Allah's Power and Mercy

Allah's Power:
I was very amazed after watching this video. Allah created the universe and all the galaxies. Allah's creation is flawless. The rotation of the planets is so precise that each planet rotates around its own orbit without crashing into other celestial bodies. Entire solar systems intercept and pass through each other without any entities colliding. All the stars and asteroids are so large and beautiful, they move at fixed speed without fail. Their size, colour and movement made me realize how great and perfect Allah must be to create and manage something like the whole of the sky and the earth. He has subdued everything in His control. He administers the winds and the waves. The heat and the light are also in His Hands. He puts life in the seed and makes the baby chicks in their egg shells. Allah is Awesome.


Allah's Mercy:
Again I was stunned to see a hungry leopard mother a baby monkey. Leopards are carnivors, they hunt omniovours. But instead of devouring the helpless little baby monkey, the leopard saved from the hyenas and looked after it. Slept with it and hugged it to keep it warm. Licked it to keep it clean and when the monkey would slip off the tree branch because of being too young and weak to hold on, the leopard would catch it and secure it again on the branch. I was so impressed that it is Allah who has taught the leopard to be merciful. Allah placed gentleness in the heart of a leopard for the monkey. It was so cute to watch the two animals get along. Allah is so loving.

Gentleness in the family

Gentleness is missing in our family because we have no patience. My siblings and I get angry quickly and start fighting. When our parents find out that we had fighting then they loose their patience and get angry with us. We loose TV, computer, books and going outside privileges which makes us even more angry and we fight further. Gentleness means forgiving little mistakes. It means to talk things over and cooperating - Hafsah T, Grade 5

My parents don't like it when I ignore them, role my eyes or talk back to them. I think it is fair that they should be upset, after all they are my parents and they do deserve my respect. My mom is actually very gentle, she doesn't force me to do anything or yell at me. She only asks me one or two times then becomes quiet. I realize from her silence that she is not happy. I think a gentle family will not have attitude and will not behave rudely. Maybe gentleness  in a family means loving everyone and showing them that we love by by acting kindly towards them and helping them - Iman Grade 5

I guess our parents are tough on us for our own good. They want us to learn the real value of things and work hard for them, to learn and become successful. Certain rules I guess are important for disciplinary sake. Strict rules keep us focused and determined to achieve our goals - Usamah, Grade 5

There are conflicts in my family because  we do not appreciate each other enough. We take advantage of the fact that we live together so it is okay if I cause problems. Sometimes we behave selfishly and mistreat others. If we all realize that every member of the family is special and good then we will get along fine - Fatima, Grade 5

Asking a question like "Why do our parents yell?" Is almost the same as asking, "Why do our parents care?" What we (kids) do not realize is that both our parents affection and strictness is for our own good. If they nag us and force us to do something then it is because they want us to stand up on our own feet when they are not around anymore. They actually help us grow mature and responsible so we can transition easily into adulthood and learn the facts of grown-up life. Usually conflict arises when there is no communication. In order to be gentle we need to at least talk to each other. Alhamdulillah my sisters and I share everything with our mother and so we get along fine. But when we do not express ourselves then we get angry and fight - Maha, Grade 5

It makes perfect sense that our parents tell us what to do. There is no one in this world who cared enough to give birth to us, change our diapers, taught us how to walk and hold a spoon except our parents. We learned our first words from them, they gave us medicine when we got sick and bought us toys even when we had too many. I am glad my parents still boss me around because I know it is for my own benefit. Sometimes I get frustrated but it is good remember that these are my parents. They are only taking care of me and making sure I keep to the straight path. So its cool - Sumaiya, Grade 5

First day of AWIS [2]

My first day at Al Huda was really fun. I woke extra early in the morning because I was so excited to go to Al Huda. When I was putting on my uniform, I noticed that it was 10:00 am. I was shocked adn told my brother and sister to hurry.  I was even more happy when I got to Al Huda. I got my books from the bookstore and went to class. My teacher explained that public school teach us about the world and how to be successful in the world. But Islamic schools teach us about this world and the hereafter and how we can be successful in both worlds. This is so great. I want to come to Al Huda everyday - Aqsa, Grade 4

My first day of AWIS was very interesting. I learned that the love and fear of Allah are like two wings of a bird. Just as a bird needs both its wings to fly successfully and safely, human beings need both the love and fear of Allah to motivate us to do good and to deter us from evil deeds - Sidrah, Grade 4

I was so happy on my first day because I learned something new. Our teacher told us that we should not take worship as a burden instead we should enjoy the time we spend with Allah. We should love Allah and fear Him because He is both the Owner of a great reward and a painful punishment. But Allah is Most Merciful and He loves us more than seventy mothers so we should love Allah back and hope for His reward and worship Him happily- Ayesha, Grade 4

I had a lot of fun on my first day at AWIS. Our teacher told us that iman is like a bird. Just as a bird needs its head and two wings to fly, we need hope (head) and love and fear (wings) to be good Muslims. I like the hope part because it teaches me that I must always think positively and have good expectations from Allah.  I also had a lot of fun during lunch. We went to the cafeteria adn they sell really good food. I can't wait to learn more things - Mahnoor, Grade 4

My first day at AWIS was really exciting, I met all my friends from last year. My new teacher was very fun. he make the lesson really nice and easy to understand. I think we are going to learn a lot this year so inshaAllah my goal is to study hard. I also want to new people and make friends with them - Aiman, Grade 4

The World of Teens

This book deals with teenage problems from an Islamic perspective. After reading this book a desire to repent arose within me. This book talks about what life really is and the fact that it doesn't only revolve around fashion, popularity, friends and having fun. There is a lot more to life. The time we have in this world is to worship Allah and do good deeds. We are being constantly test to make the right choice and and act righteously.
Sometimes our friends cause us to make the wrong decisions which lands us in trouble. We think it is fun but that quickly ends and problems soon arrive. So the fun only lasts for a few moments and its harmful consequences go on for weeks. This book instructed me be realistic.
I also noticed that when we waste our time, there is nothing good that actually comes out of it. Mostly wasting time lands me in trouble. Either I end not finishing my homework, or completing my chore. I end up getting angry on others or at myself. I regret what I have done. This book taught me that time is very precious.

Hafsa J - Grade 5

Healing with the medicine of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w)

Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to become a doctor. So "healing with the medicine of the Prophet" Muhammad (s.a.w) seemed like the perfect bok to read this week. I was amazed that in every fruit, vegetable and even in seeds Allah has kept a cure and a profound healing effect for human beings. Medical scientists, pharmacists and doctors search for years and spend millions of dollars to understand an ailment when not only its cause but also its remedy is taught to us by the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). From headaches to heartattacks,  Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) has prescribed has prescribed simple and practical antidotes. I was really astonished, the medical understanding of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was years beyond his time. Without studying the human anatomy he was able to suggest treatments for many diseases. This is yet another proof that he was a Prophet of Allah (s.a.w). Only Allah could have revealed to him this knowledge.

Fatima, Grade 5

Daughters of the Prophet Muhamamd (s.a.w)

Today I read a book about the daughters of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). My favourite daughter was Fatimah (r.a).  She was the most beloved to the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). It really struck me that as a man and such an important personality of his time, he was such a good father to her daughter, so soft and humble with her. He did little things for her like when she would visit him, he would stand up for her adn greet her, kiss her and take her by her hand and offer her his seat to sit. In return Fatimah (r.a) was a model daughter. She resembled her father, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) in her looks and in her manners. She loved him greatly and treated him with utmost respect and affection.
I really like how Fatimah (r.a) was so patient. Growing up she saw that her father was persecuted, it was very hard on her to witness him getting hurt. Many times she would not have anything to yet but she never complained. She continued to love her father and follow his good example. I guess good and bad times are a test from Allah. We should always maintain a good character like our precious role models Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and his daughter, Fatimah (r.a)

Maha - Grade 5

Islam, women, and the challenges of today

"A journey of faith may begin as a restless urge to unravel the mysteries of our existence, leading us to explore the farthest crevices of our beings, hearts and minds" - Farzana Hasan
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author, Faraza, drew the Muslims and non-Muslims alike to closely study her Islamic beliefs. She posed really controversial questions but maintained a respectful tone and an open mind. She cleared the misconceptions against Islam intricately and peacefully. I think logic and love are vital when teaching others about Islam.
I liked the fact that the author answered all the questions non-Muslims may have about Islam from Qur'an and Hadith. I think this is very important because the source of Islam is Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), not our opinion or culture. Qur'an and Hadith present the true picture of Islam. Both texts insightfully explain Islam when our limited knowledge and experience cannot. So I realize that I need to learn Qur'an and Hadith, become a patient person and then inshaAllah tell others about Islam.

Afra - Grade 5

Prayer according to the Sunnah

This week since we were learning about worship: salah and du'a, I thought it would be a good idea to read, "Prayer according to the Sunnah."
I read about Ghusul (bath). I learned that when a person reaches the age of maturity, they must bathe on Fridays. Even if one has showered during other days of the week, taking a bath on Friday is obligatory. This was the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).
I also realized that I should be careful while making wudu. Wasting water or washing oneself more than three times is unjust and unnecessary. Making wudu is a good thing but wasting water in the process and staying in the bathroom for too long is actually wrong. Moreover, I learned the du'a after making wudu. One who supplicates with the words after wudu. Anyone who makes this du'a after wudu will enter Jannah from any of its eight doors.
From the book I absorbed that it is important that there should be no pictures on the clothes we are wearing while praying. Personally I have experienced this that when I pray wearing a colourful dress or on a decorative prayer mat, I easily get distracted and forget what I am reciting.

Huma - Grade 5

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w)

I really liked the book I read because I learned stuff and now I know how why I should change my behaviour with others. I learned that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) had the best character. He did not quarrel, lie or act arrogantly. He was humble, kind and understanding. These are the things I need to include in my character too.
The best part of the book was the description of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) by Ali (r.a). Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was of medium height. He had broad shoulders, curly hair and white skin. I bet the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was a beautiful person inside and out. I only wish I could see him and also become just like him.

Ali - Grade 5

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) lived in an era of abject poverty. The number of poor, hungry and homeless people are on the rise everywhere in the world. Even in developing countries like the US, Canada and UK, many people are begging on the streets and eating out of garbage cans. But we do nothing to help them while the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) worked hard to close the gap between the rich and poor. Whenever food was presented to him, even it was scarce, he would always share it with those around him. Even when he had only one cup of milk and a few grains of rice, he would allow others to eat from it before he would take a bite. MashaAllah Allah blessed him so much because of his generosity that even though there was insufficient food to go around, it still satisfied everyone.
Alhamdulillah today there is no problem of food shortages in the grocery stores and in our fridges at home. In fact we throw food out because so much is left over. Instead of wasting money and wasting food we can save some and give it out to those who are dying for it. We can save so many lives and bring Islam to so many people with just a little effort.

Maheen - Grade 5

Tradeshow 2009

Some Islamic artistry and creativity of students...

The Etiquette of Learning

Be patient over the teacher's strictness and sternnes,
For there are scores of knowledge in his authority.
Whoever does not taste the humility of learning even for an hour,
Will drink from the humility of ignornace for the rest of his life.
For him who misses out on learning in his youth,
Then announce four Takbiraat over him for his death is due.
By Allah, the life of a youth is by knowledge and piety.
If these are not present then nothing can express his existence.

Poem by Anonymous
Shared by Lubna, AWIS Staff

How to teach children?

If children live with criticism, they will learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they will learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they will learn apprehension.
If children live with ridicule, they will learn to feel shy.

If children live with pity, they will learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with shame, they will feel guilty.
If children live with jealousy, they will learn envy.
If children live with encouragement, they will learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance, they will learn patience.
If children live with acceptance, they will learn to love.
If children live with approval, they will learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty, they will learn truthfulness.

If children live with fairness, they will learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they will learn respect.
If children live with security, they will learn to have faith in themselves and in those around them.
If children live with friendliness, they will learn that this world is a nice place to live in.


Poem by Dorothy Law
Shared by Lubna, AWIS Staff

Who is ulimate bad guy?

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ لَا يَفْتِنَنَّكُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ كَمَا أَخْرَجَ أَبَوَيْكُم مِّنَ الْجَنَّةِ يَنزِعُ عَنْهُمَا لِبَاسَهُمَا لِيُرِيَهُمَا سَوْآتِهِمَا إِنَّهُ يَرَاكُمْ هُوَ وَقَبِيلُهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا تَرَوْنَهُمْ
“O children of Adam, let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them.” – Qur’an, 7:27

إِنَّمَا ذَ‌ٰلِكُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ يُخَوِّفُ أَوْلِيَاءَهُ فَلَا تَخَافُوهُمْ وَخَافُونِ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
“That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.” – Qur’an 3:175

إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَن يُوقِعَ بَيْنَكُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاءَ فِي الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ وَيَصُدَّكُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَعَنِ الصَّلَاةِ  فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّنتَهُونَ
  “Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allāh and from prayer. So will you not desist?” – Qur’an, 5:91

Of the tactics which Shaytan avails is humiliation, terror and anger. Skin-tight, low-neck, short, transparent and flashy shirts, skirts and pants are Satanic clothing designed to degrade and insult women's character and personality. Such clothing portrays women as cheap, brainless, and insolent and promiscuous. Violence against women is the result of wearing satanic clothing.

Shaytan strikes terror and fright in the hearts of young children through horror cartoons and movies, storybooks and music. He arouses them to intimidate and shock other on days such as Halloween. From Halloween costumes to candy, everything is Satanic, intended  to spook and terrify people.

Shaytan magnifies our problems and intensifies anger and confusion in our hearts until we fight and curse; yell and hurt our family and friends, neighbours and strangers. Shaytan avidly thirsts for arguments and bickering, for slapping and snatching. Through smoking cigarettes, drinking and gambling he sows more rage and fury in our hearts. He kills our health, misuses our wealth and shames us further. Shaytan will not rest until he has made us forget Allah and become heedless in Salah.

Allah says Shaytan is eyeballing us constantly. He is laying in wait to pounce at us and devour us entirely. Shaytan is our worst enemy. Check yourself: Do I wear Hijab properly and cover my body with full sleeves' long shirts? Do I fear Allah alone? Have I stopped watching and reading Satanic TV shows and books? Have I abandoned bickering and have I given up swearing? What is the condition of my Salah? Do I concentrate and pray with love and respect for Allah? How much do I remember Allah outside of Allah?

How to tell your friends about Salah

Mahum: Studying when adhan is called, closes pen and responds to the call of adhan, flips through the pages of the notebook in front of her and sighs.
Small Shaytan: "You are going for Salah? You can’t be serious! Did you forget about your final exams tomorrow? You need good grades to get into university. No one likes a dummy! There is still time to pray later, you have a genuine excuse. Just finish the fourth chapter, then you can pray?"
Mahum: "I seek refuge in Allah from shaytan"
Small Shaytan: hisses – "You are driving me crazy, adhan just finished, its still too early to pray. You better get most of your time, study a couple more pages, that will help you with your exam."
Mahum: "I seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan."


Big shaytan: calls small Shaytan – "You loser, he is escaping from you. Your exam trick is not working!"
Small shaytan: panics – "What can I do? He believes firmly in Allah, he is determined to pray."
Big shaytan: "You fool, go catch him quickly, remind him of an answer. Hurry up!"


Mahum: approaches little sister playing a computer game - "come little sister, its time to pray."
Amna: groans – "not now, I just started this game, five more minutes."
Mahum: "my dear, the most beloved deed to Allah is salah offered at its fixed time."
Amna: "okay, okay, you go ahead and get started, I will join you in a bit."
 Mahum: "Salah differentiates a Muslim from a non-Muslim, it is the barrier between belief and disbelief. Please guard your salah, the first question Allah will ask you is if you prayed or not. What is the purpose of your life?"
Amna: "To worship Allah."

Mahum: "Look at how Allah created us from single drop of sticky substance. How He proportioned our bones and balanced our features. He gave us a shape and a form. Eyes, ears and heart. We owe our health, our wealth, our everything to Him. Look how Allah created the earth submissive for us. He gives us to eat and drink from the earth. He cures us, protects us. He takes such good care of us. Look at the sky. How beautifully it covers the earth. The sun and the moon give us light, heat and tell us time."
Amna: "SubhanAllah! I was so lost in the game, I completely forgot these things. Allah is so Blessed, so Holy and Magnificient. He deserves to be worshiped. He is worthy of worship. I will never delay my salah again inshaAllah. JazakAllahu khairan for reminding me."

Mahum: "Waiiyakum ☺ Goes to the kitchen and addresses mama - Come mama, let us pray in the congregation together, we will get twenty-seven times more reward inshaAllah."
Mama: "No beta, the food is on the stove, I cannot leave it. You and your little sister go ahead and pray."
Mahum: "The food can wait mama, there is no purpose, no goal more dignified, more holy and sacred than worshiping Allah."
Mama: Smiles – "come, let’s pray together. So what else did you learn at Al Fawz Academy?"
Mahum: "So many things mama, alhamdulilah so many things" ☺

Fighting at the dinner table

Manal: "Hey, the last piece of chicken was mine, give it to me. Mom! Look he won’t give me the last piece of chicken, he already had two."

Arfaa: "Haha…you have to be quicker than that to catch up with me."

Shaytan: "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

Mom:  "Children, please share, Allah will bless your food if you are kind to each other and divide it equally amongst yourselves."

Mariam: "I don’t want to eat this, I hate this, it tastes ugly."

Shaytan: "good, whine … whine, complain"

Mom:  "Dear, please say bismillah and put it in your mouth. Its pure and healthy. Allah has made it for you. You will like it if you only say bismillah."

Mariam: groans and moans

Nadir: "Salam mom, I am late for my game

Mom: My child, please sit down and eat and don’t use your left hand, Shaytan east’s with his left hand."

Shaytan: eats with him

Nadir: "yea, yea, maybe next time."

While pulling each others’ plates, the chicken falls apart. Manal is knocked off the chair and Arfa hits her plate in her face. Mariam complains of feeling dizzy and Nadir throws up. 

Mom:  mom gathers her children around her – "Children, if you are remember Allah and are grateful to Him, He will increase you in blessings. And when I tell you say bismillah, and eat with your right hand while sitting down, it is for the good of your body and soul. But if you forget Allah then Shaytan will remember you and continue to bother you."

Manal, Arfaa: "InshaAllah we won’t fight from now, we will share with each other."

Mariam: "InshaAllah I won’t complain."

Nadir: "InshaAllah I will make sure I sit down and eat with my right hand."

Mom: " Ya Allah, have mercy on my children and protect them from the traps of Shaytan aameen. Maybe I should send them to a place where they can formally learn the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w)."

How to tell your friend about Hijab?

Sana: fixes her hijab in front of the washroom mirror

Shaytan: approaches Sana – “Are you going out like that? What will your friends say? Your face looks so place, and your eyes are swollen as if you have just gotten out of bed. No, no. You must at least wear some make-up, all the girls your age are wearing make-up. Are you going to a funeral? You can’t wear a plain hijab. And the abaya…the abaya makes you look like a black tent. Do you want your friends to make fun of you? Wear a hijab with sparkles, at least this will get people’s attention. And you have to wear a more fitted abaya but if I were you, I would go for the skinny jeans and the halter-top."

Sana: Yes, I have to look cool. What will others say?

Hafsa: Enters the washroom to wash her hands and finds Sana in hijan – "You know, I am very happy to see you in proper hijab and abaya mashaAllah. Society only sees women as a collection of body parts. They determine our worth based on how much skin we show. But when women cover themselves and dress modestly, they are recognized as intelligent, hardworking and spiritual human beings. The abaya protects our privacy and dignity It frees us from being objectified. It marks us out to be taken seriously and treated with respect. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, “Allah does not look at your appearance and your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.” Therefore, a Muslim places more emphasis on perfecting her inner profundity and performing good deeds."


Sana: smiles – "you are right."

Hafsa: "And you know, immodesty is from shaytan. Shaytan wants to keep us busy and worried about the way we look and what people think about us so that we have no time to gain beneficial religious knowledge and do good deeds."

Sana: "SubhanAllah, I never thought of it this way."

Hafsa: "So if shaytan ever discourages you, just remember that you are obeying Allah when you wear hijab and abaya. And the quality of women of Paradise is that they cover."

Sana: "JazakAllahu khairan" – smiles – "I will do that. MashaAllah, how do you have so much knowledge?"

Hafsa: "I study the Qur’an at Al-Fawz Academy."


Sana: "But you are just a young girl."

Hafsa: "Qur’an is a reminder for all human beings, regardless to their age or gender. Let me show you how you can study it too."

Who is Shaitan?

 

  قَالَ أَرَأَيْتَكَ هَـٰذَا الَّذِي كَرَّمْتَ عَلَيَّ لَئِنْ أَخَّرْتَنِ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ لَأَحْتَنِكَنَّ ذُرِّيَّتَهُ إِلَّا قَلِيلً
[Iblees] said, "Do You see this one whom You have honored above me? If You delay me until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely destroy his descendants, except for a few.”

قَالَ اذْهَبْ فَمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ فَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ جَزَاؤُكُمْ جَزَاءً مَّوْفُورًا
[Allāh] said, "Go, for whoever of them follows you, indeed Hell will be the recompense of you – an ample recompense." -  Qur'an, 17:62-63

The ugly fiend monster Shaitan vowed to eat children.  لَأَحْتَنِكَنَّ ذُرِّيَّتَهُ literally means to consume and devour fully, to gobble and swallow viciously, little boys and girls.  تحنيك from the same root and means "to give taste." Shaytan pinches and pokes every child upon its birth (hadith). Shaytan seeks to capture children, cause them pain and with his evil touch, he wants to make corrupt and immoral. احتنكل فرس also shares the same root and it means, "to give rein to a horse." Shaytan has vowed to manipulate and possess children just as a horseman controls and dominates his ride.

 Shaytan deliberately and ruthlessly preys on youngsters. It is incumbent upon adults to especially protect children and embend in them Islamic values. Little ones and teachers must be extra careful and guard themselves against the tricks and traps of Shaytan. It is necessary for children to learn about Islam and study the Qur'an as defense and protect against Shaytan.  

The end result of the youth who follow Shaytan is Hellfire. They lives will be ruined but there Hereafter will also be wretched and miserable.  There is no benefit in following Shaytan. It only brings dread and suffering in this word and ghastly and painful punishment in the Hellfire.

وَاسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُم بِصَوْتِكَ وَأَجْلِبْ عَلَيْهِم بِخَيْلِكَ وَرَجِلِكَ وَشَارِكْهُمْ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ وَعِدْهُمْ  وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا
“And incite [to senselessness] whoever you can among them with your voice and assault them with your horses and foot soldiers and become a partner in their wealth and their children and promise them." But Satan does not promise them except delusion.” Qur’an, 17:64

Shaytan uses his voice to deceive and defile human beings. He incites filthy and abhorent ideas into our minds and makes debased and repugnant act appear attractive and tempting. Shaytan employs music and vocal instruments to mislead people away from Allah. Shaytan's mission is to coerce and compel every man, woman and child to the path of destruction and devastation. Check yourself: in whose company do you remember Allah and feel closer to Him? And with which friends you muse in sin?

 
قَالَ فَبِمَا أَغْوَيْتَنِي لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَاطَكَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
[Satan] said, "Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path.

ثُمَّ لَآتِيَنَّهُم مِّن بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَانِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَائِلِهِمْ  وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَاكِرِينَ
Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].” Qur’an, 7:16-17

 

Shaytan has sworn to damage and deviate every person on earth. He has pledged to attack and crush humanity with sin and evil from all sides. Shaytan will assail and pummel every man, woman and children even more when they struggle to learn about Allah and be His sincere slaves. Shaytan has waged a war against individuals. We must fight him off to our utmost degree adn win the pleasure of Allah. Check yourself: When a negative whisper from Shaytan comes, do I fight against it or give into it?

Why should we perform Salah?

“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and for-bid what is wrong and establish Salah...” [9:71]

What is Salah?

Imagine meeting your Best Friend at your favourite hangout. Your Friend knows everything about you, you can always count on your Friend to be there for you when-ever you need. Your friend is also very gen-erous, He gives you a lot of cool gifts and beneficial advises. You are always happy in the company of your Friend. This is the example of Salah. Allah is our Best Friend, available for us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We can meet Him in Salah, receive His mercy and blessings and come out happy with peace.

Salah is from the Arabic word 'silah' which means connection. Salah is a personal experience and intimate connection with Allah, our Loving and Merciful Creator. Salah engages the mind, body and soul in a series of physical rituals coupled with Qur'anic recitation and Prophetic supplication.
Before we discuss why we should perform Salah, we must first know Allah, to Whom we are performing Salah to. Allah has introduced Himself in the Qur'an with amazing and astonishing Attributes and Characteristics.

Who is Allah?

“Allah - there is no God except Him, the Everliving and the Everlasting, the Sustainer of (all) existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the Heavens and whatever is on the earth...His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and there is preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.” [2:255]

“Have they not looked at the heaven above them - how We structured it and adorned it and [how] it has no rifts? And the earth - We spread it out and set mountains and made grow therein [something] of every beautiful kind….And We have sent down blessed rain from the sky and made grow thereby gardens and grain from the harvest. And lofty palm trees having fruit ar-ranged in layers - as provision for the servants, and We have given life thereby to a dead land.” [50:6-11]

“It is He Who made the earth tame for you - so you walk among its slopes and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection….It is He Who produced you made for you hearing and vi-sion and hearts [intellect]; little are you grateful...it is He Who has multiplied you throughout the earth, and to Him you will be gathered.” [67:15,23,24]

Allah is so Holy, Magnificient and Perfect that everything in the universe glorifies Him; the trees droop their branches out of His respect, the ani-mals move with their heads hung low and even the birds tweet His praises. The shadows humble themselves to Allah and the mountains stand si-lently in His awe.

Why Salah?

“Do you not see that Allah is exalted by whomever is within the heavens and the earth and [by] the birds with wings spread [in flight]? Each [of them] has known his [means of] prayer and exalting [Him], and Allah is Knowing of what they do.” [24:41]

“The seven heavens and the earth and what-ever is in them exalt Him. And thereis not a thin except that it exalts [Allah] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting. Indeed.” [17:44]
“And the thunder exalts [Allah] with praise of Him—and the angels [as well] from fear of Him.” [13:13]

“And to Him is praise throughout the heav-ens and the earth.” [30:18]

Benefits of Salah

• Salah deepens our relationship with Allah, it brings us closer to Him.
• Salah is an acknowledgement of our faith and belief in Allah.
• Salah grants us patience and peace.
• Salah helps us overcome lonli-ness. It gives us an outlet to re-lease our thoughts, worries and desires to Allah.
• Salah helps us stay away from sins and temptations.
• Salah teaches us time manage-ment and self-control.

First day of AWIS

AWIS is a place where we get Islamic education and it is different from my public school. After a long summer break I am happy to meet my last year teachers and friends. I hope to never leave AWIS and be connected to Islam. The Islamic knowledge taught me good manners and time management skills. It has also taught me that only Allah can help me in all difficult times. I have also learned that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) is my role model. I wish to live my life following the commands of Allah and the actions of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). I really liked my first day and hope to always stay with AWIS and never leave it. I do dua for my teachers because they are giving us very beneficial knowledge in a amazing manner - Ali Grade 3

On the first day of AWIS I was eager to see my class fellows and teachers, because I havn’t seen them for a long time. As Qur’an is my favourite subject I can’t wait to learn more surahs and its translation, so I came to know about wonders of Qur’an. May Allah make us true muslims and fill our hearts with Imaan. Aameen   - Aamna Grade 3

Today when I came into my class, I found many familiar looking people. First we learned about successful people in duniya and akhirah. These people are successful because of their knowledge. This year my goals for AWIS is to get better marks and pass to the next class. I want to be a knowledgable person. I think AWIS is very good and helpful for me. It has changed my life and my families - Ayesha Grade 3

I really like AWIS because inshaAllah I am looking forward to learn a lot of new things about islam. At public school I really don’t like learning about French , history, math but I like reading stories about the prophets and try to tell people about one true religion. I like AWIS even though I have to wake up early to go to school. I am really glad that my mom put me in this program - Sabrina Grade 3

At the end of the day I was actually surprised that the day has gone very fast. I really liked AWIS. It was the best experience ever. I wish that it could be every day - Mahum - Grade3

At the time of Zuhr we all prayed , after salah we all made dua. I prayed to Allah that I want to be like Ustazah and I want to become a scholar. While we were going back home me and my friend talked a lot about how much we loved AWIS. We were sad because we wanted to stay longer, but we also knew that inshaAllah we will go every Saturday and Sunday - Umamah Grade 3

 

The Book of Manners

I really enjoyed reading "The Book of Manners". It taught me how to remember Allah always follow the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).  The sahaba (companions) r.a would have their tongue constantly moist in remembering Allah. When anyone of them would use the restroom, they would put a stone in their mouth to stop themselves from making dhikar. They were so focused in worshiping that remembering Him came naturally. It was second nature for the sahaba to think about Allah and thank Him and praise Him night and day.
As I read further into the book, I realized that following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) always connects us with Allah and wins us good deeds.  And if ou think about it, when you are doing a sunnah act, you will smile because you know that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) did the exact same thing. He was such a great man! And the great things that he used to do, now you are doing them too. This is such a good feeling. It makes you feel special and then you remember Allah and say alhamdulillah.

Zainib - Grade 5

Muslim Child

"Muslim Child" is a book about Muslim children. It really opened my eyes to how beautiful and simple Islam is. Especially the children in this book are portrayed as "no problem" young people. They go about their lives, even obstacles in their path with such ease and confidence that I was surprised. Whenever they obey Allah, they came out of their problems successful. This was really a lesson for me, I make small things so difficult for myself when I need to only trust Allah and do the right thing and Allah will take care of the rest. 

I really like the hadith in the book, "Allah does not look at your appearance or your possessions, but He looks at your heart and the things you do." Allah loves me for who I am and what I do. I am not judged on how I look or what I have.
I think people have forgotten what Islam really is. Reading this book reminded me of the simplicity of Islam. It is the best best religion, indeed I love Islam.

The book ended with the du'a, "I am pleased with Allah as Lord, with Islam as the religion, and with Muhammad (s.a.w) as the Prophet." I really like this du'a.

Zainib - Grade 5

Stories of Repentance

"Stories of Repentance" is a beautiful book complied with short stories of forgiveness. One of my favourite stories was that of a convert Muslim. He embraced Islam when he was journey through ship with Muslims. The part of the story that really struck me was the following,
"At the ed of the first evening of travel, all of us crew men got ready to go to sleep. Our new passenger [the newly converted Muslim] said, "O People! the Lord that you guided me to, does He sleep?" We said, "He is the Everliving, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtake Him." He looked at us and said, "It is indeed bad manners for a slave to sleep in the presence of his Master." He then jumped up and began to pray; and his crying voice could be heard until morning."
SubhanAllah this is the pinnacle of obedience and devoution to Allah. This new Muslim was so conscience and faithful to Allah that he spent his night in Salah. I am going to try and offer my daily Salah with similar love and concentration as this man.

Fatima - Grade 5 

Youths' Problems in the light of Qur'an & Sunnah

One thing that I learned from this book is that the solution to all youth's problems are in following the Qur'an and Sunnah. If youth have questions, the Qur'an and Sunnah have answers and resolutions. We need only read the Qur'an and ahadith and "a way out" will jump right out to us.
I also learned that there are three types of youth: the upright youth, the corrupt youth and the confused youth. I want to inshaAllah be among the upright youth. The upright youth believe in Allah and observe salah. They love to do good deeds and they safeguard themselves from sin. But corrupt youth stricken with disbelieve. They deny and disobey Allah. The confused youth are not really sure what to believe. Sometimes they follow the the norms of society and sometimes the teachings of Islam. They are not really sure what to do and which to choose. I pray that Allah guides us aameen.

Usman - Grade 5

Allah Known Through Reason

"Allah Known Through Reason" by Harun Yahya catalogs proofs of Allah's existence via science. Take for example, I learned that the Big Bang emanated time, matter and energy in an instant. It is impossible for all the elements of life to coexist per chance. Likewise, I learned that it is not a coincidence that a caterpillar makes its cocoon without receiving any training or education in engineering or designing. The sun, moon and plants revolve around their orbits at fixed speed. None of the celestial bodies alter from their path or collide. This too is not an accident. I learned that Allah has programed the space, animals and nature to function in a certain manner. I learned that Darwin's theory of evolution is a hoax. It is meant to turn people away from the worship of Allah and make them think that everything is just a joke. But the truth is that everything, big and small from a pencil to a mountain has a purpose. It did not evolve but was created deliberately by Allah to fulfill a purpose. So human beings also have a meaning in life. That is to worship Allah. I really liked this book.

Usman - Grade 5

O Allah!

In the past, I'd always thought I was alone. I would be told, "You create your living with your own hands and you destroy it with yours alone." I've been taught that there was no one be depend on. All those whom i love, parents, siblings, relatives, friends, teachers will inevitably seek their own, pleasure and sake in the very end.
In the beginning I wouldn't be able to speak. No one would understand me so I wouldn't talk. Instead I would watch quietly. And because I wouldn't talk others couldn't understand what I wanted. It was frustrating. I could say that it wasn't fair forgetting all the countless blessings that I've already been given.
After reading and studying with meaning and studying with meaning the first verse of the very firt chapter of the Qur'an, I began to comprehend what blessing we had; both seen and unseen. I also found that I'm not alone. I have a Friend. A Friend that is better than all, One that is always there, giving protection, mercy and watching over me every second of my life. I've been given this blessing and many, many many more. Indeed, You deserve ALL praise. I want to pelase You and make You happy, because you gave me happiness. I know i can never return even an atom of that which you have given me. All I can do is try and please You and even then I need help. Ya Allah I seek refuge in You from the accursed shaitan.

Sumaiya - Grade 5