Showing posts with label aqeedah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aqeedah. Show all posts

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Nurturing Eeman in Children, Chapter One Summary

The principles of ‘aqeedah (belief) and eeman form the foundation of Islam and are significant for the task of parenting.

The meaning of ‘aqeedah

It is a certain and firm belief, without doubt. Aqeedah is knowledge that one believes in the heart. In Islam, ‘aqeedah this belief is in matters of knowledge that have been transmitted in authentic reports from Allah and the Messenger Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi was SAllam - Blessing and peace be upon him.


People throughout the world have various belief systems but only true ‘aqeedah is found in the religion of Islam, since this is the complete, perfect and protected religion.


This Islamic ‘aqeedah convinces the mind with evidence and fills the heart with eeman, certainty, and light.

The importance of Islamic ‘aqeedah

True Islamic ‘aqeedah is as essential for humans as water and air. Without it, humans are lost and confused.

The relationship between ‘aqeedah and eeman

‘Aqeedah (belief) forms the foundation and basis of eeman (faith or firm belief).
Eeman is based upon ‘aqeedah that is firmly established in the heart.
Eeman is verbally declared and is confirmed by actions.
Correct ‘aqeedah is important so that one’s eeman will be acceptable and strong.
The more knowledge of ‘aqeedah a person possesses, the more their eeman will increase and grow.

The meaning of eeman and mu’min

Eeman is sincere faith that impacts the person’s thoughts, feelings and speech and actions.


Hadith
On the authority of ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) who said: «One day, while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (saws), there came before us a man with extremely white clothing and extremely black hair. There were no signs of travel on him and none of us knew him. He [came and] sat next to the Prophet (saws). He supported his knees up against the knees of the Prophet (saws) and put his hands on (the Prophet’s) thighs. He said: O Muhammad, tell me about Islam. The Messenger of Allah ( saws ) answered: Islam is to testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish the prayers, to pay zakat, to fast [the month of] Ramadan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you have the means to do so. He said: You have spoken truthfully. We were amazed that he asks the question and then he says that he (Allah’s Messenger) had spoken truthfully. He said: Tell me about eeman (faith). He [the Messenger of Allah (saws) responded: It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in the divine decree, the good and the evil thereof. He said: You have spoken truthfully. He said: Tell me about Ihsan (goodness). He [the Prophet] answered: It is that you worship 7 hadith ( hadeeth):a saying or action of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that was remembered and recorded by his Companions and followers 8 Angel Gabriel or Jibreel in Arabic: the archangel who transmitted the verses of the Qur’an and other communication from Allah to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (Editor) 28 ‘Aqeedah, eeman, and Ihsan Allah as if you see Him. And even though you do not see Him, [you know] He sees you.»


There is a distinction between Islam and eeman, and between Muslim and mu’min.
A Muslim is a person who declares that they believe in the message of Islam and who declares that they submit themselves to Allah. They may though have very little eeman in their heart.


A Mu’min (believer) is someone who truly and firmly believes in Islam and tries to implement it in their life. A Mu’min is one who fulfils the requirements of submitting to Allah in word and deed, a person whose faith is complete and unwavering, one who entertains no doubts and is ready to strive hard, sacrificing their wealth and life for Allah’s cause.


It is imperative to teach parents what eeman means and how to nurture it in them and their children.


The nucleus of Eeman is the heart, for it is the centre of faith. Eeman also includes sayings of the tongue and actions fo the body and has many parts.


Hadith
The Prophet (^g) said: «Eeman has more than seventy parts; the highest is the confession that there is none worthy of worship other than Allah, and the lowest is removing a harmful object from the road.»

Belief in the heart

This is the most essential component of eeman. A true mu’min must recognize, desire and love the truth and have hate for falsehood and disbelief. They must love Allah and put their trust, hope and fear in Him alone.

Profession by the tongue

This is the shahadah which is proclaimed when a person becomes a Muslim and which is repeated each day in the five daily prayers. Not just words, but a commitment to the religion of Islam and with the intent to follow its requirements and obligations sincerely and correctly

Performance of deeds

The level of eeman in your heart will be reflected in your behaviour.  A heart filled with eeman (trust, hope and fear in Allah) will lead the body to perform acts of obedience and avoid forbidden or even doubtful actions.


There is a reciprocal relationship where acts of obedience to Allah, will increase the inner faith of a person and actons of disobedience will decrease faith.

The meaning of Ihsan

Ihsan is the highest level that a human being can achieve. The ultimate goal of Ihsan is to fulfil one’s obligations to Allah and to do so in the best manner possible.  The essence of Ihsan is love of Allah. Ihsan encompasses all acts of goodness towards others.


According to hadith, a motivating factor of Ihsan is that a person is aware that Allah is watching all of their actions. Therefore the action will be for the sake of Allah, which leads to purity and sincerity of the heart.

Relation to parenting

The goal of parents should not only be to develop their children as Muslims, to also to foster firm ‘aqeedah and eeman in the heart.


Children may know how to pray and fast and so on, but it may not be in their hearts to do so.


What is needed is an understanding of the true meaning of being a Muslim, of being a mu’min, and even of attaining the level of Ihsan.


Parents must teach their children to sincerely submit to Allah with their hearts, with their tongues, and with their deeds.  Children must learn to have fear of Allah, love of Allah, and trust in Allah. They must have hope in Allah’s help and rewards and fear of His anger and punishment.


The Prophet (saws) taught his companions ‘aqeedah for thirteen years before introducing the practical aspects of Islam. This was to ensure firm eeman and commitment to the religion of Allah.


Accurate belief in Allah and His religion is necessary for developing a relationship with Him and for cultivating within us the ability to distinguish right from wrong. This will lead us to choose the lawful in each and every circumstance regardless of pressure to do otherwise.


A child who has developed eeman and piety will make the job of parenting an easier one. The choices that a child makes will come from within, with love and fear of Allah, rather than having to be imposed externally. The focus for a child with eeman will be to seek the pleasure and rewards from Allah, with the profound realization that these are greater than any material or social reward that can be gained in this life.


Parents, therefore, should have the central goal of nurturing eeman in their children, so that they will be successful in this life and the hereafter. Success in Islam is not measured by wealth or position, rather by sincere obedience to Allah and the attainment of paradise in the next life.


Halaqa # 85

Muharram 15, 1439
O’Allah!
Al-Wadood


Year 4
Attendance:
  • 14 Sisters: 11 in person, 3 virtually     
  • 2 Junior Sisters
  • 4 Junior Guests


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


  • OPENING DUA
Sister Maryum read:

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 RECITATION: TAJWEED/LEARN ARABIC
We listened Sister Noora recite Surah Al-Humazah, then practiced our own recitations.  


Sisters who do not know Arabic were encouraged to follow along the Arabic letters and Sisters who know Arabic were encouraged to improve their recitation.




The above link has both the recitation by Sheikh Husary and the individual word pronunciation (click on each word) for learning Arabic.




Sisters who practice their reading in sha Allah will have an opportunity at the next Halaqa to have a sister listen to their recitation. Please arrive at 10am sharp in sha Allah in that case.
Tajweed rule


Sister Dania prepared and presented our Tajweed Rule.


We listened to the Surah Humazah again recited by Sheikh Husary at the end of our Tajweed lesson.


Alhamdulillah, Sister Noura has volunteered her time and expertise to teach sisters
Arabic and Tajweed.  Please contact us if you would like to take advantage of this
generous offer.


  • QURAN RECITATION AND REFLECTION


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 Yusuf from Ayah 38 to Ayah 43.  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 Megan read an English Approximation (Sahih International) of the above verses.


We have chosen to use Tafsir Ibn Kathir.
Volume 5 Page 167-170 (From our library shelf)
Sister Rim read  “The Interpretation of the Dreams”.
You can view this tafsir online: Link
  • DON’T BE SAD
Sister Marwa read “O’ Allah!”  
Discussion:
  • Calling upon Allah in times of distress
  • Calling upon Allah in times of joy
We have this book in our Library (it is currently borrowed, but you can submit a request to
borrow, in sha Allah)
  • NURTURING EEMAN IN CHILDREN
Sister Rehab read a Summary of Chapter One.
  • NEXT HALAQA and News


In sha Allah, our next Halaqa will be on Thursday, October 19th at Sister Sara's place.


We discussed starting an online Halaqa Forum.
  • Are you interested? Is there a need?
  • Online format
  • Email options:
    • No email: web-only participation
    • Abridged Email: one summary email of new activity per day
    • Digest Email: up to 25 full new messages in a single email
    • All Email: send each message as it arrives



  • Dua al Ghayb

Sister Izabela led a Dua for a Convert sister who is experiencing some difficulty. To read her beautiful Dua, click here.

Images Courtesy of Chic Craft Design Instagram & Facebook


  • A TEMPORARY GIFT
Sister Maryam read  the Introduction: My Amr page 12/13
  • SISTERS TALK
Sister Winnie read an article she wrote:
  • WOMEN AROUND THE MESSENGER
(postponed to next Halaqa in sha Allah)


  • VIDEO
We watched
The Beginning and the End Introduction  Sheikh Omar Suleiman (3:03)
  • CLOSING DUA
For the expiation of sins, said at the conclusion of a sitting or gathering. To listen to this dua


196 - "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.