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

*Part of ayah 114 Surah Taha(20)

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).

https://tajweed.me/2011/09/04/the-connecting-hamzah-hamzatul-wasl/

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 ►. 

Everything previously mentioned is Revelation and Wisdom    Verse 39  pg 17

►Refutation of Those Who claim that the Angels are Daughters of Allah 

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

Everything glorifies Allah  Verses 44  pg 20

The Veil over the Hearts of the Idolators  Verses 45-46  pg 23

►The Secret Counsel of Quraysh after hearing the Qur'an  Verses 47-48  pg 26

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.   

Source: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/45559/the-divine-names-as-remedy

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” 

More information: https://dar-us-salam.com/english/women-family/125-great-women-of-islam.html

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

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..

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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 # 135

Rabi Al-Awwal  8, 1441 AH

Awareness

Year 6

                                     

Attendance: 

12 Sisters

3 Junior Sisters                                                                         

Location: Our Headquarters

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

*Part of ayah 114 Surah Taha(20)

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 28-38.  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 the vowel marks, in particular, the Sukun.

VOWEL	EXAMPLE	Pronounced  as...
Fat-ha	فَ	fa
Dhamma	فُ	fu
Kas-ra	فِ	fi
Sukoon	فْ	f

The sukūn ⟨سُكُون⟩ is a circle-shaped mark ـْـ placed above a letter. It indicates that the consonant to which it is attached is not followed by a vowel. The sukūn may have also an alternative form like a small comma ـۡـ

We played a few verses from  Surah Al-Israa recited by  Sheikh Husary to listen for the sukun letters.

To read more about Tajweed click below:

Reach the Goal Via Tajweed Rules Compiled by Sister Maha Rashed

QURAN: TAFSIR

Sister Alia read an English Approximation (Sahih International) of Surah Al-Israa (17)  verses 28-38.

We have chosen to use Tafsir Ibn Kathir   Volume 5 

Sister Maryum read part 7.

Moderation in Spending    

Verse 29-30  pg 612-614

Prohibition of killing Children 

Verse 31  pg 615

The Command to avoid Zina (Unlawful Sex) and Everything that leads to it 

Verse 32  pg 616-617

Prohibition of Unlawful Killing Allah forbids killing with no legitimate reason    

Verse 33  pg 618-619

The Command to handle the Orphan's Wealth properly and to be Honest in Weights and Measures  Verses 34-35  pg 620-621

Do not speak without Knowledge  

Verses 36  pg 621-623

Condemnation of strutting 

Verses 37-38  pg 623-624

Discussion: We had a very interesting discussion about how society and social media encourage one to boast and promote yourself.

GREAT WOMEN OF ISLAM WHO WERE GIVEN THE GOOD NEWS OF PARADISE

Sister Alia read from page 62 the last paragraph to the last paragraph of page 63.

Hafsah bint "Umar radi Allahu anha

Discussion:  We discussed the pairing of the Ansar and the Muhajarin, and how we should implement a similar program for new Muslims.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

DON’T BE SAD

Sisters Sarah and Souheir took turns  reading the Dua’s from  Take a moment to reflect  Pdf pg 71

Discussion:  What is your favourite dua?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

A TEMPORARY GIFT

Sister Rim read: Love, Unravelling: Still Alive

  page 113

Link to Purchase a pdf                Link to buy

Discussion:  It is impermissible to declare someone who has died, a martyr.  This is the realm of Allah. Only Allah knows who is a martyr and who is not.

News and Schedule

In sha Allah, 

Next Halaqa Thursday, November 21st.

BONUS

Are you aware of all the free classes at Seekers Guidance at their new location?

https://seekersguidance.org/canada/

NURTURING EEMAN IN CHILDREN  

Sister Rim read the following:  

Part Two: Connecting Children to Pillars of Islam 

Chapter Ten:   The Day of Resurrection and the Hereafter    Pdf pg 131

2nd part continuing from last time we read from this book when Sr. Bana read the first section

Belief in the Day of Resurrection and the hereafter................ 3 pages

Discussion:  One idea to show young children the concept of “Resurrection” is when they have a wound and over time, it heals by the will of Allah.  

FITNESS BREAK

Two new classes from Sister Carly:

http://inhomeholistix.com/

1-Fit Happens Bootcamp. 

         Starts November 6th

2- Mindful Movement and Mobility 

           Starts November 14

ASMA UL HUSNA

Sister Alia read info about the following two names of Allah from Part 1.

O Allah, As-Salaam, we know that all peace and safety comes from You alone.

O Allah, Al-Mu’min, we know that You are the Source of Faith and Giver of safety.

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

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..

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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.