Muslim Homeschool In America

Homeschool Year 2011-2012

2011-10-24T18:14:00.001-07:00

Assalamualaikum,

Here is the link for Homeschool Year 2011-2012.

Insha Allah, it will give the benefits.

"Have a Happy Homeschooling."

Homeschool Year 2010-2011

2010-08-07T07:33:00.001-07:00

Insha Allah, our homeschool journey will be continued to this blog, Muslim Homeschool in America '10/'11

Happy Ramadan and Happy Homeschooling.

Homeschooling Is Still Going On

2009-09-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

Insha Allah, I will continue posting my blog for this school year in
Muslim Homeschool in America '09/'10.

If you want to see our last year journals:

May Allah always help and guide us all the time. Ameen.

Happy Homeschooling To All Of You.

Ramadan Mubarak To You

2009-08-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulillah, we are fasting Ramadan again this year.
Please try your best to do fasting and all other ibadah during this month Ramadan.
May Allah accept all our ibadah.
Ameen.

Here to listen Al- Qur'an recitation:

Educational Resouce I - August 2009

2009-08-03T03:07:00.000-07:00

Islamic Study

Let's learn about Fasting in Islam

Math

Language Art

Science

Inside the Cells

Social Study

America History Online - Textbook

We Are On Vacation Again

2009-07-20T02:35:00.000-07:00

Insha Allah, we will have another vacation on this summer.
The kids are going to have real carschooling and learning another different states.

There will be no posting for educational resources for from July 20 to July 28.
Insha Allah.

Educational Resource II - July 2009

2009-07-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

Arabic

Learn Arabic

Math

Matk Skill for grade Pre-K to 5

Language Art

Language for grade 1- 5

Science

Science Clips for age 5 to 7

Educational Games

Educational Games

Educational Resource I - July 2009

2009-07-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Qur'anic Study

Math

Math is FUN

Language Art

Grammar Blast for grade 6, 7, and 8

Science

Science - Mini Lessons for Grade K-5

Social Study

Geography World

Vacation To Washington D.C

2009-07-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we were in Washington D.C. to see the 46th Annual ISNA Convention and other places.
Alhamdulillah, the kids really enjoyed the vacation in D.C.
They went to see the Whitehouse and National Monument.
The kids also saw the fireworks of fourth of July event.

To see the interest pictures are in here

Educational Resources III - June 2009

2009-06-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Islamic Study

Language Art

Easy Vocabularies Quizes with Pictures

Math

Math TV

Science

Science, Math, and Technology Practice Test

Social Studies

Social Studies for grade 3, 4 and 5

Learn Salah and Wudhu for Kids

2009-06-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

Some of the links are:

To learn how to pray , please click here
or here
To learn wudu, please click here
To learn some short surah from Al Qur'an: (with transliteration), please click
here

Let's our kids about salah and wudhu.
Insha Allah, the links are useful for all of us.

You can also find other links that useful in here

Online Du'a

2009-06-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

This is sharing in the group about Du'a Online.

Some of the links are:

Arabic and the meanings in English, please click
here
Arabic, meanings, and transliteration, please click
here
Du'a Day and Night is in here
Fortification of the Muslim is in here

Educational Resources II - June 2009

2009-06-17T05:05:00.000-07:00

Islamic Study

Mosques -History for Kids

Math

Language Arts

Science

Social Study

Education Resources I - June 2009

2009-06-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

Qur'an

Learn Tajweed - please choose your language (English, Deutsch, Turkey, Indonesia, and Malaysia

Math

Math Games

Reading

Reading Games

Science

Other - Preparing the portfolio

Record Keeping - Portfolio

News on Muslim Homeschooling

2009-06-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

To hear the video of the story is in here:
Girl 13 Year Old Connecticut Headed to College - 5/31
or in this video.

You can also read the article in:

Here is picture

The Tuition- Free Colleges

2009-05-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some of Tuition-Free Colleges:

College of the Ozarks
CUNY Teacher Academy
Webb Institute - Naval Engineering
Deep Springs College
UC-Irvine School of Law
Berea College - work study program
Olin College of Engineering
Cooper Union - Architecture
Curtis Institute of Music
Alice Lloyd College

To find more about the profile of each college, please check in College Quick Finder.
Please copy and paste the college above to search.

To read the article is in

Eat Halal and Tayyib Foods

2009-05-18T04:48:00.000-07:00

Allah subhana wata'ala wants us to eat halal and tayyib (good)foods. If you eat halal but not tayyib (good) for your body, you will get sicks easily.

The Etiquettes in Eating and Drinking

Let's teach our kids about etiquettes in eating and drinking from some of the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad sallalahu alayhi wa salam :

Wash our hands.
Recite doa before and after eating and drinking.
Abu Sa'eed Khudari Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: "After eating Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam read this du'aa: "Alhamdulillaahil-ladhi at-amanaa wa-saqaa-naa wa-ja-a-lanaa muslimeen." (Imaam Tirmidhi: 182 Hadiths Number 4 )
Translation: Praise be to Allah who fed us, and gave us drink and made us muslims".
Aayeshah radiyallahu 'Anha says: "Rasulullah Sallallahli 'Alayi Wasallam said: 'When one eats and has forgotten to recite 'Bismillah', then when one remembers while eating, one should recite 'Bismillahi awwalahu wa aa-khirahu' ". (Imaam Tirmidhi: 180 Hadiths Number 2)
Always use right hand to eat and drink.
Umar bin Abi Salamah Radiyallahu 'Anbu came to Rasululah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam while food had been served to him. Rasulullah Saliallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam said: "O my Son come near, recite Bismillah, and eat with your right hand from that portion which is in front of you". (Imaam Tirmidhi: 181 Hadiths Number 3)

Favorite Foods of Prophet Muhammad sallalahu alayhi wasalam

This is the list of 12 Foods of Prophet Muhammad salllalahu alayhi wa salam:

Barley: Good in fever, while use in a soup form.
Dates: The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasalam said that a house without dates has no food. It should also be eaten at the time of childbirth.
Figs: It is a fruit from paradise and a cure for piles.
Grapes: The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasalam was very fond of grapes - it purifies the blood, provides vigour and health, strengthens the kidneys and clears the bowels.
Honey: Considered the best remedy for diarrhoea when mixed in hot water. It is the food of foods, drink of drinks and drug of drugs. It is used for creating appetite, strengthening the stomach, eliminating phlegm; as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye soother and mouthwash. It is extremely beneficial in the morning in warm water.
Melon: The Prophet sallalhu alayhi wasalam said: "None of your women who are pregnant and eat of water melon will fail to produce off spring that is good in countenance and good in character.'"
Milk: The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasalam said that milk wipes away heat from the heart just as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow. It strengthens the back, improved the brain, renews vision and drives away forgetfulness.
Mushroom: The Prophet salallahu alayhi wasalam said that mushroom is a good cure for the eyes; it also serves as a form of birth control and arrests paralysis.
Olive Oil: Excellent treatment for skin and hair, delays old age, and treats inflammation of the stomach.
Pomegranate: The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasalam said it cleanses you of Satan and evil aspirations for 40 days.
Vinegar: A food Prophet Muhammad sallalahu alayhi wasalam used to eat with olive oil.
Water: The Prophet salllalhu alayhi wasalam said the best drink in this world is water, when you are thirsty drink it by sips and not gulps, gulping produces sickness of the liver.

The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasalam took great care to distribute water, particularly on journeys. On one particular journey, for instance, he stopped somewhere and asked for water from those around him. After washing his hands and face, he drank from the water, and told his companions; "pour some of its water on your faces and chests."
After drinking water, he prayed:
"All praise is due to Allah Who has made it delicious and sweet by His grace and has not made it either salty or unsavory."
Another occasion, the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasalam said:
"Water was created pure and nothing makes it impure except that which changes its color, taste and smell."

There are categories of foods which are:

Halaal or foods that are lawful
Haraam or foods that are forbidden
Mashbooh or foods that are ‘suspect’ and cover a grey area between Halaal and Haraam.
Makrooh meaning ‘religiously discouraged’ or ‘disliked’
and Zabiha meaning ‘slaughtered according to Islamic method’.

List of food ingredients which is Haraam/Mushbooh categories:

Haraam (forbidden)
- Alcohol
- Animal fat
- Animal shortening
- Bacon
- Collagen (pork)
- Gelatine/Kosher gelatine
- Lard
- Pork
Mushbooh (grey area/suspect and so best avoided)
- Cholesterol
- Di-glyceride/Mono-glyceride
- Enzymes
- Fatty acids
- Glyceride
- Glycerol/glycerine
- Glycerol stearate
- Glycogen
- Hormones
- Hydrolyzed animal protein
- Pepsin
- Phospholipid
- Rennin/rennet
- Shortening
- Whey

Useful links to learn at home:

Homeschool Conference and Other Events

2009-05-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

The 2009 CHN Conference will be held on Saturday, June 6th, 2009.
The place will be in Crosby High School, 300 Pierpont Rd, Waterbury, CT.
And the time is 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To see more information, please click here

To see other homeschool events in US, please click here.

Annual Quiz Competition on Islamic Knowledge

2009-05-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 9, 2009, We went to "Annual Quiz Competition on Islamic Knowledge" in New Jersey.

I told my kids that they're going to have fun, meeting new muslim friends, and learning Islamic knowledge. Alhamdulillah, all the kids were trying their best to answer all the questions. I think this contest is good for the Muslim kids.

Insha Allah next year, we are going again.

Educational Resources II - May 2009

2009-05-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Islamic Study

Islamic Quizzes
Please choose your kid's level.

Math

Math Quizzes: Integers, Concept, Fraction, and Geometry
You can choose what language do you want: in English and in Spanish.
There are also quizzes for Vocabulary and Geography.
Another Quizzes for Basic Fact Maths
SAT Type test

Language Arts

Language Arts Games

Science

Science Quizzes for big kids

Social Study

Online Quizzes: Social Study and other subjects

Educational Resources I - May 2009

2009-05-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

Arabic

Math

Videos: Math Tutorials

English

Learn English - with Audios

Social Study

Quiz Online: Pick a subject, a grade and how many questions you want to see

Science

Chem Web Online

Educational Resources - End of April 2009

2009-04-27T11:35:00.001-07:00

Islamic Study

Math

Math Practice for grade Pre-K to Grade 5
Please choose your state or your country.

Language Art

Language Art for Elementary

Science

Let's teach our kids about this: Solar Power Facts: A Brighter, Cleaner Future For Our Children

Youth Retreat 2009

2009-04-25T05:48:00.001-07:00

Alhamdulillah, the Youth Retreat on April 17-19, 2009, went very well with alot of new faces coming to the retreat. The kids came from different states in the US: Connecticut, Massachusset, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.

This youth retreat were gathering because they were all Muslim regardless their culture. The kids have to understand that Muslim were from all over the world.
They have to respect other culture that were different with their culture at home.

On Friday night, there were about 70-80 kids gathering in masjids. After praying Isha, one of the organizer was giving short lecture to the kids.
He said that "What is the best worship after all obligatory worship?"
All the kids tried to answer. The kids answered, "It's Tahajjud or Qiyammul Layl."
He also told the kids what they will learn to night.

Tahajjud or Qiyamul Layl.
Straight line in salah and no making gap of the saff (row).
Manner in sleep.
Waking up and Taking wudhu after short sleep.
"The best thing was taking wudhu in difficult time such as in cold water."
etc.

Alhamdulillah.

The kids were also:

learning how to be good muslim.
meeting new friends, young and old.
watching story of prophet Ibrahim alayhi wa salam.
watching the fun movie, too. It's about "Panda Kung Fu."
other fun activities on Saturday, all day long until at night.
etc.

On Saturday morning, there were more youths joining the retreat for the day.

This Youth Retreat was very good for youth Muslim in this country where majority was not Muslim. The Youths need to continue learning about Islam religion at home or in masjid. We have to remember that the best teacher for our kids are their parents at home.

Insha Allah, next year there will be Youth Retreat with more new faces for the participants and the organizers.
Special Thanks for the organizers. Jazakum Allah Khair.

May Allah give all the rewards for all you have done to the youth. I think the kids will always remember this useful and fun experience in their life time.

Educational Resources IV - April 2009

2009-04-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

Islamic Study

PBS: Islam: Empire of Faith

Math

Aplus Math: Free Worksheet for elementary

Language Art

English Basic Worksheet

Science

Think Green

Other

Earth Day on April 22

Educational Resource III - April 2009

2009-04-13T05:26:00.000-07:00

Please do not forget that there will be Youth Retreat for Muslim Kids in New Haven, CT, on April 17 - 19, 2009, for more information please see here

Islamic Study

The Story of Prophet Adam alayhi salam.
The Story of Prophet Lut alayhi wa salam.
You can find print other story in here or Ikhlas Homeschool

Math

Math For Kids: Numbers

Language Art

Write Your Own Story

Social Study

Social Sciences Virtual Library

Physic

A High School Physic Tutorial

Chemistry

Quizes and Tutorial - Chemistry

Educational Resources II - April, 2009

2009-04-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

First, there will be The Islamic Quiz Competition in New Jersey, on May 9, 2009.

Our Educational Resources for this week are:

Islamic Study
- The Story of Sahabah
Math
- Math for kids
Social Study
- Social Study for kids
Language Art
- Language Art for KIndergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade
Science
- Science with me

Educational Resources I - April 2009

2009-03-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Islamic Study
- The House of Allah
Math
- Intermediate Algebra
Science
- Science for kids age 4-5
Language Art
- Basic Skill Practice Games - Grammar
Social Study
- Social Study Practice Test - for grade 8

Vacation Days

2009-03-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

Insha Allah, we are going to have vacation days from March 20, 2009 until March 29, 2009.
There will be no posting for educational resources until the end of March.

The kids are so exciting about this vacation. It will be very long trip. We plan to visit some of masjids in there. We also plan to see the nice place and important place in that states. If we have time we are going to visit our friends there. My older kids want to visit some of colleges.
Insha Allah, we can see those places.
Allah has the best plan for us.

Educational Resources II - March 2009

2009-03-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Islamic Study
- Charity in Islam
Math
- Math For High School
Language Art
- English for High School
Science
- Science for High School
Social Study
- Social Study for High School
Other
- Zoom School: a online for elementary

Charity and Zakah Are The Ways To Improve The Economy

2009-03-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

Every night after Isha, Sheik was talking about Seerah Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wa salam). First, he was talking about the fisrt step of dakwa. Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wa salam) did dakwa very secretly and only between family and friends.
The second step of dakwa, it was in public. Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wa salam) had alot of difficulties. We should be happy now that we don't have to go through all the difficulties that our Prophet had been through during dakwa.

Sheikh also talked about being generous to other.
He talked about Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu) who was the richest and the generous sahaba in that time.
To read about it more in here, Story of Abu Bakr Al Siddiiq

Charity is the topic that I always talk to my kids.
Some of statement from Al-Qur'an about charity are as following:

Charity is considered a beautiful loan to Allah.

"Who is it thatt would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over?
And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned."
(Al-Qur'an 2:245)
Allah will multiply what you spend in charity.

"And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking means to the approval of Allah and assuring(reaward for) themselves is like a garden on high ground which is it hit by a downpour - so it yields its fruits in double.
And (even) if it is no hit by a downpour, then a drizzle (is sufficient).
And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing."
(Al-Qur'an 2:265)
Charity done in secret is better.

"If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds (thereby).
And Allah, with what you do, is (fully) Acquainted."
(Al-Qur'an 2: 271)
Charity prescribed even before Islam.

"And (recall) when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, (enjoining upon them), "Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good (words) and establish prayer and give zakah."
Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing."
(Al-Qur'an 2:83)
Allah punishes those who do not give charity.

"O you who have believed, indeed many of the scholars and the monks devour the wealth of people unjustly and avert (them) from the way of Allah.
And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah - give them tidings of painful punishment."
(Al-Qur'an 9:34)
Charity is for the needy.

"Charity is for the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah, unable to move about in the land.
An ignorant person would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their characteristic sign.
They do not ask people persistently or at all.
And whatever you spend of good - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it'"
(Al-Qur'an 2: 273)

I also want to share story from last week after salah Jumuah in masjid.
There was a man, who wanted to stop smoking, came and asked advise to my husband. Then my husband advised him that he could save his money and gave it as charity instead of buying cigarrette."
The man said, "Okay, here is the money, I want to give the money to orphans."
Alhamdulillah. Insha Allah, he will stop smoking slowly.
Some people are really need to remind each other to do good deeds.
Religion is about reminding each other, giving naseeha, and doing good deeds what Allah commands us.

The kids said to me that the charity or sedekah and zakah can improve and solve the economy. Economy will be better and growing with this kind of distribution of wealth from the rich one to the needy.
This is very wise distribution of wealth from the one who has the wealth to the one who does not have.

The kids also said that Muslim should do more charity and zakah because Muslim knew it very well what the meaning of charity and zakah in Islam. There are so many rich Muslim in this world but why so many Muslim countries around the world are poor and need help escpecially for the kids who need for theis basic needs. The kids said that it might be because of Muslim did not give charity and zakah.

"If I am success in my business or my carreer I will try to help the needy to have better life", said my kids to me.
Insha Allah.

Insha ALlah, we also try to help others in this difficulty time.
Alot of people are losing their job, losing their home, losing their family, stress, can not afford to pay tuition for school or buying foods, etc.

May Allah help us to do good deeds. Ameen.

Educational Resources I - March 2009

2009-03-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

Islamic Study
- The Upper Hand: Charity in Islam
Arabic Worksheet
Math
- Learn Math
Reading
Do not forget to read your Qur'an for 10 to 15 minutes a day. Insha Allah.
- RIF: Reading Is Fundamental
Science
- You Innovative 21
Social Study
- Ask Asia: Exploring Asia for kids
- Social Study: Thematics Pathfinders for all ages
Other
- Learn ABC from Starfall for young one

I want to be a Muslim

2009-02-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

Last night, as usually we went to masjid for Isha praying.
When we got there, there was a lady who was standing in the front of door. She was waiting for someone to open the door to get inside the masjid.
I never saw this lady before. I asked her name. Her name was Barbara.

When we got inside, it was time for Isha praying.
With my two daughters and the lady, who sat down on the chair, were getting ready for praying. The lady could not stood up because her back was so pain to stand.
I said to her you can sit down if you can not stand up.

When we finished praying, she started asking about me.
I also asked her about how did she know about Islam. I thought she knew about praying but she didn't know anything, yet. She just followed what we were doing.
She said that she had Muslim friend when she was young in Washington D.C.
She came to masjid because someone told her about this masjid.
Alhamdulillah, I was coming to the masjid last night and met her.
It's Allah's planning.

These are some of conversations from last night.

I asked: "Do you know how to pray?"
She said: "No."

I asked: "Do you know about the five pillar in Islam?"
She said: "No."

Then I explained to her about the five pillars of Islam one by one.
The five pillars of Islam are

Saying Kalimah Shahadah,
Praying Five time a day,
Fasting in month of Ramadan,
Zakah or Charity,
Pilgrim to Hajj in Makkah.

I asked: "Do you want to say sahadah with me to become Muslim?"
She said: "Yes, please help me how to say it."

Then I started saying the kalimah sahadah slowly and she followed what I said.
We tried to say it again for the second time, and then the third one.
And then She said again, too.
I explained the meaning about kalimah sahadah to her after that.

I said: "Alhamdulillah, now you are Muslim. May Allah save you from the hellfire. Ameen. You have to learn salah/praying after this. Insha Allah, we meet again in the masjid. I let her know about new class for new shahadah in the masjid, too."
She said; "Thank You, sister."

I also explained to her about the six pillars of Belief.
She has to believe in

Allah,
Prophets Allah - including prophet Yesus alayhi salam and our last Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wasalam,
Book of Allah - Al Qur'an,
Angel of Allah,
Life after Death and Destiny,
and the Day of Jugement.

And then my husband came to see me, if she needed any help.
I knew that she will need alot of helps from us, as Muslim, to learn more about Islam such as:

how to pray,
how to read Al-Qur'an,
how to do fasting,
how to do wudhu and clean ourself,
how to control ourself from the temptation this dunya,
etc.

I gave her my telphone number.
I think that it was a blessing from Allah to me to help her.
She also got hidayah/guidance and blessing from Allah to become Muslim.
She was happy that she was Muslim before death is coming to her.

I told my kids that we don't know Allah's plan. We always have to do good deeds in everywhere and to everyone who need help.

May Allah bless all of us to help other to good deeds in this life. Ameen.

Useful link:

Understanding Islam and Muslim

Educational Resources IV - February 2009

2009-02-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

Islamic Study

Math

Math Riddle Books in PDF File
To makes math more fun to learn.
Colorful Fraction Circle in PDF file
Fraction Strips in PDF file
Fraction Circls in PDF file
Fraction in PDF file
Comparing Fraction in PDF file
Fraction Words Problems in PDF file
My youngest kid is learning about fraction now.

Writing

Language Arts

Other

Youth Leadership: iDebate: Developing Leaders with General Tommy Franks

College Scholarship For Muslim Student

2009-02-21T03:56:00.000-08:00

This is some of the list scholarship information:

Fadel Educational Foundation, Inc.
Fadel Education Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit educational foundation supporting education for Muslim U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The awards are distributed on a need/merit basis up to $2,000 a year for post-secondary education.
Applications for 2008-9 are no longer available. Applications for 2009-10 will insha Allah be available in February 2009.

If you want to be in the yahoogroup to get more information is in FEF yahoogroup
The Barakat Trust
Established in 1987 for the study, promotion and understanding of Islamic Art History, Architecture and Archaeology, both the Barakat Trust (U.K.) and the Barakat Foundation (U.S.A.) are non-profit charitable organisations.
Journalism for Arab America students
The Arab America Institute: other scholarship for American students of Arab descent
King Faisal Foundation
The Students Islamic Trust
The Students Islamic Trust is functioning in the field of educational development of the Muslims community in India. The main aim of the Trust is to extend helping hand to deserving students of the Muslims community through awarding scholarships and C & G programme.
Canadian Islamic Congress Scholarship
The Canadian Islamic Congress is pioneering the country's first-ever endowment fund to support scholarships for fulltime Muslim students enrolled in Canadian post-secondary institutions, and who intend to major in journalism, social work, law, or political sciences.
The Rootbert Fund
The Fund is a small, nearly all-volunteer scholarship fund based in New York City, which awards yearly grants and works to foster fellowship among grant recipients. Once a year, the Fund accepts applications for grants, which include essays, transcripts and recommendations.
The scholarship is for the applicants who live in New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, or North Carolina.
Muslim Youth Leadership Award - for Minnesota students
S.I.S.T.E.R.S Scholarships
This is for young Muslim women in the DC Metropolitan Area, S.I.S.T.E.R.S initiated this scholarship in 2007.
Texas Muslim Scholarship Fund
This project's purpose is to create an endowment fund that would grant annual scholarships to students studying in Texas in under-represented public affairs fields such as Journalism and Law.
American Progress Internship Program
ISNA Internship Program

If you think that you know other information about scholarship, please share it with us.

May Allah give rewards to you. Ameen.

Free Homeschool Resources from Clickschooling

2009-02-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

Here are the Resources:
ClickSchooling — Get free daily, web-based curriculum ideas that save you time and money. The reviews are sent in a daily email, Monday through Saturday, that are focused on a specific subject as follows:

Monday = Math
Tuesday = Science
Wednesday = Language Arts
Thursday = Social Sciences
Friday = Virtual Field Trip
Saturday = Electives: Music, Art, & Languages

The sites generally include excellent information delivered in a student-friendly, multi-media format, and often contain free interactive games as well as printable lessons and materials that can be tweaked to your needs and interests whether you are homeschooling or unschooling. Most of the sites are suitable for a wide age range.

This is an invaluable resource, and you can subscribe to ClickSchooling (via Yahoo Groups) and get the latest reviews for free. You can also search the content-rich archives.

Three Free EZines

Homefires ~ The Journal of Homeschooling
Universal Preschool
Carschooling

You can subscribe to Yahoogroup: ClickSchooling and start getting the latest reviews for free.

You can also search the content-rich ClickSchooling archives

Mathcounts Competition

2009-02-19T05:29:00.001-08:00

The Mathcounts competition was on Saturday, February 14, 2009.
There were only two Muslim kids who participated this years.
Alhamdulillah, they were learning alot about Math on this competition.

The entertain event was teaching the kids about chemical, such as Natrium, Helium, Oxygen, Hydrogen, etc.

Next year, Insha Allah, we will joined again because the kids love to learn math.

To see the website and learn about the Mathcount weekly problems:
MATHCOUNTS

Educational Resources III - February 2009

2009-02-19T05:08:00.000-08:00

Islamic Study

The Belief of Angels

Arabic

Learn Arabic from free lessons online

Math

Free worksheet for learning measurement

Language Art

Free printable English worksheet

Science

Free Science Worksheet

Social Study

Social Study Worksheet

Educational Resources - II, February 2009

2009-02-10T04:47:00.000-08:00

Islamic Study

Story of Prophet Dawud alayhi salam
- Prophet Dawud alayhi salam
- Story for kids: Prophet Dawud alayhi salam
Story of Prophet Musa
- Video: Prophet Musa alayhi salam 1/2
- Video: Prophet Musa alayhi salam 2/2

Language Art

Math

Free Math K-6 Education: Prealgebra and Algebra Videos

Science

Social Study

US History - Quiz

Assesssment

Resources to help student practice on state assessment

Other: Resources Education for Kindergarten

Kinderweb Free Children's Games

Other: Game

Fun Game Goo for Kids

The Important of Reading Al-Qur'an

2009-02-10T03:54:00.000-08:00

Last week, My husband finished reading Al-Qur'an, so he asked all my kids to read together with him for the last 20 surah(chapters) of Al-Qur'an.
Insha Allah, my other two kids will finish reading Al-Qur'an soon again.

We also did finishing Al-Qur'an in masjid with other Muslim last month.

Alhamdulillah, the imam reminded us that it is very good to encourage Muslim to read Al-Qur'an everyday at least 10 to 15 minutes.
Insha Allah, all Muslim kids will read Al-Qur'an regularly everyday.

Al-Quran should be recite among our family members by understanding the meanings and implementing it in our daily life. Prophet Muhammad(sallalahu alayhi wasalam)said: "The best among you, are those who learnt the Quran and teach to the others".

We knew that the important of learning, memorizing, reading, and teaching Al-Qur'an in our life:

Al-Qur'an is the Book of Guidance in our life.

"This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those concious of Allah." (Al-Qur'an 2:2)
Al-Qur'an is easy to understand and remember.

"And We have certainly made the Qur'an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?" (Al-Qur'an 54:17)
Al Qur'an is the mother of Book.

"And indeed it is, in the Mother of Book with Us, exalted and full of Wisdom."
(Al-Qur'an 43:4)
Al Qur'an confirms previous revelation.

"And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book [i.e., the Qur'an] in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scriptureand as a criterionover it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is you return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ."
(Al-Qur'an 5:48)
Al-Qur'an is Pure and Holy.

"A Messenger from Allah, reciting purified scriptures. Within which are correct writing [i.e., rulings and laws].
(Al-Qur'an 98:2)
Al-Qur'an is the Book of Wisdom.

"Alif, Laam, Ra. These are the verses of the wise Book."
(Al-Qur'an 30:1-2)
Remembrance of Allah in the reading and listening of Al-Qur'an.

"And when you recite Al-Qur'an, We put between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter a concealed partition. And We have placed over their hearts coverings, lest they understand it, and in their ears deafness. And when you mention His Oneness, they turn back in aversion."
(Al-Qur'an 17:45-46)
Teach Al-Qur'an to others.

"And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers."
(Al-Qur'an 51:55)

"[This is] a Book revealed to you, [O Muhammad] - so let there not be in your breast distress therefrom - that you may warn thereby and as a reminder to the believer."
(Al-Qur'an 7:2)
Seek Allah's protection before reading Al-Qur'an.

"So when you recite Al-Qut'an, [first] seek refugee in Allah from Saitan, the expelled [from His Mercy].
(Al-Qur'an 16:98)
Al-Qur'an will intercede for us in the Day of Judgement.

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasalam) said: "Study the Qur’an (regularly) for it will act as an intercessor and intercede for its readers on the Day of Judgement."
(Sahih Muslim)
Al-Qur'an will raise our status in this life.

Prophet Muhammed (sallalahu alayhi wasalam) said: "Allah will elevate some nations through this book (the Qur’an ) and degrade others with it." (Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasalam) also said: "The best among you are those who have learnt the Qur’an and teach to (others)."
There are rewards for each letter you recite from Al Qur'an.

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasalam) said: "When somebody recites one letter from the Qur’an he will get one good deed in recompense and this one recompense will be equal to 10 good deeds. "I do not say that Alif Lam Meem is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter and Meem is a letter (i.e. it is equal to three letters)."
(Al-Tirmidhi)
The reciters of the Qur’an will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels.

Ayesha narrated that Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasalam) said, "A person who recites the Qur’an and reads it fluently will be in the company of the obedient and noble angels, and he who reads the Qur’an haltingly and with difficulty will have a double recompense."
(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The great honor in Paradise for the reader Al-Qur’an.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasalam) said: "A reader of the Qur’an will be called upon on the Day of Judgment: ‘Start reading the Qur’an and ascend the (high) stages of the Heaven, and recite slowly as you had been reciting in the world, as your abode will be where the last verse of your recitation will end."
(Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi)

May Allah help us in learning, reading, memorizing, understanding, and teaching Al-Qur'an. Ameen.

Useful Links:

Beautiful Masjid al Haram in Makkah

2009-02-04T04:44:00.000-08:00

"Indeed, the first House of worship established for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah) - blessed and a guidance for the worlds.
In it are clear signs (such as) the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it (the masjid al-Haram) shall be safe. And due to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves (refuses) - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds."
(Al Qur'an surah Ali Imran 3:96-97)

Narrated by Ahmad and Ibn Majaah (1406) from Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "One prayer in my masjid is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere, except al-Masjid al-Haraam, and one prayer in al-Masjid al-Haraam is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere."

I want to share the pictures of beautiful MAsjid al haram in Makkah.

My tear felt down when the first time I step inside the Masjid al Haram in 1982. I was saying Alhamdulillah manytime, when I was there. It's really blessing from Allah.

There was not alot of tall buildings surrounded. Now, It's very different and crowded.

When I saw from my room, I saw a goat that was looking for food, walking around the street.

Now, I don't think I can find goat around there anymore.
I also touched the black stone in the corner Ka'bah. Now, I don't think I can make it with the crowded people around Ka'bah.

Insha Allah, If Allah give us blessing to go there. We have to plan our financial and time to go for Hajj/Umrah. We need to make our niyyah from now.
May Allah answer and listen our doa. Ameen.

Insha Allah, we will hear stories from our friends who already went to Hajj or Umrah.

You can find other useful source:

Educational Resources I - February 2009

2009-02-04T04:16:00.000-08:00

Islamic Study

Story of Prophet Isa alayhi salam
One of my students is asking me about the story of Prophet Isa alayhi salam. I would like to share with other kids, too.

Science

Learn Science
There is alot of activities.

Math

Learn Dimensions

Geography

Learn Europe

Educational Resources III - January 2009

2009-01-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

Islamic Study

Story of Prophet Yusuf alayhi salam

Math

Math Flashcard

Science

Science and Technology

Geography

Where in the world...

Social Study

United States

Educational Resources II - January 2009

2009-01-13T06:01:00.000-08:00

Al-Qur'an
- Let's hear and memorize Qur'an
  Please choose your surah.
Math
- Problem of the week from Mathcounts
Language Art
- Hangman Word Games
- Word Search Games
History
- Inauguration of the President

To see others useful links, please click: Ikhlas Homeschool.

The Story of Abu Lahab

2009-01-13T04:40:00.000-08:00

When we did praying salah Isha in masjid, Sheikh made doa qunut for all Muslim who were in difficulty time in this world.

Last week after salah Isha, Sheikh was talking about the story of Abu Lahab. Sheikh said that Allah subhana wa ta'aala has the power of everything in this world. Allah subhana wa ta'ala has control in everything He had created.

=========================

Surah Al-Lahab

There is a chapter in the Al-Qur’an called surah Al-Lahab (chapter# 111) named after Abu Lahab. This chapter explained that Abu Lahab and his wife will perish in the hell fire – implying he will never become a Muslim and therefore will enter the hell fire.

Surah 115 (1-5): The Masad (Lahab)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(1)تَبَّتْ يَدَا أَبِي لَهَبٍ وَتَبَّ
(2)مَاأَغْنَى عَنْهُ مَالُهُ وَمَا كَسَبَ
(3) سَيَصْلَى نَارًا ذَاتَ لَهَبٍ
(4)وَامْرَأَتُهُ حَمَّالَةَ الْحَطَبِ
(5)فِي جِيدِهَا حَبْلٌ مِّن مَّسَدٍ

Meaning:
The Flame
In The Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful
1. May the hands of Abu Lahab perish, may he (himself) perish.
2. His wealth avails him not, neither what he had earned.
3. Soon will he roast in a flaming fire,
4. And his wife, the bearer of the firewood,
5. Upon her neck a rope of twisted palm-fibre.

This Surah was revealed 10 years before Abu Lahab died as an unbeliever. Many of Abu Lahab’s friends and other disbelievers accepted Islam in the span of 10 years since this surah was revealed.

========================

Who is Abu Lahab?

Abu Lahab is the Prophet's uncle and the son of Abdul Muttalib. Among those people he was one of the strongest enemies of Islam.
Abu Lahab is the Father of the Flames, whose name was 'Abdul-'Uzza and means the servant of the idol 'Uzza, was a man of fiery temperament with a reddish face. This nickname, perhaps, was chosen for him, because, 'lahab', in Arabic, means 'a flame of fire'.
He and his wife, Umm-i-Jamil; a sister of Abu Sufyan, being specifically mentioned as the cursed ones among the enemies of Islam, hurt the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) very much.
A person by the name of 'Tariq Muharibi' says that once Abu Labab was found going behind the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) passing through the marketplace called 'Zul-Mujaz'(it is close to 'Arafat, a short distance from Mecca). He was following behind the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) shouting was a mad man and pelting his feet with stones, causing the Prophet (salllallahu alayhi wasallam) to walk with bleeding wounds.
Abu Lahab was a rich, proud man who boasted about his wealth and used it against Islam.
It is narrated that after the defeat of the Meccans at Badr, Abu Lahab, who had not participated in the battle, asked Abu Sufyan, when he returned from the battlefield, about its details. Abu Sufyan described to him the event of how the Quraish were defeated and, then, he added: By Allah, we saw, in the course of battle, some riders between the earth and heaven who had come to help Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

Here, Abu Rafi', one of the servants of Abbas tells the story thus: I was sitting there and I raised my hand and said that they were the angels of Heaven. Then, Abu Lahab became so angry that he sharply struck my face and lifted me up and I fell hard upon the ground.

He continued beating me because of his grief from his disappointment. At that moment, Ummul-Fadl, Abbass' wife, who was attending there, took a stake and struck it hard on Abu Lahab's head, and said: 'Have you found this weak man alone?'.

The head of Abu Lahab became wounded and bloody. One week later he died from a contagious disease and since his body gave off an unbearable, foul smell no one approached it. It was left for three days and, at last some slaves were hired to carry it out of Mecca. They watered it from a distance and then piled stones on top of it until it was buried.

===================

The Destiny of Umm Jamil, the Wife of Abu Lahab.

His wife was among the leading women of the Quraysh and she was known as Umm Jamil. Her name was `Arwah bint Harb bin Umayyah and she was the sister of Abu Sufyan. She was supportive of her husband in his disbelief, rejection and obstinacy. Therefore, she will be helping to administer his punishment in the fire of Hell on the Day of Judgment.

Allah says in the Qur'an that:

"And his wife, the bearer of the firewood,
Upon her neck a rope of twisted palm-fibre (Masad)."

It means she will carry the firewood and throw it upon her husband to increase that which he is in (of torment), and she will be ready and prepared to do so.
Story of Abu Lahab's Wife harming the Messenger of Allah Ibn Abi Hatim said that his father and Abu Zur`ah both said that `Abdullah bin Az-Zubayr Al-Humaydi told them that Sufyan informed them that Al-Walid bin Kathir related from Ibn Tadrus that Asma' bint Abi Bakr said, "When (Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab and perish he)!) was revealed, the one-eyed Umm Jamil bint Harb came out wailing, and she had a stone in her hand. She was saying, `He criticizes our father, and his religion is our scorn, and his command is to disobey us.' The Messenger of Allah was sitting in the Masjid (of the Ka`bah) and Abu Bakr was with him. When Abu Bakr saw her he said, `O Messenger of Allah! She is coming and I fear that she will see you.' The Messenger of Allah replied,(Verily, she will not see me.) Then he recited some of the Qur'an as a protection for himself. This is as Allah says,(And when you recite the Qur'an, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter, aninvisible veil.) (17:45) So she advanced until she was standing in front of Abu Bakr and she did not see the Messenger of Allah. She then said, `O Abu Bakr! Verily, I have been informed that your friend is making defamatory poetry about me.' Abu Bakr replied, `Nay! By the Lord of this House (the Ka`bah) he is not defaming you.' So she turned away saying, `Indeed the Quraysh know that I am the daughter of their leader.''' Al-Walid or another person said in a different version of this Hadith, "So Umm Jamil stumbled over her waist gown while she was making circuits (Tawaf) around the House (the Ka`bah) and she said, `Cursed be the reviler.' Then Umm Hakim bint `Abdul-Muttalib said, `I am a chaste woman so I will not speak abusively and I am refined so I do not know. Both of us are children of the same uncle. And after all the Quraysh know best.'' This is the end of the Tafsir of this Surah, and all praise and blessings are due to Allah.

==================

Conclusion

The kids said that, insha Allah, we will not going to see alot of "Abu Lahab" in this world. I hope not but we knew that the syaitaan are still alive around us and are trying to get us to the hellfire. We should always seek refugee from Allah subhana wa ta'ala to save us from the evil behaviour by:

doing our salah five time daily on times,
fasting in Ramadan,
reciting and memorizing Al-Qur'an,
listening and respecting to parent or old people,
be good to all muslim and non muslim,
giving sadaqah or charity,
helping others,
and others good deeds.

May Allah protect and guide us in the right path. Ameen.
===================

Useful sources:

Qur'an Tafsir: Surah 111

Activities for kids:

Memorize Al Qur'an surah 111: surah Al-Lahab
Learn about dangerous diseases.
My kids were asking me what kind of disease that Abu Lahab's had?
They thought that it was very scary disease. The kids said it could be because Abu Lahab had diabeties and his wounded never got recovery.
I told the kids to learn more about diseases. Because there will be more diseases coming in this world before the Day of Judgement. We have to take care of our body to be healthy so we can pray and do more ibadaah.

You can also read on and share this news about Salmonella in Crackers.

Please share your story with us in the group.
We love to hear the Islamic story.

To Be Kind To Animal

2009-01-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

This is my kids' new friend. It is a cat. They call her NewKit.
The cat always come to the backyard and wants to get inside the house.
The kids let the cat to come in because the weather is so cold.
They are taking care the cat at home.
The neighbour also come to visit the cat and share some food for the cat, too.
We don't know who has this cat. Our kids love this cat.

My kids ask me "How can the cat or other animal can survive in this cold weather?"
I share some of hadiths and ayah of Al Qur'an to explain it.
Insha Allah, we will hear other sharing story about animals.

Animals in Hadiths

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:
The Prophet said, “A woman entered the (Hell) Fire because of a cat which she had tied, neither giving it food nor setting it free to eat from the vermin of the earth.”
Volume 4, Book 54, Number 535 : Sahih Bukhari

Narated By Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "While a man was walking on a road. he became very thirsty. Then he came across a well, got down into it, drank (of its water) and then came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. The man said to himself "This dog is suffering from the same state of thirst as I did." So he went down the well (again) and filled his shoe (with water) and held it in his mouth and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him." The people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He said, "(Yes) There is a reward for serving any animate (living being)." [Bukhari Vol. 8, Book 73, #38] & [Muslim Book 26, Chapter 39, # 5577]
Narated By Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said, "If any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity." – [Bukhari Vol. 8, Book 73, #41]

The Prophet(s) told his companions of a serf who was blessed by Allah for saving the life of a dog by giving it water to drink and quenching its thirst.
Narrated by Abu Huraira. Muslim, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 2244.

Animals in Qur'an

"There is no creature on (or within) the earth or bird that flies with its wings except (that they are) communities like you…".
(Qur'an 6:38).
"And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. Allah is in a clear register." (Qur'an 11:6)

"And the earth He has assigned to all living creatures."
(Qur'an 55:10).

Let's learn more about animals in Islam.
We knew that:

We can not have dog inside our house. The salive of dog is impure (Najis).
We can not eat pig and other animals that are not slaughtered by saying in the name of Allah (Bismillah).
We have to be nice to animals.
We can not torture animals if we have to kill the animal.

Useful Sources:

Fasting Ashura In The Tenth of Muharram

2009-01-08T04:52:00.000-08:00

Alhamdulillah, our kids did fasting sunnah in the tenth of Muharram. They reminded me one day before the tenth of Muharram that they wanted to fasting. They learned and practiced our religion in daily life.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has been reported as saying when asked which prayer is better after obligatory prayer: "Prayer in the middle of the night." He was asked again which fast is better after Ramadan. He said: "In the month that is called Al-Muharram."
(Ahmed, Muslim, and Abu Dawud)

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) however, emphasizes the fast of the tenth day, 'Ashura. The word "`Ashura" is derived from `Ashara, which means ten. The observation of this day goes back to Prophet Musa bin 'Emran (alayhi sallam).

In a hadith related by Ibn Abbas (radiallah anhu) when the Messenger of Allah (sallallhu alayhi wasallam) came to Medina, he found the Jews fasting the day of 'Ashura. He inquired why do they did so. They replied that it was a good day, the day which Allah delivered Prophet Musa (alayhi sallam) and the children of Israel from their enemy. Prophet Musa (alayhi sallam) fasted that day.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) responded: "I have more right to Musa than you." He fasted the day and commanded the believers to fast." (Agreed upon.)

May Allah accept our ibadaah. Ameen.

Useful Sources:

Educational Resources - January 2009

2009-01-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

Islamic Study
- Islamweb for Kids
Arabic
Math
Language Art
- Literacy Activities
Biology
- Biology Corner for grade 6th -12th
  Please always advise your kids.
Social Study
- PBS- Islam Empire of Faith
Happy Homeschooling.

Dean's List

2009-01-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

On Monday, we went to campus to register Spring course. While we filled out the form in cafetaria, we met the Dean of Student. He said Hi and How are you doing? to my daughter. I said that I would like to have meeting for her. He asked me if I can wait for half an hour.
After half an hour, he came back and asked us to come to his office.

He asked my daughter student ID to log in to her academic's record for Fall semester. He called the Director admission to print out the paper and give the academic's record one for us.
He asked us to come back again tomorrow morning to do the register for the courses because He had to ask the Dean of Academics first what courses she can take for Spring.

On the way home, my daughter saw her record that she is in Dean's List. And my youngest one said if she(her older sister) is in Dean's List and then I am in Mommy's List. Her other two brothers laughed out loud.
Alhamdulillah, my daughter finished the semester with good grade.

This is just sharing story, that you can do to your older kids, too.
Of course, you will find out some of good and bad things about putting the kids early in college. For us, there are more good things than bad.

If she/he is ready in academic and her/his maturity, you can try to apply in any college close to your house. If not, you can wait until he/she is mature enough to go to college. Some kids can learn indenpendently at home very well.

There are so many way to homeschool our older kids to high level or college level.

Taking online courses or distance learning. There are so many free courses online, such as MIT courses.
Taking courses in Community College.
Joining Homeschooling Coop in your area.
Taking and preparing test, such as CLEP, SAT, ACT, PSAT, etc.

Insha Allah, we will hear sharing story from other homeschooling families who have older kids.

Useful Sources:

May Allah increase our knowledge and eeman. Ameen.

Muslimah Fashion Show

2008-12-28T05:09:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, December 27, 2008, we went to Fun Muslimah Fashion Show.
The organizers (Muslimah Scouts and all the sisters), especially sister Matiniah, were doing very well job.
Thank you very much for inviting the girls.
Alhamdulillah, the kids were really enjoying it.

I think the "Muslimah Fashion Show" is also good dakwa. We need this kind of event to help our generation to practice the religion because religion is our way of life.

Alot of people, especially non Muslim, do not know that Muslim cloth is part of our religion. We need it because of Allah's command. The verse of 59 of surah Al Ahzab urges muslim woman to wear the jilbab. A jilbab means the outer garment over inner garment to guarantee that the body is covered and does not show or shape any part of her body.

"O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughter and the woman of the believers to bring down over themselves (part) of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful."

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59)

We need our muslimah's cloth as covering up our beauty, as our praying garment, as our outer cloth. We also need our good characters and manner, too.
Muslim woman should wear jilbab to remain modestly attired in public. We can look beautiful with our hijab and muslimah's cloth.

Insha Allah, with this Fashion Show, the people (Muslim and Non Muslim) will learn and understand that muslimah's cloth is part of our religion.

We knew that Allah's command is to make our life easy and safe.
Allah knew which is the best for us.
Let's teach our kids to wear the Muslimah cloth since they are young as soon as possible.

Some of other conditions about muslimah's cloth are:

it should be loose.
it should not be transparent.
it should not become attraction.
and it should not resemble the clothing of men.

Other useful source:

How to wear hijab

Please share with us your experience in teaching your kids to wear hijab or any story about muslimah's cloth.

To see the picture is in here

Islamic Quiz - Islamic Months

2008-12-24T13:41:00.000-08:00

Please answer the questions below and fill in the blank.

1. Write the name of the twelve Islamic months.

1.__________________

2.__________________

3.__________________

4.__________________

5.__________________

6.__________________

7.__________________

8.__________________

9.__________________

10.__________________

11.__________________

12.__________________

2. The Islamic Calendar based on the year prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa salam) and his Sahabah, the Companions emigrated to _________________________ in the year 622 C.E.(Christian Era).

3. The calendar is called ______________ calendar.

The Arabic word Hijrah means __________________.

4. What and When are the two holidays in Islam?

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

5. In _______________, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, Muslims begin their month long fast and concentrate on their faith.

6. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was born in the month of _____________________ in 570.

7. The month of ________________ in which was revealed the Qur’an.

8. The 9th day of ______________________________ is called the Day of Arafat.

9. The Islamic month must begin with the evening when _____________________ is sightable.

10. The Islamic Calendar is based purely on ___________________ cycles.

Source: Learn Islamic Calendar

Answer:
1. The names of the twelve Islamic months are as follows:

1. Muharram
2. Safar
3. Rabi-ul-Awwal
4. Rabi-uthani
5. Jumadi-ul-Awwal
6. Jumadi-uthani
7. Rajab
8. Sha'ban
9. Ramadan
10. Shawwal
11. Dhul-Q'ada
12. Dhul-Hijja

2. The Islamic calendar is based on the year prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa salam) and his Sahabah, the Companions emigrated to Madinah in the year 622 C.E.(Christian Era).

3. The calendar is called Hijri calendar. The Arabic word Hijrah means emigration.

4. The two Holidays in Islam are
1. Eid ul-Fitr on 1st of Shawwal and
2. Eid Al-Adha on 10th of Dhulhijja.

5. In Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, Muslims begin their month long fast and concentrate on their faith.

6. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was born in the month of Rabi-ul-awwal in 570.

7. The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an.

8. The 9th day of Dhul-Hijja (the Month of Hajj) is called the Day of Arafat.

9. The Islamic month must begin with the evening when the new moon is sightable.

10. The Islamic Calendar is based purely on lunar cycles.

Muslim's Right Over Other Muslim

2008-12-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night, we went to masjid to hear Sheikh Hasan Abunar.
The kids wanted to hear his lecture.
He was very good in reciting Al Qur'an, too.
His lecture was so easy to understand.
All the kids sat and listened to his lecture. They were really enjoying to hear his lecture.
Sheikh said that "Reciting Al Qur'an in masjid is parfum for the masjid."

That night, the lecture was about "Muslim's Right Over Other Muslim.

===========
There are six Muslim's Right over other Muslim.

First, When we meet Muslim, we have to say salam or salute.
In In this world (dunia), we say salam.
In the Hereafter (Akhirah), we will say salam, too.
Nowaday, Muslim say: "Yo brother" or "Hi" to other Muslim.
There is no hasanat(reward) in saying that.
We as Muslim should say salam to other Muslim.

You will hear when Muslim ask to the Muslim kids, "How are you?"
Then the Muslim kids will answer "Good" instead of saying "Alhamdulillah."
The kids should say in Islamic way to other Muslim.

Other words that Muslim should not say, such as:
- God, Muslim should say Allah.
- Mecca, Muslim should say Makkah.
- Mosque, Muslim should say Masjid.
- Mohd, Muslim should say Muhammad.
  Mohd means dog.
- Moslem, we should say Muslim.
  Moslem in Urdu means dark.
- etc.
You can say in English to non Muslim.
But in masjid, in khutbah, with other Muslim, in salam, we should say Islamic words.

Please do not forget that young Muslim should say salam to the old Muslim first.
This is one of Islamic manner, adab.
Second, when Muslim invites, we should come or accept the invitation.
If you know this person, he is honest, we should accept the invitation, especially wedding invitation (walimah).
Third, when he seeks your advice, advise him.
Fourth, When A Muslim sneezes and says Alhamdulillah, we should say Yarhamakullah.
Sneezing means the body function or healthy, we should say Alhamdulillah.
The one who hears, say Yaharmakullah.
This is wajib (obligatory), when we sneeze, we should say Alhamdulillah.
Fifth, if A Muslim becomes sick, we should visit him.
We visit each other for fisabilillah.
Sixth, when Muslim dies, we should follow his funeral.
We should help and give food for the deceased's family.

Conclusion:

We should help everybody, including non Muslim.
We also have to understand the society and the culture of the country where we live in, beside the Sunnah.
We have to be nice.
We have to teach Islam to other.
We should have our time for deen at least two hours in a day.

To hear and enjoy this Lecture Sheikh Hasan Abunar.

Educational Resources - December 2008

2008-12-17T05:41:00.001-08:00

Islamic Study
- Seerah - Life of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa salam or in here
Arabic
- Learn Arabic Basic, Vocabularies, Lessons, and Expressions
- Learn Arabic
  It is nice website.
Math
- Math Grade 1
  You can also choose different grade 2 to 4.
Language Art
- Make your own tracer pages
  For grade K-2.
  You can teach your kids how to write their name or other.
Science
- Science for kids Grade 1-4.
Social Study
- Learn geography - US

Happy Days....It's no more homeworks. It's vacation days. Let's take break.

Islamic Quiz: Our Beliefs - IMAN

2008-12-17T05:19:00.000-08:00

Please get ready with your pencil and paper.

Write words on the dashed lines.

1. Allah's (Subhana Wa Ta'ala) servants, who are made of Nur, are called

_ _ _ _ _ _

2. Allah's (Subhana Wa Ta'ala) servants, who deputy on Earth, are called

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

3. Allah's (Subhana Wa Ta'ala) Messengers on Earth are called

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

4. Our Faith in Islam is

_ _ _ _

5. The Qur'an and the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu Alayhi wa Salam) are for our

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Answer:
1. Angels
2. Khalifah
3. Prophets
4. Iman
5. Guidance

Eid Al Adha in 2008

2008-12-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

Eid Mubaraak to all of You.

Alhamdulillah, we celebrated Eid Al Adha on Monday, December 8, 2008.
The kids were fasting on Sunday for Arafah day and fasting on Monday morning before Eid prayer. The easy way to teach kids is practicing all what they have learned about Islam in their daily life.

It was so cold out there, the Eid pray was done very early. Alot of Muslims came late. They did the second pray for those who came late.

After that, we went to campus for the class.
We didn't have alot things to do this Eid Al Adha. Insha Allah, we will go to the Eid Party this Saturday in Hamden.
The Eid Party is very good time for kids to meet with other Muslims and to know their Muslim community.

Happy Eid.

May Allah accept all our ibadah. Ameen.

Educational Resources IV - November 2008

2008-11-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

Islamic Study
- All about Hajj and a lot of activities for kids
- Getting the Best Out of Hajj part 1-4
Math
- Online Activites for Math
Language Art
- The Most Common Errors in the Usage
Science
- Science Project for Kids
Other - Homeschool news
- Homeschool Statistics - Over 1 Million Homeschooled Kids in the US Alone!

American Mathematics Contest 8 (AMC8)

2008-11-20T05:49:00.001-08:00

The kids joined in American Mathematics Contest 8 (AMC8) on November 18, 2008 in Avon Public Library, Connecticut.
The contest was for kids who were in grade 5 to grade 8.
There was 25 problems for 40 minutes. This test was very good for kids who love math.
It's also helping the kids to prepare for high level in Math.

It was almost the time when we got in library. Everybody already sat and got ready for the test. I let the kids learned and met their other homeschooling friends in this competition.

We didn't forget about our salah Zuhur. We had to stop in rest area by highway I-91 North. The kids learned to find out the Qiblah by using the compas.
We prayed and had lunch in the rest area.
For salah Asar, we tried to go home early. But the traffic was so slow. Finally, we stopped by in Masjid Berlin for salah Asr. Alhamdulillah.
Now, Maghrib will coming soon. On the highway I-91 South, it was really moved slow almost not moving. We had to find another route way to get home soon for Maghrib pray. Finally, we had time for Maghrib in Masjid Al Islam, New Haven.

It's really difficult when we travelled in this winter because the time for salah is so short. We really have to plan a head for the travelling so we will not miss our five daily pray.

Alhamdulillah, the kids had learn:

Math,
How to find the Qiblah when travelling,
and had fun in the same time.

Insha Allah, the result of the test usually will be in 2 week or beginning in December.
For AMC 10 /12, it will be on February 2009.

May Allah give us useful knowledge. Ameen.

Educational Resources III - November 2008

2008-11-20T05:30:00.000-08:00

Islamic Study
- Free Islamic Course
  You have to log in first to see the course.
Math
- Math Worksheet
Science
- Water recycling
Language Art
- Letter Generator
Other
- Kid's Letters to President Obama
  Would you like to see your letter to President Barack Obama published in a book?

Azaan: The Call For Prayer

2008-11-14T05:51:00.000-08:00

My kids and their friends talked about "What are the three types of calling in Islam?" I thought, it would be useful to share it to others.
It was very good reminder for us to remember that we should always remember and worship Allah in this life.

The three types of calling are:

Call for salah/prayer. It is Azaan.
Call for hajj. You are going to perform Hajj in Mecca.
Call to meet Allah. You are going to alam Barzah for the next life.

====================

Azaan (The Call For Prayer)

Azaan is the first call for obligatory salah/prayer.

Azaan was practised after the migration to Madinah.
Muazzin is a person who reads the Azaan aloud before the prayer.

Azaan is recited in a loud voice by the muazzin facing the direction of the Ka'ba in the following words which are said in the order mentioned:

1. Allahu Akbar
"Allah is most Great" (four times).
2. Ash-hada al la illaha ill-Allah.
"I bear witness that there is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah." (twice).
3. Ash-hadu anna Muhammad-ar-rasoolallah
"I bear witness that Muhammad is the Rasul of Allah" (twice).
4. Hayya 'alas-Salah
"Come to Prayer" (turning the face alone to the right and saying it twice).
5. Hayya 'alal-falah
"Come to Success" (turning the face alone to the left and saying it twice).
6. Allahu Akbar
"Allah Is Most Great" (twice).
7. La ilaha ill-Allah
"There is no deity but Allah (once).

Note:
The following phrase is added after Item (5) in the azaan of the early morning prayer.
(5a) "As-salatu khairum minannaum"
"Prayer is better than sleep" (to be said twice).

Iqamat

Iqamat is the second call to prayer and is uttered immediately before the beginning of the obligatory prayer (fard). It is similar to Azaan but with the addition of the sentence, "Qad qamatis-salah" i.e., "prayer has indeed begun", to be uttered twice after item (5) above.

=========================

Some of Hadiths about Azaan

Allah Almighty gives great reward for those who recite Azaan before the five daily prayers.
Abu Hurairah (ra) reported that the Holy Prophet said:
"If people knew the reward of making Azaan and standing in the first row of the congregation [jama’at], they would cast votes for these."
Baraa son of Aazib (ra) reported that the Holy Prophet said:
"Surely Allah and His angels praise the first row (of congregation) and the Mu'azzin.
He is forgiven according to the loudness of his voice and every living thing whether dry or fresh that hears him confirms him and he will also get the reward like of those who pray with him."
Uqbah son of Aamir (ra) reports that the Holy Prophet said:
"Your Allah is delighted with a shepherd grazing his sheep on a hillside and he makes the Azaan for the prayer and then prays.
Allah says: Look at this slave of mine standing in the prayer and fearful of Me. I have forgiven him and entered him into paradise."
Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri (ra) reported that the Holy Prophet - said,
"When you hear the call to prayer, say the same words as the Mu'azzin."
Therefore the listeners should repeat the text after the Mu'azzin has finished each sentence of the Azaan.
In reply to "Hurry to the prayer" and "hurry to the success" it is permissible to say:
لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله
(There is no strength and no power except from Allah)
Anas bin Maalik reported that the Holy Prophet said:
"No supplication is rejected between Azaan and Iqaamah.“
Abdullah bin Amr reported that a person asked:
"O Messenger of Allah! The Mu'azzins have become superior to us because of their Azaan.
The Holy Prophet said to him :
Say as they say and when you have finished ask and you will be granted (your desires)."

======================

Du'a After The Azaan

"Allahuma Rabba Haazihi Da'watit Tamati Was Salaatil Qaa'imati Aati Sayyidina Muhammadinil Wasilata Wal Fadilata Wad Darajatar Rafi'ata Wab Athoo Maqaamam Mahmoodanil Lazi Wa ad'tahu War zukna Shafa'atuhu Yaumal Qiyaamati. Inaka La Tukhli ful Mi'aad."

"O Lord of this beautiful Azaan and the Salaah which will follow, give our Master Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) Wasila and greatness and a very high station. And let him reach the Plain of Mahmood of which You have promised him and let us receive his Intercession on the Day of Qiyamah. Without doubt, You never go against Your Promise."

======================

Activities for Kids

There are some of activities for kids, you can do at home, such as:

Learn and memorize the Azaan and Iqamat.
Memorize the doa after Azaan.
Let's learn Geography of Muslim countries. You can start from one of Muslim countries, such as Indonesia country. You have to find what the next Muslim country will do the Azaan after that. You keep continue going around the world in 24 hours. The kids should learn the world Muslim maps by listening Azaan that was recited by the muazzin around the world.
Go to masjid to hear the Azaan.
Make a contest about Reciting Good Azaan in your Muslim community.

We hope that our kids learn to recite good Azaan and get ready for salah after they hear the Azaan.

For the second and the third calling, Hajj and Going to Alam Barzah, You can find it in another post. Insha Allah.

May Allah always guide us to teach our Muslim kids. Ameen.

Educational Resources II - November 2008

2008-11-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

Islamic Study and Arabic
- Free Islamic TV online: Iqra TV
  You can choose different channels, most of them in Arabic.
Math
- Free Math Puzzles
Language Art
- Language Art Games
Science
- Chemistry Guide
- National Science Foundation for classroom Resources
Reading
- Free Reading Activities for Gr K-3
Other
- Free Science and Math Books online: download and print it

Educational Resources I, November 2008

2008-11-04T04:52:00.000-08:00

Islamic Study
- Watch: What is Hajj? Pilgrimage of Muslim
Math
- Long Division Worksheeet
- Calculation and Computation
Language Arts
- English Grammar Guide
Social study
- UN Cyber School Bus
Geography
- US Geography Map Games
- Wolrd Map Games
Science
- Insectclopedia
- Learn Global Warning Fact with Science Museum

What Reward Man gets after his Death?

2008-11-02T04:36:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, my husband shared the true story to my kids about digging the grave in Indonesia. They were digging because the cemetery was going to move to other place. He really didn't know why.

Before they put one of the death bodies back to the new place in graveyard, the family of dead person opened and changed the kaffan (white fabric was used to cover the dead body) with the clean kaffan.
The whole dead body was perfectly in good condition, but the skin was so dry.
Althought that the death was already more than years, but the body was still not decaying.
My husband said to the kids that, Insha Allah, it was the good sign to the dead person. My husband was asking to the family of that dead person to find out what kind of ibadah that the dead person always did in life time.

The family answered that:

This dead person never missed salah five times a day.
This dead person always performed salah tahajjud at midnight.
This dead person did fasting Ramadan, other fasting sunnah, and fasting Monday & Thursday.
This dead person always helped others and gave charities even in small amount.

May Allah accept all this dead person's ibadaah and forgive all the sins. Ameen.

Insha Allah, the story will give very good advise to us so we can do more ibadah to prepare our next life, especially to our kids.

==========================

What Reward Man gets after his Death?

Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) as saying:
"When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three,
1. Recurring charity,
2. Or knowledge (by which people) benefit,
3. Or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased)."
[Sahih Muslim : Book 13 Kitab Al-Wasiyya, Number 4005]

==============

Charity

All the charities that we gave to the right place, it will give rewards continuesly when we die. The examples of this kind of charities are such as:
- Build masjid.
- Build house for orphans.
- Build school.
- Help poor people and other people who need out help in financial.
- Help the orphan for their basic needs.
- Give book or Audio of Al Qur'an.
- etc.
It is important to teach our kids to be generous and always to help others in any situations.
There are so many people who are in need to fulfill for their basic needs day to day, such as food, drink, clothes, and place to live.
In US or in develop countries, the muslim kids are missing this kind of situations.
Most of them live happiness and have alot of foods, drinks, and good clothes.
Insha Allah, we can teach our kids to be generous to other kids who need our helps.

Activities for kids
- Go to shelter home.
- Join the social activities.
- Help to collect clothes for refugee.
- Gather the can foods for the food bank in your area.
- Sell something and then send the money to other poor people who need our helps in other countries.
- Collect the pennies from all your friends then send the money to poor people in other countries or give the money to charity/fund organization.
- etc.
To read more about charity and zakah, please go click below links.
Useful Knowledge

The second thing is useful knowledge.
It means that the knowledge can benefits to others, especially knowledge about our religion, Islam.
Something that we can do are:
- Tell about Islam to other.
- Teach Al Qur'an to someone.
- Invite non Muslim to learn about Islam.
- Have lecture of Islam on weekend to refresh our Muslim Community about Islamic knowledge.
- Give good Islamic teaching to our friends when we are gathering.
- Sharing Islamic knowledge through internet, book, or other media.
- etc.
Let's teach our kids to learn about our religion and to teach it again to other so the knowledge it will be useful. Insha Allah.

Activities for Kids

Some of the actitivies are:
- Let's teach the older kids about Islam, then let the olders teach the youngs.
- The same thing about learning and memorizing Al Qur'an. If your older kids knew how to read Alphabet Arabic, then the older kids should help the young one or other kids to learn it.
- Let the kids tell their friends about Islam and other Islamic activities, such as salah, fasting, charity, and hajj.
Pious Kids Who Prays For Parent

This is the most important in our lives. Teaching the kids to be pious is not easy task. It takes patient and taqwa for the parents to do this. First of all, we as parents have to be pious, so we can teach our own kids to be pious, too.
We want our kids to pray for us when we die.

Insha Allah, we will start to do some of the activities. Time goes by so fast. Don't you think so?

May Allah help us to teach our kids to be pious.
May Allah guide us always to do more ibadaah in this life.
Ameen. Ameen. Ameen.

Islamic Quiz

2008-10-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

Please ready with your pencil and paper.
=======================================

1. Prophet Muhammad Sallahu Alayhi Wasalam was born in __________.
a. 1991
b. 571
c. 735
d. 428

2. He was the ________ prophet of Islam.
a. second
b. third
c. last
d. first

3. Sulaiman Alayhi Salam was a ______________ of Allah.
a. Angel
b. Caliph
c. Prophet
d. Regular Servant

4. The first woman to embrace Islam was _______________.
a. Aisha Radi Allahu Anha
b. Khadija Radi Allahu Anha
c. Safiyyah Radi Allahu Anha
d. Fatima Radi Allahu Anha

5. The Ka'bah is located in _______________.
a. Madinah
b. Mecca
c. Taif
d. Palestine

6. _________________ was the first man on earth.
a. Adam Alayhi Salam
b. Inrahim Alayhi Salam
c. Dawud Alayhi Salam
d. Noah Alayhi Salam

7. __________ Prophets are mentioned in Qur'an.
a. 13
b. 23
c. 45
d. 25

8. Ibrahim Alayhi Salam and ____________________ built the Ka'bah.
a. Ismail Alayhi Salam
b. Ya'qub Alayhi Salam
c. Yusuf Alayhi Salam
d. Nuh Alayhi Salam

9. _______________ was the first caliph in Islam.
a. Umar Radi Allahu Anhu
b. Usman Radi Allahu Anhu
c. Ali Radi Allahu Anhu
d. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu

10. Masjid Al-Haram is in what country?
a. Saudi Arabia
b. Pakistan
c. Jordan
d. Syria

============
Answer:
1.B
2.C
3.C
4.B
5.B
6.A
7.D
8.A
9.D
10.A

Learn about Teaching Islam to Non Muslim

2008-10-27T05:42:00.002-07:00

On Thursday, October 23, 2008, we had to go to one of the program in masjid.
It's class for all non Muslim who want to learn about Islam.
On that day, they were almost 30 people came to masjid just to learn Islam.
Alhamdulillah, all my kids attended this very good class.

The speaker was Sheikh Yasir Qadhi. He started his lecture about the six pillars of Beliefs in Islam. He explained one by one. After that, he explained the five pillars of action in Islam. Then, he talked about the current issues, such woman, Muslim countries, jihad, etc.

When he finished his lecture, he let the guests to ask any question about Islam.

Some of the questions are:

Where is the angel?
How to become Muslim?
What is Jihad?
What is the status Muslim woman in Islam?
Muslim can not eat pork.
etc.

Alhamdulillah, this class helped the kids learning how to tell people about Islam.
We have to teach other people, especially non Muslim, about Islam.
And this is also our responsibility to spread the words to non Muslim about Islam.

The Muslim Kids should learn the basic knowledge about Islam.
If they already learn, then they should practice it in their daily life.

There are so many ways that you can teach the kids about this da'wa, such as:

Being nice to friends, to family, to teachers, and to neighborhoods.
Pray when it is time for salah in school, in library, in friend's house, or in any good place on the earth.
Tell them about Not eating in Ramadan because of fasting.
Tell them about Why you have to wear hijab/head dress.
Invite them to masjid to learn about Islam more.
Have special time to tell about Islam in the class with your mother and Father by asking the teacher.
etc.

Useful links are:

Insha Allah, If we are helping Allah to spread Islam, Allah will help us, too.

May Allah always guide us in the right path. Ameen.

================

The Basic Islamic Teaching

Six Pillars of Beliefs/Faith
- Belief in Allah. Islam believes there is one true Allah (The Arabic translation of the word God). Allah alone is the creator of all the universe.
- Belief in Angels. Angels exist and interact with human lives. They are made of light, and each have different purposes or messages to bring to earth.
- Belief in Book of Allah. There are four inspired books, the Torah of Moses, the Psalms of David, the Injil, and the Qur'an. All, but the Qur'an, have been interpreted and changed by Jews and Christians. The Qur'an is the complete book of Allah and has not been changed by anyone.
- Belief in Prophets and Messegers of Allah. Some of them are: Adam alayhi salam, Noah alayhi salam, Abraham alayhi salam, Moses alayhi salam, Isa alayhi salam, and Muhammad sallahu alayhi wasalam. Muhammad sallahu alayhi wasalam is the last and greatest of Allah's messengers.
- Belief in The Day of Judgement. On the last day there will be a time of resurrection and judgment.
- Belief in Al-Qadr or Divine Creed.
The Five Pillars of Islam
The five pillars of Islam are duties each Muslim performs to demonstrate his or her faith.
- Shahadah/Testimony of Faith (Kalima)- One must state, "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah."
- Prayer (Salat) - Prayer must be done five times a day towards the direction of Mecca.
- Almsgiving (Zakat) - Muslims are required to give charity and zakat to the orphan and the poor or the needy.
- Fasting (Sawm) - During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims have to fast from sunrise to sundown.
- Pilgrimage (Hajj) - Each Muslim is expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Educational Resources IV, October 2008

2008-10-27T05:42:00.001-07:00

Islamic Study

When are We to Understand?

Qur'an

Haramain Radio- to hear Qur'an
Insha Allah, we will memorize new surah from this radio.

Math

Language Art

Learn to Read from Starfall
Learn to write
You can make your own worksheet for your kids to learn to write.

Social Study

Conversations with History
For age 11 and Up.

Science

Mad Scientist Lab

Other

Find out your state contact and information on Department of Education in US

Educational Resources III - October 2008

2008-10-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Islamic Study
- About Repentance
Arabic
- Learn language of Qur'an
Math
- Math Games and Practice Online
Language Arts
- Free Language Arts Games and Worksheets
Social Studies
- Free Social Studies Games, Worksheets, and Projects
Science
- Free Science Games
Other
- SchoolExpress.com: Alot of free lessons, free worksheets, etc...

Please Don't Forget to Say Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim

2008-10-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

Insha Allah, we will learn from this story.
=========================================

There was once a lady who always said Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim (In the name of Allah, the beneficent the merciful) before she did anything. She knew that Allah would then always be with her. One day, she put her ring in the cupboard and as usual she said Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim (In the name of Allah, the beneficent the merciful) before she put it away. She knew that it would be safe.

Her husband took the ring and threw it in the river. He wanted to prove to her that only saying Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim (In the name of Allah, the beneficent the merciful) would not keep it safe. He thought that in the evening he would ask her where the ring was and it would not be there.

Later that morning, the lady went to the market to buy some fish. When she was cleaning the fish at home she found her ring inside the stomach of the fish. She wondered how it got there but then put it back in its place in the cupboard saying Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim (In the name of Allah, the beneficent the merciful).

When her husband came back from work, he asked her where the ring was. She brought it from the cupboard. He was so surprised!

He told her what he had done and apologized to her. He also truly believed that Allah is with the person who says Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim (In the name of Allah, the beneficent the merciful) before he/she does anything.

=====================

Insha Allah, our kids will learn that it is important to say Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim everytime we begin to do something good.

Educational Resources II - October 2008

2008-10-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

Islamic Studies
Math
- Solve My Math
  You can choose any problems in Math, such as Math formulas, Math calculators, and Math Games.
  This is for age 11 and up.
- Math Games for grade 6-8
Language Arts
- Free Sample Worksheets for English
Science
- How Stuff Works
Virtual Geography Game
- Virtual Pilot with Lufthansa to Europe destination
  Learn geography with fun online game.
Other
- ABCTeach.com: Alot of free printable pages and worksheets

The Tawbah or Repentance

2008-10-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

Last two week, on Friday morning Sheikh Yasir Qadhi called my husband asking what time the Jumuah prayer will be start. Knowing that he was going to give lecture, my kids asked me to go to that Masjid where Sheikh will give the lecture.

We were walking to masjid. It took 20 minutes to go there.
Alhamdulillah, it was very good weather on that day.
It was good exercise, too.

The lecture was about "The Tawbah and Repentance"

Allah knew human is weak and always makes sin.
But why did Allah still create this human beside angel and jinn?

There is wisdom behind this creation.
What is the wisdom?

To find out all the answers, let's hear his very good lecture on that Friday:

Activities for kids

You can ask the kids by giving more questions that related to the lecture, such as:

What is the Concept of Tawbah?
What is the true Repentance or Tawbah?
How do we know that our Tawbah is accepted by Allah?
Give examples of story of Prophets about Tawbah.
Find out the Tawbah and Forgiveness in the 99 Name of Allah (Asma ul Husna).
What are the signs of Tawbah or repentance?
What is one of the major sin?
etc.

Oh, Muslim do not despair of Allah's mercy.
May Allah always forgive us and bless us with Mercy. Ameen.

Educational Resources I - October 2008

2008-10-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

Islamic Studies
- Audios, Books, and Videos, ...all for youth
Arabic
- Learn Arabic from Kalamullah
  You will find The Madinah Book Series.
Math
- Math Worksheet
- Learn Table Times
  Simple multiplication quiz game, see how quickly you can answer 10 questions in a row correctly.
- Mathematical Matching Puzzles
Language Arts
- Primary Games-Language Arts
Science
- Virtual Body
Social Study
- Primary Games-Social Studies
  Please always advise your kids.
Virtual Field Trip
- It all starts with dirt.
  Watch a 3-minute video about how aluminum is made...from the ground up.

Happy Eid

2008-10-02T11:41:00.000-07:00

(The picture is taken from the article below)

Eid Mubaraak to all of you.
تقبل اله منا ومنكم
Taqqabal Allah Mina Wa Minkum [our Worships and Prayers]

May Allah bless us. Ameen.

Here is the article with alot of pictures about Muslim's Eid Day

This year, my kids were busy in this Eid day.
The oldest one was busy with her assignment and quiz.
The boys were busy having small extra works on their homework from my husband.
The young one was busy to wear new shoes and new dress for the eid.

Alhamdulillah, they were happy.
We celebrated at home because my husband was busy working on that day.
One of my friend gave special gift, homemade cookies and the beautiful scarves.
Thank you for the sweet. The kids love it.

For sadaqah, zakah, and other charities, I already sent all to Indonesia for the orphan and poor people there before Eid. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah. The orphans were very happy when they got it for their Eid. I can not image their happiness.
May Allah give rewards for your support to this orphan and poor people in Indonesia.
Please keep giving charity whenever you can.
You can see website Yatim and Miskin, which I will update when I get new more informations regarding other foundations, new students'name of the orphans, and new pictures. Insha Allah.

If you want to support monthly for this orphans, please let me know.

This is one way of teaching my kids about giving and helping to others.

May Allah always guide us in the right path. Ameen.

Educational Resources IV - September 2008

2008-09-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Islamic Study
Math
- Video Math Tutorials
  For age 10 and Up.
Language Arts
- Free Rhyming Words Generator
- Learn Punctucation
Foreign Language
- Digital Dialects
  This is interactive games for learning languages and links to study resources.
Science
- Youth Science Forum
  You can listen to the audio clips on your computer, download the MP3s for
  your ipod, or burn them to a CD for listening in the car.
Virtual Trip
- Bottling coca-cola

Zakah Is For Purifying Wealth

2008-09-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Zakah is one of the five pillar of Islam.
Zakah is when we give a small portion (2.5%) of our excess wealth to the poor people. It is done annually by Muslims.
Zakah is an Obligation on All Muslims

Let's try calculating the zakah on math.
How much 2.5% of $40000 that one average American family has to pay zakah in year?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Islam is based on five (principles):

to testify that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger;
to offer the compulsory Prayers (salah) dutifully and perfectly;
to pay zakah (obligatory charity);
to perform Hajj (pilgrimage to the Ka`bah in Makkah);

to observe fast during the month of Ramadan.

”
(Reported by Al-Bukhari)

Muslim know that zakah is good investment for cause of Allah for the hereafter and for economic balance in this worldly life.

In the Qur’an, Allah says:
"Take alms of their wealth, wherewith thou mayst purify them and mayst make them grow, and pray for them. Lo! thy prayer is an assuagement for them. Allah is Nearer, Knower." (At-Tawbah 9:103)

Types of Zakah

Zakat al-fitr (zakah of breaking the fast) is a fixed amount that has to be paid—by rich and poor alike—by the head of the household for every member of his or her family before the `Eid Prayers at the end of Ramadan.

This must be paid by all Muslims with enough food for one day. The amount to be paid for Zakat al Fitr is much lower than Zakat al Mal. Zakat al Fitr is paid by the head of the household on behalf of all family members, both young and old.

Zakat al Fitr as paid by all, both rich and poor. Because of this, even the poor earn reward for giving in charity, and they also have a chance to help those who are even more in need.
Zakat al-mal (zakah of wealth), on the other hand, can be paid anytime and each individual is responsible to pay his or her own zakah. The amount of zakah is variable according to the person’s wealth.

Zakat al Mal is paid on accumulated wealth over a year. So it’s not based on earnings like income tax. Instead, the amount to be paid is based on whatever amount of wealth a person has in their possession. This would usually entail savings, gold and silver jewelry, stocks, produce, cash, livestock, etc.

Muslims then must pay 2.5% of this accumulated wealth as Zakaat. But not all Muslims are required to pay Zakah. Those people that fall below a certain wealth threshold, called Nisab, are excused.

Zakat al Mal is paid by the wealthy to the poor and needy.

Every Muslim—man or woman, child or adult—whose wealth exceeds the nisab (the minimum zakatable amount) and who has had this amount for a whole lunar year must pay zakat al-mal.
Many Muslims choose to pay their zakah in Ramadan, for during this month their good deeds receive greater reward than at other times.

Nisab and Rate Zakah

If a person’s wealth (over and above his/her needs) reaches the nisab which is the value of 85 grams of gold, whether in savings, property, jewels, land, produce, or livestock, he or she must pay zakah.

Who Can Receive The Zakah

The recipients of Zakah are made clear in both the Quran and the statements of Prophet Mohammad sallalahu alayhi salam.

In Al Qur'an says:
"The alms are only for
the poor and the needy,
those who collect the zakah
those newly converted Muslim
slaves
the debtors,
the cause of Allah,
the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah.
Allah is Knower, Wise." (At-Tawbah 9: 60)

Needy relatives (such as brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, etc.) can receive the zakah if they are poor and need help. Indeed, giving to them is both an act of charity and of maintaining family ties.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Charity given to a poor is charity and charity given to a relative is charity and maintaining family ties.” (Reported by Ahmad and An-Nasa’i)

However, zakah cannot be given to one’s wife, children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents because it is someone’s duty to take care of them first.

One category of zakah recipients is fi sabil lillah (for the cause of Allah), which leaves the Muslim a wider scope to pay the zakah.

Hadiths all about Zakah

Narrated Ibn Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) Allah's Apostle (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the 'Id prayer. (One Sa' = 3 Kilograms approx.)
[Sahih Bukhari : Volume 2, Book 25 Zakat ul Fitr, Number 579]
Abdullah bin Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) prescribed Zakat-ul-Fitr of Ramadan one sa' of dates or one sa' of barley for every individual among the Muslims (whether) free man or slave, male or female, young or old.
[Sahih Muslim : Book 5 Kitab Al-Zakat, Number 2153]
Narrated Ibn 'Umar (Radi Allah Anhu): The Prophet (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) ordered the people to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr before going to the 'Id prayer.
[Sahih Bukhari : Volume 2, Book 25 Zakat ul Fitr, Number 585]
Narrated Nafi': Ibn 'Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) said, "The Prophet (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) made incumbent on every male or female, free man or slave, the payment of one Sa' of dates or barley as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (or said Sadaqa-Ramadan) ." The people then substituted half Sa' of wheat for that. Ibn 'Umar used to give dates (as Sadaqat-ulFitr) . Once there was scarcity of dates in Medina and Ibn 'Umar gave barley. 'And Ibn 'Umar used to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr for every young and old person. He even used to give on behalf of my children. Ibn 'Umar used to give Sadaqatul-Fitr to those who had been officially appointed for its collection. People used to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (even) a day or two before the 'Id.
[Sahih Bukhari : Volume 2, Book 25 Zakat ul Fitr, Number 587]

You can find zakah calculator in here.

Muslims are encouraged to give voluntary charity, or sadaqah, whenever they can.

Educational Resources III - September 2008

2008-09-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

Islamic Study
Math
- Interactive Fraction Tutorial
  For age 7 to 13.
- Calculating Percent
  This is preparing to teach the kids to calculate the zakat.
Language Arts
- Books for Kids
  For age 8 to 18.
- Interactive Books: The Story place for elementary
  For age 3 to 10.
Geography
- Maps Unit of Study
  These downloadable, printable, book-style guides offer lessons about mapping.
  For age 5 to 13.
Virtual Field Trip
- International Space Station
  For age 9 to 18.

Laylatul Qadr Is In The Last Ten Days of Ramadan

2008-09-20T06:39:00.000-07:00

Laylatul Qadr, the Night Equals a Thousand, is in the last ten days in Ramadan.
All ten days are very blessed days in the year.
Only one of these days that is the most blessed day. We called it Laylatul Qadr, or the Night Equals a Thousand.

Let's teach our kids to memorize the doa when they see the Laylatul Qadr:
Allaahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee.
The meaning is : "O Allah, you the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me."

Another activity for kids, you can teach them to memorize surah Al Qadr and to learn Tafsir surah Al Qadr.

Insha Allah, our kids will try to do more ibadaah in all the last ten days of Ramadan.

Some good articles to read are as following:

In Al Qur'an

In Surah Al Qadr 97:1-5

" Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e. Gabriel) by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)
In Surah Ad Dukhaan 44:3-6

" We sent it (this Qur'aan) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur'aan or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." (Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6)

When is it?

It is reported from the Prophet Salallahu Alayhi Wassalam that it is within the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, twenty-ninth or the last night of Ramadhan

In Hadiths

Prophet Muhammad Salallahu Alayhi Wassalam said: "Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven." (Bukhari)
It is reported from Aa'ishah, radi-Allahu anha that she said: "O Messenger of Allaah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said: "Say: Allaahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee." (O Allaah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.) (at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
Aa'ishah, radi-Allahu anha who said: "The Prophet Salallahu Alayhi Wassalam used to tighten his waist-wrapper (izaar) - (meaning detached himself from his wives in order to worship, and exerted himself in seeking Lailatul-Qadr), spend the night in worship, and wake the family in the last ten nights." (Bukhari, Muslim)
Aa'ishah, radi-Allahu anha: "Allaah's Messenger Salallahu Alayhi Wassalam used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times." (Muslim)

Insha Allah, we will use extra ibadaah in this last ten Ramadan as it could be our last...
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet Salallahu Alayhi Wassalam said :
"The time between the five prayers, two consecutive Friday Prayers, and two cosecutive Ramadans are expiations for all that has happened during that period, provided that one has avoided the grave (major) sins." [Muslim]

May Allah accept our ibadaah. Ameen.

Educational Resources II - Sept 2008

2008-09-04T05:31:00.000-07:00

Islamic Studies
- The Excellence of Laylatul Qadr
- Laylatul Qadr is Coming
Math
- Math Concepts
  For age 10 and Up.
- Learn about Money
  For age 5 and Up.
Spelling
- Spelling City
Science
- Design a Satellite: an Interactive Game
- Mouth Power Online: The secret of healthy smile is simple
  For age 9-12.
Other
- Have you heard this kids who is between 12-13 years old talk to UN? UN: ECO_92

How To Go To Paradise or Jannah

2008-09-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

Last night lecture, Sheik gave a lecture about how to go to Paradise or Jannah.
He said that If you want to go to Paradise or Jannah, then you have to make alot of Sujud (Prostating). It means Sujud in prayer. If you are praying then you will have to do sujud which Allah loves to see us prostating and asking forgiveness.

The second thing that he said was you need to do alot of good deeds, such as giving charity, helping other in need, being good kids at home or in school, fasting, etc.

Insha Allah, this is very good naseeha (advise) for all of us that how important salah is in our life.

May Allah accept all our salah and other ibadaah. Ameen.

Let's get busy learning Qur'an from this good website:
Qur'an Explorer

How To Teach Your Kids At Home

2008-08-30T05:24:00.000-07:00

To know how to teach your kids at home is extremely important for your success in teaching and homeschooling them.

Every child is different.
Some kids can sit and do homework seriously. Other kids don't want to sit for long enough to do the homework.
Are they good listener? Are they more active? Do they jump right in? Are they visual learners? Are they more observant when they learn? Are they more audio type of learners?
It takes the time to observe just how they learn.
It takes the time to gain an understanding of just how the learn and perceive.

Some of the tips how to teach the kids at home are:

Making plan for short term and long term.
Providing the kids text books, CD, paperworks, classes, internet classroom, and etc. The kids have to finish all their homeworks.
I always give them the textbook and let the kids have to read and work on it.
The kids will learn by themself. This is what we call selfstudy.
When the kids have problem on their homework, you have to explain them clearly until they understand very well or give them another problem but keep in the same topic.
You have to remember that every child is different.
Giving them small and simple quiz.
The Quiz is for you to see that the kids learn enough on or to see if you can give them higher level on that subject.
Joining the contests, such as spelling bee contest, science, math, etc.
The contests will help them to see how well the kids are in learning.
The kids will be happy and proud to see if they win the contest.
If they do not win, then you have to tell them that the kids need to learn more so they will understand that learning everyday is important to be successful.
Having field trip.
You don't have to go far away. You find the place where the kids can learn and have fun. Masjid or mosque is our favorite place for field trip. We try to go to different masjids on the weekend and in the same time the kids will listen to the lecture. The second place is the beach because we live near by beach. The kids love to see the natural environment. We love to see other places, too.
Teaching them to see what is happening in the real world. You should teach the kids to see why they have to learn the subject that they are learning by explaining what is happening in the real world.
Don't forget to teach the kids about our beautiful religion, Islam. The kids need this knowledge to be good leader in the future. If they learn something about Islam then the kids should practice it in in their daily activities.
Praying and making alot of doa.

I want you to remember that every child is different and special. The success of teaching the kids, it is different to everyone. You can learn how the other have done to their kids.
It is all about your child's success, you can try different approaches what is working and what is not for each child. They are all different.

Don't forget that learning is process.
It is important that to have alot of sabr (patience).

May Allah make it easy to teach our kids. Ameen.

Home Edu. Resources I - September 2008

2008-08-28T05:56:00.000-07:00

Islamic Studies
- Let's learn some of Asma ul Husna In Thy Name, We Live
Science
Extra Activity
- Learn how to cook with the recipes in Ramadan
Other
- College Planning Made Easy
- ACT: Resources for Education

Ramadan Mubarak To All Of You

2008-08-28T03:45:00.000-07:00

I shared this picture with my kids.
They're all laughing.
They said,"Bye-bye Syaitaan (devil), Ramadan is coming."
The youngest one asked, "Is that ghost?"
I said,"That's syaitaan."
She said, "It's scary."
Then I explained them about the hadith below.

In hadith stated that:
Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

"When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up."(Al-Bukhaari (1899) and Muslim (1079))

It means that:

The evil actions are reduced in Ramadan.
Fewer evils happen in the month of Ramadan than in others.

If all of the devils were to be chained up that does not mean that evil and sin would not happen. It is because there are other causes of evil apart from the devils, such as evil souls, bad habits and human devils.

We have to try to do:

Fasting Ramadan,
Salah fard,
Salah taraweeh,
Reciting, learning, and memorizing Al Qur'an,
Giving more charity,
Helping other.
And doing other good deeds.

Allah loves to see us always to remember Him and to ask forgiveness and repentance.

In conclusion that fasting in Ramadan is to clean our body and soul.

Ramadan Mubarak to all of you.
May Allah accept all our ibadaah in this Ramadan.
Ameen.

Lineage of Nabi/Rasul

2008-08-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

Please click the image to make it big.