The Chronicles
26th September 2013
Volume 5 Issue 3
Newham Islamic Learning Centre
Latest News
4
When your Dua is answered
6
10 Little Muslims
10
#FightTheFitnah—Dear Muslimah
16
Souk for Syria
20
Naseehah Training
22
Overlook the bitter to taste the better
24
Page 4
The Chronicles
Souk for Syria NILC held a Souk in aid of Syria on the 21st of September. Parents had the opportunity to discuss their children’s progress with mu’allim and also to meet each other as well as the NILC team who are educating their children. Alhamdulillah they were generous with their donations of food and cakes which were sold to raise funds for the NDT & NILC ambulance which will be travelling on the Human Aid convoy to Syria in December. A special thanks has to go to Artistic Alauddin Fatima who arranged arts and crafts activities for the children who attended! As well as to those who specified donations for NILC as well as Syria!
Knitter Natter Winter is coming and as we are warm in our centrally heated houses, with plenty of jumpers, clothes and hot water, lets spare a thought for our brothers and sisters who have been turned out from there homes due to violence and oppression.
Our Knitter Natter club provides the opportunity to learn a new skill in a relaxed and welcoming environment, as well as
benefitting the Ummah. We will be InshaAllah making patchwork blankets for Syria on Thursday mornings 10am-12pm.
If you are unable to make these sessions, you can still contribute to the patchworks by making your own 20cm by 20cm squares which we will incorporate in to the blankets.
Our Children, Our Future Our children are an amanah from Allah. We have a responsibility to care for them, nurture them and teach them Islam in the best manner possible. However often as parents we feel ourselves slipping. We do not have the experience or knowledge to cope with behaviours or situations, or we are not sure the best way to handle things or the reasons why situations escalate. This does not make us bad parents. It does not mean we are failing. Everyone
needs a little help sometimes. At NILC we understand this. Even if currently parents are not facing issues with their childrens behaviours it is always good to feel reassured and prepared. This is why we are offering Islamic Parenting workshops run by a professional and experienced Islamic counsellor on Thursdays 1-3pm. Please call Naila on 07852882428 to register.
Page 5
Volume 5 Issue 3
Women’s & girls Tajweed The first education we receive is in the lap of our mothers. Therefore as mothers we have an obligation to ensure that what we are teaching our children is correct! Many of us were taught to read Quran at a young age, and were pushed to finish the Quran quickly without due care and understanding about the rules of recitation and the articulation of the Arabic letters. The importance of correct articulation is often demonstrated using the words kalb كلبand Qalb قلب. The only difference between the spelling of these words is the first letter. One is kaaf كand one is qaaf ق. But the difference in meaning is great. Kalb means dog and qalb means
heart. This shows that if we pronounce Qaaf قas kaaf كwhile reciting Quraan, then we will be changing the entire meaning of the ayah! Tajweed is the art of perfecting recitation of the Quran. We should never feel embarrassed about seeking knowledge, or asking questions for the sake of Allah. So please come along and join our sisters Tajweed classes on Mondays 2pm—3pm. We also have Tajweed for girls aged 1116 on Sundays 1pm—1:45pm.
For more info contact Naila 07852882428
Tajweed classes for sisters @ NILC
Madrassah Projects Alhamdulillah our Madrassah is rapidly expanding, we have had an influx of new students!
Our teaching assistants mentor the children, ensure their homework is done, check essays, attendance and diaries.
To ensure the quality of children’s learning and that due care and attention is paid to each child we have taken on extra staff. This includes two extra teachers of Quran, and two extra support staff/ teaching assistants.
We have also acquired a bigger classroom for our madrassah as it was getting cramped in Unit 4!
All our Quran teachers are fully qualified and correct Tajweed is ensured.
Please make dua for the future of the services we provide, and for all the children who attend our madrassah!
Islamic Art Due to the prohibition on drawing living things in Islam, much of Islamic Art has always been based on calligraphy and geometry. We will be continuing this tradition by offering a calligraphy workshop run by renound calligraphist Artistic Alauddin Fatima. These workshops will cover basic calligraphy techniques and canvas making, and also help you to develop your unique style, so you are able to put your own stamp on your art.
These workshops will be £10 a session and materials will be provided. Starting 20th September, 10am-12am.
Please like Artistic Alauddin Fatima on FB
Fatima’s trademark Roses canvases with Ayatul Qursi calligraphy.
When Your Dua is Answered Nalini Naidoo
When your dua is answered is an amaz-
just couldn’t seem to make that jump
ing feeling.
from casual acquaintance to a friend-
As a new Muslim, recently married, my
ship.
whole lifestyle changed, I was lonely. I
At that time I was cautious of making
craved companionship and friendship
dua. I have tawakkul. I know that Allah
and the company of sisters.
swt has a plan for me, and that what is
I had tried many things, forums, going
written will come. I felt that I was not
to lectures, attending classes. But a lot
worthy to ask Allah swt for anything.
of the time it seemed like the whole
He swt had given me so much, and I
world was a school play-
had Allah’s Messenger, peace be upon him, said: “For every misfortune, illness, anxie-
done
ty, grief, or hurt that afflicts a Muslim -even the hurt caused by the pricking of a
so lit-
one already
thorn – Allah removes some of his sins.” Ibn Mas’ud said: “I visited the Messenger
tle in
had formed
of Allah, peace be upon him, while he had a fever. I exclaimed: ‘O Messenger of
re-
their cliques,
Allah! You have a high fever! ‘ He said: ‘My fever is as much as two among you
turn. I
ground. Every-
and I wasn’t in
[might have]. ‘ I asked: ‘Is it because you have a double reward?’ He replied: ‘Yes,
was
that is right. No Muslim is afflicted with any hurt, even if it is no more than the
not
classes every-
pricking of a thorn, but Allah wipes off his sins because of it and his sins fall away
per-
one seemed to
from him as leaves fall from a tree’.”
them. In the
fect, I
be family
had
friends, know-
issues
ing each other from birth. In the lec-
with my fardh, how could I ask Allah swt
tures I would try and smile and make
for anything? I did not deserve it.
eye contact, but all the sisters were
Also I felt that maybe the things I could
too busy with kids or in their own con-
ask for would not be what was best for
versations to notice a lone sister with a
my akhirah. Like I could make dua for
child. At toddler groups there were
my husbands back to be better, and it
many I said hi to and talked to, but I
would benefit us in this life, but at the
same time maybe the suffering he is
even try and it occurred I did not go
going through now, is cleansing his sins
that day, but since then there have
to prevent suffering in the akhirah.
been many lunches and get togethers
So, would asking for his back to be
alhamdulillah. I knew these sisters
better be beneficial? I do not know.
were sent from Allah. There were
So I thought about the thing I wanted
times I became uncertain of their af-
carefully. What did I want to ask for? I
filiations, nothing major, just curious.
wanted friends, company, but not just
However I knew they were the answers
any company, the company of practic-
to my dua, and I put my trust in Allah
ing sisters who would encourage me in
swt.
my Islam and benefit my akhirah. I
Although I don’t see them that often
looked at this from different angles,
anymore, it doesn’t change anything.
but I could
It doesn’t
not find any-
cause a
“Do you belittle dua’a and discount it
distance
While not knowing what the prayer accom-
between
thing I want-
plishes?
us. Also
ed to ask for.
The arrows of the night do not miss their
Allah pro-
target.
vided me
started mak-
They might have a delay, but the delay
with more
ing the dua,
then comes to an end.”
thing wrong with the
So then I
after every salaah I lift-
sisters, who en-
Imam al-Shafi’i Rahimahullah
ed my hands and asked Allah swt to send me practicing friends. And He swt did. After just two days a random sister at my daughter’s nursery came and asked me if I wanted to join them for lunch. SubhanAllah, to me that simple, short interaction was a miracle. After years of trying and getting nowhere, suddenly I didn’t
courage me and moti-
vate me in different ways. Alhamdulillah for sisterhood, This is the way Allah answered my duas. This is my small miracle. What is yours?
Ilm Adventures Blog—On adventure learning together!
Ten Little Muslims by Elizabeth Lymer Asalamualaykum/ Peace,
from the heart.
I am delighted to share with you a children’s Islamic nursery rhyme written by a good friend of mine, Elizabeth Lymer. Elizabeth has also had her first book, Islamic Nursery Rhymes, published by Greenbird Books.
Eight little Muslims have answered Allah’s call Four girls in the gallery, four boys in the hall. After making dhikr, one girl and boy depart, Here is Elizabeth’s exclusive rhyme es- Six little Muslims stay for du’a from the heart. pecially for us: Ten Little Muslims A basic maths Muslim nursery rhyme written by Elizabeth Lymer for Ilm Adventures Ten little Muslims have answered Allah’s call Five girls in the gallery, five boys in the hall. After salah’s over, one girl and boy depart, Eight little Muslims stay for dhikr
Six little Muslims have answered Allah’s call Three girls in the gallery, three boys in the hall. After supplicating, one girl and boy depart, Four little Muslims stay to recite from the heart. Four little Muslims have answered Allah’s call Two girls in the gallery, two boys in the hall. After recitation, one girl and boy depart,
Two little Muslims stay to go back to the start.
Many thanks to Elizabeth for the wonderful rhyme!
Two little Muslims have answered Allah’s call One girl in the gallery, one boy in the hall. After extra praying, the girl and boy depart, No little Muslims at the masjid after dark.
I do hope you enjoy singing this rhyme to your children. Feel free to share but providing you attribute the work to the author if sharing via electronic or any other ‘written’ means.
* Full Copyright belongs to Elizabeth Lymer. Please do not copy her works without prior permission*
What was your favourite rhyme as a child? Fell free to comment below By Umm Rayyana Check out more at www.IlmAdventures.com
DEAR MUSLIMAH “I KNOW IM DOING WRONG..” ***Dear Muslimah:-’I know I'm committing wrong but I can’t stop sinning..!***
This is an issue which I was messaged about. Quite distressed the sister was and even though the sister did admit it. I am not the judge as Allah knows intentions and I feel this topic is something (whether we openly admit it or not) is something affecting us awl in this society!! May Allah reward the sister for being able to recognize that she’s committing wrong and her intentions for wanting to change. We are not to judge because we are all full of flaws unfortunately and we all want to change back!
ers..!
Doo sincere Tawbah and ask Allah for forgiveness! Allah has given us immense options to pray to him..and make dua especially at times we know it is never rejected…the time of sujood Allah is more closer to you than your own jugular vein, the time and Qiyam a dua is never rejected and during the Azaaan! Sooo you can not say Allah doesn’t love you and won’t forgive you because my dear Sister Allah didn’t forget to wake u up today and soft forget to give you fresh air to breath today and gave you your site, hearing and the ability to walk today soo
‘We are all sinful to some degree or another.. But that which differentiates us from the disobedient is the act of repentance. Even if you fall into sin again make sincere Tawbah..and continue repenting until one day. By the will of Allah you are able to desist from committing sin! The ownership of guidance is with Allah’
what makes you think Allah won’t forgive
(Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan)..!!
On In another verse, Allah says:
We sometimes think we have committed
“And He wishes to forgive you” Qur’an (4:146).
you today?? Allah is more merciful to us that our own mother is to a child.. “Do not despair of God’s mercy; He will forgive you of all your sins”.Qur’an (39:53).
alot of haraam and they is no point changing because we are still going to be punished? I say if you took today’s breath then you still have a chance to repent. The regret you will have is if you throw away today chance and don’t repent then Walahi your amongst the los-
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PBUH), from among the things he reports from his Lord (mighty and sublime be He), is that he said:
A servant [of Allah's] committed a sin and said: O Allah, forgive me my sin. And He (glorified and exalted be He) said: My servant has committed a sin and has known that he has a Lord who forgives sins and punishes for them. Then he sinned again and said: O Lord, forgive me my sin. And He (glorified and exalted be He) said: My servant has committed a sin and has known that he has a Lord who forgives sins and punishes for them. Then he sinned again and said: O Lord, forgive me my sin. And He (glorified and exalted be He) said: My servant has committed a sin and has known that he has a Lord who forgives sins and punishes for sins. Do what you wish, for I have forgiven you. It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari).
and our two angels are writing everything down should surely be enough tooo stop us committing zina with a boy or going to that Shisha cafè? Imagine you died committing sins..? Imagine you last breath was taking undressed with a brother committing zina? Imagine your last breath was smoking in a Shisha Café…imagine your last breath was taking in a club..? Could you imagine?? The only guarantee in life is death soo we should strive and try to please Allah as we could die at any
‘No matter how fast you have turned
time and who wouldn’t want to die in true
down the wrong road..#repent Allah loves
submission to Allah and as a Muslim?
you’ Allah’s merciful is endless! Allah has
The main thing which differentiates us
given us soo much and his doors of mer-
from the non Muslims and should be a
cy are always open! The sister like myself
barrier between us and sin is Salah! If
and many others tries to repent and then
you have mastered salah then you have
gives in again and commits the sin! I to-
mastered everything and if you loose Sal-
tally empathize with the sister as person-
lah you have lost everything else! What is
ally being the ‘modern Muslimah’ balanc-
better than five daily conversions with
ing deen and dunya is very hard indeed!!
your lord? If you are praying and commit-
She finds that often she knows she is do-
ting the sins then it’s a sign to show you
ing wrong but still continues to do it! This
you don’t have Khushoo in salah! Salad
is something which we all doo and this
should act as a barrier from you commit-
sister isn’t alone.! I think we firstly have to
ting sin! If you pray Fajr properly then you
be aware and have Taqwa!
should know at zuhr your going to now down to your lord again and will stop you
Look how we change our behaviour when
committing sins and the same goes for
someone is watching us. We act differ-
Asr,Magrib and isha!! Okay in defence of
ent…speak different and don’t want to
those sisters thinking well if Salah is the
give the onlooker a negative impression
answer. Then what about when we men-
right?? In sociology it’s called the Haw-
struate? Surely then we’d commit sin
thorne effect or Psychology known as
again?? Well nook! Because even though
‘Investigator bias’..! But Allah is always
you can not pray Salah and touch the
watching us as surely knowing that
Quran your still pure and still can. Recite
should be enough too stop us in our Jahil
Zikr and read English books on Islam etc!
acts?? Knowing that Allah is watching us
The simple fact that Allah is always
watching should keep one away from
out those sins and past misdeeds and
haraam should it not? shouldn't the sim-
gradually get freed from the clutches of
ple fact that Allah is Ar-Rahman and Ar
the ego. Repentance is the most noble
Raheem not keep us away from the sim-
and beloved form of obedience in the
ple desires of this world.? One way psy-
eyes of Allah the All Mighty. He loves
chologically proven the reason why we
those who repent. Repentance has a
doo certain stuff day in and day out is
status that no other form of worship has.
the simple reason of it ‘becomes a habit’
This is why Allah is extremely happy
whether a habit of taking a simple ciga-
when a servant repents just as a travel-
rette break or even a habit of talking
ler is happy when he finds his lost mount
multiple brothers for nooo apparent rea-
in the desert.
son!! It’s a HABIT! Feeling Allah’s satisfaction has its great The key to repentance is too simply
impact on the heart of the one repenting.
Break the habit! It is not as easy as it
Hence, the repenting person reaches the
sounds but it can be done!! Replace
status of being amongst the beloved
your desires with something else soo
through his repentance. Moreover, re-
instead of wasting money at the Shisha
pentance brings about humbleness and
cafè goo shopping instead! Don’t replace
a sense of helplessness to the only Cre-
shisha smoking with smoking cigarettes
ator; Allah, and that is not easily ac-
because that simply won’t work! Delete
quired through other forms of worship.
and avoid the triggers and these may come in the form of friends, family n
Allah says in the Qur’an:
peers.! Constantly engage n the remembrance of Allah and have Allah on your tongue and in your heart! Ask for forgiveness sincere forgiveness from the
“Except those who repent, have faith and good deeds, those Allah will charge their sins for good deeds. Certainly Allah is most forgiving and merciful.” (Qur’an 25:70)
heart and plead and cry and beg for forgiveness! The most amazing feeling on earth for meee is crying to Allah subhan wa taall’ah and realizing your bit judged but rather comforted and healed with the amazing blessings of Allah! Islam fully understands the temptations that come in the way of everyone of us, and that which some of us might go for. Only through repentance, that one can wipe-
This is a greatest glad tiding for those who repent and combine their repentance with deep faith and good deeds. Repentance breeds good deeds, whilst sinning (without repentance) can cause deprivation of obedience altogether. It has been said that committing sins regularly will darken and harden the heart and make purifying it once again a difficult mission. It may even lead a person
to reject Allah completely (Allah forbid) or lead him to commit a bigger sin. There is no recourse for a sinner except to ask
have done, I acknowledge before you your favours on me, and I confess to you my sin. So, forgive me, because surely no one can forgive sins except you.”
Allah for forgiveness and to feel great regret for his actions. Repentance is to repent from the heart, to train the heart into obedi ence and to make a firm resolution never to commit the sin again
( Sahih Bukhari: Volume 8, Book 75, Number 318) Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:-
. How to repent?
“I heard Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) saying: �There isn't a man who, when he commits a sin, rises, makes ablution, and offers two rak’as of prayers, but Allah forgives his sins.�
For repentance to be accepted by Allah,
Allah says in the Qur’an:
one should go through these four stages: 1- Stop the sin. 2- Regretting deeply and truly for the sin you committed.
“Those (are the true believers) who, when they commit an evil deed, or wrong their souls, remember Allah, and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who but Allah forgives sins? They do not insist upon the sins they have committed, and they know (that Allah is forgiving).” (Qur’an 3:135)
3- Return to Allah for forgiveness. 4- Strong intention never to return to that
Continue to Make dua because Allah
same sin again.
loves those whom call him an nothing is
What would help in fulfilling the above four stages?
impossible with Allah!! Ask Allah to guide you and make you and meee amongst those whom he is pleased with!! Be a
The repenting person should remember
slave of Ar-Rahman! Not a slave of this
three facts:
dunya and the Shaitaaan!! Let’s imple-
1. The grave consequence of sins
ment these small changes in our lives and lets taste the fruits in this life and the
. 2. The painful punishment for sins and
hereafter In’sha’Allah Asha
3. How weak a person is when committing such sins. The best way to seek forgiveness is to say, “Oh Allah, you are my lord. There is no god worthy of worship but you. You created me and I am your servant. And I abide by your covenant and promise as much as I am able. I seek refuge with you from the evil of what I
******************************************** Keep updated with the blog..get involved by leaving comments and sending this link to all your friends! Lets make this blog a network for sisters global In’sha’Allah!! dearmuslimah.wordpress.com Like and share the Facebook page:- https://www.facebook.com/ Dearmuslimah93 And you can either message me via email atdearmuslimah@outlook.com Or message me personally :’) Hope to hear from you soon! Your sister in Islam Asha
SOUK FO
FUNDR
OR SYRIA
RAISER
SISTER’S NASEEHAH
RAHENA BINT ALA OF N
Objective: To be able to understand the obligation and meaning of Naseeha To be able to achieve the characteristics, importance of a nasih, drawing from islamic as well as western psychology To learn effective ways of giving naseehah to others including new muslims To be able to learn techniques in helping reverts in difficulties and challenging reverts
Meaning of Naseeha Al-Khattabi stated that naseeha is a comprehensive word that embodies every type of virtue and the wanting or desire for all forms of goodness. It is derived from two roots, both having two basic linguistic meanings: To clean, purify or improve something of all unwanted elements To unite or join something together that is scattered or separated Thus, a Nasaha- to give give sincere advise, to counsel Nasihah- sincere advice, sincere counselling Nasih- Sincere advisor, good counsellor Istinsah- Consultation The Prophet SAW said
‘if a man seeks sincere advice (naseehah) from the brother, he should give him sincere advice’.
a means of self-improvement, guidance, sincerity and a form of ibadah.
The Obligation of Naseeha The Prophet (saw) said: ‘The religion is Naseehah’. The people said, ‘To whom?’ The prophet replied, ‘To Allah and to His Book and to His Messengers and to the Leaders of the Muslims and to the common folk of the Muslims’ (Muslim) Furthermore, in the Quran, when Allah mentions the attributes of the sincere believers and describes their mission in life, He often refers to the enjoining of good and the forbidding of evil. “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.” (3:104) Enjoining the good and forbidding evil is an obligation upon every member of the community. On the authority of Abu Saeed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah say, “Whoever of you sees an evil must then change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then [he must change it ] with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then [he must change it] with his heart. And that is the slightest [effect of] faith.” (Recorded in Muslim)
The effects of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil are illustrated in the following hadith narrated by AnAl-Raaghib al-Isfahani gives the Shariah definition of the term as: “Naseeha is the seeking of an action or statement Numan bin Bashir The Prophet (SAW) said, "The example of the person abiding by Allah's order and that contains goodness and improvement for the other perrestrictions in comparison to those who violate them is like son’. the example of those persons who drew lots for their seats Therefore some of the best advice you can find can be from in a boat. Some of them got seats in the upper part, and the when others in the lower. When the latter needed water, they had people to go up to bring water (and that troubled the others), so advise they said, 'Let us make a hole in our share of the ship (and you of get water) saving those who are above us from troubling your misthem. So, if the people in the upper part left the others do takes. what they had suggested, all the people of the ship would be Naseedestroyed, but if they prevented them, both parties would be hah is safe." deeply (Al-Bukhari) rooted in Islamic Counsel- Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil saves the ling- it is disobedient, careless people as well as those who are obedi(Reported by Ahmad)
H TRAINING PART 1
NEWHAM DAWAH TEAM
ent and righteous. It leads to a society that is secure, mor- and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” (3-190) al and prosperous. Avoiding this responsibility leads to the opposite, which is deterioration and destruction, not only for those who make the mistakes but for all people- right- Think about the the sky in its height and spaciousness, the earth in its expanse and density, seas, mountains, eous and immoral. deserts, trees, plants, fruits, animals, metals , colors, scents, tastes and elements. The Messengers and Naseehah (And in the alternation of night and day), as one follows Naseeha was first and foremost the job of the Messenand takes from the length of the other. How one of them gers. In the Quran, Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىhas described becomes longer than the other, shorter than the other at many of them as fulfilling this role of persons giving times and equal to the other at other times, and the same naseehah. is repeated again and again, and all this occurs by the deFor example, Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىhas said about the cision of the Almighty, Most Wise. (There are indeed signs Messenger Noah ()عليه السالم “I convey to you the messages of my Lord, and I am for men of understanding), referring to the intelligent and sound minds that contemplate about the true reality of to you a trustworthy adviser.” things, unlike the deaf and mute who do not have sound (7:68) comprehension. Allah said about the latter type, Another example is the case of Salih ( )عليه السالمAllah ( “Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or )سبحانه و تعالىsaid: [lying] on their sides and give thought to the crea“And he turned away from them and said, "O my tion of the heavens and the earth, [saying], "Our people, I had certainly conveyed to you the message Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are of my Lord and advised you, but you do not like adYou [above such a thing]; then protect us from the visors." punishment of the Fire.” (7:79) (3-191) (and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the Earth), contemplating about signs in the sky and earth The concept of Naseeha that testify to the might, ability, knowledge, wisdom, will Key concepts surrounding naseeha and mercy of the Creator. Allah criticizes those who do You should be able to assist individuals to discover not contemplate about His creation, which testifies to His the sense of direction in life existence, Attributes, Shari`ah, His decree and Ayat. Help individuals to understand the meaning of life ("Our Lord! You have not created this without purpose,'') Empowering individuals to overcome mental, emoYou did not create all this in jest and play. Rather, You tional and physical challenges in life. created it in truth, so that You recompense those who do Having said this, effective naseeha requires a good under- evil in kind, and reward those who do righteous deeds standing of the person’s emotional feelings and sufferings with what is better. The faithful believers praise Allah and deny that He does as well as the ability to guide the individual, enabling them to attain success in both worlds. Therefore Naseeha, anything in jest and without purpose like Islamic counselling, consists of both the Faith dimension and the Physical Dimension. This will be discussed more later. If you are not already doing so, the way you can improve or before you start giving naseeha is to look at yourself in sincerity and ask yourself: Discovering the purpose of life through TafakkurReflection and Tadabbur- contemplation- a tool for yourself and when advising others “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth
In summaryTafakkur & Tadabbur helps to discover the purpose of life Tafakkur & Tadabbur helps to discover the guidance which would enable you to fulfil the purpose of life Tafakkur & Tadabbur helps you to become “Ulul-AlBab” the people of understanding.
Newham Dawah Team Sisters, Halaqahs every Saturday at 174 Rythm Centre, Plaistow please contact Bint Ala on 07917396786
OVERLOOK THE BITTER TO TASTE THE BETTER ISLAMIC MARRIAGE SOLUTIONS What relationship is there that doesn’t go through the smallest of unjustified disputes? We are simply not ready to withdraw from such insignificant issues, but if we had overlooked them, perhaps then, we could have looked at the more fruitful side of things.
through mutual tolerance. Mutual tolerance can act as a countermeasure for futile arguments if you are both willing.
Look at the positives of a relationship rather than digging deep into trivial issues and see how you can prosper in Not courageous enough to own up to a mis- lieu of breaking down take, we like charging at one another, so that we may keep the upper hand at all Contact Imam Fadhlul Islam Khan for imtimes. mediate and general Marriage Advice and Solutions We drag up everything we can think of, 07943888099/07946445460 from the past, present and now we even predict the future faults of each other, true? Email islamicmarriagesolution@yahoo.com visit islamicmarriagesoluAs spouses, we cannot justify most argution.blogspot.co.uk ments, and that is because there weren’t any justifications in the first place! On the Follow us on Twitter @m4rriagesolut4n other hand, we should acknowledge and accept any misconduct from OUR side and (All copy rights are reserved) try to rectify that. Stay away from the futile and baseless confrontations, instil the following and see how you can take benefit; Aspire in working towards what you both want and make that a certainty in whatever you do. Make it a priority to compromise where necessary. Create a harmonious atmosphere
Islamic Marriage Solutions The sole objective is to recreate and regain mutual harmony, love and understanding between spouses. We aspire to improve the relationship through better communication and cooperation. This should result in a more successful marriage. Although many couples are faced with general problems, others may encounter more complex situations; therefore it is imperative to treat each case individually. We aim to look at the immediate needs of both parties to enable appropriate assessment with a view to reach a safe and sound conclusion. NOTE: For the first free, fully comprehensive consultation, contact Imam Fadhlul Islam Khan on 07943888099/07946445460 Email islamicmarriagesolution@yahoo.com Follow us on Twitter @m4rriagesolut4n
PARENTING WORKSHOPS By Afshan Khan
Asalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, I am a counsellor with over 26 years experience of providing various types of counselling all within an Islamic framework. I currently practice in East London, but am also available for telephone and Skype consultations for those further afield. My fields of specialty include: Marriage Counselling Youth Counselling Confidence Building & Assertiveness Training Dealing with Depression Mentoring Mediation I began my career as a Nursery Nurse and Youth Worker and am qualified in both. From this, I went on to run various support groups for women within my local community in East London, working with the Local Authority in Newham assisting and supporting women in crisis who were suffering from problems such as domestic violence and mental health issues. My passion for helping others led me to gain my Certificate in Counselling, further to which I have undertaken training in the fields of mediation, domestic violence, self-harm and NLP. In addition to my counselling, I am currently running support groups for Muslim women, tackling issues such as coping with stress and depression, building self-confidence, dealing with relationships within marriage and families, health related issues and relaxation techniques. I also undertake workshops on marriage and good housekeeping skills as well as assisting in life coaching and assertiveness seminars. After 26 years of running support groups and counselling women, I have come to understand that many underlying issues are linked to childhood trauma and these have manifested in the adults that I see. These issues of parenti g urgently need to be addressed in our community and with this In mind, I will be running Islamic Positive Parenting workshops insha’Allah. My many years of experience, coupled with my approach from an Islamic perspective has enabled me to tailor my counselling to suit my clients individual needs and by Allah's permission, I have many clients who have found counselling has allowed them to lead happier, more emotionally stable and fulfilling lives.
Dear Sister Afshan Asalamu Alaikum Alhamdullilah the first parenting workshop was excellent. Very informative and thoroughly planned. Handouts were excellent. Tips and advice given through various case studies were very beneficial. The interactive approach through a 2 way discussion and via group work reinforced concepts/theory. Mind was always kept alert and engaged. Parents sharing each others opinions and experiences helped understand concepts. The flexibility to be able to say anything at any point kept atmosphere very relaxed and comfortable. And above all your approach was very friendly and sincere mashaAllah, which enabled the audience to benefit alhamdullilah. Very positive feedback from sisters who attended workshop also, who are already practicing the tips given by yourself! May Allah SWT reward you abundantly. Ameen Looking forward to your marriage workshop with us InshaAllah!
Mashaallah, I did enjoy the workshop and I found it very beneficial mashaallah. I liked that it was interactive. Sister Afshan has experienced many things mashaallah and she is able to talk about alot of aspects for one thing. Sister Zainab Allachi
I was very happy to be on the parenting workshop. It was excellent, I liked her approach to parenting, the recommendations, everything. Mashaallah. I'm liking forward to the other sessions. May Allah reward u both.
THE SUBMISSIVE WIFE BY AFSHAN KHAN The Submissive Wife
Garments conceal those parts of us which we would not want to be revealed, they comfort, protect and beautify us and they are held together with tiny, but strong stitches which prevent them from falling apart.
‘Submissive Wife’ is a term which is likely to send shockwaves through feminist circles and bring feelings of horror, defiance, and at the very least, cause doubtful sideways glances between even the least radical of women amongst If each spouse concentrates on the fine details, us. giving them their due attention and each one works hard to keep the garment together, (yes, even repairing when necessary, and not letting However, lets take a look at what the term re- the garment fall apart!), then these details beally means; take the blinkers off our 20th Cen- come what I call the cement of a marriage. tury, feminist eyes (for without doubt we have confined ourselves with these social constraints) and view the ‘Submissive Wife’ from Their components being: an Islamic perspective. Love The phrase ‘Submissive Wife’ brings to mind an image of a passive woman; an image from which we instinctively recoil. Understanding passivity only in its negative form, we see a broken, voiceless woman, under the thumb of a controlling husband . However, this certainly does not have to be the case. We can turn this phrase around and make it into a positive by endeavouring to understand that these are simply words on which we place meaning and the true context lies within our understanding of what is required of us, in Islamic terms, within a marriage.
In Islam we understand that the roles of both spouses are clearly defined and husband and wife are beautifully described in the Qur’an as ‘garments’ to each other. Now we must ask ourselves, what do garments do; what is their purpose? Let’s reflect on this…
Respect Consideration Sincerity Taking care of your obligations
Last but not least, each one recognising and surrendering to the roles which Allah (swt) has ordained for us. For, He (swt) has told us ‘They (your wives) are your garment and you are a garment for them.’ (2:187). And surrendering to Allah (swt) will always bring about positive changes in our lives. Written by Afshan Khan Taken from her blog AfshanKhan1.Wordpress.com
DIRECTORS’ LETTER WHAT’S ON @ NILC Newham Islamic Learning Centre Unit 4 Church Rd Studios 56 Church Rd E12 6AF 07949641815 (brothers) / 07852882428 (sisters) Dear Parent, At Newham Islamic Learning Centre we run many services in Newham in order to help and support children and families in our community. These include sports, education and family support. We also run Quran classes for children Monday to Thursday 5pm to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 6pm. As on organisation our aim is to help Muslims in need, and provide activities and opportunities that are needed by our community. Qur’an Classes for aged 4 to 16 (Boys and Girls) Hifdh Classes for Boys Qur’an Classes for 50+ (Men and Women) Sisters Circles and Tajweed Classes Islamic Parenting workshops Knitting blankets for Syria club Islamic Counselling including Marriage Counselling Family Law Advice Homeless Help/Food Parcels for families on low income Charity Clothes collection for Syria Tuition: Maths, English and Science KS1 to GCSE. Football (Little Ilford Park, Plashet Park, Barking Rec, Central Park, West Ham Park) Badminton (Little Ilford School) Martial Arts: Boxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Kick Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Pilipino Stick Fighting.
We have a number of Events and Fundraisers planned: 21st September Souk for Syria 2.30 to 6.00pm October Sisters Eid Dinner date TBC October Family Seaside visit Botany Bay October Manor Park to Brighton Walk (58 miles) October Kid’s Eid Party 2nd November: Syria Fundraiser 9th November: Eid Funday Chessington 20th December: Driving Ambulance to Syria (Medical Supplies needed) We also have a number or regular publications. The Muslim Chronicles is our Muslim Community Newsletter, if you would like to contribute articles or adverts then please get in touch. (www.Issu.com/TheMuslimSeeker) In addition we have a teen online magazine (DeenDirections.wordpress.com), which we always welcome contributions for, as well as accepting articles for our main site (MuslimahDirection.wordpress.com). If you require any advice, help or support please do not hesitate to get in touch. Imtiaz Nabi & Naila Naidoo NILC Directors
Newham Council Free Cycle Training Learn to cycle with skill and confidence If you want to learn to ride a bike or just improve your skills to feel more confident on the road, then there is a cycle training package to suit you. Training caters for all, from complete beginners to experienced cyclists. If you do not currently own a bicycle you can normally borrow one from the provider of the training (sub to availability). If you are interested in receiving free training please email cycle.training@newham.gov.uk or call 02030316730.
Give Blood An appeal has been made to find more blood donors in Newham. Award winning borough blood donor champion, Abdul Mlik, is urging residents to give blood. He says: "Anyone aged between 17 and 65, who weighs more than 50 KG (7st 12lbs) and is in good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor." To become a blood donor is really easy. To check if you meet the criteria visit www.blood.co.uk/councils or call 03001232323.
Dear All, Assalamu Alaykum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakatuh. Please find attached a Hijri calendar 1435 AH for the UK based on the Wifaqul Ulama moon sighting criteria. I have also added the Saudi Ummul Qura calendars dates, where it does not match the predicted crescent visibility. This calendar is re-produced from our new www.moonsighting.org.uk website. Pease read the Terms of Use before using the information in your own publications and do acknowledge our website as the source. PS. It used to take me about 10 hrs over a week to manullay produce the calendar, but now it is semi-automated, Alhamdulliah! Please check the dates and let me know of any errors. JazakAllah Wassalam, Qamar Uddin, York (UK) المراقبة اإلسالمية لألهلة في المملكة المتحدة Islamic Crescent Observation for the UK Sms: +447831534701, Fax: +441904352221 Wifaq/Days in Month (1435 AH) Month Start Date Days Cnt Muharram 05/11/2013 29 Safar 04/12/2013 30 Rabi-I 03/01/2014 29 Rabi-II 01/02/2014 30 Jumada-I 03/03/2014 29 Jumada-II 01/04/2014 30 Rajab 01/05/2014 29 Sha'ban 30/05/2014 30 Ramadan 29/06/2014 30 Shawwal 29/07/2014 29 Dhul-Qa'dah 27/08/2014 30 Dhul-Hijjah 26/09/2014 30 Total 355 Muharram 26/10/2014 29 Safar 24/11/2014 29 Rabi-I 23/12/2014 30
NILC FUNDRA
PLEASE SUPPO
I will be attempting to climb Mount Snowdon in order to raise money for Newham Islamic Learning Centre. This Centre provides various activities to their local community as well as a fully functioning madrassah. I am hoping to raise enough money so that we can purchase the following.. Revamp the madrassah as its in a poor state at the moment, purchase of islamic reading / teaching materials including Qur'an and to also pay for madrassah staff so that the centre can fully function and be maintained for years to come. The Centre also provides tuition and home work help as well and martial arts and organised swimming events.
Please try and help no matter how much you donate it all helps. Do not close the door of opportunity to claim Jannah.. for many of us there may be no more doors.
May Allah accept it from us all.
AISING TREKS
ORT OUR WORK
Br Hanan Khan, a former NILC student, will be running from Manor Park to Brighton (in sha Allah) on the 30 th of September for our very own Newham Islamic learning Centre. He wishes to enable others to benefit from the support and guidance he received at NILC, and help us to remain in operation. Some of our staff team will also be walking from London to Brighton (58 miles) on this day. I know my brothers and sisters have donated generously in Ramadan to various causes (home and abroad).However, there comes a time when we have to come together to support causes on our very own doorstep. If I didn’t need your support, I wouldn’t ask you. Brothers and sisters with Hikmah and empathy for The Ummah, now is the time that we need your help to keep NILC going. I pray to Allah that I can continue to help children and families within our community but I need all of you to dig deep and donate. Time will tell the benefit in sha Allah to the local community of the work we are doing and what impact NILC has on bridging people from various backgrounds and bringing them closer together. What do we offer: Madrassah/Qur’an classes, Sisters Halaqas, Sisters Tajweed classes, Homework Help, Support for families and support for youngsters and many other initiatives. Why NILC? NILC is a place that Muslims can go to for help and Alhamdulillah is expanding on many fronts and we need your help to make sure that we can c ontinue to operate and deliver. I could have chosen the nice and easy life but I suppose someone has to rise to the challenge and make change from within, from within a community. So I end with a quote: When the light has sharply faded And you have lost your way Let another's love guide you It can turn the blackest night into day. And for many: NILC is the Centre/ Madrassah where they can find that s upport and comfort and they can be helped to find their way. May Allah reward each everyone of you for your efforts but more for your intentions. Wa asalam Newham Islamic Learning Centre 07949641815
In the Name of Allah the most great and high: I have been working for for Newham Islamic Learning Centre for a while now. I believe that when we teach our kids about Islam its not just merely reading Qaidah and memorising. Islam also teaches us to be happy and joyful within the boundaries of (Allah swt). The experience we have with young Muslim students is excellent here. Recently we have been taking kids to enjoy days out in the park. This has made me gain a perspective and brought about a realisation of the importance of play to childrens learning and development. The kids enjoy these outings very much and they help me get to know them and bond with them. My thoughts are that we need more of these outgoing activities in our Islamic schools and to be more interactive with our students. Lets make it fun and different! Our Prophet SAW enjoyed being with children and gave them alot of attention because he knew they are the future of our Ummah who will carry our beacon of Islam for generations to come. We need to follow his example in the love, care, attention and education we give to, not just our own children, but all the children in our community. Safian Khan
Our Madrassah is open Monday to Thursday 5pm to 7pm and Saturday & Sunday 2pm to 6pm. It is run by fully qualified professional staff, and covers Qaidah and Islamic Studies. If you are interested in sending your child please call 07949641815 or feel free to drop in.
Newham Islamic Learning Centre exists to support the communities we live in. We aim to build the believers, mind, body and soul through our numerous community intitiatives. We want the children and families in our area to be able to positively contribute to the society we live in. Abu Musa (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah said, "The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the bricks of) a building, each strengthens the other.'' He illustrated this by interlacing the fingers of both his hands. [AlBukhari and Muslim].
Ne w h a m Is l a m i c L e a r n i n g C e n t r e Unit 4 Church Rd Studios 56 Church Rd Manor Park London E12 6AF
Phone: Brothers 07949641815 Sisters 07852882428 E-mail: Nalini.nk@gmail.com Web: Muslimah Directions.wordpress.com FB: Newham Islamic Learning Centre
Support NILC If you would like to advertise within our publication which gets distributed to our network of over 4000 families please get in touch.
NILC also welcomes donations as we do not run to make a profit and we aim to make our services as affordable as possible for the families we serve. If you would like to donate to any specific charity collection or initiative please get in touch. Newham Islamic Learning Centre HSBC ACC: 42063859 SC: 400234
We also welcome contributions for this publication and out blogs.
If you would like to get involved or volunteer please contact Naila: Nalini.nk@gmail.com 07852882428
Jazakallah khayr.