Thursday, March 18, 2021

Halaqa # 177

Shabaan 4, 1442 AH 26 days to Ramadan*


Hold Your Tongue



Year 7


Attendance:  8 Sisters

Location: Online via Google Meet

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


Note: During our Halaqa’s, Allah willing,  we encourage discussion after each section.  Sisters can share their reflections, thoughts and questions.

 

 

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: Reciting

Sister Alia read Surah Fatihah aloud; then she recited from Surah al-Anbiyaa verses 1-10, followed by Sister Rim, reading the English Approximation by Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran.  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: Tafsir

Surah al-Anbiyaa verses 1-10

Introduction to Ambiyaaa

Which was revealed in Makkah

The Virtues of Surat Al-Anbiya'

Al-Bukhari recorded that `Abdur-Rahman bin Yazid said that `Abdullah said, 

"Banu Isra'il, Al-Kahf, Maryam, Ta Ha and Al-Anbiya' - 

they are among the earliest and most beautiful Surahs and they are my treasure.''


We have chosen to use Tafsir Ibn Kathir   Volume 6 

Sister Alia read #?1 and 3.


  1. The Hour is at hand but People are heedless

The Disbelievers' Ideas about the Qur'an and the Messenger; their demand for a Sign and the Refutation of that

Verse 1-6

  1. The Messengers are no more than Human Beings

Verses 7-9

  1. The Virtue of the Qur'an Here   

Verse 10


Discussion:   

The Stories of The Prophets | 3. The Difference Between a Prophet (Nabī) and a Messenger (Rasūl)



Quran: Tajweed

We are following a book from our library that is not copyrighted.

Tajweed for Beginners  Prepared by Qari Ismail Essack  

(today’s lesson PDf page 28) Booklet page 27

We now have a Tajweed Channel and Group on Telegram, where Sisters can catch up on missed lessons and participate in group discussions.  Email us if you would like to join. 


She has found an excellent website to help augment our learning. Here is a link to today’s lesson:

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LETTERS, PART 6, ATH-THALAAQAH AND AL-ISMAAT

Sister Shimaa reviewed the previous lessons and taught us 

IZHLAAQ AND ISMAAT


Homework:  Each sister should create a handwritten chart that shows the 5 different pairs and notes on each one.


Discussion:  


Asma ul-Husna

Sister Alia read information about our next two names and then she recited the first 36 names.

99 Names of Allah – Part 2 (Seeking help with Asma ul Husna ) Series


Part 2   names 35-36






Discussion:  

  • The difference between Al Aliy (The Most High, The Exalted)  and Al-A’la (Surah #87 The Most High)

  • When did we start posting this series:  Halaqa #134 One makes a Difference!




Nurturing Eman in Children  

Sister Dina read the following: 

Part Three: Developing an Islamic Personality

Chapter 12       Additional Keys to Developing an Islamic Personality

Teaching our children  2 ¼ pages


Pdf Page 166-168

Discussion:  

  • We should be putting more effort into teaching and allowing children to participate fully in charity, not just by our examples but by engaging them and having them complete / choose the charity themselves. 

  • Children should learn that charity is more than a financial endeavour. 

  • As the children grow, in sha Allah, the habit of performing charity will grow as well.

  • It is important to have the intention behind the charity:  For the sake of Allah, swt only.   While anyone can get “good feelings” when they do/give charity. Our ultimate goal with Charity is to seek the pleasure of Allah, swt. 

  • Public or private acts of Charity.  Both have different functions, but both should have the correct intention. In the case of Public Charity, to encourage/teach others along with the main intention of having the pleasure of Allah. Swt. 


A Temporary Gift

Sister Rim read: 

Reflections on Love, Loss and Healing: The Opener, Darkness and light

Page 178-180

Link to Purchase a pdf                Link to buy

 

Discussion:  How sunsets will be looked at differently from now on. 



Learn A Dua

Picture source: https://youtu.be/dHYPCFq3gAo


Discussion:  


  • Sister Bana discussed an app Golden Quran

    • Clicking on each ayah gives many useful options: Tafseer, translation, reasons for its revelation, listening by many reciters and many more. It also has a search option resulting in all occurrences. I personally use it all the time for everything.






Tech Tip

For:  iPhone,  Android and Windows

Hadith Collection (All in one) is an android application that has the ultimate collection of 41000+ Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). It has a simple, beautiful design with many useful features and it is completely FREE!!!

Get it now at     www.gtaf.org/apps/hadith

News and Schedule


First Thursday of the month

Thursday, April 1st   

🌟🌟🌟Start of Year 8🌟🌟🌟

Halaqa Online via Google Meet  

Third Thursday of the month   

Thursday, April  15th   

Halaqa Online via Google Meet  

 



Video Series: Angels in Your Presence

We watched the following video:

Episode 8: Responding to Your Haters  | Angels in Your Presence with Omar Suleiman 4:52

Discussion:   

  • How social media has become prevalent in spreading rumours and animosity. 

  • We should concern ourselves with only things that are relevant to us. 


Off the Record

A few minutes set aside before the Halaqa ends for sisters to share personal observations from their life. 



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.    

                     

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Halaqa # 176

Rajab 20, 1442 AH                 40 days to Ramadan*



Always Remember Allah



Year 7


Attendance:  

7 Sisters


Location: Online via Google Meet

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


Note: During our Halaqa’s, Allah willing,  we encourage discussion after each section.  Sisters can share their reflections, thoughts and questions.

 

 

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: Reciting

Sister Alia read Surah Fatihah aloud; then she recited from Surah Taa-Haa verses 126-135, followed by Sister Rim, reading the English Approximation by Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran.  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: Tafsir

Surah Taa-Haa verses 126-135


We have chosen to use Tafsir Ibn Kathir   Volume 6 

Sister Alia read # 2 and 3.


  1. Severe Torment for Him Who transgresses beyond bounds

Verse 127

  1. Many Nations were destroyed and in Them is a Lesson

The Command to be patient and perform the Five daily Prayers

Verses 128-130

  1. Do not look at the Enjoyment of the Wealthy, be patient in the worship of Allah   (this section was missing a Hadith at the end, we’ve included it below in the discussion)

The Request of the Polytheists for Proofs while the Qur'an is itself a Proof

Verses 131-135


Discussion: 

Episode 5: Switching Shifts | Angels in Your Presence with Omar Suleiman 5:09


  • Such a simple yet powerful instruction from Allah, the Most Generous.


«يَقُولُ اللهُ تَعَالى: يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ تَفَرَّغْ لِعِبَادَتِي أَمْلَأْ صَدْرَكَ غِنىً وَأَسُدَّ فَقْرَكَ، وَإِنْ لَمْ تَفْعَلْ، مَلَأْتُ صَدْرَكَ شُغْلًا وَلَمْ أَسُدَّ فَقْرَك»

Allah, the Exalted, says, "O son of Adam, perform My worship and I will fill your chest with wealth and fulfill your needs. If you do not do so, then I will fill your chest with toil and I will not fulfill your needs.''



Quran: Tajweed   (postponed)

We are following a book from our library that is not copyrighted.

Tajweed for Beginners  Prepared by Qari Ismail Essack  

(today’s lesson PDf page 28) Booklet page 27

We now have a Tajweed Channel and Group on Telegram, where Sisters can catch up on missed lessons and participate in group discussions.  Email us if you would like to join. 


Note:

Sister Shimaa was unavailable for today’s lesson, therefore we postponed it.


A Temporary Gift

Sister Karima read: 

Voices of the Oppressed: The ground will be opened

Reflections on Love, Loss and Healing: Allah’s Plans

Page 174-177

Link to Purchase a pdf                Link to buy


Note:  

  • Sisters were emotional listening to “Allah’s Plans”.  

  • They reflected on the concept of time. 

  • We remembered our previous Halaqa “Blink of an Eye”  

  • Sister Bana discussed a podcast she had heard and shared it post-Halaqa.

Tafseer Surah 103 – Asr Part 1 by Nouman Ali Khan


Dua al Ghaib 


One of our members had a family medical emergency.  We prayed for her and her family.



بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم


أسال الله العظيم رب العرش العظيم أن يشفي 

المرضى 


I ask Allah, the Mighty, Lord of the mighty throne to cure the sick.


اللهم أذهب البأس رب الناس واشف انت الشافي لا شفاء إلا شفاؤك شفاءٌ لا يغادر سقما


Oh Allah, take away the hardship, Lord of the people, and remove this pain and cure it You are

the one who cures, and there is no one besides You that can cure, grant such a cure that no illness remains. 


Oh Allah Al Shafi, grant a cure for our sister’s loved one and give them patience during this time.

Make it an expiation of their sins and increase them in ranking Ameen.



Nurturing Eman in Children  

Sister Alia read the following: 

Part Three: Developing an Islamic Personality

Chapter 12       Additional Keys to Developing an Islamic Personality

Encourage a focus on worthy values and related projects 1 page 2 pages


Pdf Page 165-166

Discussion:

  • While we want to educate our children on the realities of the world around them, we have to be sensitive to their unique personalities and how they can internalize some situations in negative ways that affect their mental health. 

  • We have to not only show compassion and caring for the world at large but also in our micro-world with our sisters and community. 


Don’t Be Sad

Sister Bana read  Do not be sad  ~  Always remember Allah

 Pdf pg 106-107

E-book,   page 107-108

Discussion:  

  • We took the name of our Halaqa from this reading.

  • Sister Bana remarked on the Ayah quoted in regards to children diverting you from the remembrance of Allah. She said that we should try to remember Allah, when we are with our children, find moments to thank Allah and teach and help our children remember Allah as well. 

  • Sister Winnie remembered a hadith she read recently: 


  • The beginning of the reading had many quotes from the Quran using only the Surah number and not the name.

  • We discussed how we could try to memorize the Surah numbers. 

    • We all have memories that are associated with particular numbers. A very simple example is the months of the years, if we say 7, we know that is July. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have the same association for the blessed Surahs of the Glorious Quran? 

    • Think of your age, your address, the year you graduated etc, etc. Look up the corresponding Surah. Print off a list of all the Surah’s then slowly list in the corresponding memory trigger.  

Learn A Dua

Al-Buhuti reported: Umar, (Radhiyallahu anhu), may Allah be pleased with him, said, 

“O Allah, show me the truth as truth and guide me to follow it. Show me the false as false and guide me to avoid it.”

Source: Sharḥ al-Muntahá al-Irādāt 3/497


Discussion:    

  • Sister Rim discussed the difficulty in knowing truth from falsehood and how this dua is a comfort to those seeking to gain knowledge and benefit from it. 

  • Sister Alia discussed how the early scholars in the past had differences of opinion and some were whipped or imprisoned. We need to have respectful disagreements.  Only Allah, Al Haqq knows the absolute truth. We make this dua to help us follow the correct path. 

  • Sister Winnie shared the following post Halaqa:

Source: And the Answer is . . . Al-Haqq! - Understand Al-Qur'an Academy


  • Sister Alia shared the following with the sisters.

Sahih Muslim 2454 - The Book of the Merits of the Companions - كتاب فضائل الصحابة رضى الله تعالى عنهم

 



Video Series: Angels in Your Presence

We watched the following video:

Episode 7: The Banner Above You | Angels in Your Presence with Omar Suleiman 3:27

Discussion:    

  • We discussed the idea of taking this concept and using it to help our children think of the start of their day. Make little flags with various intentions written on them. Then, when the child wakes, have them choose one of those flags.  If the child does something inappropriate throughout the day, take their flag away and have a talk with them.  Explain how Allah, Al Ghafur forgives and gives another chance for us to do good then have the child choose a new or the same intention. 

  • Another way to help children start their day is to surprise them with notes written on the bathroom mirror with whiteboard markers. 


News and Schedule


Third Thursday of the month   

Thursday, March 18th  

Halaqa Online via Google Meet  

First Thursday of the month

Thursday, April 1st   

🌟🌟🌟Start of Year 8 🌟🌟🌟

Halaqa Online via Google Meet  

 

Off the Record

A few minutes set aside before the Halaqa ends for sisters to share personal observations from their life. 



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.