Eid-al-Adha Muhabarak :) :)

Dear Students and Parents,
Eid-al-Adha Mubarak :) :)

Eid-al-Adha is a special Muslim occasion celebrated at the end of Hajj.
Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia where Muslims from all around the world gather, and over the course of five days, worship Allah with sincerity and devotion, seeking forgiveness for their sins and giving in charity.

The Hajj is an Abrahamic tradition still commemorated by Muslims today. By going for Hajj or observing prayers and fasts at home, Muslims annually renew their commitment to the Sublime Creator, peace, compassion, altruism, universal brotherhood and good citizenship.

On Eid day, Muslims sacrifice an animal and distribute its meat amongst the poor as a token of our resolution to social welfare and justice.

Happy Eid :) :)

Source: http://www.alhudapk.com/audio-video/assorted/qurbani/qurbani.asp

Don't be Sad

Sometimes I feel as though i have hit rock bottom; that no matter how hard I try to swim myself to the surface again, the waves eventually flood me back to where I began.
"Don't be sad" is a book which has taught me how to not only reach the surface, but change the ocean I am swimming in. It has taught me that when one is best with trials from every corner; there comes a kind of guidance rooted in the commandments of Allah, and the Sunnah for those who choose to reach it. You see, there are so many books that deal with howe to cope with calamities adn depresion that I have read, or even how to achieve happiness but they never seem to get to the heart of the problem: faith in Allah. See it doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, becaseu happiness cannot be determined by time or place, but instead by one's love for Allah and obedience to Him, mattters that are rooted in a person's heart.

From the book, one of the most memorable quotes I have ever come across struck me and I have written it in my journal to reind myself that if faith settles itself in the heart, happiness and tranquility will prevade both heart and soul, and overcome the waves pushing you down.
Another thinker said, "It is almost  possible for you , while you are behind steel bars, to look out upon the horizon and to smelll roses. It is also extremely plausable for you to be in a castle replete with opulence and comfort, and yet  be angry and discontented with your family and wealth.
May Allah grant me a strong understanding and become steadfast in my religion and let my love for it to strive above all else so that it may reach a better harbour - aameen.


Fatima - Grade 5

Convert to Islam

This week I read a story from  an article. A woman converted to Islam after studying different religions. At first she briefly skimmed through some Islamic books without taking any serious notice or interest. Then she met a person who was also searching through different religions but was very impressed by Islam. After seeing her a few times he told her that she has intrinsically many Islamic qualities. Curious, she accepted from him a copy of the Qur'an and a hadith book. Her curiosity turned into love and she accepted Islam. She realized the media had been all wrong about Islam. The Qur'an was a peaceful guide to live full of altruistic instructions. Her parents opposed her at first but she was convinced and happy with Islam. She started wearing the hijab and still wears it to this day.
I realized what a great affect friends have on our personality and our decision. They can steer to Islam or away from it. I have many non-Muslim friends and after reading this book, I feel it is important that I tell them about Islam so they can make better choices in their lives.
I was so amazed to read about how comfortable and confident she was in wearing the hijab. She had no Muslim friends or influence yet she put on the hijab and it became a part of her. We have Muslim families and backgrounds, she we struggle and doubt to wear teh hijab. I guess we are lacking in faith. If we believed with conviction and took religion seriously, we would not feel ashamed. I liked her story.

Maheen - Grade 5

Opening of Qur'an...

Before beginning every action, one must commit herself to Allah, and acknowledge that every deed should be done with the end in mind of seeking Allah's mercy and happiness. As I stand at the bring of this Surah, about to unfold the mose marvelous conversation, advise, and opening between My Lord and His slave -I acknowledge that the dedication in learning these verses are for His sake, and pleasure, so that one day I will be able to see my Creator, knowing His Endless mercy upon me.

When I observed the skies, I noticed what most people do: the silver lining over the horizon, the seaming colours of deep blue mixed with pigment white, the tree under it, the hillside and the lake nearby. It is not a new site until i look again and struggle to star until i can lay a finger on the details. Then there is new definition and we become astonished, awed, inspired, and throw away. We begin to notice things we never thought existed before. At this point in observations, my mind drifts away from teh perfect live images and move to the Artist Himself. The clouds, the rocks, the sea beds, seem to chant His Name. The Name of a Planner who provided an protected them, their Rule of life and Death and the Designer of the Worlds.  All praise and gratitude, with appreciation, love, respect and thanks naturally drift to Allah and a feeling of humbleness overwhelms my mind. There is no other Artist like Him.,and He is the only one deserving of this praise, His qualities is the symbolic world around us confirm not only Hi existence, but they inspire me to reflect on them and only return love for the peace in my heart, family and religion.

There are judges in courts, high ranking bosses in business, and princes of palaces. Yet, the Most Significant amongst all the  Rulers is Allah, Who as the Sovereign of the whole universe, is more lenient than all the people's love and kindness combined. His mercy transcends all borders, surpasses all races and languages. He is the Benevolent, Benefactor of all living things. It is His mercy that He forgives us and allow us to grow and choose our destination freely.

People live their lives as if they will live forever, not knowing that they might die tomorrow. What happens then? The ones who struggled to strive, are their efforts lost? Do teh god and the bad have the same end? The truth comes down to one day. A Day where there will be no masks, pretending or hiding. It is the Day of Retribution, when you and I will receive what we have deserved and our deeds shall be weighed.  I will not be able to run away from my mistakes or hide them and give excuses instead. Allah will not leave a single, even a small deed until He has judged it and recompensed me for it.


Fatima - Grade 5