Thursday, November 21, 2019

What does Islam say about bullying?



Prepared and Presented by Sister Rim:


With bullying awareness week/month coming to an end I’ve been listening to all the stories and information my kids received in school about bullying and how to stop or prevent it from happening. I thought to myself what does Islam have to say about bullying? Contrary to what many believe, bullying is not a new issue. It has been around in many forms since the beginning. Whether it be in the form of name-calling, pride and egos and all forms of abuse, bullying can destroy people’s lives and level societies.


Islam is a curriculum for how to live and it has the solution for every societal problem. Therefore it’s important for us to look into the Quran and Hadith to see how we can deal with bullying.


Bullying is a form of oppression and Islam forbids all forms of oppression and injustice. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said “Be on your guard against oppression for oppression is a darkness on the day of resurrection” (Sahih Muslim). In another Hadith, the prophet peace be upon him said: “Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed”. The prophet was then asked, “It is right to help someone who is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” He replied: “By preventing him from oppressing others.”(Sahih Bukhari).


The prophet peace be upon him was heard saying “He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do that, then he should do it with his tongue; and if he has not strength enough to do even that, then he should (at least abhor it) from his heart; and that is the least of faith”.


It’s important to stand up to oppression and to stand up for others. In doing so it creates an environment in which hurtful words and behaviours are not tolerated. It allows upstanders to show solidarity with the bullied and demonstrates disapproval of the bully's actions. After all, it is a religious duty to do so. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says “And let there be (arising) from you a nation inviting to (all that is) good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful” Quran 3:104


Halaqa # 136

   
Rabi Al-Awwal  23, 1441 AH


At Peace 
Year 6
                                           
Attendance: 
7 Sisters
2 Junior Sisters                                                                    


Location: Amanah Room

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


Opening Dua

O Allah, bless this Halaqa, allow us to gain, act upon and share beneficial knowledge. 
Guide us, forgive our sins and grant us Jannah with our families and loved ones. 
O my Lord increase me in knowledge*رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًا   Ameen


Quran: Reading


We read Surah Fatihah aloud altogether, then sisters individually read aloud a few words, ayahs (according to her ability and with the help and encouragement of her fellow sisters). We read Surah Al-Israa verses 39-49.  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. 



Quran: Tajweed

We learned about Madd (Elongation) of certain letters and pointed out that there are numerous types of Madd. https://tajweed.me/2011/01/12/ahkaam-al-madd/


Also, we reviewed the rule of “Hamzatul Wasl (the connecting Hamza).


We listened to the first verse from  Surah Al-Israa recited by Sheikh Husary for review.

We have found a new website that provides comprehensive information about Tajweed.     Tajweed A Brief Guide

Quran: Tafsir

Sister Mai read an English Approximation (Sahih International) of Surah Al-Israa (17)  verses 39-49.


We have chosen to use Tafsir Ibn Kathir   Volume 6 
Sister Alia read the ones marked




Verse 40  pg 17 Verse 41  pg 19 Verse 42-43    pg 19


Everything glorifies Allah  Verses 44  pg 20






Asma ul Husna


Sister Alia read information about our next two names and then we recited the first 8 names together.  After each name, we said, Jalla Jalaaluhu.

Source: 99 Names of Allah – Part 1 (Seeking help with Asma ul Husna ) Series



Part 1








Discussion:   We discussed the validity of following each name with Jalla Jalaaluhu.  


Jalla Jalaaluhu (Glorified be His Majesty) (May His Majesty be Glorified) is not a name of Allaah as proven in the Saheeh evidence.


No one knows how many names Allaah has except Allaah Himself, and all of them are beautiful. We must believe in them and in the perfection, majesty and might of Allaah to which they point. It is haraam to disbelieve in them by rejecting all of them or any of them or to deny the perfection of Allaah or any of the attributes of Allaah indicated by these names.   





Great Women of Islam Who Were Given the Good News of Paradise

Sister Mai read pages 64-67.
Hafsah bint "Umar radi Allahu anha  
Discussion:   Death of her husband, Khanees, She becomes a “Mother of the believers” 


Sisters Share


Sister Rim presented some research she did on the concept of Islam and bullying.  Particularly relevant as local schools are focusing on: 

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week – November 17-23, 2019 
Here is a link to her presentation: What does Islam say about bullying?
Discussion:  We were impressed with Sister Rim’s initiative and how she took something in the public realm and related it back to Islam and how there are solutions for every problem. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  


News and Schedule

In sha Allah, Next Halaqas:

Thursday, December 5th 
Thursday, December 19th.

Special  Holiday (children home from school) Halaqa:  Thursday, January 2nd.

Bonus


Our Junior Member Maimoona wanted to share with us information about a new Masjid in Ottawa.  She absolutely loves it and wanted to encourage us all to visit it. Sister Bana read from their website and we learned more about the centre.

Rhoda Masjid and Spiritual Wellness Centre

Rhoda Mihrab.jpg

Discussion:  We discussed the centre’s focus to join senior members with younger members and how this connection is so beneficial. 


A Temporary Gift

Sister Nissa read: Love, Unravelling: Meeting Amr in my dreams page 115
Link to Purchase a pdf                Link to buy

 



Closing Dua

For the expiation of sins, said at the conclusion of a sitting or gathering. 

To listen to this dua click here



"How perfect You are O Allah, and I praise You.
 I bear witness that None has the right to be worshipped except You.
 I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance."
سُبْحـانَكَ اللّهُـمَّ وَبِحَمدِك، أَشْهَـدُ أَنْ لا إِلهَ إِلاّ أَنْتَ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتوبُ إِلَـيْك
Subhânaka l-lâhumma wa bi-hamdika. Ash-hadu an lâ ilâha illâ anta, astaghfiruka wa atûbu ilayka..




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.