Thursday, December 18, 2014

Halaqa # 18

Growing Closer to Allah
   
Attendance:
  • 6  Sisters
  • 2  Junior Sisters
Location:  Headquarters
Agenda: (please note, we have included many links where you can read in detail more on each subject)


  • OPENING DUA Screen Shot 2014-04-25 at 12.48.19 PM.png


  • 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 238  till Ayat 252.  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
Thanks to Sister Merve who brought to our attention to an Article on Productive Muslim entitled. 6 Steps to Get You Closer to Allah (SWT) Click here to read the article.


Sister Winnie presented the above article as a Slide presentation.  
To watch click here
  • LEARN A DUA

Fortress of the Muslim # 262 under section 130 The excellence of Remembering Allah
A desert Arab came to Allah’s Messenger (sallAllah alayhi wasalaam) and said, “Teach me a word that I can say.”  The Prophet told him to say:


Laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu, wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, Allaahu ‘Akbaru Kabeeran, walhamdu lillaahi katheeran, Subhaanallaahi Rabbil-‘aalameen, laa hawla wa laa quwwatta ‘illa billaahil-‘Azeezil-Hakeem.


There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Who has no partner, Allah is the Great, Most Great, and praise is to Allah in abundance, glory is to Allah, Lord of the worlds. There is no power and no might but by Allah the Mighty, the Wise.”


He said, “That is for my Lord, but what about me?”
The Prophet (sallAllah alayhi wasalaam) told him to say:


Allaahummaghfir lee, warhammnee, wahdiniee, warzuqnee.
Oh Allah forgive me,, and have mercy on me, and guide me, and provide for me.”


[Muslim 4/2072, Abu Dawood reports the same Hadith the addition: and when the Arab left, the Prophet (sallAllah alayhi wasalaam)) said: “He has filled his hands with goodness.” 1/220.]
  • SISTERS TALK
In the Amanah room there is a wall hanging with Allah’s names written. Here is a picture of it:
IMG_0236.JPG
All the sisters present took turns reciting Allah’s swt, beautiful names in English and Arabic. Then we each chose a name to research and present at an upcoming Halaqa. The names chosen are:

Ar-Rahman
Sister Rim
Ar-Rahim
Sister Amanny
Al-Hakeem
Sister Nissa
As-Salam
Sister Lamiaa
Al-Jabbar
Sister Winnie

  • SISTERS TALK

What is your intention when reciting Quran?

Sisters took turns reading aloud the following article:
  • SISTERS TALK
Sister Winnie brought to the sisters attention a short story written in Arabic. Sister Lamiaa kindly read that article and then translated into English for the benefit of all present. Click here for a link to the Arabic article and we would love if one of our members who speaks Arabic would send us an English translation to share with everyone.


  • VIDEO
Allah is Near   Nouman Ali Khan (12:25)


  • CLOSING DUA
To listen to the Dua: Click here then choose Dua 084


سُبْحـانَكَ وَبِحَمدِك، لا إِلهَ إِلاّ أَنْتَ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتوبُ إِلَـيْك.

AAaishah (r.a.a) said: Whenever The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) would betake a seat, read Quran or pray, he would always conclude it with certain words, I (i.e. AAaishah) said: O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), I have noticed that whenever you betake a seat, read Quran or pray, you always conclude it with these words. He said: Yes, whoever speaks good, it (i.e. the supplication) will be a seal for that goodness and whoever speaks ill, it will be an atonement for him.’
Subhanaka wabihamdik, la ilaha illa anta astaghfiruka wa-atoobu ilayk.
‘How perfect You are and I praise You. None has the right to be worshipped except You, I seek Your forgiveness and turn in repentance to You.’


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.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Giving Advice in Islam and our Duties as Muslims to do this

Presented by: Sister Rim


We live in a society and time where we are taught to mind our own business and not interfere with what other people are doing.  We see what people do, comment to ourselves or others , but rarely offer any constructive advice.  However, as Muslims it is our duty to give advice to one another.....


In surah Al-Imran Allah says:


كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ ۗ وَلَوْ آمَنَ أَهْلُ الْكِتَابِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ ۚ مِنْهُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَأَكْثَرُهُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ


Kuntum khayra ommatin okhrijat lilnnasi tamuroona bialmaAAroofi watanhawna AAani almunkari watuminoona biAllahi walaw amana ahlu alkitabi lakana khayran lahum minhumu almuminoona waaktharuhumu alfasiqoona


Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.


So we can note from this that giving advice, by enjoining what is right, is one of the things that sets us apart as Muslims.


It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:


“The rights of one Muslim over another are six.” It was said: What are they, O Messenger of Allaah? He said: “If you meet him, greet him with salaam; if he invites you, accept the invitation; if he asks for advice, give him sincere advice; if he sneezes and praises Allaah, say Yarhamuk Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you); if he falls sick, visit him; and if he dies, attend his funeral.”


Ash-Shawkaani (may Allah have mercy on him) said: What is meant by the words “The rights of the Muslim” is that they should not be omitted and doing them is either obligatory, or recommended to such an extent that it is very similar to being obligatory and should not be omitted. The word “right” (haqq) may be used in the sense of obligatory, as was mentioned by Ibn al-A‘raabi. (Muslim)
As Muslims we are required and obligated to offer sincere advice when we see our brother or sister doing wrong and to promote good behavior and morals.  However, not all of our advice giving is done correctly and may actually deter someone from taking our advice and become defensive.
Tips for giving advice:


Halaqa # 17

Intentions / Giving Advice
   
Attendance:
  • 6  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
رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًا
Rabbi zidni ilma.     
My Lord, increase me in knowledge.




  • 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 216  till Ayat 237.  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 read a talk about “Giving advice in Islam and our Duties as Muslims to do this”
To read a summary of her talk and also a link to tips for Giving Advice,
  • LEARN A DUA

What to say if you see someone afflicted by misfortune  (say this privately)


Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee 'aafaanee mimmab-talaaka bihi wa fadhdhalanee 'alaa katheerin mimman khalaqa tafdheela.


Praise is to Allah Who has spared me what He has afflicted you with, and preferred me greatly above much of what He has created.


Reference: At-Tirmithi 5/493,4. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/153


  • TECH TIP
Sister Asma (a member of our Shura Council recommends this site for listening and studying Quran.


She describes it as “a wonderful website where you can listen to Quran by different reciters while the English translation is highlighted as you go along.  Check it out and see if you find it useful.  You can adjust the settings as you wish. InshaAllah you will benefit from this excellent website.”
  • SISTERS TALK

What is your intention when reciting Quran?

Sisters took turns reading aloud the following article:
  • SISTERS TALK
Sister Winnie brought to the sisters attention a short story written in Arabic.  Sister Lamiaa kindly read that article and then translated into English for the benefit of all present. Click here for a link to the Arabic article and we would love if one of our members who speaks Arabic would send us an English translation to share with everyone.


  • VIDEO
Assumptions - Nouman Ali Khan (25:17)


  • CLOSING DUA
The Expiation of Assembly - Kaffaratul-Majlis
Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bihamdika, 'ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta, 'astaghfiruka wa 'atoobu 'ilayka.


Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise is to You. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You.


Reference: Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, At-Tirmithi and An-Nasa'i. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/ 153. Aishah (RA) said: "Allah's Messenger (SAW) did not sit in a gathering, and did not recite the Qur'an, and did not perform any prayer without concluding by saying ... (then she quoted the above)." This was reported by An-Nasa'i in 'Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah (no.308), and Dr. Farooq Hamadah graded it authentic in his checking of the same book, p. 273. See also Ahmad 6/77


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.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Learning Arabic ~ An Amanah Sisters Initiative

An Amanah Sisters Initiative

  • Classes Database

Recently Amanah Sisters emailed a link to an online intensive course for learning Arabic.  This info was shared with us by one of our Alumni members.  Frequently, we do get requests from sisters about classes for learning Arabic.  Some would like in-person classes or private tutoring and some are more comfortable in an online setting.  Amanah Sisters would like to build up a database of various locations for learning Arabic and we would like our members to participate in this endeavour.  If you know of a class happening, please reply in the comments below or send us the details in the Suggestion Box on the right of your screen.. Alternatively you can forward the details to our email address.  Classes can take any form and be for any level.  In sha Allah, we can build up a selection of options for our members to look through.
  • Learning together project

Amanah Sisters are proposing a “learning Arabic together ” group for like minded sisters who would like to learn Arabic from the comfort of their home. Amanah Sisters would like to see if any of our members are interested in joining with other sisters to follow along an online course (from our database) jointly. We could share notes and our progress with our fellow students and occasionally meet either in person or online.  Each sister could proceed at her own pace, yet knowing that she is part of a group. Also, this group would utilize  “native” Arabic speaker volunteers who could act as personal tutors to help with issues of pronunciation etc. Of course, this is only a proposal and would be further refined depending on the interest shown. Let us know your thoughts and ideas so that in sha Allah, we can further refine this project.


  • Teaching
The Learning Arabic together project described above would require “native” Arabic speaker volunteers who could be called upon by the students when specific questions arise or to check pronunciation etc.  This could involve as little as touching base with one specific sister or being in touch with multiple sisters etc.  By using a pre-existing course, your involvement would be simplified to just augment what is taught online. This could even be conducted via phone.  If you want to get involved or have other thoughts/ideas for this project, please get in touch with us.

Halaqa # 16


Learn Arabic/Teach Arabic

   

Attendance:

  • 7  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
'Asbahnaa wa 'asbahal-mulku lillaahi Rabbil-'aalameen, Allaahumma 'innee 'as'aluka khayra haathal-yawmi: Fathahu wa nasrahu wa noorahu, wa barakatahu, wa hudaahu, wa'a'oothu bika min sharri maafeehi wa sharri maa ba'dahu.

We have entered a new day and with it all the dominion which belongs to Allah, Lord of all that exists. O Allah, I ask You for the goodness of this day,2 its victory, its help, its light, its blessings, and its guidance. I seek refuge in You from the evil that is in it and from the evil that follows it.

Reference:
1 For evening recitation, say here: Allaahumma 'innee 'as'aluka khayra haathihil-laylati: "My Lord, I ask You for the good things of this night."
2 Abu Dawud 4/322. Its transmission chain is good (Hasan). See also Ibn Al-Qayyim, Zadul- Ma'ad 2/273.
Source: Number 89 on the webpage: http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/Fortress/027.html

  • 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 187  till Ayat 215.  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
Sisters took turns reading aloud the following article:

TEN REASONS WHY MUSLIMS SHOULD LEARN ARABIC

By:  AMIENOELLAH ABDEROEF.
  • LEARN A DUA

Dua while studying something difficult:
اللهم لا سهل إلا ما جعلته سهلا أنت تجعل الحزن إذا ما شئت سهلا
"Allahumma la sahla illama ja-'altahu sahla anta taj 'alu al hazana eza ma shi'ta sahal."
"Oh Allah! Nothing is easy except what you have made easy. If you wish, you can make the difficult easy."

  • TECH TIP
While surfing the net preparing for this halaqa Sister Winnie came across a site she thought our members might find interesting and considering the weather, relevant.  The site is for Masjid Al-Eiman the Buffalo mosque. (click here for the link)  Masha Allah, it has many informative sections including some for learning Arabic (just the letters or an entire course).  Have a look around their site, in sha Allah, you will find something to interest you.

  • LEARNING ARABIC:     An Amanah Sisters Initiative
    • Classes Database
    • Learning Together Project
    • Teaching
To learn more about this project, click here.
  • VIDEO
The Importance of Arabic Language -(13:57) Nouman Ali Khan


  • DISCUSSION
The sisters present debated the issue of using authentic Dua’s from the Quran and Sunnah versus ones that are made up by the sisters,  for our opening and closing dua sections.  It was an interesting discussion and we decided to use only authentic Dua’s from the Quran and Sunnah for our opening and closing Dua’s.

  • CLOSING DUA
Taken from today’s Quran reading
To listen to this dua click here

وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Waminhum man yaqoolu rabbana atina fee alddunya hasanatan wafee al-akhirati hasanatan waqina AAathaba alnnari

And from those who say, "Our Lord! Grant us in the world good and in the Hereafter good, and save us (from the) punishment (of) the Fire."



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.