Halaqa # 13

Optimism

Attendance:

• 2  Sisters

Location:  Headquarters

Agenda: (please note, we have included many links where you can read in detail more on each subject)

• OPENING DUA

All praise is for Allah who gave us life after having taken it from us and unto Him is the resurrection.

A dua for waking up from Fortress of the Muslim (with audio)

• QURAN RECITATION

We read Surah Fatihah aloud altogether, then sisters individually read aloud a few letters/words, ayahs (according to her ability and with the help and encouragement of her fellow sisters).  We read Surah Baqarah from Ayat 146  till Ayat 163.  In sha Allah, this will be an ongoing part of our halaqa and one day in sha Allah, we will have Khatam Quran and begin again.

• SISTER’S TALK

Sister Lamiaa gave an interesting talk about tests and trials we experience.  

To read her notes, click here.   

• LEARN A DUA

Part of being optimistic is making dua

Dua’s are never wasted

Aisha radhiallaahu anha said, "No believer makes Dua and it is wasted. Either it is granted here in this world or deposited for him in the Hereafter as long as he does not get frustrated."

Allah’s anger at those who don’t make dua

In fact, it is even wrong to never make Dua, "Whosoever does not supplicate to Allah, He will be angry with Him." [Saheeh Jaami`as-Sagheer #2414]

Source: http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/drawcloser.html

"O Allah, I ask You for knowledge which is beneficial and sustenance which is good, and deeds which are acceptable. (To be said after giving salam for the fajr prayer)  
for audio   see dua #95   link to hisnulmuslim

• PODCAST

#37: Why YOU Should Become An Optimist

by Muslim Life Hackers  (17:51)

link

• SISTERS TALK

Sister Winnie read an article written by Sister Rabia titled:

Hajj Journey: Reflections of a Woman who is Blind  

• CLOSING DUA

Oh Allah, grant us the patience to forebear our personal trials, the ability to overcome all obstacles that hinder us from your path. Allow us  reflect your love to us through our optimistic attitudes.  

If any of this information was good and true, know that it comes from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.  If there are mistakes we ask for Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy.

Halaqa # 12

Fall Harvest

Attendance:

• 3  Sisters
• 1  Junior Sister

Location:  Headquarters

Agenda: (please note, we have included many links where you can read in detail more on each subject)

• OPENING DUA

Oh Allah, grant us the ability to maximise our good deeds, acts of worship during these blessed days.  Increase our faith and free our bodies of impediments that prevent our growing closer to you.

• QURAN RECITATION

We read Surah Fatihah aloud altogether, then sisters individually read aloud a few letters/words, ayahs (according to her ability and with the help and encouragement of her fellow sisters).  We read Surah Baqarah from Ayat 135  till Ayat 145.  In sha Allah, this will be an ongoing part of our halaqa and one day in sha Allah, we will have Khatam Quran and begin again.

• SISTER’S TALK

Sister Rim gave an informative talk on Common Mistakes in Raising Children.  To read a transcript of her talk, click here.

• LEARN A DUA

How to seek Allah's protection for children

The Prophet (SAW) used to seek Allah's protection for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain by saying:

146. 'U'eethukumaa bikalimaatil-laahit-taammati min kulli shaytaanin wa haammatin, wa min kulli 'aynin laammatin.

I seek protection for you in the Perfect Words of Allah from every devil and every beast , and from every envious blameworthy eye.

Reference: Al-Bukhari4/119.

Source: http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/Fortress/048.html

• SISTERS TALK

Sister Winnie read an article on the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

• VIDEO

Sister Winnie really enjoyed the following video and wanted to share it with you all.  She also wanted to know more about the sister  in the video and found the following short write up on Wikipedia.

Inspiring talk about Wearing Hijab (5:28) by Sister Aminah Assilmi  (may Allah have mercy on her soul)

Aminah Assilmi (b.Janice Huff, 1945 - 5 March 2010)[1] was a broadcast journalist, national Muslim community activist[2] and former director of the International Union of Muslim Women.[3] Formerly a Southern Baptist preacher, she converted to Islam in 1977 in college while trying to convert some Muslims to Christianity. As the director of International Union of Muslim Women, she visited campuses discussing Islam. She was named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world in 2009 by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre based in Amman, Jordan.[4]

Assilmi was involved in the release of the 2001 Eid stamp,[4] as well as future anniversary editions. She was also involved in creating an educational centre for Muslim converts. She died on March 5, 2010 in a car accident while returning from a speaking engagement in New York. She had a daughter and two sons, as well as several grandchildren.[1]

She appears in the 2005 National Film Board of Canada documentary film about North American Muslim women, entitled Me and the Mosque.[5]

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aminah_Assilmi

• DISCUSSION

We didn’t have a main topic for today's Halaqa, so we discussed amongst ourselves what should we title it and decided upon “Fall Harvest”

• CLOSING DUA

Taken from the book “Fortress of the Muslim”  #257

Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: For me to say:

Subhaanallaahi, walhamdu lillaahi, wa laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu, wallaahu 'Akbar.

Glory is to Allah, and praise is to Allah, and there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and Allah is the Most Great.

is dearer to me than all that the sun rises upon (i.e. the whole world).

Reference: Muslim 4/2072.

If any of this information was good and true, know that it comes from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.  If there are mistakes we ask for Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy.