Showing posts with label April 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label April 2008. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Surah At-Tariq /The Night

Surah Tariq = The Night
Number of Surah (chapter) = 86
Number of Ayah (verses)= 17
Place of revelation = Macca

The Surah taken its name from the word at-tariq in its first verse.

This surah was sent down at a stage when the disbelievers of Makkah were employing all sorts of devices and plans to defeat and frustrate the message of the Qur'an and Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings).


The meaning of the Surah are:

  • Verses 1-4: Swearing by the Existence of Humanity surrounded by the Organized System of Allah

    وَالسَّمَاءِ وَالطَّارِقِ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا الطَّارِقُ النَّجْمُ الثَّاقِبُ إِنْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ لَمَّا عَلَيْهَا حَافِظٌ


    • 1. I swear by the heaven and the comer by night;
    • 2. And what will make you know what the comer by night is?
    • 3. The star of piercing brightness;
    • 4. There is not a soul but over it is a keeper.


    The sky and those which appear in the night—and what do you understand what those which appear in the night are? Shinning stars—bear witness that indeed there is no soul over which there is no guardian. (verses 1-4)

    In the first four verses, Allah Almighty Himself, Who is looking after and watching over every creature, big or small, in the earth and heavens. He it is Who has brought everything into existence, Who is maintaining and sustaining everything in its place and position, and Who has taken the responsibility to provide for every creature and to protect it from calamities till an appointed tune.


  • Verses 5-8: How Man is created is a Proof of Allah's Ability to Return Him to Him

    فَلْيَنظُرْ الْإِنسَانُ مِمَّ خُلِقَ خُلِقَ مِنْ مَاءٍ دَافِقٍ يَخْرُجُ مِنْ بَيْنِ الصُّلْبِ وَالتَّرَائِبِ إِنَّهُ عَلَى رَجْعِهِ لَقَادِرٌ



    • 5. So let man consider of what he is created:
    • 6. He is created of water pouring forth,
    • 7. Coming from between the back and the ribs.
    • 8. Most surely He is able to return him (to life).


    So, let man ponder on what he has been created from. He has been created from a spurting fluid that comes from between the bones of the back and the chest. Indeed He [– the Almighty –] is able to resurrect him. (verses 5-8)

    In the next four verses, an invitation has been extended to all disbelievers to meditate over the mysteries of creation. Man has not been created by some rare material which is beyond the reach of Allah but by a drop of water which gushes forth from within himself. Thus, when Allah is able to make a whole person from just a drop of water, He can surely resurrect the whole mankind on the Last Day and take account from everyone.

  • Verses 9-10: On the Day of Judgement, Man will have no Power or Assistance

    يَوْمَ تُبْلَى السَّرَائِرُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ قُوَّةٍ وَلَا نَاصِرٍ


    • 9. On the day when hidden things shall be made manifest,
    • 10. He shall have neither strength nor helper.


    On that day, when all secrets will be probed, then, neither will he have any might nor will he find any helper. (verses 9-10)

    The next two verses allude to the fact that Allah has full knowledge of what is in the hearts. All acts, however secretly conducted, shall be judged openly on the Last Day and no might or a helper will a person find at his disposal to escape the judgment pronounced.

  • Verses 11-17: Swearing to the Truthfulness of the Qur'an and the Failure of Those Who oppose it

    وَالسَّمَاءِ ذَاتِ الرَّجْعِ وَالْأَرْضِ ذَاتِ الصَّدْعِ إِنَّهُ لَقَوْلٌ فَصْلٌ وَمَا هُوَ بِالْهَزْلِ


    إِنَّهُمْ يَكِيدُونَ كَيْدًا وَأَكِيدُ كَيْدًا فَمَهِّلْ الْكَافِرِينَ أَمْهِلْهُمْ رُوَيْدًا


    • 11. I swear by the raingiving heavens,
    • 12. And the earth splitting (with plants);
    • 13. Most surely it is a decisive word,
    • 14. And it is no joke.
    • 15. Surely they will make a scheme,
    • 16. And I (too) will make a scheme.
    • 17. So grant the unbelievers a respite: let them alone for a


    This sky brimful of rain and the earth with splits bear witness that this is a decisive word and it is no jest. (verses 11-14)

    In verses eleven to fourteen, a combination of the celestial and the terrestrial phenomena is again mentioned to reinforce the warning of the Qur’an regarding the Day of Resurrection lest man should take it a pleasantry when it is inevitably going to take place.

    They are devising a plan and I am also scheming a plan. So, leave the disbelievers; leave them for a while. (verses 15-17)

    In the last three verses, the Prophet Muhammad (sws) is consoled that whatever the disbelievers are planning will be turned against them. The Almighty has laid down a firm plan which shall soon be executed to seize them and to bring them to justice.


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Activities and worksheets for kids:

  • Memorize the surah.
  • Write surah At-Tariq in Arabic.
  • Write the meaning.
  • Write the paragraph and draw the system reproductive.


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Let's hear surah At-Tariq and memorize it:


Listen to tafsir Surah At-Tariq:



Here are other links:



Sources:

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Home Education Resources - April 2008

Islamic Studies


Arabic


Math


Language Arts


Science


Other

CPTV Family Science Expo 2008

We went to 2008 CPTV Family Science Expo in Hartford, on Thursday, April 24, 2008.

The Expo consisted of an Exhibit Hall with more than 40 booths of hands-on scientific activity, demonstrations, products an information, as well as a Science Theatre featuring dramatic, live science-oriented entertainment on stage.

Children learned that science is just plain fun!

Alhamdulillah, the children learned and had fun learning science in there.

There were so many science activities, such as



My youngest one only wanted to meet Curious George, her favorite games and The Garbage Man.

On the way, we didn't forget to pray Zuhur in the rest area, exit 14 off I-91.
We should teach our kids to pray in time whereever we go.


We got home at 5pm. My youngest played with the play putty, and the play putty got sticky in her long hair. She cried, I tried to take out the play putty slowly by putting some olive oil to her hair. It took an hour to do that. At the end, I washed her hair with warm water, then the play putty melted away.
Now, the hair's clear from play putty. Next time, please take care of play putty from the hair.


I was happy to meet other muslim families there. I hope that this field trip gave the knowledge and fun to all the kids.

Insha Allah, we are going again next year.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Earth Day 2008 - Go Green Our Earth

April 22 is Earth Day 2008.

"And who created seven heavens in layers. You do not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency. So return your vision to the sky; do you see any breaks?"
(Al Qur'an Surah Al-Mulk 67:3)
============================

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught us that, "All of the earth has been made to me as, like, a mosque."
So Islam teaches us the whole earth is made like a mosque. The earth is a sacred place, a holy place, so we should not act in a disrespectful way toward it. We should not abuse anything on the face of the earth.


And also we know that a hadith said, "There is an act of rewarded charity in every act of kindness that you do any living being on the earth."


For example when we are taking wudhu, the Prophet told us not to take more water than necessary, even if making wudu' in a running river or lake. Excessiveness (israf) is condemned by Allah and His Messenger.



We have to treat Allah's creation with mercy and gentleness.


Let's teach the kids to learn to save our earth and the environment.


Activities for Earth Day that you can do with your kids, such as:
  • You can do Ten Things to Save Our Earth

  • Worksheets and Activities for kids about Earth Day
  • finding worksheets from here, here, and here
  • minimal garbage.
  • using both sides of each piece of paper.
  • eco-themed assignments.
  • "green days" when plastic and aluminum were not allowed.
  • a recycling program.
  • planting flowers and plants.
  • learning about plants, animals, and their environment.
  • collecting batteries for Earth Day.
  • Earth Day Links for Kids, you'll find links to games and sites that tell more about how to help the environment.
  • To see how much water you can save, visit The Water Family Online Game.
  • watching the video save the polar bear in Save The Earth
  • You can find bad facts about our earth, plus 26 things you can do about them in Save Our Planet Earth.
  • Save our Earth and make a difference.
  • 7 Technologies that can save our earth.
  • Write paragraph about the Earth Day and How To Save Our Earth.


      Resources:


      Don't forget the 3-R for our Earth Day Celebration: Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse.
    • Monday, April 14, 2008

      Marvelous Scenes

      Taken from "The Battles of The Prophet" by Ibn Kathir page 85-87


      Ibn Ishaq said, "I have heard some stories about the digging of the trench in which there is an example of Allah's justifying His Messenger and confirming his prophetic office, things which the Muslims saw with their eyes."

      In the context, Al Bukhari narrated on the authority of Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) who said, "We were digging (the trench) on the day of Al-Khandaq (i.e., trench) and we came accros a big solid rock.

      We went to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, 'Here is a rock appearing accros the trench.'

      He said, "I am coming down."


      Then he got up, and a stone was tied to his belly for we had not eaten anything for three days. So the Prophet (peace and blessingsf Allah be upon him) took the spade and struck the big solid rock and it became like sand.

      I said, 'O Allah's Messenger! Allow me to go home.' (When the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, allowed me) I said to my wife, 'I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in a state that I cannot treat lightly.

      'Have you got something (for him to eat?)'

      She replied, 'I have barley and a she-goat.'

      So, I slaughtered the she-kid and she ground the barley; then we put the meat in the earthnware cooking pot.

      Then I came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of ALlah be upon him) when the dough had became soft and fermented and (the meat in) the pot over the stone trivet had nearly been well-cooked, and said, 'I have got a little food prepared, so he get up O Allah's Messenger, you and one or two men along with you (for the food).'

      The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked, 'How much is that food?'

      I told him about it. He said, 'It is abundant and good. Tell your wife not to remove the earthenware pot from the fire and not to take out any bread from the oven until I reach there.'

      Then he said (to all his Companions), 'Get up.'

      So, the Muhajirun and the Ansar got up.

      When I came to my wife, I said, 'Allah's peace be upon you! The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came along with the Muhajirun and the Ansar and those who were present with them.'

      She said, 'Did the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ask you (how much food you had)?'

      I replied, 'Yes.'

      Then the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, 'Enter and do not throng.'

      The Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) started cutting the bread (into pieces) and put the cooked meat over it. He covered the earthenware pot and the pot whenever he took something out of them. He would give the food to his Companions and take the meat out of the pot. He went on cutting the bread and scooping the meat (for his Companions) untill they all ate their fill, and even then, some food remained. Then the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said (to my wife),


      'Eat and present to others as the people are struck with hunger.'"


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

      From another hadith that:

      "They were one thousand who took the meals, by Allah they all eat, and when they left the food and went away, the earthenware pot was still bubbling (full of meat) as if it had not decreased, our dough was still being baked as if nothing had been taken from it."



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

      My kids shared the story above after listening the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in masjid.
      From that story, we learn that we have to put trust in Allah and the power of dua.

      Insha Allah, you will share the story to your kids at home.

      To read more other miracle story:


      To listen lecture/MP3:

      Home Education Resources - 3rd week of April 2008

      Sunday, April 13, 2008

      Youth Retreat 2008: "Growing In Islam"

      The Youth Retreat in Masjid Al Islam, New Haven was on April 11-13, 2008, from 5 pm on Friday untill 9 am on Sunday.
      The kids slept over and learned about growing in Islam.

      There're so many programs, such as:

      • Islamic Arts at Darul Qur'an Building.
      • Health Workshop in Auditorium St Raphael Hospital.
      • Fire safety –Mobile fire house from Fire Departement.
      • Games and Races inside YMCA Building.
      • Arts and Craft activities, i.e. learn crochet.
      • MSA students/graduates-Discussion: Muslim Life on College Campus.
      • Watching Video Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
      • Stories Time and Games
      • Qiyamul Layl



      I think almost 100 muslim kids, who joined the Youth Retreat, was walking from masjid to YMCA in New Haven on that Saturday afternoon.

      They're from different states in New England: from New Jersey to Vermont.
      I heard one of kids said he is from Egypt when sister Matiniah Yahya, the director of Youth Retreat, was asking the kids who came from the farthest place.

      All the kids, who participated in this Youth Retreat, got the certificate that said "A member of the mighty, multicultural, multigenerational community of Muhammad (saaws)."

      I asked some questions to the kids who went to Youth Retreat.

      The answers, that I gathered, are as following:

      • Fun.
      • Learn to Listen.
      • Listen to Learn.
      • I'm going again next year.
      • Some kids need to socialize each other, especially teenagers to small kids.
      • Learn salah Qiyamul Layl or salah Tahajjud.
      • Make new friends.
      • Take shower at night.
      • I like everything but I don't like at night because I can not sleep good.
      • I am lucky having the best counselor.
      • Tired.
      • Sleepy.
      • Learn that some people have different point of views.
      • Learn that masjid is our home.
      • I thought masjid was scary place, but it was not.
      • Learn how to pray.
      • Unity
      • Tawhid
      • Sisterhood and Brotherhood.
      • Learn about germ.
      • Learn about manners
      • Learn some Arabic words.
      • I learned that fire fighters help us.
      • The prophet Muhammad was having hard time to spread Islam.


      Overall, the kids said, "We are going back again next year, Insha Allah."

      Insha Allah, the kids learned more about our religion and got benefits from the Youth Retreat programs.

      Special Thank to all the Director, Asisstants, Staffs, Counselors, Volunteers, and Sponsors.
      May Allah rewards for all you have done to our Muslim Kids, our next generation.
      Ameen.

      Friday, April 11, 2008

      Alif Dal Mim

      One of my friends called me this morning. She told me about her new muslim friend asking her that "Do you know what is Alif Dal Mim?"
      My friend said, "No,I never heard that."

      Her friend answered that:

      • Alif is for standing up in salah.
      • Dal is for bowing in salah.
      • Mim is for sujud.


      Another meaning of Alif Dal Mim is for Prophet Adam (AS), the first prophet.
      She also said, "Alif Dal Mim is also for All Dear Mankind."

      I think this is just for fun to learn the Arabic letters.

      To learn more Arabic Alphabet:


      Videos:


      For more links, please see Ikhlas Homeschool: Arabic

      Tuesday, April 1, 2008

      Home Education Resources - 1st week of April 2008

      Islamic Studies


      Science


      This is Free Summer Club, a FREE service to homeschool families to encourage kids of all ages to enjoy science, math, and physics.


      Physic



      Math


      Language Arts


      Other Activities