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!!!

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

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.

Home Education Resources IV - August 2008

• Islamic Studies
  
  • Let's listen to the lecture about Understanding the Qur'an (est. 1 hour)
    It's very good reminder to all of us.
    
  • Lectures-The second pillar of Islam: Fasting
    It's all about Ramadan.
    
  
  
  
• Math
  
  • Math Worksheet Center for Grade K to 12
    Thank you to sister Matiniah for sharing the link.
    
  
  
  
  
• Spelling
  
  • FREE official study guide from Scripps
    National Spelling Bee and Merriam-Webster
    This is good for preparing the spelling bee.
  
  
  
  
• History
  
  • History of China
    
  
  
  
  
• Virtual Field Trip
  
  • Discovery Atlas: China Revealed the Great Wall
    
  • THe Great Wall of China
    
  
  
  
  
  

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:

• TJ Ramadhan Activties
  
  
• Ramadan Lapbook from raising muslims
  
  
• PBS Kids: Coloring the Mosque
  
  
• Submission: Children Activites
  
  
• Kiddyhouse: Making Ketupat (Rice Dumpling Craft)
  
  
• Kiddyhouse: Making Mosque Craft
  
  
• The Holiday Spot: Crafts for Ramadan
  
  
• Crayola: A Ramadan Activities for Kids
  
  
• Highlights Kids: Ramadan Mosaic
  

Useful lectures about Ramadan are as following:

• Towards An Outstanding Ramadan - Muhammad Alshareef (32 minutes)
  
  
• The Holy month of Ramadan by Zakir Naik
  
  
• Nasheed: Welcome Ramadan
  
  
• Tips, Help, and Preparation for Ramadan
  
  
• Virtues of Ramadan with sheik Yusuf Estes
  
  
• Islam & Islamic Teaching: Fasting during Ramadan
  
  
• Educative Islamic Cartoons.Siyam (Fasting)-in Arabic Language
  

Other useful links:

• Are you ready for Ramadan?
  
  
• Ramadan for Kids
  
  
• Free Games about Ramadan for kids
  
  
• Teaching your kids about Ramadan
  
  
• Ramadan Activities for kids and teachers
  
  
• Article: Ramadan for kids?
  
  
• Ramadan, The Month of Fasting
  
  

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

Home Education Resources III - August 2008

• Islamic Studies
  
  • How Tos of Fasting
    
  
  
  
  
  
• Arabic Games
  
  
  • Arabic Pronouns Games
    
    
    
  • Arabic Alphabet Games
    
    
    
  • Arabic Color Games
    
    
    
  • Arabic Verb Quiz 1
    
    
    
  • Arabic Games in The Apartment
    
    
    
  • Arabic Games in The Kitchen 1
    
    
  • Arabic Games in The Kitchen 2
    
    
    
  • Countries where Arabic is an official language - Games
    
    
    
  • Arabic Quiz - Basic Words and Phrases
    
    
    
  • Arabic Nouns
    
    
    
  • Arabic Quiz - Telling The Time
    
  
  
  
  
  
• Math
  
  • Math for Kindergarten to Grade Eight
    
    
  • Math for High School
    
  
  
  
  
• Language Arts
  
  • Random House, please select your grade level from Pre-K to Grade 12
    
  
  
  
• Physics
  
  • Physics Homework Help for grade High School
    
  
  
  
  
• Geography
  
  • Middle East Quiz
    
  
  
  
• Activities
  
  • Making Ramadhan Lapbook from Raising Muslims
    Thank you to Umm Abdillah for sharing this.
    
  
  
  
  

Home Edu. Resources II - Aug. 2008

• Islamic Studies
  
  Let's learn about Israa Mi'raj
  
  
  • Story of Israa Mi'raj
    
    
    
  • Listen to lecture Al Israa wal Mi'raj (10 min.)
    
  
  
  
  
• Game
  
  • Take a fun quiz - test your knowledge in Arabic language
    
  
  
  
  
  
• Math
  
  • Online Games - Math
    For age 5 and Up.
    
  • Crazy 4 Math - Contest
    
  
  
  
• Science
  
  • Robert Krampf's Science Education website
    For age 5 and Up.
    
  
  
  
• Writing
  
  • Essay Writing Made Simple
    For age 8 and Up.
    
  
  
  
• Social Studies - Geography
  
  • 50-states
    
  
  
  
  

Home Edu. Resources I - Aug. 2008

• Arabic
  
  • Arabic from Yemenlinks
    For age 5 and Up.
    
  
  
  
  
• Math
  
  • Fun Mathematics Lessons
    For age 8 and Up.
    
  
  
  
  
• Spelling Bee
  
  • Interactive Spelling Bee
    For grade 1 to 12.
    
  
  
  
  
• Social Studies - Geography
  
  • Earthquake for Kids
    For age 6 and Up.
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

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.