegetables.
    • Make sure everything is warmed up.
    • Put the salad dressing on salad.


    Now we had to put the foods on plates. There were more than 75 people. We had to make foods for them all. We got their plates ready to be served.
    Sister Jamilah said, "Don't forget to give the big smile to them."
    When preparing the plates :


    • First the kids put one scoop of groundbeef or one meatloaf.
    • Then they put rice, vegetables, salad, and bread.
    • Last, the boys helped by giving them the cookies to everyone in the room where the people were eating together.


    The kids said that helping as volunteer made them happy to see other people very happy eating their foods. The people were so hungry at that time. The kids also said that they love doing this and they want to do it again. Insha Allah.

    The other thing that the kids also said to me, was that most of that people are healthy and strong. Why do they have to stay in homeless shelter? That was what the kids were wondering why? why? and why?

    I said to them that it could be because maybe:

    • No job or hardship.
    • No place to live.
    • Economy is going down.
    • Don't have anything to live.
    • Laziness.


    It's very different when you see the homeless in third world countries.
    The kids said that the homeless people in America should help themselves to find the job so they can help themselves to survive. There are so many things that they can try to do. They can work as long as they want to work hard. The kids also knew that there are so many place to get the free training before finding the job. Jobs that are granted from government.

    I think the kids are right. We have to work hard and think.

    Then I remember and share the hadiths that talked about it to the kids. The hadiths are as following:


    • It is related from Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, "Some of the people of the Ansar asked something from the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and he gave it to them. Then they asked him again and he gave to them until he had used up everything he had. He said, 'If I had anything more, I would not withhold it from you. If someone refrains, Allah will spare him from needing to ask. If someone wants to be independent, Allah will make him so. If someone shows fortitude, Allah will increase him in it. No one can be given any better and greater gift than fortitude.'"

    • It is related from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "By the One in whose hand my self is, it is better for one of you to take a rope and carry firewood on his back than for him to go to a man to beg from him who then gives to him or refuses to."

    • It is related from az-Zubayr ibn al-'Awwam that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "It is better for one of you to take a rope and bring a faggot of firewood on his back and sell it so that Allah gives him what he needs than for him to ask people who then give to him or refuse."

    • It is related that Hakim ibn Hizam said, "I asked the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and he gave to me and then I asked him and he gave to me and then I asked him again and he gave to me. Then he said, 'Hakim, this wealth is verdant and sweet. Anyone who takes it in a generous spirit will be blessed in it but anyone who takes it in an avaricious way will not be blessed in it, like someone who eats and is not satisfied. The upper hand is better than the lower hand.'" Hakim said, "I said, 'Messenger of Allah, by the One who sent you with the Truth, I will never again ask anyone for anything until I leave this world.'" Abu Bakr called Hakim to take his share and he refused to take it from him. Then 'Umar called him to give to him and he refused to accept anything from him either. 'Umar said, "I call on you to testify, company of Muslims, that I offered Hakim his share of this booty and he refused to take it!" Hakim did not take anything from any person after the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, until he died.

    • It is related from Abu Hurayra that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "It is better for one of you to take a rope and go in the morning (I think he said "to the mountains") and get firewood and sell it and eat and give sadaqa than for him to go to a man to beg from him."


    In conclusion that we, as Muslim, should learn that:

    • We have think smart and work hard in this worldly life.
    • Do not be lazy because laziness is part of shayateen's job to get the Muslim go to hell.
    • Upper hand (giving charity) is better than lower hand (begging).
    • We have to educate ourselves to be good Muslim.
    • We always have to pray and ask to Allah, Al-Kareem - The Generous.


    I said to my kids that this activity was just for da'wah. Give Big Smile......(Smile is also charity).

    May Allah guide us to be good Muslim all the time. Ameen.
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    Monday, June 9, 2008

    Home Education Resources II - June 2008

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    Wednesday, June 4, 2008

    Annual Islamic Quiz Competition in New Jersey

    On Saturday, May 31st, We went to New Jersey for Annual Islamic Quiz Competition.

    The kids had written test from 10:30-11:30am in North Brunswick High School, New Jersey. They were 7 level for different ages.
    While the kids were in classroom having written test, the parents had the program in auditorium. Some of the programs were presentation from some of Sheikhs about the deen, the video, the quiz for parents with small gifts, etc.,

    After that, we had lunch time at 12:30pm.
    The kids were still with their friends.
    At 1 pm we were ready for praying Zuhur together with others Muslim in that school.

    Then we were back in auditorium for the 5 finalist winners in each level.
    Alhamdulillah, there were homeschooling kids were winners in five finalist kids, there were:

    • Yusuf Khan for level 1.
    • Saliha Ahmed for level 3.
    • Zainab Khan for level 5.
    Congratulations to all of you.

    Insha Allah, more Muslim kids will join the competition.
    The written test and the games were very good for kids to learn Islamic Studies, to have new friends, and to have fun.

    We were back again to Connecticut at 7:30 pm after driving for almost 2 and half hours. It was very nice field trip passsing by     Hudson River in Manhattan."
    This is what people always said,     "I Love New York."
    My kids love to go to New York just to see the beautiful view from Hudson River side.
    You can see the webcam of Hudson River live in     here.
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