tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47079209933550387832024-03-15T18:55:05.318-07:00BISMILLAH SCHOOL - ISLAMIC EDUCATION- THIS BLOG EXPLORES ISSUES IN CHILD EDUCATION FROM AN ISLAMIC POINT OF VIEW; Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-48397710592745690642024-03-15T18:54:00.000-07:002024-03-15T18:54:08.335-07:00Taubah/ Repentance in Islam<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/QGPCNpswFms?si=DJjezrSxkwb7hT32" frameborder="0"></iframe>Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-177870397065113922023-12-04T08:29:00.000-08:002023-12-04T08:29:49.357-08:00Bismillahschool.net<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUStLZTRNwm2iBRxMGuJUZqioPA-dGnd4iaSyU17GiT69SiubgMXSrJsrJTl5c_JSeEiJV9YBxjRaCp_vomC8eT20-A0KvHJIi2tHiE3fE819Q-NEX7OXFtRh5gsJ0R23GrjhcWIkgcf2Nuk567GegQdCferZH2mDO2wx1Jze_jDpqsRggDfzi7lEG/s1080/Bismillahschool.netwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUStLZTRNwm2iBRxMGuJUZqioPA-dGnd4iaSyU17GiT69SiubgMXSrJsrJTl5c_JSeEiJV9YBxjRaCp_vomC8eT20-A0KvHJIi2tHiE3fE819Q-NEX7OXFtRh5gsJ0R23GrjhcWIkgcf2Nuk567GegQdCferZH2mDO2wx1Jze_jDpqsRggDfzi7lEG/s320/Bismillahschool.netwhite.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-3588327031867878252022-05-29T10:34:00.002-07:002022-05-29T10:34:36.114-07:00<p><span style="color: #990000; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i> Bismillah School:</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>https://www.minds.com/bismillahhomeschool/</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeKwg7dam8StP_1flDQf8gw</span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5jLmDZ90AVws6XnnOrJkhlEmbG97j9lC0sNNk4ZkduhzZv1NFKVgDzwwnb4XLmXiYSxQ2-Ywv59tb29Lu5ambhd0EYB6Eot-wpI0P8hC4MDBnhcyYpjBxlS5AnHrQdoKdSVJU6o5y8JKtaGRAdv21KyU06G4sXwOtmgHa1HUuvdJTX45Va0QCg/s827/bismillahcastle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="827" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5jLmDZ90AVws6XnnOrJkhlEmbG97j9lC0sNNk4ZkduhzZv1NFKVgDzwwnb4XLmXiYSxQ2-Ywv59tb29Lu5ambhd0EYB6Eot-wpI0P8hC4MDBnhcyYpjBxlS5AnHrQdoKdSVJU6o5y8JKtaGRAdv21KyU06G4sXwOtmgHa1HUuvdJTX45Va0QCg/s320/bismillahcastle.jpeg" width="320" /></a></i></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxdC8JzF8Fo0MYb8a-v37Pn0UP3EDVu99WgL9bJQUbhd64GB2T1rMVhJlhShIj085JX2isUIQQQPN_lknLs9g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></span><p></p>Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-75129164939881962592010-11-21T09:10:00.001-08:002010-11-21T09:13:05.700-08:00MUSLIM'S IDENTITY & WORSHIP<div style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"> <h1 style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding: 0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Tahoma"> </span></b></h1></div> <ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:blue;line-height:150%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">It has been noticed recently that Muslims, whether living in the East or especially the West are being exposed to Western “culture” and values; thus due to the influence of the media and society in general many Muslims find themselves confused in what kind of social behaviour they should engage.</span></b></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:blue;line-height:150%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">Thus, some of the Muslims erroneously think that they can celebrate the holidays of the kufaar (such as Christmas, Easter, etc.) – while still being Muslims and praying five times a day.</span></b></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:blue;line-height:150%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">However, this kind of thinking is the result of confusion, because Prophet Muhammad (saaw) told us clearly in the hadiths that celebrating the holidays of the kufaar is haraam and those who do so will be raised with them on the day of Qiyamah. Some of the hadeeths clearly explain what that we should not join them in their celebrations.</span></b></li> </ul> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">“</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;color:fuchsia">Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"> (Narrated by Abu Dawood). This is a serious warning. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-‘Aas said: </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;color:fuchsia">Whoever lives in the land of the mushrikeen and celebrates their Nawrooz (New Year) and their Mahrajaan (festivals), and imitates them until he dies, he will be a loser on the Day of Resurrection</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">. (<i>islamqa.com</i>) </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; color:fuchsia">“A person will be with the one whom he loved (on the Day of Resurrection).”</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"> (sahih Bukhari) </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;font-weight:normal">·<span style="'font:7.0pt"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">Therefore, we must only celebrate our Eids and take Friday as a special day – and we cannot celebrate one time Christmas, one time Eid, one time Haloween ,etc. Switching like this between the festivals is kufr and shirk. </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;font-weight:normal">·<span style="'font:7.0pt"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">However, if by any chance we meet any non-Muslims in their festivals, we can say hi, hello, etc. and not Merry Christmas (shirk?), happy Easter etc.; the salutation has to imply nothing unusual. For example, if you have a non-Muslim colleague, accept their invitation on a regular day, and not one of their festival days. </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;font-weight:normal">·<span style="'font:7.0pt"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">Being Muslims, we have to preserve our identity and know that we are the people of Tawheed (oneness of Allah) – and we cannot be one time on the tawheed and another time in kufr/shirk. The two are fundamentally opposing each other. Also, in the Day of Qiyamah the believers and disbelievers will be separated. Also, we must make sure we teach our children in this way from the very beginning – early life and we do not get them confused as to what they are (Muslims) and whom they worship (Allah T’Ala). And before even teaching them the Arabic alphabet, how to read Qur’an, etc. – we must teach them strong tawheed and reliance upon Allah; we should teach that that Allah is the One who has power over many madrasahs kids are being taught how to read the Qur’an<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>- while by the time they finish reading the Qur’an (with or without tajweed) they are still confused as to Whom they worship. This is shaitan’s way of tricking people to fall into shirk (making partners to Allah). </span></p> <div style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:list .5in;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; font-weight:normal">·<span style="'font:7.0pt"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">Ultimately, we have to teach the kids that we should strive only to please Allah and not his creation – and that we are and can be different from every other people because of tawheed; thus, we do not have to follow into the trap of blind following the crowds of people rushing up to the Jahannam (hell –fire). In short, believers have to please Allah and nothing else in the creation.</span></p> </div> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">May Allah make us successful in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Day of Qiyamah.</span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">Ameen.</span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;font-weight:normal">·<span style="'font:7.0pt"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">For any questions or comments, you can email sister mariam (<a href="mailto:cristinna7@yahoo.com">cristinna7@yahoo.com</a>), <a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/">www.withkidsinmind.net</a>. </span></p>Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-67901251031965147152010-04-05T20:23:00.000-07:002010-04-05T20:25:46.715-07:00THE MASJID SCHOOL CONCEPT<span style="color:#990000;"><strong>THE MASJID-SCHOOL Concept</strong><br /></span><br />this pamphlet explains the idea of why masjids/Islamic centers should be turned into schools.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">THE MASJID SCHOOL CONCEPT</span><br /><br />during the early days of Islam – and when Islam started being strong, or “the Golden days of Islam” – the education system of the child was “complete” – right from the beginning.<br />The role of the masjid was to introduce the kids to Qur’an and Hadith (which is still being maintained in the madrasahs nowadays) – but also to provide necessary education to the potential students (children and adults) with the “dunia education (Math, Arabic, science, medicine, etc.) – therefore, the kids would have strong education in basic Islamic concepts, but could also learn “dunia” material all at the same time. Thus the education was complete and there was no need for “public school” or any other kind of school (dunia school) to complement madrasah education.<br />When the masjid functioned as a school, the kids would automatically pray the daily prayers and learn everything while developing taqwa(awareness of Allah’s greatness and the fact that our role in life is to worship Allah alone and without any partners). Thus, many of the great and well-known Muslim scientists at the time actually were first and foremost Alims (Muslim scholars), who clearly understood the purpose of life as a Muslim. Such examples are Ibn Battuta (great Muslim traveller), Avicenna(Abū ‘Alī al-Husayn ibn ‘Abd Allāh ibn Sīn- doctore, mathematician, etc), Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Abd al-Malik ibn Muhammad ibn Tufail al-Qaisi al-Andalusi (ibn Tufail – mathematician, scientist) – etc. Many of the alims had great roles in different fields of study- such as Math, science, geography, astronomy, etc. – all at the same time.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">SECULARISM:</span><br />· during present day – we have 2 “schools” for our children – the madrasah and the dunia school – this is in fact a result of secularism (separation of religion and state); it is in fact one school based on tawheed (For Allah’s sake) and one school for dunia, practicaly based on kufr (worshipping other than Allah) –especially in countries with non-Islamic governments.<br />· Therefore, we have confused children – as to what is right and wrong – since the Islamic values and the “public school”/kufr values are in obvious contradiction. Therefore, we see the “ills” of such public education, especially by the time a child reaches high-school – where it is usually all the evils of the “freedom culture” are well-known to all members of society up to the point that even non-Muslims do not like the effects such “education” on their own kids ( drugs being sold in almost any high-school in North America, no respect for parents, sexual freedom outside of marriage, overall lack of morals and manner, etc.)<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">THE MASJID – SCHOOL:</span><br />· the author here proposes to return to the initial type of education Muslims practiced (especially from JK – to end of high-school) – so that we will have good/ strong Muslims, educated citizens which contribute to make the society a better place to live;<br />· the masjid is not only a pray to come and pray the 5 daily salah – but it should be the center of all Muslim education – which in turn ensures generations of strong Muslims with a sense and understanding of Muslim values and purpose of life.<br />· in short either we worship Allah alone and without any partners, or we worship His creation – in whatever form or shape and be misguided;<br />· therefore, these article is addressed to all those reading the articles (whether parents, imams, teachers, etc.) and proposes that each masjid should be turned into a school to ensure a healthy/guided Muslim generation.<br /><br /><br />Sister Mariam,<br /><a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/">www.withkidsinmind.net</a> , <a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.blogspot.com/">www.withkidsinmind.blogspot.com</a><br />(for any questions on the article, you can email me at <a href="mailto:cristinna7@yahoo.com">cristinna7@yahoo.com</a>).Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-40991942703174690332010-02-20T19:54:00.000-08:002010-02-20T19:55:33.423-08:004 in 1 Vaccine Ups Child Seizure Risk!!! - webmd.com<strong>4-in-1 Vaccine Ups Child Seizure Risk</strong><br />Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Chickenpox Vaccine Doubles Febrile Seizure Risk<br />By <a onclick="return sl(this,'','prog-lnk');" href="http://www.webmd.com/daniel-j-denoon">Daniel J. DeNoon</a>WebMD Health News<br />Reviewed by <a onclick="return sl(this,'','prog-lnk');" href="http://www.webmd.com/louise-chang">Louise Chang, MD</a><br />Feb. 26, 2008 -- ProQuad, Merck's 4-in-1 <a onclick="return sl(this,'','embd-lnk');" href="http://children.webmd.com/tc/measles-rubeola-topic-overview">measles</a>- <a onclick="return sl(this,'','embd-lnk');" href="http://children.webmd.com/tc/mumps-topic-overview">mumps</a>-rubella-chickenpox vaccine, doubles children's seizure risk compared with two separate MMR and chickenpox shots.<br />Even at twice the risk, 12- to 23-month-old children who get the vaccine have only a 1 in 2,000 higher chance of having a febrile seizure -- convulsions brought on by <a onclick="return sl(this,'','embd-lnk');" href="http://children.webmd.com/tc/fever-age-4-and-older-topic-overview">fever</a> -- than those getting two separate shots.<br />Moreover, most U.S. children never had a chance to get the new 4-in-1 MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella) vaccine. Production problems have limited U.S. distribution. ProQuad won't be widely available before 2009, although some clinics may have a supply in hand.<br />A CDC safety study among children aged 12 to 23 months detected a cluster of cases of febrile seizure seven to 10 days after vaccination. The recommended age for a first dose of MMRV vaccine or for first doses of separate MMR and varicella vaccines is at 12 to 15 months.<br />Four out of every 10,000 kids who got separate MMR and varicella shots on the same day had a febrile seizure seven to 10 days later. Nearly twice as many kids who got ProQuad -- nine in 10,000 -- had febrile seizures seven to 10 days after vaccination.<br />Because the 4-in-1 ProQuad vaccine cuts down on the number of shots a child has to get, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices had recommended the vaccine over separate shots.<br />This changed after ACIP members heard the results of the CDC study, says John Iksander, MD, MPH, acting director of the CDC's Immunization Safety Office.<br />"The ACIP has now voted that there should not be a preference between choosing the combined vaccine and giving separate MMR and varicella vaccines," Iksander tells WebMD. "Once ProQuad is back in production, the recommendation should be clear that people can continue to use the separate vaccines, which is what I am now doing in my clinic, or to opt to use the combined vaccine."<br />Febrile Seizures: What to Do<br />About one in 25 children has at least one febrile seizure. It's a scary moment for parents. Most of these seizures happen on the first few hours of a child's fever.<br />According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "The child may look strange for a few moments, then stiffen, twitch, and roll his eyes. He will be unresponsive for a short time, his breathing will be disturbed, and his <a onclick="return sl(this,'','embd-lnk');" href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/default.htm">skin</a> may appear a little darker than usual."<br />Most of these seizures are over in under a minute, although rare cases may last for up to 15 minutes. Febrile seizures are rare in children younger than age 6 months or older than 3 years.<br />"The highest incidence is between 14 and 18 months of age," Iksander says. "That's right at the time we give them MMR and varicella vaccinations."<br />Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Chickenpox Vaccine Doubles Febrile Seizure Risk<br />(continued)<br />Febrile Seizures: What to Do continued...<br />Here's what to do if your child has a febrile seizure, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:<br />Stay calm. Watch the child carefully.<br />Do not try to hold or restrain the child.<br />Place the child on his or her side or stomach in order to prevent choking.<br />If possible, gently remove any object the child may have in his or her mouth.<br />Never put anything in the mouth of a child having a convulsion, as such objects can break and block the airway.<br />If the seizure lasts more than 10 minutes, take the child to the nearest medical facility.<br />As soon as the seizure is over, call the child's pediatrician. The seizure is unlikely to have caused any harm, but it's important to rule out or treat dangerous infections that may have caused the fever.<br />Febrile seizures are not a sign that a child is developing <a onclick="return sl(this,'','embd-lnk');" href="http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/default.htm">epilepsy</a>. It is very rare for children who have febrile seizures to suffer any lasting physical or mental harm. But febrile seizures are significant health events that require medical attention.<br />Top PicksBismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-74268707602449426462010-02-20T19:43:00.000-08:002010-02-20T19:53:51.976-08:00SAY NO TO VACCINES!!! - & HEALTH<strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">ON THE TOPIC OF KIDS HEALTH AND PHARMACEUTICALS<br />SAVING KIDS LIVES!!! </span></em></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.freedocumentaries.org/index_cat.php?cat=29">http://www.freedocumentaries.org/index_cat.php?cat=29</a><br /><a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/archives/vaccines/index.htm">http://www.prisonplanet.com/archives/vaccines/index.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.antivacccin.wordpress.com/">http://www.antivacccin.wordpress.com/</a><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">~ WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW CAN HARM & EVEN KILL YOUR KIDS OR YOU?!<br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">SAY NO TO VACCINES & FOOD ADDITIVES (aspartame, MSG)</span><br /></span></strong>this is a new topic at <a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/">www.withkidsinmind.net</a> - which in shallah will be supported by evidence of how certain things we thought to be safe really are not; I still have to work more into publishing and bringing all the new info into the web-site; however, this is the info in short.<br />it seems that many of the scientists paid to do research are working in the interest of the pharmaceutical companies and very few of them are doing independent studies, which in fact trully hides the risks of a lot of medical products we use and/or food additives.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>SAY NO TO VACCINES!</strong></span><br />new research studies are showing the connection between vaccines and the possibility of developing autism due to the MMR vaccines, like about 1% of population; and these incidents must be under-reported also.<br />How about the toxicity of mercury in the vaccines? Mercury is a known neuro-toxin!<br />other vaccines can increase the risk of seizures/ convulsions in children.<br />By compromising the immune system at very young age, how can we safely say that we build young strong/ healthy people.<br />So many symptoms are not even recorded as being connected to vaccinations – could SIDS (Suddent Infant Death Syndrome) be connected to a response to vaccines?<br />That extracting monkey kidneys for processing the polio vaccine in Zaire between 1957-1960 – which led to a massive vaccination campaign of 1 million children may have led to the apparition of AIDS virus – since the first cases of this virus also appered and are medically documented in this country dating back to exactly the same time period?<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">FOOD ADDITIVES!</span></strong><br /></span>did it ever occur to you that common food additives like <span style="color:#ff0000;">MSG or ASPARTAME</span> can cause neurological disorders, even convulsions, brain damage (holes in the brain) and other related diseases?!, etc. - while the FDA and CDC approved them in the US due to manipulation of scientific data? - while the entire report of CDC showed that aspartme is unsafe for human consumption?<br />CHECK:<br /><a href="http://www.freedocumentaries.org/index_cat.php?cat=29">http://www.freedocumentaries.org/index_cat.php?cat=29</a><br />(healthdocumentaries section)Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-14123273780949487242009-09-05T01:30:00.000-07:002009-09-05T01:41:15.942-07:00The World Map - on-line<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir71Xz2hsWQ3PY9X2w-_p2F4Go2hTfefIiKsoPY2cw83tUWXg7dHkKbNTKOMxjW88pyMxgs44_Has9sCbhjHrZm9Ximd8hXvURm23rymkMKCyPC24gnXpjU6S1McwRzic_EXAXe2ysiw/s1600-h/getmap.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377899755243192306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir71Xz2hsWQ3PY9X2w-_p2F4Go2hTfefIiKsoPY2cw83tUWXg7dHkKbNTKOMxjW88pyMxgs44_Has9sCbhjHrZm9Ximd8hXvURm23rymkMKCyPC24gnXpjU6S1McwRzic_EXAXe2ysiw/s200/getmap.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod0Cz3Jqxfn193a3TXGZZbrOwsrlVePQ2LU-MEbRcjw7g6IyMA6XcEZJ9rD5IvJ0JEh3jqSaV25Eexo-tj3ZwMExvKklpH1Flqzd927cVGr0c_3TNlT4mRQ-1fLLmRsHsjB_yDzVyZw/s1600-h/getmap.gif"></a></p><div><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#990000;">Assalamu Alaikum:</span></em></strong></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"><strong><em>- here are some world map resources for kids and adults; how beautiful is the world which Allah did create for us; do we take time to contemplate and think about of the beautiful things Allah created?</em></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#990000;"><strong>~ On-line Atlas:</strong></span></div><div><a href="http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/mapcenter/map.aspx"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/mapcenter/map.aspx</span></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#990000;"><strong>~ Atlas of Canada:</strong></span></div><div><a href="http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/reference/national/can_political_e/referencemap_image_view"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">ttp://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/reference/national/can_political_e/referencemap_image_view</span></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#990000;"><strong>~ Canadian Geographic</strong></span></div><div><a href="http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/atlas/intro.aspx?lang=En"><span style="font-family:arial;">http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/atlas/intro.aspx?lang=En</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#990000;"><strong>- About Geography:</strong></span></div><div><a href="http://geography.about.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">http://geography.about.com/</span></a></div>Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-12139813347182019412009-08-25T20:45:00.000-07:002009-08-25T20:48:33.371-07:00THE ISSUE OF DISCIPLINE<strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">SALAAM - CHILDREN/TEENAGERS & DISCIPLINE<br /></span></strong><br />¨ There were quite a few sisters who had some several questions about what kind of discipline is required or necessary for their children.<br /><br />Therefore, I am writing this article to respond generally speaking to all those who may have inquiries on this topic.<br /><br />Discipline forms are different based on different ages.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">A - DISCIPLINING THE SMALL CHILDREN<br /></span></strong>(Ages up to 10)<br /><br />¨ Discipline issues can arise for the small children – whether Islamic (regarding salah or religious duties) or behavioural.<br />¨ You have to keep in mind that the small children are still in the process of “understanding how life works” as well as understanding the mandatory duties.<br />¨ Especially the small children you will find that they tend to drift easily – suppose you ask them to do their salah or homework and, the moment you turn, they start doing something else. This tends to drive parents literally crazy (I also experienced it with my daughter) and due to anger the kids may be spanked, beaten or treated really badly.<br />¨ <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"> DO NOT BEAT YOUR CHILDREN</span></strong> – since they are too small and they will learn that if they do anything wrong, they will get a beating. Although this may work somewhat in the short term, it will not work in the long-term. As they get older, some kids may come to hate you and they may even go into Kufr because of the poisonous relationship that is likely to form using all these methods. Also, for those living in the West you have to think about this even more – because, while the child is small and is still “in your hands” so to speak, when they grow up they realize the Freedom provided by the system and they are likely to leave home early – as this is “the trend” in the West. This also supposes you escape the system – for beating your kids, although spanking may or may not come under another category. And you may end up in an investigation yourself.<br />¨ We Muslims are really in a deplorable condition – all we do is BEAT, AND BEAT AND BEAT THE KIDS – when they do not listen. While the kufaar have excellent activities for their kids and even for ours (do you recall how excited many of our kids are with school activities, but not with our religious duties?). This is also one reason for which our kids are so attracted by the Kufaar, because they make everything seem so easy and fun and ultimately they go into Kufr!!! (Authu Billah)<br />¨ Prophet Muhammad(saaw) loved children and was always kind to children. Here’s one Hadith to illustrate this:<br />¨ Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle kissed Al-Hasan bin Ali while Al-Aqra' bin Habis At-Tamim was sitting beside him. Al-Aqra said, "I have ten children and I have never kissed anyone of them," Allah's Apostle cast a look at him and said, "Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully." (Sahih Bukhari, Book <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=73&translator=1&start=0&number=26">#73</a>, Hadith <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=73&translator=1&start=0&number=26#26">#26</a>)<br />¨ In regards to the Hadith of where you can beat your kids after the age of 10 for salah – that means “lightly, without leaving marks on their body” and should be done only in extreme cases. (I heard some scholars talking about this). Now if you beat your child every time for salah (Authu Billah) – what does the child learn? Salah = beating or Beating=Salah and they end up hating the salah and most likely won’t pray.<br />¨ <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">COMMUNICATION</span></strong> with your children is essential. You need to talk to your kids daily and remind them of their duties:<br />¨ The solution to these issues is to constantly “remind on your children” –about their duties and make sure they start them. In the beginning especially, they may still not comply easily. They need time to form a routine. However, in time it may become easier as the necessary routines are formed.<br />¨ I suggest that you (usually the mother has more time, but father also) tell them every single day - salah means worshipping Allah - salah saves the person from the Hell-fire, salah is the best gift which Allah T'Ala bestowed on people; salah is very very important to us and is the best worship to Allah; salah is a way for Allah to forgive our sins; whoever does not pray salah ends up in the Fire of Hell, etc. etc. etc. I also do this with my daughter too.<br />¨ Whatever you put in your kid's mind will be of benefit later on in sha’Allah when they understand life better as adults. This technique can be used for any other issues or things you try to make them habitual to it.<br />¨ in sha’Allah by the time they grow up they will understand the significance of all this talk and in sha’Allah they will pray on time and they will want to pray for Allah's sake and get Jannah.<br />¨ However, if you find that you need to apply some form of discipline, and you cannot get them to do things just by asking them then in sha’Allah try to apply the technique of <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">REWARDS OR PUNISHMENTS</span></strong>. Example, if you do your salah properly this week, you will get so and so (whatever halal that the child desires). And if you do not do your salah properly, then you cannot watch this so on TV, or go to friends’ house, or have ice-cream, etc. etc. (cut their privileges).<br />¨ There are many other “discipline avenues” so to speak. Only the principles are highlighted here. However, you have to search what motivates your child best and try to influence him/her with Rewards/ Punishments based on his/her likes and dislikes.<br />¨ Home-schooling is a very good method for providing Tarbiyah/ Islamic education for your child, along with secular education. Also, from an Islamic point of view, public school is the worst place to put your child in. But if you have no other solution, at least go there for your child’s lunch and ask him/her to do salah. And don’t get confused by the administration if they tell you “they have no space for salah” – if you are determined about it, you will find a solution, in sha’Allah.<br />¨ If you are weak in one subject, you could switch with your friends (example you are good in Math and your friend has excellent English skills; therefore, you will teach Math and your friend English). Home-schooling links are provided in the Links category.<br />¨ <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">The Islamic School</span></strong> – it is definitely recommended for the parents who can afford the tuition fees, due to the beneficial environment. As always you may notice that usually Muslim schools are not as well funded compared to public schools. However, the quality of teaching is good because many teachers have immigrant roots and high standards of teaching. Also, one great advantage is that salah is offered every day, as well as the fact that they will be around other Muslim children among whom they can find good/religious friends.<br />¨ Watching your child’s friends, fun activities and home-schooling are discussed in more detail in the disciplining the older children and they all apply to this age group as well.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">B - DISCIPLINING THE OLDER CHILDREN/ TEENAGERS!!!<br /></span></strong><br />¨ This is “the real headache” – especially for Muslim parents who live in the West. What is the way to deal with the older kids to ensure that they are being given a glimpse of Islamic education.<br />¨ Usually by this age the child is almost already formed – his/her way of thinking are much more firm than the smaller child. Usually when the parents have (major) problems at this age, it is much more difficult for them to still do something for their child/children, since the kids are much more independent at this age. The problem could be that something was missing in the education at the younger age.<br />¨ Sometimes the parents do not have major problems while the child is small, but usually because the Islamic Tarbyiah was not insisted much at the younger age, the mindset and/or behaviour of the child can become a major problem.<br />¨ However, there are still ways of trying to influence your kids positively even though they may be older. All the previous methods specified can be tried.<br />¨ Communication with your child is extremely important at this age. If they ask you questions that you may find outrageous (girlfriend, boyfriend, drinking, dance parties – watch out they have a lot of those in “school” etc.) – DO NOT GET ANGRY, as this will make the situation even worse.<br />¨ I know that especially for the parents raised in the East are most likely never any discussions of this sort with their parents, therefore it is very difficult for them to talk about this issues. However, keep in mind that your child is not small anymore and they are being exposed to all these issues. If they do not talk to you they will talk to their friends or teachers, who are usually Kufaar – and what things will they tell them? Their answers are likely to be unislamic and haraam. Therefore, do talk to them and try to make them understand things from an Islamic perspective.<br />¨ Friends Influence – You should do your best to observe which kind of friends your child has; if some of his/her friends are bad, try your best to explain to them the reason for which they should stop those relationships; also encourage them to keep and strengthen the relationship with their good friends. Friends are one sure way to guide the person towards right or wrong.<br />¨ Fun-activities – as always kids are kids and they need to have some fun. You would have a pretty good idea what your child’s likes and dislikes are. Therefore, you should schedule time for his/her hobbies (such as sports, certain TV programs, some home-parties for them and their friends, etc.) Once they have the green light, they will at this age do the planning.<br />¨ Home-schooling – is recommended for any age before university/college; however, if the child was never home-schooled before high-school, it is unlikely that this method will bring much benefit at this age because he/she is used to socializing primarily through school; however, the parents are encouraged to home-school their children, as it may prove beneficial. You should search also for high-school credits which can be obtained through the internet. Certain virtual schools are recognized by the (Canadian) government as well. Home-schooling links are provided also in our links category.<br />¨ The Islamic School – it is definitely recommended for the parents who can afford the tuition fees, due to the beneficial environment. As always you may notice that usually Muslim schools are not as well funded compared to public schools. However, the quality of teaching is good because many teachers have immigrant roots and high standards of teaching. Also, one great advantage is that salah is offered every day, as well as the fact that they will be around other Muslim children among whom they can find good/religious friends.<br />¨ Public Speakers/ Councillors / Other Relatives – it is many times effective if other adults talk to your kids, as they me more impressed by their advice, especially if they can present the same information you would like to convey in a more attractive way than you can.<br />¨ Other Methods – you can try any other methods that you think may be effective with your children, based on their mind-set and personality. C - FEW <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">RELATED HADITH:<br /></span></strong>(however, here you have to correct yourself first – because if the parents fall into Bidah, so will their kids; this Hadith really deals with Adults)<br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">BEATING FOR BIDDAH</span>:<br />¨ (3) Narrated Bukair: That Kuraib, the freed slave of Ibn Abbas told him that Ibn Abbas, 'Abdur-Rahman bin Azhar and Al-Miswar bin Makhrama sent him to 'Aisha saying, "Pay her our greetings and ask her about our offering of the two-Rak'at after 'Asr prayer, and tell her that we have been informed that you offer these two Rakat while we have heard that the Prophet had forbidden their offering." Ibn 'Abbas said, "I and 'Umar used to beat the people for their offering them." Kuraib added, "I entered upon her and delivered their message to her.' She said, 'Ask Um Salama.' So, I informed them (of 'Aisha's answer) and they sent me to Um Salama for the same purpose as they sent me to 'Aisha. Um Salama replied, 'I heard the Prophet forbidding the offering of these two Rakat. Once the Prophet offered the 'Asr prayer, and then came to me. And at that time some Ansari women from the Tribe of Banu Haram were with me. Then (the Prophet ) offered those two Rakat, and I sent my (lady) servant to him, saying, 'Stand beside him and say (to him): Um Salama says, 'O Allah's Apostle! Didn't I hear you forbidding the offering of these two Rakat (after the Asr prayer yet I see you offering them?' And if he beckons to you with his hand, then wait behind.' So the lady slave did that and the Prophet beckoned her with his hand, and she stayed behind, and when the Prophet finished his prayer, he said, 'O the daughter of Abu Umaiya (i.e. Um Salama), You were asking me about these two Rakat after the 'Asr prayer. In fact, some people from the tribe of 'Abdul Qais came to me to embrace Islam and busied me so much that I did not offer the two Rakat which were offered after Zuhr compulsory prayer, and these two Rakat (you have seen me offering) make up for those." (Sahih Bukhari, Book <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=59&translator=1&start=0&number=656">#59</a>, Hadith <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=59&translator=1&start=0&number=656#656">#656</a>)<br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">EVERYONE IS A GUARDIAN</span></strong><br />¨ Narrated 'Abdullah: Allah's Apostle said,<br />"Everyone of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charges. The ruler who has authority over people, is a guardian and is responsible for them, a man is a guardian of his family and is responsible for them; a woman is a guardian of her husband's house and children and is responsible for them; a slave ('Abu) is a guardian of his master's property and is responsible for it; so all of you are guardians and are responsible for your charges." (Sahih Bukhari, Book <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=46&translator=1&start=0&number=730">#46</a>, Hadith <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=46&translator=1&start=0&number=730#730">#730</a>)<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>WHEN THE NIGHT FALLS</strong></span><br />¨ Narrated Jabir: The Prophet said, "When nightfalls, then keep your children close to you, for the devil spread out then. An hour later you can let them free; and close the gates of your house (at night), and mention Allah's Name thereupon, and cover your utensils, and mention Allah's Name thereupon, (and if you don't have something to cover your utensil) you may put across it something (e.g. a piece of wood etc.)." (Book <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=54&translator=1&start=0&number=500">#54</a>, Hadith <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=54&translator=1&start=0&number=500#500">#500</a>)<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">REGARDING THE INHERITANCE</span></strong><br />¨ Narrated Ibn Abbas: (In the Pre-Islamic Period ) the children used to inherit all the property but the parents used to inherit only through a will. So Allah cancelled that which He liked to cancel and put decreed that the share of a son was to be twice the share of a daughter, and for the parents one-sixth for each one of them, or one third, and for the wife one-eighth or one-fourth, and for the husband one-half, or one-fourth. (Sahih Bukhari, Book <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=60&translator=1&start=0&number=102">#60</a>, Hadith <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=60&translator=1&start=0&number=102#102">#102</a>)<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">WHAT SAVES A PERSON IS IMAN/BELIFEF:</span></strong><br />(not wealth and or children)<br />¨ Narrated Khabbab: I came to Al-'Asi bin Wail As-Sahmi and demanded something which he owed me. He said, "I will not give you (your money) till you disbelieve in Muhammad." I said, "No, I shall not disbelieve in Muhammad till you die and then be resurrected." He said, "Will I die and then be resurrected?" I said, 'Yes'. He said', "Then I will have wealth and children there, and I will pay you (there)." So this Verse was revealed:-- 'Have you then seen him who disbelieved in Our Signs and (yet) says: I shall certainly be given wealth and children? (19.77) (Sahih Bukhari, Book <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=60&translator=1&start=0&number=256">#60</a>, Hadith <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=60&translator=1&start=0&number=256#256">#256</a>)<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">LOVING CHILDREN<br /></span></strong>¨ Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle kissed Al-Hasan bin Ali while Al-Aqra' bin Habis At-Tamim was sitting beside him. Al-Aqra said, "I have ten children and I have never kissed anyone of them," Allah's Apostle cast a look at him and said, "Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully." (Sahih Bukhari, Book <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=73&translator=1&start=0&number=26">#73</a>, Hadith <a href="http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=73&translator=1&start=0&number=26#26">#26</a>)<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">CHILDREN ARE A TRIAL</span></strong><br />Your possessions and your children are only a trial, and Allah it is with Whom is a great reward. (The Holy Qur’an, At-Taghabun, Chapter <a href="http://searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=64&translator=3">#64</a>, Verse <a href="http://searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=64&translator=3#15">#15</a>)<br /><br />¨ For any comments on this article, contact sister (Cristina) Mariam Ignat: cristinna7@yahoo.comBismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-81556854517721731932009-08-25T20:34:00.000-07:002009-08-25T20:41:31.186-07:00TEACHING METHODS & TYPES OF LEARNERS<strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">EDUCATION OF THE MUSLIM CHILD</span></strong><br /><br />This page includes discusses perspectives in education of the child; although we may refer to Islamic and secular education, the reality is that Islamic education includes everything, even what we may now call as "secular"; do you relate of the earlier generations who produced Alims at the masjid, who also were pioneers in their different academic fields (explorers such as Ibn-e- Batutta, etc.)?.<br /><br />Each parent should value his/her child as it is a precious gift from Allah T'Ala. At the same time Allah T'Ala also places the primary responsibility of education on parents, whether Education is done directly (schooling - Islamic and secular) or indirectly (children modelling Parents' Behaviour). As the child grows, the education is passed onto the teachers' shoulders - while the parents feel they have nothing to contribute. The ideal is involving the child, the parent and the teacher in providing Education for the child, in both the Islamic and Secular categories.<br /><br />The Muslim Ummah is in an Education Crisis, whether the parents live in the East or the West. The primary problem arises from the fact that Islamic Education and Manners are given too little attention while the children are young; when becoming teenagers, many children are clueless about Islam and cannot be even expected to fulfill the basic Islamic requirements (such as praying Salah, practicing the basic pillars of Islam and knowing the Fundamentals of Aqeeda). Although there may be exceptions by the grace of Allah T'Ala, there are numerous examples of children who fit in this previous sad description of lack of knowledge.<br /><br />Home-schooling is one recommended solution to ensure that the children learn well -in the fields of Islamic as well as Secular Studies. It requires much commitment from the part of the parent(s), especially the mother - but it usually brings excellent results in terms of long-term Education, that is Learning for the sake of Learning, for the sake of Allah, and not for the sake of getting some prize or making a "pile of money" following the "Academic Career".<br /><br />The parents should take in consideration the inclinations of the child, his/her likes or dislikes. It should be kept in mind that fairness is of extreme necessity when dealing with children. Whenever the parents give a gift to their son, they should give one also to their daughter, etc.<br /><br />In general, the parent should also observe which ways the child learns best and whether the child is responding well to his/her teachers. It should be kept in mind that not all children learn the same way; therefore there is no one single formula to best educate a child.<br /><br />Home-schooling is highly recommended as a tool for parents to ensure Islamic education to their children, especially in the West. Generally speaking, whenever a parent feels that their child does not benefit from the local education system or is struggling academically and/or behaviourally home-schooling could constitute a temporary or permanent solution to the problem, based on the evolution of the child.<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>TYPES OF LEARNERS:</strong><br /></span><br />There are many ways to classify the ways children learn. One simple way is to classify the children as visual, auditory, kinaesthetic (learn by doing). While a child will combine all of these styles, one of them may be more preferred by each.<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">VISUAL LEARNERS</span></strong> - make use of TV/videos learning documentaries, movies, pictures when explaining concepts to them<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">AUDITORY LEARNERS</span></strong> - use sounds, songs, rhymes, cassette recordings, ask them to listen to sounds in nature and explain what they understand, etc.<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">KINAESTHETIC LEARNERS</span></strong> - learn by doing things; they like making projects, science experiments, bristle boards, index cards, etc.<br /></li></ul><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;">SOME APPROACHES TO LEARNING<br /></span></em></strong><br /><ul><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">THE USE OF COLOURS</span></strong> - some kids like the simple, organized style; other are very creative and need to learn by using a lot of colourful materials, by drawing or using lots of charts and graphs<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">THE USE OF WORKSHEETS</span></strong> - worksheets are very useful as a learning tool; worksheets can be made by parents or bought as booklets from any bookstore (such as Chapters), according to the subject of study. For the Islamic Studies, The Islamic Teaching Manual is Included in the Downloads Category.<br /></li><li><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>BRAINSTORMING</strong></span> - a group of kids get together and explore the main ideas of a topic or the implications of a concept/event (such as - the effects of Global Warming, Discovery of the Internet and Global Village, The Importance of Salah etc.)<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">MIND MAPS</span></strong> - sometimes charts and graphs prove to be very useful in teaching certain concepts; example: how could you teach Geography without Maps? Mind Maps is a concept of using charts and graphs (such as the main idea in the center, other ideas branching off the center; arrows following sets of ideas from the beginning to the conclusion of a concept/ illustrated experiment or time-chart) to teach concepts or illustrate ideas. Very useful in brainstorming.<br /></li><li><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>INDEX CARDS</strong></span> - can be used in teaching new ideas and concepts; very useful in reviews for individuals as well as groups.<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">GAMES AND COMPETITIONS</span></strong> - this stimulate the kids to really learn; the competition brings the zest for learning, but some organization in terms of learning materials and team-formation is necessary for a minimal structure. Computer games (home and on-line) are also included her. However, the parent has to ensure the quality of the games in question and the safety of the child.<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">GROUP VERSUS INDIVIDUAL</span></strong> - some kids like to study independently, while others learn best in groups. However, for group learning, they should be at least minimally monitored to ensure that the children actually do study or study effectively. However, most kids will switch between the two kinds of learning.<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD</span></strong> - after teaching some material, there should be a Question and Answer Period to ensure that kids learn well and develop a critical mind; while some memorization may be necessary, the focus should be on understanding first<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">REVIEW PERIOD</span></strong> - especially the young children will learn fast, but they also tend to forget fast; therefore, constant review of concepts is necessary to ensure the transition from the short-term to long-term memory.<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">STORY TELLING - KIDS LOVE SHORT STORIES, NOT LECTURES! </span></strong>Story-telling session should be scheduled by parents or a group of parents periodically to ensure the learning-parenting connection between parents and children. Some parents prefer the traditional bed-time story. For the youth, just "having a chat" with your child about the daily events could do wonders in establishing the connection between parent and child.<br /><br />TESTS - or THE NECESSARY EVIL (just joking!)<br /><br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">INFORMAL LEARNING</span></strong> - Kids Need to Have Some Fun Also!!! Taking them to a family party, one of their favourite games or hobbies, a day spent in the park or visiting their best friends (etc.) is also learning; it provides the opportunity for social learning and bonding between the parents and children, or children and their friends (make sure their friends are good though!) Kids love to see their parents involved in any kind of activities.<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">PATIENCE</span></strong> - usually kids learn fast; however, they may forget as fast or they may have their moments when certain concepts may prove more difficult to grasp than others. The parent/ teacher should be patient and try different teaching strategies - to see how the child may learn best. When tired, the parent should take a break to avoid the Fitnah of Anger, which usually brings nothing but the work of Shaitan - that is bitterness and low/minimal or no learning results on the part of the child. If the parent finds that they really cannot teach a certain concept/ subject to their child, they should seek help from their educated friends or tutors. Most of the time the problem could be solved when patience is exercised.<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">OTHER TEACHING METHODS</span></strong> - there are lots of teaching methods available - most people use a combination of the above; however, fresh ideas develop as the person becomes more experienced in teaching and continuously perceives new angles of teaching the same or new information.<br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">HOMESCHOOLING</span></strong> - is a combination of all of the above categories, based on whatever is most suitable to the parents and children. Useful home-schooling links are provided in the Links Category. </li></ul>Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-11154301588684644052009-08-25T20:27:00.001-07:002009-08-25T20:27:33.102-07:00THE PUBLIC SCHOOL EFFECTTHE PUBLIC SCHOOL EFFECT ON IMAN<br />By sister Cristina Mariam Ignat, Certified Teacher<br />Toronto, Ontario<br />Date: March 22, 2007// Rabi-ul-Awwal 3rd, 1428<br /><br />ASSALAMU ALEIKUM:<br /><br /><br />INTRO:<br />Ø this article explores issues in education from an Islamic perspective, more precisely the negative effect on iman for the children in the public school environment;<br />Ø Solutions to educate your child in accordance to Islam are also provided. The solutions are varied to give the parents some choice in regards to their children’s education.<br /><br />THE NEGATIVE EFFECT ON IMAN IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS:<br />Ø First of all we should start by mentioning that is the fact that Islam is a complete way of life. You cannot be a Muslim in the masjid – and, while you leave the masjid or any Islamic environment – suddenly consider yourself out of Islam. <br />Ø It is well known that teachers and peers have great influence upon children of all ages; however, the younger the child is, the more influence the teacher has upon him/her. At the younger ages, although children may have some knowledge of Islam (such as between 7-10 years old) – they do not have enough firmness to implement that knowledge. Therefore, they will practice whatever they see it is being practiced in their environment. Also, if they grow in a non-Muslim environment, it is likely that in their youth or adulthood they will follow what they were taught throughout their childhood, and not live their lives according to Islamic values – although by then they may have enough Islamic knowledge to be able to implement it (at least the basics of Islam).<br />Ø The environment the child is exposed is a key factor. Now we have to deeply consider the environment our children are exposed to – that is The Public School System. Starting with grade one, they are in school typically from approximately 9 to 3:30, and even later if the mother is working outside (such as close to 6 o’clock in a daycare centre or after-school programs).<br />Ø Everybody has some basic understanding of the negative influence the public school has on the children. Parents may notice their child gradually or fast adopting a non-Islamic way of life, depending on how easily the child can be influenced. Assuming that the parents themselves are (somewhat) religious, they are struggling to teach their child that many of the things their kids pick up in school are not good for them, some being straight out haraam, while others makruh, while others – can we even find a category? However, think about the time the child spends with the parents (early morning – eating and changing// and late afternoon or evening) and all the remaining time spent in school with the majority of non- Muslim teachers and peers. Now – think about this: whose values is the child going to adopt? What are the real chances that the child will become a good Muslim, or even consider him/herself as being a Muslim – while practically surrounded by the non-Muslims/ disbelievers/ kufaars?<br />Ø This may not sound nice – but even many Christian people go by the same principle: Catholic schools hire only Catholic Teachers? Why – because the child learns from their teacher/peers first, and then from everybody else, including parents, while they reach a certain age.<br />Ø Furthermore, you can ask any white, older Canadian/American person about the value of current schools – you may be amazed to find out that most of them will tell you that the schools used to be better before. Kids were taught to respect the parents and teachers, and that teachers and parents used to be “in charge”/have authority. Even they recognize the current failing school system – which teaches kids about ‘Rights WITHOUT responsibilities”. The evil results of this sort of teaching are known by the majority – since the US has amazingly the largest % of prisoners in the world as part of their population, while all the other kinds of corruption (teenage pregnancies, etc. etc.) make the reality of waste-of-time TV shows.<br />Ø You do not need to have a PhD in child psychology to know what the kids are being taught in the public school system. The small kids (JK, SK) – taking pictures with Santa Clause – because “ it is just cute”? HOW ABOUT EXPLAING SHIRK TO YOUR CHILD – THE ONLY UNFORGIVABLE SIN BY ALLAH (swa). Even my daughter now is able to identify, Alhamdulilah, many stories (‘stones having powers”, “the unlucky number 13s”, “if a black cat crosses your way” ), which are all forms of shirk and she can recognize shirk far from the distance (an eight year old child).<br />Ø The sad reality of the current school is that school is a place to “dump your kids”, while the moms are too busy with numerous jobs and paying on their student loans, car or house mortgages, beauty products and the like. Do we not know as Muslims that we will be asked how we make our money – but also how we spend our income? There never was a more wealthy society in the history of mankind compared to the North American society – who represent about 20% of world population and spend 80% of its resources (world known fact). So, then – Alhamdulilah – even when we say we are “poor” – the true reality is that there are many more poor people out there in the world then us – and we should say Alhamdulilah that we have even the luxury of eating three times a day.<br />Ø And how can you protect your child from the school values? We Muslims do not keep Christmas, Easter, New Years, Halloween, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentines Day, birthdays, etc., etc. So can you tell your child not to celebrate any of these days, while most of their friends are celebrating these? It is like telling a child: “ok, darling, here’s the cake, but do not eat/touch it/smell it, etc.”.<br />Ø The indoctrination of public schools is invisible; see, the parents go running around in circles when their child is physically hurt, but when their iman is affected – ‘oh, well – I guess they are to small to understand yet”, “there is no Islamic school nearby”, “they will get in when they grow up”, “the masjid is too far from our house” (could you move maybe?) – and there’s the list of complete set of illusions, or the mirage of lying to your own self and knowing it full well. Sadly some people may not even realize it too until it is too late.<br />Ø Of course, by the time they are in high-school, the majority of “Muslim” kids are way out of control with some or the majority of the known evils of “the teen age group”. The parents go on lamenting on how their kids are not listening to them. What can we do? – they desperately ask their imam/religious teacher? What can we do? – it’s the end of the world (for them and sadly it really is for them and the Muslim ummah in this sense). Many kids choose to go into kufr because “it is hard to pray five times a day”, etc. The parents may try to put them now in Islamic schools – which usually does not work because it is too late for the older kids who now have developed their personality by now – although it may straighten some, due to peers’ influence.<br />Ø The kids who enter the public school system in the higher grades (11 or 12) and have strong iman are less likely to be as affected by the negative environment, since their personality is fully developed and they are more likely to stick to their religious duties/way of life. However, caution is still necessary. Generally speaking, do not let them get involved in those “after school programs”, which usually are the icing on the cake in terms of wasting time or haram activities.<br />Ø On the whole, the high school is even more dangerous that the lower grades “education”, since the kids can easily slip into the worst things and have more independence. University is much better because the MSA provides salah rooms and at that point the kids are on the way of becoming adults and have to become responsible by themselves.<br /><br />THE ARTICLE SAYS:<br />By putting your child into a public school:<br />Ø you are exposing them to too many things, which are straight out against our religion.<br />Ø You are taking a big risk in regards to your child’s iman, so much so that especially after the whole 9-10 years in the public school system, they may go into kufr!<br /><br />THE ARTICLE DOES NOT SAY:<br />Ø That all kids will leave Islam, but that there is no guarantee that your child is going to turn out a Muslim, much less a good Muslim.<br /><br />SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM:<br /><br />Ø Alhamdulilah, it is not fair to complain without providing some kind of guidelines/solutions for the parents.<br /><br />HOMESCHOOLING:<br />Ø The one good part of the Western civilization is that it is so liberal that it gives much choice to the individual on how to lead his/her life. Thus, one of the parents’ right is to home-school their children and teach them in accordance to their values.<br />Ø Many mothers are housewives, or it is not too late to become housewives until their children reach maturity; they can take the primary role of educating their children “the proper way”, both academically and spiritually. In fact, many Muslim ladies are highly educated, coming from their home-countries.<br />Ø If you feel that your education is not up to standard in one subject (let’s say English) the moms can form a group and take turns, each teaching the subjects they are strongest in. Also, lots of help is available by using manuals, which cover the entire curriculum (English Smart, Math smart, etc.) and can be purchased in any Chapters or other libraries. Also, free lesson plans are available on different web-sites (check our web’ site – withkidsinmind.net, childlinkspage directory).<br />Ø At the same time, if you feel that your education is not “good-enough” to teach your child, keep in mind that in the US many students in high-school cannot even point US on the map, while in Canada I myself witnessed many high-school kids who do not know their basic multiplication tables. So, there’s your green flag to gain some confidence.<br />Ø The teachers have high academic skills, but the system is made in such a way that it literally distracts the child from studying - by providing too many activities that are only remotely related to schooling; the child is mainly indoctrinated into “the miracle of consumerism” (wow!) through all those holiday- days (and semi-holidays) provided in school. Even for Christian people, Christmas is perhaps the most highly exploited holiday on planet earth (otherwise why go major into credit cards to make the “necessary” Christmas expenditures?, etc, etc.)<br /><br />ISLAMIC SCHOOLS:<br />Ø One other solution is to send your child to Islamic school, if you can afford it. This is also a good idea for the mothers who insist that they must work outside of their homes. Since you do make the extra income, why not spend a part in the way of Allah and get your kids into a good Islamic environment?<br />Ø Many people argue that Islamic schools do not have “qualified stuff, enough resources, such as good computer rooms, library, etc.”. However, some of the stuff do have Canadian bachelor degrees, while others have bachelor degrees or Masters from their back-countries (such as India, Algeria, Egypt, etc.). I saw many kids coming to Canada in both public and Islamic schools from India and had a very high education level compared to Canadian kids (therefore, know that those “middle and third world countries” – they still call them the third world) are really more advanced in the elementary and high-school levels compared to the Canadian system.<br />Ø Also, it is true that public schools usually have more resources, but did you stop to think for a moment to what % do the kids really use these resources to the utmost benefit? How often do the kids go to the school’s library or computer room, and if they do – do they really read books or articles they borrow, or if they use the computers – do they use it for academic purposes, or simply use it for kids games (the kinds of “special games” where you click a button and after 3 hours of clicking you learn nothing out of it).<br />Ø We know that both Islamic or government schools may be organized well or less well; however, the Islamic school offers salah (prayers) and thus prepares the child for the Akhira (life after death); while the public school primarily prepares the child to go running around making and spending money usually in a way which makes Allah T’Ala angry and brings no barakah to the individual and society. Strong morals are also not emphasised in public school: and we are all witness to what kinds of morals and lifestyle kids “learn there”.<br /><br />GOING BACK TO YOUR OWN COUNTRIES:<br />Ø If you really feel that none of these are options for your child, and no matter how you organize your child’s schedule you still end up with nothing much – then go back to your countries and put your kids into strong Islamic schools and have them in an Islamic environment.<br />Ø You got to pay attention though, because even in Islamic countries many unislamic things are going on, so the environment of the child is still an issue. However, there is a masjid pretty much on every corner – therefore, the chances of your kids being a good Muslim are good – if you put some effort into it. Also, the Islamic education is very cheap.<br />Ø The One Evil happening in most Islamic countries (especially in the ex-colonies such as India, Pakistan, etc.) is that now the Islamic education (the Qur’an and Sunnah) is taught mostly only in Madrasahs, while the dunia education is taught in regular schools. And even Alims say that the curriculum after the Partition(1947) was never changed in countries like Pakistan (they still have the British curriculum there in public schools)- which explains the really low level of Islamic education there for the average Muslim.<br />Ø Now think for a moment – who were those great Muslim explorers and scientists (such as Ibn Battuta – geographer and explorer, Avicena -Ibn Sina - great Muslim doctor, Imam Bukhari, and many others)- they were Alims and completed their Muslim and dunia education in their teens. Their education (Islamic and dunia was taught in the masjid, in the same place).<br />Ø What does a teenager typically do nowadays? Wasting time on some kind of music styles, cannot tie his/her shoelaces properly (just kidding), cannot do the house chores and cannot wake up for Fajr. (The other evils we will not mention due to shyness/modesty in the paper-writing). This is the “modern miracle” of dunia education, strongly advertised as the “greatest education system – in the world!” (wow!)<br /><br />CONCLUSIONS:<br />¨ pay attention to your child’s education from the young age (elementary level and pre-elementary);<br />¨ consider the suggested options in this article or find your own methods, which work for a complete Islamic education of your child;<br />¨ do something about your child’s education early – or else later on it may become difficult for you or your child to get any real benefits and become a good Muslim.<br />For any comments, opinions on this article, contact sister Mariam at <a href="mailto:cristinna7@yahoo.com">cristinna7@yahoo.com</a>;Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-10724843295151498702009-08-25T20:20:00.001-07:002009-08-25T20:22:08.616-07:00TEACHING ERRORSThul Hijjah 13/1,429<br />Mississauga, Canada<br />By sister (Cristina) Mariam Ignat<br /><br />TEACHING ERRORS<br />This topic is of utmost importance because it can affect the future generations of the ummah.<br />Did you generally notice that our children like to go to the (kaafir) schools, but they do not like to go to madrasah (or Islamic classes)? Unfortunately the opposite to this statement (children like to go to madrasah and not school) is very rare. Did you ever wonder why this is all happening? Are you parents/ teachers/ educators worried of what is happening to our children? This article explores the parents-teachers-students relationships in the role of educating our Muslim children in the deen and what may be the factors which drive children out of the religion.<br />EVERY CHILD IS A MUSLIM:<br />It is clear in Islam that every child is born in the fitra, as a Muslim; thereafter, the parents change his natural disposition to worship Allah alone and without any partners based on their own biases and things they were taught in the past. There is the proof from Qur’an and Hadith:<br />Narrated Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle said, "Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) but his parents convert him to Judaism, Christianity or Magainism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?" Then Abu Huraira recited the holy verses: "The pure Allah's Islamic nature (true faith of Islam) (i.e. worshipping none but Allah) with which He has created human beings. No change let there be in the religion of Allah (i.e. joining none in worship with Allah). That is the straight religion (Islam) but most of men know, not." (30.30) (Sahih Bukhari, Book <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=23&translator=1&start=0&number=441">#23</a>, Hadith <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=23&translator=1&start=0&number=441#441">#441</a>)<br /><br />THE MUSLIM PARENTS:<br />Unfortunately, we have reached a stage where most of the Muslim parents try to change a child’s natural disposition based on whatever biases they may have. This is due to the major state of Jahilia (ignorance) most parents find themselves in. The unfortunate reality of our Muslim ummah is that most mothers or fathers have very limited knowledge of religion – therefore, it is very difficult for them to give that child true Islam. Even when the knowledge is there, the problem is the desire to practice what they preach is lacking – due to the reality of worshipping the dunia in whatever of its aspects (such as buying apartment/house or car on interest, slave of clothes, food, etc.)<br />Also, an effect of colonialism in many Muslim countries is that many people look towards the Western culture as a panacea for solving there problems, forgetting that Islam has an answer for everything in our lives. What the kufaar governments did whenever they ruled in Muslim countries was that they “attacked” primarily the personality of the Muslim woman in terms of what she is supposed to do (how to talk, dress, work, learn, teach, etc.) and propagated anti-Muslim ideas in regards to her lifestyle; therefore, by destroying the Muslim woman’s thinking they succeeded in destroying entire generations of Muslims – and get them Westernized. How many hours are being spent on TV by housewives on non-sense programs (such as dramas, TV series, etc.) – which really is the call of Shaitan?<br />In Muslim countries, Islamic schools are very cheap to send the kids to – but the English/ French school s are the expensive schools because they can get you a “better job” in the dunia. On the other hand, what is the proportion of schools where Arabic is being taught and given importance as the language of the Qur’an and our deen? The curriculum in public schools in Islamic countries is primarily based on the colonial model, therefore Islamic studies are given hardly any importance or enough hours of learning.<br />As it currently stands, the majority of parents have to rely on the few teachers of religion to impart whatever religious knowledge they may get to their children.<br />THE BLESSINGS OF KNOWLEDGE<br />It is of utmost importance that we teach the children the Deen, as to preserve our Muslim identity and ensure future generations of strong Muslims. Here are some hadeeth, which emphasize the importance of learning and teaching Islamic knowledge.<br />Narrated Muawiya(RA) : I heard Allah's Apostle (saaw) saying, "If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion. I am just a distributor, but the grant is from Allah. (And remember) that this nation (true Muslims) will keep on following Allah's teachings strictly and they will not be harmed by any one going on a different path till Allah's order (Day of Judgment) is established." (Sahih Bukhari, Book <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=3&translator=1&start=0&number=71">#3</a>, Hadith <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=3&translator=1&start=0&number=71#71">#71</a>)<br />Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (RA) : The Prophet said, "Do not wish to be like anyone except in two cases. (The first is) A person, whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously; (the second is) the one whom Allah has given wisdom (the Holy Qur'an) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others." (Sahih Bukhari, Book <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=3&translator=1&start=0&number=73">#3</a>, Hadith <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=3&translator=1&start=0&number=73#73">#73</a>)<br />Narrated Abu Huraira: I said: "O Allah's Apostle! Who will be the luckiest person, who will gain your intercession on the Day of Resurrection?" Allah's Apostle said: O Abu Huraira! "I have thought that none will ask me about it before you as I know your longing for the (learning of) Hadiths. The luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said sincerely from the bottom of his heart "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah." And 'Umar bin 'Abdul 'Aziz wrote to Abu Bakr bin Hazm, "Look for the knowledge of Hadith and get it written, as I am afraid that religious knowledge will vanish and the religious learned men will pass away (die). Do not accept anything save the Hadiths of the Prophet. Circulate knowledge and teach the ignorant, for knowledge does not vanish except when it is kept secretly (to oneself)." (Book <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=3&translator=1&start=0&number=98">#3</a>, Hadith <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=3&translator=1&start=0&number=98#98">#98</a>)<br />Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: The Prophet said, "Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence, and tell others the stories of Bani Israel (which have been taught to you), for it is not sinful to do so. And whoever tells a lie on me intentionally, will surely take his place in the (Hell) Fire." (Book <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=56&translator=1&start=0&number=667">#56</a>, Hadith <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=56&translator=1&start=0&number=667#667">#667</a>)<br />Narrated Uthman bin Affan: The Prophet said, "The most superior among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it." (Book <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=61&translator=1&start=0&number=546">#61</a>, Hadith <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=61&translator=1&start=0&number=546#546">#546</a>)<br /><br />THE MUSLIM TEACHERS (OF DEEN) & TEACHING ERORS<br />I currently live in Canada – as I tried to educate my daughter and give Islam as a way of life – Allah wanted it so that she ended up having numerous teachers of diverse Islamic backgrounds, some of whom she was more attached than others. I also went with her for a few years in a row to her madrasah classes, so that I myself could learn some knowledge; especially as a reverted Muslim I had to start with zero knowledge right from learning the Arabic alphabet. There I also met students from the different backgrounds, from the subcontinent (India, Pakistan) to Middle East to Africa, etc. – each of them carrying some different concepts about the way to teach and learn Islam, based on whatever experience they had previously, whether from their Muslim country or Canadian based.<br />Although I do not have much knowledge in the deen, I was a teacher of secular subjects before and I worked in both public and Islamic schools and that gives me a good insight in understanding some aspects on teaching.<br />Overall, all teachers I met had good intentions, Alhamdulilah – whether I worked with them directly or indirectly.<br />However, one of the major problems I saw is that many teachers, in spite of their good intentions, manage to drive away the desire to learn from many children because of the wrong methodology of teaching . For example, one of the major problems is that children are still being taught in the West the way they were being “taught” back home – by being very strict and get some “beating” if they cannot learn something. Also, I have seen and stopped teachers from slapping kids (on the face – which is Haraam) or beating them with the stick, etc. The point is – what are you beating them for? Who is really a Muslim? (the child as we know is on the fitra, but we have to ask ourselves – are we really a Muslim, or what kind of Muslim we are). Is this the Way Prophet Muhammad (saaw) taught? Is being extremely strict a way of teaching? – up to the point the kids want to run away from madrasah and enjoy the Kaafir(public) schools? In the West we have a second major problem because we Muslims have to also compete with the public “education system”, who are mostly Kaafirs teaching all the wrong anti-Islamic values to our kids – but the smile and make it all fun.<br />What is the problem – brother or sister, when the kid wants to run away from the masjid and stay home to watch a video game, etc.? This is the question all teachers should ask themselves – am I making students learn for the sake of Allah or am I driving them away? And stop the beating or whatever you are doing majorly wrong because you do not know which child can go into Kufr because of what you did (Authu Billah) – meanwhile we all “feel safe with Allah” because we are “teaching the kids”. This does not mean that kids should not be disciplined in any way – we can be firm – but not up to the point where students are running away from the Deen.<br />TEACHING SOLUTIONS:<br />As we know, Islam is a simple way of life and we should make the religion easy – so that everyone can take whatever they can/want from the knowledge, according to their knowledge and submission to the Lord.<br />WHO IS THE MUSLIM TEACHER?<br />Prophet Muhammad (saaw) was our best teacher and sent as a mercy to mankind:<br />“And We have sent you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him) not but as a mercy for all the worlds.” (Al-Anbiyâ 21:107)<br />“Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allâh. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves.” (Muhammad 48:29)<br />Narrated Malik: We came to the Prophet and stayed with him for twenty days and nights. We were all young and of about the same age. The Prophet was very kind and merciful. When he realized our longing for our families, he asked about our homes and the people there and we told him. Then he asked us to go back to our families and stay with them and teach them (the religion) and to order them to do good things. He also mentioned some other things which I have (remembered or) forgotten. The Prophet then added, "Pray as you have seen me praying and when it is the time for the prayer one of you should pronounce the Adhan and the oldest of you should lead the prayer. (Book <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=11&translator=1&start=0&number=604">#11</a>, Hadith <a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=11&translator=1&start=0&number=604#604">#604</a>)<br />WHO WILL BE SHOWN MERCY?<br />“Allâh will show mercy to those who show mercy to people. Show mercy to those who are on the earth, the One Who is in the Heaven will show mercy to you.”<br />“People of Paradise are three: (1) a leader who is generous, spends in charity and is guided to the right course; (2) a man who is compassionate, kind to every relative and every Muslim and (3) a poor person who is virtuous and has dependants.” (Muslim)<br />The Prophet’s manner (saaw) was impeccable and had patience even with the most difficult of people; his manners were also why so many people became Muslims.<br />Do we thus try to resemble anything from the manners we know in Islam, as to attract these children to the right guidance? Do we explain an issue many times in a row – until the child really understands the concept before we rush to apply any sort of punishment? Do we have any patience? As far as I noticed, in general Muslims manage to break each others’ hearts more than the kufaar – and even within the family structure – if we can call nowadays whatever we have as a real Muslim family (by trying to truly submit to their Lord). Do we have any of the mercy and compassion necessary of teaching anything, especially the Deen?<br />With this in mind, I let anyone reflect on the way they teach and learn and may Allah bless those who try his best for His sake. May Allah guide all of us on the Right Path and change us to be effective teachers and students for His Sake. Ameen.<br />===========================================<br />for any comments, questions or concerns - please email sister mariam at cristinna&@yahoo.comBismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-43376792257828099672009-08-25T20:18:00.000-07:002009-08-25T20:19:08.672-07:00Useful Education LinksISLAMIC GROUPS:<a id="ig" name="ig"></a><br /><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/muslimsandhomeeducation/">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/muslimsandhomeeducation/</a> - on-line Muslim home-schooling group<br /><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ModernMuslimahMovement/">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ModernMuslimahMovement/</a> - sisters Islamic Group<br /><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canadianmuslimlink/">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canadianmuslimlink/</a> - Islamic group for brothers and sisters serious about their deen; group monitored by sister Mariam.<br /><a href="http://masjidadam.org/">http://masjidadam.org/</a> - this is the masjid's site where I teach.<br /><a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/useful-links.html">Back to top:</a><br />RELATED BLOGS:<br /><a href="http://kidsstoriess.blogspot.com/">http://kidsstoriess.blogspot.com/</a> - here the kids publish their short-stories or poems; collected by sister Mariam<br /><a href="http://withkidsinmind.blogspot.com/">http://withkidsinmind.blogspot.com/</a> - some teaching tips and techniques are disccused here;<br /><br />ISLAM FOR KIDS:<a id="ik" name="ik"></a><br /><a href="http://islam4kids.com/i4k/">http://islam4kids.com/i4k/</a> - Islam for Kids<br /><a href="http://islamcan.com/">http://islamcan.com/</a> - has an Islamic short stories section for kids<br /><a href="http://muslimheritage.com/">http://muslimheritage.com/</a> - Discover the Life and Works of Highly Educated Muslims throughoutMuslim History - excellent for adults too<br /><a href="http://www.a2youth.com/index.html">http://www.a2youth.com/index.html</a> - A2Youth - the Youth's Islamic Link - excellent articles/lectures for the older kids/teenagers<br /><a href="http://www.islamisforyou.com/">http://www.islamisforyou.com/</a> - Muslim stories and info - useful for adults also<br /><a href="http://www.missionislam.com/mission/index.htm">http://www.missionislam.com/mission/index.htm</a> - Islam for Yonger Children<br /><a href="http://www.newhorizonschool.org/islamicstories/list.htm">http://www.newhorizonschool.org/islamicstories/list.htm</a> - Islamic Stories for Kids<br /><a href="http://www.noorart.com/">http://www.noorart.com/</a> - purchasing Islamic stories/books for kids<br /><a href="http://www.salafitalk.net/st/uploads/aqeedah_1.doc">http://www.salafitalk.net/st/uploads/aqeedah_1.doc</a> - Aqeeda for Children ~ Intro to Islam<br /><a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/useful-links.html">Back to top:</a><br />ISLAM FOR ADULTS:<a id="ia" name="ia"></a><br /><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Muslimah_Writers_Alliance/">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Muslimah_Writers_Alliance/</a> - Muslimah Writers Alliance - an Yahoo group for Muslimahs interested in writing of any kind<br /><a href="http://islaam.com/">http://islaam.com/</a> - extensive Islamic page, containing Islamic articles by scholars and audio section<br /><a href="http://islamhelpline.com/">http://islamhelpline.com/</a> - helpful in searching Islamic questions and answers, as well as daily Hadith section<br /><a href="http://muslimstories.com/">http://muslimstories.com/</a> - Muslims can read or submit stories for kids or adults from a Muslim perspective<br /><a href="http://www.irf.net/irf/main.htm">http://www.irf.net/irf/main.htm</a> - Islamic Research Foundation - based in India - very useful in Dawa due to its explanations of different religions<br /><a href="http://www.searchtruth.com/">http://www.searchtruth.com/</a> - excellent source for searching The Holy Qur'an and Hadeeth, as well audio section<br /><a href="http://www.bilalphilips.com/">http://www.bilalphilips.com</a> - for the teenagers or adults interested in learning about Islam; also first Islamic University Online<br /><a href="http://www.www.islamicfinder.org/">http://www.www.islamicfinder.org</a> - on-line directory of Islamic info<br /><a href="http://www.islamtomorrow.com/">http://www.islamtomorrow.com</a> - very comprehensive subjects for all ages<br /><a href="http://www.torontomuslims.com/">http://www.torontomuslims.com</a> - A Muslim directory for Torontonians<br /><a href="http://www.islamcan.com/">http://www.islamcan.com</a> -Canadian Islamic Links<br /><a href="http://www.madinaharabic.com/">http://www.madinaharabic.com/</a> ~ Arabic Made Easy<br /><a href="http://www.alehsaan.com/online_courses/arabic_grammer/arabic_grammer_2005.html">http://www.alehsaan.com/online_courses/arabic_grammer/arabic_grammer_2005.html</a> - Learn Arabic to Learn Qur'an<br /><a href="http://www.aswatalislam.net/DisplayFilesP.aspx?TitleID=50025&TitleName=Dr._Israr_Ahmed">http://www.aswatalislam.net/DisplayFilesP.aspx?TitleID=50025&TitleName=Dr._Israr_Ahmed</a> - http://www.dar-us-salam.com/ - QUALITY ISLAMIC BOOKS <br /><a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/useful-links.html">Back to top:</a><br />HOME-SCHOOLING:<a id="hs" name="hs"></a><br />parents should be aware that their children can obtain primary and secondary credits on-line, some of the schools being recognized by the Canadian government:<br />Schools/ High-Schools in Canada<br /><a href="http://ilc.org/index2.html">http://ilc.org/index2.html</a> - Independent Learning Centre - courses through correspondence offered in collaboration with TVO (Television Ontario), in English or French<br />ICS Canada - <a href="http://www.icslearn.ca/highschool/index.html">http://www.icslearn.ca/highschool/index.html</a> <br />Virtual High-School - Ontario - <a href="http://www.virtualhighschool.com/">http://www.virtualhighschool.com/</a> - available since 1996<br />Home-schooling and Curriculum-Related<br /><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/muslimsandhomeeducation/">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/muslimsandhomeeducation/</a> - on-line Muslim home-schooling group; includes numerous links useful to homeschoolers<br /><a href="http://www.curriculumonline.gov.uk/default.htm">http://www.curriculumonline.gov.uk/default.htm</a> - British Curriculum On-Line<br /><a href="http://www.flora.org/homeschool-ca/faq.html">http://www.flora.org/homeschool-ca/faq.html</a> - Flora- Canadian Home Based Learning Resource Page o <a href="http://www.homeschooling.com.au/">http://www.homeschooling.com.au/</a> - Australian Curriculum On-line<br /><a href="http://www.hslda.ca/default.aspx">http://www.hslda.ca/default.aspx</a> - Home School Legal Defense Association o <a href="http://www.ontariohomeschool.org/highschool.html">http://www.ontariohomeschool.org/highschool.html</a> - Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents<br /><a href="http://talibiddeenjr.amanahwebs.com/">http://talibiddeenjr.amanahwebs.com</a> - Home-schooling page with lots of free Islamic and non-Islamic printables for kids;<br /><a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/useful-links.html">Back to top:</a><br />SECULAR:<a id="se" name="se"></a><br /><a href="http://about.com/">http://about.com/</a> - search a category (Geography, History, etc.) and look for potential info * <a href="http://atozteacherstuff.com/">http://atozteacherstuff.com/</a> - for Teacher and Parents<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page</a> - WIKIPEDIA the free on-line encyclopaedia ~ not reliable for Islamic info, but good for secular<br /><a href="http://kidsspace.torontopubliclibrary.ca/readastory.html">http://kidsspace.torontopubliclibrary.ca/readastory.html</a> - Read a Story at Toronto Public Library<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/index.shtml">http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/index.shtml</a> - BBC - English Learning Page<br /><a href="http://www.childrenslibrary.org/index.shtml">http://www.childrenslibrary.org/index.shtml</a> - Children On-line Library - with books in different languages and for different cultures<br /><a href="http://www.curriculum.org/">http://www.curriculum.org/</a> - Ontario Secular Curriculum - grades 1-12<br /><a href="http://www.lessonplanspage.com/">http://www.lessonplanspage.com/</a> - lesson plans with different subjects<br /><a href="http://www.linkslearning.org/Kids/_index.html">http://www.linkslearning.org/Kids/_index.html</a> - sponsored by the US Department of Education<br /><a href="http://www.math-drills.com/">http://www.math-drills.com/</a> - Free Math Worksheets in PDF Format<br /><a href="http://www.m-w.com/">http://www.m-w.com/</a> - Mariam Webster On-line Dictionary<br /><a href="http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/ancientcivilizations.htm">http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/ancientcivilizations.htm</a> - Social Studies for Kids<br /><a href="http://www.teachingtime.co.uk/">http://www.teachingtime.co.uk/</a> - Teaching Time to Kids - on-line games<br /><a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/useful-links.html">Back to top:</a><br />EARLY EDUCATION:<a id="ee" name="ee"></a><br /><a href="http://www.childcarecanada.org/">http://www.childcarecanada.org</a> - exploring issues in Canadian childcare<br /><a href="http://www.naturalchild.org/">http://www.naturalchild.org</a> - The Natural Child Project - excellent Parenting Resource<br /><a href="http://www.ed.gov/inits/americareads/educators_early.html">http://www.ed.gov/inits/americareads/educators_early.html</a> - Early Childhood and Literacy<br /><a href="http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EarlyMath/index.html">http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EarlyMath/index.html</a> - Early Math for Kids<br /><a href="http://www.learningplanet.com/index.asp">http://www.learningplanet.com/index.asp</a> - teaching alphabet to small kids<br /><a href="http://www.starfall.com/">http://www.starfall.com/</a> - teaching early reading skills<br /><a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/useful-links.html">Back to top:</a><br />LIBRARIES<a id="li" name="li"></a><br /><a href="http://www.islamic-library.co.uk/">http://www.islamic-library.co.uk/</a> - Islamic on-line books and pamphlets available - very comprehensive<br /><a href="http://www.islamic-e-library.com/index.html">http://www.islamic-e-library.com/index.html</a> -classical texts available for download with free registration<br /><a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/useful-links.html">Back to top:</a><br />ISLAMIC DIRECTORIES<a id="id" name="id"></a><br /><a href="http://www.al-islami.com/">http://www.al-islami.com/</a> - comprehensive Islamic directory<br /><a href="http://www.easyislam.com/">http://www.easyislam.com/</a> - Easy Islam Description: All Islamic literature as form of text and sound are available on EasyIslam.com<br /><a href="http://www.my-muslim.com/">http://www.my-muslim.com/</a> - Islamic portal directory, based in Kuala Lumpur - Indonesia - very comprehensive; includes free Islamic art-work;<br /><a href="http://www.islamicport.com/index.html">http://www.islamicport.com/index.html</a> - Islamic Port - comprehensive Islamic directory with many sections<br /><a href="http://islamicunitstudies.wordpress.com/">http://islamicunitstudies.wordpress.com/</a> - includes free Islamic unit studies<br /><a href="http://www.2muslims.com/">http://www.2muslims.com/</a> - directory with numerous Islamic resourcesBismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-1856961599014464712007-08-01T09:52:00.000-07:002007-08-01T09:56:04.406-07:00THE SNOWBALL - TEACHING TECHNIQUE<strong><span style="color:#006600;"><em>THE SNOWBALL TEACHING TECHNIQUE:</em><br /></span></strong><br />- this technique is lots of fun for the kids, but it requires some discipline, which may results in some kids being kicked out of the activity/room;<br />- the teacher has to ensure and mention to the kids that those who do not disciplined behaviour - will not be allowed to participate;<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#33cc00;">WHEN TO USE:</span></strong><br /><br />- <span style="color:#009900;"> the teacher wants to teach some basic phrases or words;<br />- this technique serves as a review as well;<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>NECESSARY MATERIALS:<br /></strong></span>- one piece of paper – folded into a paper ball – that’s our SNOWBALL.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">THE BASICS:</span><br /></strong><br /><br />- the teacher reads the question to the kids;<br />- the teacher starts the game by throwing the SNOWBALL at the kids;<br />- whoever of the kids is closer to the ball, that is the kid nominated to answer the question<br />- if the child does not know the answer, then the teacher asks the kids in the Snowball area to raise their hands (as to show who may be able to answer this question)<br />- the students answers the question;<br />- the SNOWBALL GOES BACK TO THE TEACHER<br />- the process is repeated until all the questions are addressed/answered.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>VARIATIONS:</strong></span><br /><br />- once the child answers the question, he can ask the student to throw the SNOWBALL and thus the student determines the next kid to answer;<br />- the teacher can have more snowballs – he/she throws the snowballs – each snowball has a question # (eg – question1-10) – then the teacher reads the question for each student;<br />- the teacher can distribute the snowball randomly to the students and ask them to take turns in throwing the SNOWBALL towards other students, all at the same time or by taking turns; however, this technique requires more discipline from the students in order to be successful.<br />- by sister mariam (<a href="mailto:cristinna7@yahoo.com">cristinna7@yahoo.com</a>, <a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/">www.withkidsinmind.net</a> )Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-25999519479469996502007-07-18T20:23:00.000-07:002007-07-18T20:27:37.407-07:00AQEEDA FOR KIDS - in brief<strong><em>AQEEDA – FOR KIDS</em><br /></strong><br />¨ <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"> IMAN-E-MUJMAL<br /></span></strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">AMANTU BILLAHI KAMA HUA<br />BI ASMAAIHI, WA SIFFA-TIHI<br />WA QABILTU JAMEEA AH-KAMIHI<br /></span><br />I BELIEVE IN ALLAH AS HE IS, WITH HIS NAMES AND QALITIES, AND I HAVE ACCEPTED ALL HIS ORDERS.<br /><br />¨ <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">IMAN-E-MUFASSAL</span><br /></strong><br />WE (MUSLIMS) BELIEVE IN:<br />1 – ALLAH<br />2 – HIS ANGELS<br />3 – HIS BOOKS<br />4 – HIS PROPHETS(AS)<br />5 – QADR – OF ALLAH (good and bad is from Allah)<br />6 – DAY OF JUDGEMENT (RESSURECTION AFTER DEATH)<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">AMANTU BILLAHI, WA MALA-IKATIHI, WA KUTUBIHI, WA RASULIHI, WAL YAUMIL AKHIRI, WAL QADRI KHAIRI WA SHARRIHI MINALLAHI TA’ALA WAL BA-SI BA-‘DAL MAUT.<br /></span><br /><strong>QADR OF ALLAH EXPLAINED:<br /><span style="color:#006600;">AL QADA WAL QADAR</span></strong> (THE FATE AND THE PREPARATION)<br />1 – ALLAH HAS COMPLETE/PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF EVERYTHING<br />2 – ALLAH HAS RECORDED EVERTYHING THAT WILL HAPPEN IN A BOOK: AL LAWH AL MAHFUZ (22:70 QUR’AN)<br />3 – ALLAH HAS WILLED EVERYTHING:<br />- GENERAL WILL – what will happen and that has been recorded in the Book<br />- SPECIFIC WILL – PRESENT – saying BE and IT IS (and thus things recorded in the Book happen/come to life in the present)<br />4 – ALLAH IS THE CREATOR OF ALL – of what He does and what his creatures do;<br />¨ <span style="color:#000099;"><strong>HOWEVER, ALLAH T’ALA GAVE MAN/ ENABLED MAN TO MAKE A <span style="color:#990000;">CHOICE </span>BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL AND IN MATTERS OF FAITH (TO BELIEVE OR NOT TO BELIEVE).<br /></strong><br /></span>(by sister Mariam, <a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/">www.withkidsinmind.net</a>, cristinna7@yahoo.com)Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-74444036787973394582007-05-20T18:44:00.000-07:002007-05-20T18:55:56.040-07:00TEACHING CHILDREN ISLAM<strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">TEACHING ISLAM TO KIDS</span></strong><br />By sister (cristina) Mariam (<a href="mailto:cristinna&@yahoo.com">cristinna7@yahoo.com</a>, <a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/">www.withkidsinmind.net</a> )<br /><br />May 19, 07 – Jummada al Awwal 2nd, 1428<br /><br />¨ This article explores primarily the topic of teaching Islam to childrenas well as methods of teaching, in shallah.<br />¨ All parents know they have a responsibility to Allah T’Ala to teach Islam to their children. However, <span style="color:#3333ff;">the question becomes how early/late they should do this: when is the child formally prepared to start learning about the deen, what kind of info should be taught at what stages and through what methods?</span><br /><br />¨ <span style="color:#990000;"> </span><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em>AGE GROUPS & LEARNING:<br /></em></span></strong>- every child goes through different physical and intellectual stages; therefore, every child is different. However, as general guidelines, we know that small children learn easily by example. <span style="color:#3333ff;">They simply love to “copy” their parents.</span> In the beginning years <span style="color:#3333ff;">(1 to 4)</span>, parents can teach my making sure that kids learn the “basics” – such as knowing that Allah is One, saying “Bismillah” before eating, making dua before going to washroom, etc. As the child approaches four years old, he/she can be taught surah “Fatiha” and a few beginning surahs.<br />- At the ages <span style="color:#3333ff;">5-7</span> <span style="color:#3333ff;">the child can start the religious education – in a more formal environment –</span> such as a religious teacher, or the parents can teach his/her own and other kids, or a madrassah.<br />- However, a word of caution: <span style="color:#3333ff;">OBSERVE HOW THE CHILD RESPONDS TO HIS/HER OWN TEACHER, in shallah</span>. If the child makes positive statements (I like Islam, I like the alphabet, my teacher is so good, etc.) – this means that the child should continue that learning root with the same teacher. However, sometimes, the child does not feel comfortable with his or her teacher and starts making negative statements about Islam on a continuous basis. The teacher could be very good – it just may happen that the personalities of the teacher and of the child do not match. Therefore, the parent has to make an effort to find a teacher who is appropriate for his/her child, a teacher to whom the child feel a connection and would like to be like that person.<br />- Later on <span style="color:#3333ff;">(ages 8-10)</span><span style="color:#3333ff;"> children build on their Islamic knowledge by continuing with reading the Holy Qur’an, stories of the sahabah and other Islamic stories.</span> The parents should strive to teach the children by providing an Islamic environment to their child and continuing the activities their child enjoys. The parent should also strive to be a good Muslim him/herself, as to provide practical teaching to their child.<br />- <span style="color:#990000;">Parents can also initiate Islamic programs in their own home, such as Islamic story-telling or some kind of Islamic competition on different Islamic topics to make the kids more interested in Islam, etc.<br /></span>- <span style="color:#3333ff;">Depending on the child’s ability and training level – the parents can send their kids to do <strong>Hifz programs</strong> </span>– while for the Arabic speakers, this can be also done from their home (using a computer reciting program) and then parents checking the acquired daily knowledge. A teacher is highly recommended because it ensures some supervision and commitment to learning the Qur’an.<br />- Throughout the <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">teenage years</span></strong>, <span style="color:#3333ff;">the child should be expected to practice Islam according to the deen requirements;</span> at this stage, the parents should still supervise the child and ensure that their contacts (circle of friends) are good Muslims, or at least that some of their friends are Muslims – to be able to keep the Muslim identity and way of life in a circle other than home. It is also a good time for the kids to do an <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Alim program</span></strong>, or at least try to improve their knowledge from home or at the masjid with the help of the family.<br /><br /><br />¨ <strong><span style="color:#000099;"> </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">TEACHING METHODS:<br /></span></strong>- <span style="color:#3333ff;"> teaching methods should vary – especially for the younger learners, as to provide variety and interest and a zest for learning.<br /></span>- Pay attention – as some “teachers” use sticks to “teach your kids” – right from the beginning this is a failed plan and may even backfire and send the child into kufr (Authu Billah).<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Suggested Methods</strong>:</span></span><br /></em>- <span style="color:#cc0000;">Charts and diagrams<br />- Colour and learn<br />- Group Repeat (a child is given a word/phrase; each member of the group then repeats it)<br />- <span style="color:#3333ff;">Index Cards<br />- Islamic story circle<br />- Kids competitions (with Islamic topics)<br />- Playing as a reward for Islamic or non-Islamic learning (organizing games, sports and activities).<br /></span>- Question & Answer Sessions<br />- Reading stories to your kids<br />- Review – of previously learned concepts<br />- Sipara (traditional methods, reading the Holy Qur’an and learning duas)<br />- </span><span style="color:#3333ff;">Speeches & lectures<br />- Study group (kids get together and learn one topic)<br />- Team Competitions<br /></span><br />These are just some methods suggested – parents can get creative and use a variety of methods. They can experiment with these methods and see what is most suitable to their child. Some kids are more competitive, while others prefer study groups and learning as part of a team. Parents should ultimately use the methods they observe to be most suitable to their children. These methods can be used also for secular subjects as well.<br /> For any questions or comments on this article, you can e-mail sister Mariam at <a href="mailto:cristinna7@yahoo.com">cristinna7@yahoo.com</a>; for a variety of education topics, you can visit the Islamic Kids Website (<a href="http://www.withkidsinmind.net/">www.withkidsinmind.net</a> )Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-30776504885456301412007-05-15T06:52:00.000-07:002007-05-15T06:56:55.343-07:00THE HOLY QUR'AN<strong><span style="color:#3366ff;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">THE HOLY QUR’AN</span> – By Nadia Ahmed; </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">May 15/07 - Rabi-ul-Akhar28/1428<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">ALLAH GAVE US THE QUR’AN TO TELL US THAT<br />ALLAH IS ONE.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#3366ff;">THE QUR’AN TELLS US:<br /></span></em><br />¨ WHAT TO DO (what are the good deeds)<br />¨ WHAT NOT TO DO (what are the bad deeds)<br />¨ NOT TO LISTEN TO THE WHISPERINGS (WASWASIL) OF SHAITAAN<br />¨ ALLAH IS AL KHALAQ – THE CREATOR OF EVERYTHING<br />¨ THE ANGELS OBEY THE COMMANDS OF ALLAH.<br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993399;">ANGELS:<br /></span></em>¨ THE ANGELS WRITE OUR GOOD AND BAD DEEDS.<br /><br />¨ FOR ONE GOOD DEED WE GET AT LEAST 10 REWARDS.<br />¨ FOR ONE BAD DEED WE GET ONLY 1 PUNISHMENT<br /><br />¨ ANGEL JIBRIL (AS) BRINGS THE WAHI (REVELATION) FROM ALLAH – SUCH AS THE HOLY QUR’AN<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993399;">PROPHETS:</span></em><br />¨ ALLAH SENT MANY PROPHETS TO GUIDE MANKIND (PEOPLE)<br /><br />¨ THE FIRST MAN AND PROPHET WAS ADAM (AS); HIS WIFE’S NAME WAS HAWWA (EVE).<br /><br />¨ THE LAST PROPHET WAS MUHAMMAD (SAAW)</span></strong>Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4707920993355038783.post-53232840680588537302007-05-14T09:24:00.001-07:002007-05-14T09:32:05.563-07:00PREPARING FOR DEATH - BY KHALID BAIG<span style="font-family:georgia;"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>>Preparing for Death> >> >By Khalid Baig> >></strong> ></span></em></span><br />"Suppose you learn today that you have only one more day to live; you'll > >die tomorrow. How will you spend your last day?"> ><br />This interview question was posed long before the age of mass media. The interviewer approached prominent scholars and people known for their > >virtuous lives with the idea that he would compile their answers in a book. > >Such a book would provide the readers with inspiration for the most > >important virtues.> >> >But the most inspiring response came from the person who did not provide a > >wish list of virtuous deeds. He was the great muhaddith Abdur Rahman ibn > >abi Na'um and he replied: <span style="color:#3333ff;">"There is nothing that I could change in my daily > >schedule learning that it is my last day. I already spend everyday in my > >life as if it is going to be my last."> </span>>><br />>Death is the most certain aspect of life. According to the latest > >statistics, 6178 people die in the world every hour. These are people of > >all ages, dying of all causes. Some of these deaths will make headlines. > >The great majority will die quietly. Yet everyone will enter his grave the > >same way. Alone. At the time appointed by God.<span style="color:#3333ff;"> Science and technology can > >neither prevent nor predict death.</span><span style="color:#3366ff;"> It is solely in the hands of the > >Creator</span>.><br /><span style="color:#990000;">>"O mankind! If you are in doubt concerning the Resurrection, then lo! We > >have created you from dust, then from a drop of seed, then from a clot, > >then from a little lump of flesh shapely and shapeless, that We may make it > >clear for you. And We cause what We will to remain in the wombs for an > >appointed time, and afterward We bring you forth as infants, then give you > >growth that you attain full strength. And among you there is he who dies > >young, and among you there is he who is brought back to the most abject > >time of life, so that after knowledge he knows naught!"[Al-Haj 22:5]></span><br />>> >We see it happening all the time. Yet it is amazing how we feel that it > >won't happen to us. At least not anytime soon. We bury our own friends and > >relatives but think that we'll live forever. Our attitudes about death defy > >all logic. In a way we recognize it and even plan for it. We take out life > >insurance policies. We may do estate planning. Businesses and governments > >have contingency plans to carry out their operations in case of sudden loss > >of their leaders. But this is recognition of death as an end point of this > >life. Where we fail is in recognizing it as the beginning of another life > >that will never end and where we'll reap what we sow here.> >><br />>A central teaching of Islam is that it is our recognition of and preparation for that eternity that must separate those who are smart from > >those who are not. As the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: > <span style="color:#3333ff;">>"Truly smart is the person who controlled his desires and prepared for life > >after death."> </span>>> ><br />There is a moving story about Bahlool, who, in his innocence seems to be on > >the opposite end of the scale of worldly-smartness. Khalifa Haroon ur > >Rashid had given him access to his court probably because his naivet?was a > >source of entertainment to him. Once the Khalifa gave him a walking stick > >saying, "It is meant for the most foolish person in the world. If you find > >a person more deserving of it than yourself, pass it on." Several years > >later Haroon ur Rashid fell seriously ill and no medical treatment seemed > >to work. Bahlool visited him and inquired about his condition. The > >conversation went something like this:> >> >Haroon: "No treatment is working. I see my final journey ahead of me."> >> >Bahlool: "Where are you going?"> >> >Haroon: "I am going to the Other World."> >> >Bahlool: "How long will you stay there? When will you come back?"> >> >Haroon: "No one ever comes back from that world."> >> >Bahlool: "Then you must have made especial preparations for this journey. > >Did you send an advance group to take care of you once you arrive?> >> >Haroon: "Bahlool, you have to go there alone. And no I did not make any > >preparations."> >> >Bahlool: "Ameer-ul-Momineen! You used to send troops to make extensive > >preparations for you for even short trips of only a few days. Now you are > >going to a place where you'll live forever but you have made no > >preparations! I think I have found the person more deserving of the stick > >that you had given me some years ago."> >> >This story speaks to all of us. We may not be kings but we do plan our > >trips of even a few days very carefully. How about preparing for the > >journey into eternity? How about making the concern for the Hereafter the > >cornerstone of our lives here?<br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">> >Actually, that concern can change our lives here as well. This world is an > >abode of deception. Here we are not punished the moment we commit a sin. > >This fools us into thinking that we can get away with it. Remembering death > >is the antidote for that deception. A person who remembers that he will > >have to stand before his Creator and be accountable for his actions simply > >cannot defy God!> >> >In the story of Pharaoh, we learn that when he saw death approaching he > >declared belief in the God of Moses. Before that he had been fooled by his > >apparent power. His repentance came too late but it did show how his > >arrogance and intransigence evaporated when faced with the certainty of > >death.> >> >It is amazing how a lot of our own "confusions", frivolous arguments, > >excuses (for why we cannot do this or avoid that), or plane laziness can > >melt away when we visualize ourselves in our grave! Death settles lot of > >arguments. Its remembrance can do that too. Before it is too late. He was > >indeed a very wise person who spent everyday of his life as if it was going > >to be his last day. But that certainly should be the goal for all of us!> ></span>Bismillah Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501839195742382803noreply@blogger.com0