Ramadan Mubarak!!

Announcing Ramadan!

Official Decision and Announcement of the High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia...Just a short time ago, Fatwa-Online was informed of the official decision and announcement of the High Judiciary Council (HJC) of Saudi Arabia that since the moon of Ramadhaan was not sighted this evening, here in Saudi Arabia, we shall be completing thirty (30)days of Sha'baan (1429 A.H.), in accordance with the hadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam):((Fast when you see the crescent. If it is obscured to you, then complete thirty days of Sha'baan. And break your fast when you see the crescent. If it is obscured to you then fast thirty days)),[transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].Subsequently, we shall be starting our taraaweeh prayers tomorrow evening (Sunday 31 August 2008) after the 'Ishaa. Prayer, in preparation for the first fast of Ramadhaan on Monday 1 September2008, inshaa.-Allaah.
http://www.fatwa-online.com/news/0080830_2.htm

Ramadan Kariim to all!!!

Free, Free, Free!!!

Assalamu alaykum,
it has been a very busy day for us today.
Early start as baby woke us all up to show us his new little tooth! Mash'Allah!
So we decided to make the most fo the early hours to give a good , deep clean around the house. We then headed out for our Ramadan shopping! So exciting to buy goodies for Ramadan, stuff to share with friends and family. Insh'Allah.
On the list above all, ajwa dates! Mash'Allah so many benefits in those dates and also they were Prophet Muhammad (sallahu alayhe wa sallam) favourite!
Back by lunch time. Kids hungry. Had a quick snack as we left baby with dh and went out again.
This time for a fun but educational day out at our local Fire Station.
We were talking about fire safety for a long time and it has been on my list of projects for a while. This was the right day. We met up with another homeschooler and her kids and enjoyed the day at the Fire station. They had lots going on including 'how to put off a fire when a chip pan goes on fire' and 'cutting a car into two to help the survivors [of an accident] out.
Kids were so taken by those risky manoeuvres that the firefighters were so confident in carrying out.


They had their faces painted and got some free resources. The full day at the Fire station was free, hamdulillah for once nothing to pay!
We left the Fire station in the early afternoon and decided to pay a visit to the local park were a funfair was in full swing and what's more? Lots of free activities for kids including bouncy castles, face painting, make and do hats, painting, and lots more. So, more free! We love free stuff as home educators always pay for everything!
We left late afternoon as tiredness kicked in! Lol.
We were tired but once home...decided to clean the front garden and have the back yard cleaned up. Cut the grass and generally gave a good tidy up, all in preview of Ramadan.
I even washed the carpeted stairs! Phew that was a job!
I am just now sitting down and pondering over our full day out. Thinking how much my kids have retained and about tomorrow, insh'Allah. May Allah help me to be a good example for my kids.Amin.

Jumu'ah Mubarak!

Assalamu alaykum,
Virtues of Friday
What is the merit of Friday over other days ? and why ?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Friday has many distinguishing features and virtues that Allaah has bestowed upon this day and not others.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah and Hudhayfah (may Allaah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah led those who came before us away from Friday. The Jews had Saturday, and the Christians had Sunday. Then Allaah brought us and Allaah guided us to Friday. So there is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and thus they will follow us on the Day of Resurrection. We are the last of the people of this world but we will be the first on the Day of Resurrection, and we will be dealt with before all others.”
Narrated by Muslim, 856.
Al-Nawawi said:
Al-Qaadi said: The apparent meaning is that it was obligatory for them to venerate Friday but this was not stated clearly; the matter was left to their own reasoning… But they did not manage to work it out and Allaah did not guide them to it. It was enjoined clearly upon this ummah, and was not left to their own reasoning, thus they were blessed with it … It was narrated that Moosa enjoined Friday upon them and told them of its virtues, but they disputed with him and argued that Saturday was better, and it was said to him, ‘Let them be.’ Al-Qaadi said: if there had been a clear command, their arguing with him would not have been valid, rather it would have been said to him that they were going against the command. I say: it may be that that was clearly enjoined upon them but they disputed as to whether it was something they had to adhere to or they could change it to another day; they decided to change it to another day and they erred greatly thereby.
It comes as no surprise that Friday was specifically enjoined upon them and they went against that.
Al-Haafiz said: How can it be otherwise when they are the ones who said “We hear and we disobey”?
It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of your days is Friday. On that day Adam (peace be upon him) was created; on that day he died; on that day the Trumpet will be blown and on that day all of creation will swoon. So send a great deal of blessings upon me, for your blessings will be shown to me.” They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, how will our blessings upon you be shown to you when you have turned to dust?” He said, “Allaah has forbidden the earth to consume the bodies of the Prophets, peace be upon them.”
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1047; classed as saheeh by Ibn al-Qayyim in his comments on Sunan Abi Dawood, 4/273; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 925.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best day on which the sun rises is Friday. On it Adam was created, on it he was admitted to Paradise and on it he was expelled therefrom.”
Narrated by Muslim, 1410.
This hadeeth includes some of the reasons why Friday is regarded as special.
Al-Nawawi said:
Al-Qaadi ‘Iyaad said: The apparent meaning is that these virtues do not mean that Friday is regarded as special because Adam was expelled on a Friday and the Hour will begin on a Friday. Rather it is meant to explain what momentous events took place and will take place on this day, so that people will make the most of this day to do righteous deeds, so as to attain the mercy of Allaah and ward off His punishment. This is the view of al-Qaadi. Abu Bakr ibn al-‘Arabi said in his book al-Ahwadhi fi Sharh al-Tirmidhi: All of these events are good and add to the virtue of Friday. The expulsion of Adam from Paradise is the reason why his offspring and the Messengers, the Prophets, the righteous and the awliya’ exist. He was not expelled from it as such, but rather it was for a purpose, then he will return to it. With regard to the Hour beginning on a Friday, the reason is so that the reward may be hastened for the Prophets, believers in truth, awliya’ and others, and their honour and high status may be made manifest. This hadeeth points to the virtues of Friday and its high status in relation to the other days.
It was narrated that Abu Lubaabah ibn ‘Abd al-Mundhir said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Friday is the master of days, and the greatest of them before Allaah. It is greater before Allaah than the day of al-Adha and the day of al-Fitr. It has five characteristics: on this day Allaah created Adam, on it He sent Adam down to the earth, on it Allaah caused Adam to die, on it there is a time when a person does not ask Allaah for anything but He gives it to him, so long as he does not ask for anything haraam, and on it the Hour will begin. There is no angel who is close to Allaah, no heaven, no earth, no wind, no mountain and no sea that does not fear Friday.”
Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 1084; classed as hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 2279
Al-Sanadi said:
“They fear Friday” means they fear the onset of the Hour. This indicates that all created beings are aware of the days and they know that the Day of Resurrection will come on a Friday.
The virtues of this day include the following:
1 – On it is Salaat al-Jumu’ah (Friday prayer), which is the best of prayer.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salaah (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allaah [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salaah (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!”
[al-Jumu’ah 62:9]
Muslim (233) narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The five daily prayers and from one Jumu’ah to the next is an expiation for whatever sins come in between them, so long as one does not commit a major sin.”
2 – Praying Fajr in congregation on Fridays is the best prayer that the Muslim can pray during the week.
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best prayer before Allaah is Fajr prayer on Friday in congregation.”
Narrated by al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al-Eemaan; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1119
One of the special features of Fajr prayer on Friday is that it is Sunnah to recite Soorat al-Sajdah in the first rak’ah and Soorat al-Insaan in the second.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite in Fajr prayer in Fridays Alif-Laam-Meem Tanzeel (Soorat al-Sajdah) in the first rak’ah and Hal ata ‘ala’l-insaan heenun min al-dahr lam yakun shay’an madhkooran (Soorat al-Insaan) in the second.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 851; Muslim, 880.
Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar said:
It was said that the reason why these two soorahs are recited is because they mention the creation of Adam and what will happen on the Day of Resurrection, because that will come to pass on a Friday.
3 – Whoever dies during the day or night of Friday, Allaah will protect him from the trial of the grave.
It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no Muslim who dies during the day of Friday or the night of Friday but Allaah will protect him from the trial of the grave.”
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1074; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Ahkaam al-Janaa’iz, p. 49, 50
These are some of the virtues of Friday. We ask Allaah to help us to please Him.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
highlightSearchTerms('friday');


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Wa alaykum assalam

Our week in pictures!

Assalamu alaykum, our week in pics. Lots of art&craft as we have been mainly indoors due to my health!

Ratatouille: easy to make, yet delicious! I was not too well

to cook big dish!
Car made from cardboard
And another one!
Lots of building blocks!

Two masjids for our lapbook projects.

Keepsakes for sweets , just a preview of our 'eid gifts for children.

wa alaykum assalam

Ramadan: my plans?

Assalamu alaykum,

I was supposed to put down some sorts of plans for our Ramadan this year. Usually I don't like to laid down any kind of work for the kids in Ramadan but just let them revise their madrassa work: reading Qur'an, repeating ahadith in English/Arabic, Arabic homework, studying the principles of Islam etc.

This year, as I have been unwell for the past week or so, I have had some time to think about what kids and I, could benefit during such a blessed Month.

I have been reading what other homeschooling ummis put down for their families and ponder about how I could use my time in a more beneficial way.

I am not going to make a long list of do's and don'ts but just a simple general rule for us all.

Spending more time reading Qur'an and apply what we learn in our daily lives.

I am praying I can finish reading the Qur'an and that my kids can at least apply what they learn. Amin.

I am going to concentrate on their Islamic studies, not just reading and learning from books but doing projects that can bring us closer to Allah (subhana wa t'Ala). It's so important to learn what we apply as our kids we look at our actions and we know 'actions speaks more than a 1000 words!'

I pray to have a nice, blessed Ramadan with loved ones. Amin.

So those are my 'plans'. What suggestions do you have for me and kids to keep up a good schedule to finish the Qur'an?

That's why there is so much pain and suffering...

Assalamu alaykum,
feeling better. Still not 100% but hamdulillah better. Today i have received this one in my email. Just sharing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST EXPLANATIONS OF WHY ALLAH ALLOWS PAIN
AND SUFFERING THAT I HAVE SEEN:
A MAN WENT TO A BARBERSHOP TO HAVE HIS HAIR CUT AND HIS
BEARD TRIMMED. AS THE BARBER BEGAN TO WORK, THEY BEGAN TO HAVE A GOOD CONVERSATION.
THEY TALKED ABOUT SO MANY THINGS AND VARIOUS SUBJECTS.
WHEN THEY EVENTUALLY TOUCHED ON THE SUBJECT OF ALLAH, THE BARBER SAID: 'I DON'T BELIEVE THAT ALLAH EXISTS.' 'WHY DO YOU SAY THAT?' ASKED THE CUSTOMER. 'WELL, YOU JUST HAVE TO GO OUT IN THE STREET TO REALIZE THAT ALLAH DOESN'T EXIST. TELL ME, IF ALLAH EXISTS, WOULD THERE BE SO MANY SICK PEOPLE? WOULD THERE BE ABANDONED CHILDREN? IF ALLAH EXISTED, THERE WOULD BE NEITHER SUFFERING NOR PAIN.
I CAN'T IMAGINE A LOVING ALLAH WHO WOULD ALLOW ALL OF THESE THINGS.
' THE CUSTOMER THOUGHT FOR A MOMENT, BUT DIDN'T RESPOND BECAUSE HE DIDN'T WANT TO START AN ARGUMENT. THE BARBER FINISHED HIS JOB AND THE CUSTOMER LEFT THE SHOP.
JUST AFTER HE LEFT THE BARBERSHOP, HE SAW A MAN IN THE STREET WITH LONG, STRINGY, DIRTY HAIR AND AN UNTRIMMED BEARD. HE LOOKED DIRTY AND UNKEMPT. THE CUSTOMER TURNED BACK AND ENTERED THE BARBER SHOP AGAIN AND HE SAID TO THE BARBER: 'YOU KNOW WHAT? BARBERS DO NOT EXIST.'
'HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?' ASKED THE SURPRISED BARBER. 'I AM HERE, AND I AM A BARBER. AND I JUST WORKED ON YOU!'
NO!' THE CUSTOMER EXCLAIMED. 'BARBERS DON'T EXIST BECAUSE IF THEY DID, THERE WOULD BE NO PEOPLE WITH DIRTY LONG HAIR AND UNTRIMMED BEARDS, LIKE THAT MAN OUTSIDE.'
'AH, BUT BARBERS DO EXIST! THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE DO NOT COME TO ME.' 'EXACTLY!' AFFIRMED THE CUSTOMER. 'THAT'S THE POINT! ALLAH,TOO, DOES EXIST! THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE DO NOT GO TO HIM AND DON'T LOOK TO HIM FOR HELP.
THAT'S WHY THERE'S SO MUCH PAIN AND SUFFERING IN THE WORLD.'

Ummi is not well!

Assalamu alaykum,
when you homeschool your year doesn't start on 1 September and finishes on 31 July. And then when kids are on holidays you are allowed to laid back.
Kids are on tow 24/7, even when you are not too good to stay around them.
As my health has been not good for the last 5 years or so, I know that when I am ill I can get very bad in a very short period of time. Hamdulillah.
For that reason my kids have learnt to entertaint themselves and share days in my bedroom.
We do activities that I can easily managed when I am ill such as reading, colouring and repeating Qur'an and Ahadith. During those long days of poor health, my kids have improved their sabr in looking after me, mash'Allah. My ds1 this morning squezzed oranges for me and for his brother (ds2). It was such a kind gesture and came from his heart. It touched me so deeply. Mash'Allah.
These days that I have been ill, the boys have helped with everything as I could barely stand from bed. I had to ask them to look out for my email too! I am slowly recovering hamdulillah Rabii 'Alamin and while Allah has blessed me again with an oppurtunity to cleanse my souls from sins, I had also had time to think about the state of our Ummah.
I live near so many sisters, some of them are home educators that knows me since years now, some other are sisters who I met years ago when I used to study in a local halaqa, many more sisters do live in and around London but in the last five days is like my phone has gone quite. Nevertheless I received some texts in my mobile, emails, and messages in my blog, I like to thank the sisters for such a kindness. Your rewards is with Allah. Yet again I feel that at time of need no many sisters would be ready to come and look after you and take such a great workload! Even family members do turn your back on you if more important things come up.
Wa Allahu Alim.
Suddenyly you realize the hardship you do go throu and take every minute as a golden oppurtunity to reflect and to thank Allah (subhana).
We are so fragile and when you fell ill you do appreciate more how powerful really Allah is. I thank Allah for a such a great reminder.
Here's is a lovely ruling from Islam QA
What Ruling on visiting the sick ?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Visiting the sick is called ‘iyaadah in Arabic (from a root word meaning return) because people come back time after time. Ruling on visiting the sick
Some of the scholars are of the view that it is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah mu’akkadah). Shaykh al-Islam (Ibn Taymiyah) favoured the view that it is a communal obligation (fard kifaayah), as stated in al-Ikhtiyaaraat (p. 85) and this is the correct view. It is proven in al-Saheehaayn that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are five duties that the Muslim owes to his brother Muslim,” one of which is visiting the sick. According to another version: “The rights of one Muslim over another are…” Al-Bukhaari said: Chapter on the obligation of visiting the sick, and he narrated the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Feed the hungry, visit the sick and free the captives.” End quote.
This hadeeth indicates that it is obligatory, and may be understood as meaning that it is a communal obligation, like feeding the hungry and freeing the captives. Al-Nawawi narrated that there is scholarly consensus that it is not waajib (obligatory). Al-Haafiz said in al-Fath (10/117): i.e., it is not obligatory for individuals.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (5/173):
The correct view is that it is a communal obligation, and the Muslims are obliged to visit their sick. End quote. The virtue of visiting the sick
There are many ahaadeeth which speak of its virtue, such as the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “When the Muslim visits his (sick) Muslim brother, he is harvesting the fruits of Paradise until he returns.” Narrated by Muslim, 2568.
The reward attained by the one who visits the sick is likened to the harvest reaped by one who gathers fruit.
According to al-Tirmidhi (2008), the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever visits a sick person or visits a brother in Islam, a caller cries out to him: ‘May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you occupy a dignified position in Paradise’.” Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.
Imam Ahmad narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever visits a sick person is plunging into mercy until he sits down, and when he sits down he is submerged in it.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 2504.
Al-Tirmidhi (969) narrated that ‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “There is no Muslim who visits a (sick) Muslim early in the morning but seventy thousand angels send blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels send blessings upon him until morning comes, and he will have a garden in Paradise.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.
Visiting the sick does not involve only those whom you know, rather it is prescribed for those whom you know and those whom you do not know. This was stated by al-Nawawi in Sharh Muslim. Definition of the sick person whom it is obligatory to visit
It is the sick person whose sickness is preventing him from seeing people. If he is sick but he is still going out and seeing people, then it is not obligatory to visit him.
Al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 5/171 Visiting a non-mahram woman
There is no sin in a man visiting a non-mahram woman, or a woman visiting a non-mahram man, so long as the following conditions are met: proper covering, no risk of fitnah, and no being alone together.
Imam al-Bukhaari said: “Chapter on women visiting (sick) men. Umm al-Darda’ visited one of the Ansaari men from the mosque.” Then he narrated a hadeeth from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who said that she visited Abu Bakr and Bilaal (may Allaah be pleased with them both) when they fell sick when they first came to Madeenah.
Muslim narrated from Anas that Abu Bakr said to ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them), after the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) died: “Let us go to Umm Ayman and visit her as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to visit her,” so they went to her.
Ibn al-Jawzi said: This is to be interpreted as referring to one from whom there is no fear of fitnah, such as an old woman. End quote. Visiting a kaafir
There is no sin in visiting a mushrik kaafir who is sick, if that serves an interest. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) visited a Jewish boy and called him to Islam, and he became Muslim. Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1356). And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was present when his paternal uncle Abu Taalib was dying, and he called him to Islam but he refused. Agreed upon.
The purpose in that case may be to call the person to Islam, or to restrain his evil, or to soften his heart, and so on.
See Fath al-Baari, 10/125
Should the visit be repeated?
Some scholars are of the view that one should not visit every day so that it will not become burdensome for the sick person. The correct view is that it varies according to the situation. Some people may be dear to the sick person and it may be hard for him if he does not see them every day. In that case it is Sunnah to visit continuously, so long as they do not know that the sick person dislikes it.
Haashiyat Ibn Qaasim, 3/12 One should not sit too long with the sick person
The visitor should not sit for too long with the sick person, rather the visit should be short so that it does not cause any hardship to him or his family. The sick person may pass through periods when he suffers pain because of his sickness, or he may do something that he would not like anyone to see, so sitting with him for too long will cause him embarrassment.
However, it depends on the situation; the sick person may like some people to sit with him for a long time.
Haashiyat Ibn Qaasim, 3/12; al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 5/174 Time for visiting
There is nothing in the Sunnah that suggests that there is a specific time for visiting the sick. Ibn al-Qayyim said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not specify any particular day or time for visiting the sick, rather he prescribed that for his ummah by night and by day, at all times. End quote.
Zaad al-Ma’aad, 1/497
Some of the salaf used to visit the sick at the beginning of the day or in the early evening, so that the angels would send blessings upon them for the longest time, based on the hadeeth quoted above: “There is no Muslim who visits a (sick) Muslim early in the morning but seventy thousand angels send blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels send blessings upon him until morning comes, and he will have a garden in Paradise.”
But we should pay attention to the condition of the sick person and what is easiest for him; the visitor should not choose the time that suits him best, if that is going to cause hardship to the sick person or his family. That can be worked out with the sick person himself or with his family.
Frequent visits from people who do not take care to keep their visits short or choose the right time may make the sick person’s sickness even worse. Making du’aa’ for the sick person
Du’aa’ should be made for the sick person in the manner narrated in the Sunnah: “La ba’s, tuhoor in sha Allaah (No worry, it is a purification, if Allah wills).” Narrated by al-Bukhaari.
Du’aa’ for healing should be said three times. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) visited Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas and said: “O Allaah, heal Sa’d,” three times. Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5659) and Muslim (1628).
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to place his right hand on the sick person and say: “Adhhib al-ba’s Rabb an-naas, wa’shfi anta al-Shaafi, laa shifaa’a illa shifaa’uka shifaa’an laa yughaadir saqaman (Take away the pain, O Lord of mankind, and grant healing, for You are the Healer, and there is no healing but Your healing that leaves no trace of sickness).” Narrated by Muslim, 2191.
It was narrated by Ahmad and Abu Dawood (3106) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever visits a sick person who is not yet dying, and says seven times in his presence: ‘As’alu Allaaha rabb al-‘arsh il-‘azeem an yashfiyaka (I ask Allaah, Lord of the mighty Throne, to heal you), Allaah will heal him of that sickness.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
The visitor should ask him how he is and how he is feeling, etc. That is proven from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), as narrated by al-Tirmidhi (983) and classed as hasan by al-Albaani.
It is also narrated in Saheeh al-Bukhaari that ‘Aa’ishah did that when she visited Abu Bakr and Bilaal (may Allaah be pleased with them both). Reassuring him and giving him hope of a long life
A hadeeth concerning that was narrated by al-Tirmidhi (2087) but it is a weak hadeeth: “When you enter upon a sick person and reassure him that he is going to live, that does not change anything, but it lifts his spirits.” It was classed as da’eef (weak) by al-Albaani in Da’eef al-Tirmidhi.
But it is supported in meaning by the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “La ba’s, tuhoor in sha Allaah (No worry, it is a purification, if Allah wills).” So we should try to cheer him up and give him glad tidings of healing in sha Allaah, for that will comfort the sick person.
See al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 5/171-176.
Islam Q&A

Not well.

Assalamu alaykum,

I am sorry but I have to be off for a bit as I am just not well, hamdulillah.

Please do remember me and my family in your dua'as and keep watching this space.

wa alaykum assalam

Hadith

Al-Bukhaari narrated in his Saheeh (5269) from Sa’eed ibn Jubayr from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Healing is in three things: drinking honey, the incision of a cupper, and cauterizing with fire, but I forbid my ummah to use cauterizing.”

The two greats!

Assalamu alaykum,
went to this course today. Hamdulillah I am back at home with lots to share with my family all and specially lots to tell to my kids. We do fill our kids with lots of TV junk as I like to call it! Our kids do know all about their superhero on TV and can tell you who,when, where, what and why of each one of them toons characters! But if you ask them about great personalities in Islam, they may just mention few Prophets if lucky. Subhan'Allah! I feel the urge to instill the knowledge and love for these greats in Islam to my kids. Insh'Allah.

I highly recommend if you can, to read to your kids about these two great personalities as they are so inspiring! Also a great book to read above all about Sheik Ibn Taymeeyah 'Letters from prison'.

Mash'Allah the course was intense and yet again gave us only a small insight of the two greats. Lots more there is to read and learn about these great Shuyuk.

I was so moved about the tests both Shuyuk have to endure during their lives and how well they both cope: steadfast, hope, fear, love, and believe only in Ar-Razzaq.

Ramadan lapbook and hama beads!

Assalamu alaykum,

4 days no writing! Sorry days are just too fast to catch up and I get busier by the minute around here!

So what have we been up to?

Wednesday 13 August we stayed partly indoors, study Calvert and carried on with our new project 'Ramadan lapbook 2008'. (soon to follow pics insh'Allah.) We are filling in two lapbooks, one for A and one for S.

Two different levels and lots to colour, write, learn and read. We bought two new books about Ramadan: 'Oops I forgot' by Asma Ahmad and 'Is it time yet' by Asma Ahmad.

Thursday 14 had a full day out with the kids. Visited some friends and made weekly shopping.

Friday 15- day at the Mosque for us and study circle. We got used to go to the Mosque every Friday. I know it may sounds surreal but there are not Mosques in my area so I have to travel to go to Jumuah. Hamdulillah. The fact that I study in the same Mosque where I then pray Jumuah makes it so worthwile! Hamdulillah Rabbi 'Alamin for the ukhti that teach me. May Allah reward her.Amin.

Saturday today 16. We have been out for a good walk early in the morning. Had to pick up a pack from the post office and then back at home. We had so many things to do today including an Islamic event with a talk, fire safety free activities for kids and a day in the park with a dear ukhti and her boys. In the end I decided to stay indoors to catch up on my chores, ironing was on top of my list, followed closely by dusting, washing curtains and windows! All done and I should say dusted!

Kids have been creating some lovely trucks with Hama beads while I was at my cleaning. I was inspired by We love Home Edu. Jazak'Allahu kheiri sister, you are always so inspiring!

What are we learning?

Assalamu alaykum,

so what are we learning?

A is carrying on with Calvert programme. I really love this programme. I know I have already said so. But it is so complete and to be honest is so easy to use and A really like it!

A is learning about new sounds in literacy and we have been talking about the difference between fantasy and real stories. We have learnt about Fables and how to write down a fable. Also the importance of having a morale at the end of a fable.

In Maths A is revising few Units we have done in the past in particular doubles, counting by 2, 3, 4,5,6,7,8,9. Also he is learning how to read a clock, even thou he already knew how I am just following the programme as it goes about. Also he is revising facts family.

In Science we are talking about animals of the past, imprints, fossils, dinosaurs, how scientists know how animals of the past behaved, what they ate etc. We are also studying about food as energy.

In geography, we are talking about North America, the boundaries, the capitals, compass rose.

A is showing so much interest in reading long books. Before it would have been impossible to let him read even a page.

Eg. tonight I found him reading a book from one of his collection about Roald Dahl ' James and the Giant Peach'

Mash'Allah! He reached page 22 and put one of his homemade bookmark. He said tomorrow he will finish it! Insh'Allah.

S is learning Phonics. I like him to read as soon as possible but i know it won't be so soon.

He is learning to count to 20, writing the numbers, adding, subtracting and doubles.

Also using female/male when needed in a sentence. Lots of colouring too!

I will be starting to use the Jolly Phonics with S as i did with A. I found the Jolly Phonics to be so fun to use. Years ago I bought the teacher manual and we have kept it immaculate. We just print out pages as we go along.


Our week went so quickly. We rarely stayed at home. There is nothing that can stop my boys love to discover! this summer has been rather busy. We have learnt about new parks, play areas, new sisters, new friends for my crew, lots of free activities, new study circles, and lots of running around.

I only pray my kids are learning on the way and that the activities they do, they are not just activities but that they will gain benefits from them. Amin

I pray that I am doing the right thing for them by keeping them with me, studying at home, learning in a safe environment. Amin

And now some more pics!






Wa alaykum assalam

Curry-ed...away!

Assalamu alaykum,


sometime ago I received a new cooking book. It is from the BHF (British Heart Foundation). A collection of Asian recipes aim to prevent heart disease and to help those with heart conditions.


I don't really like cooking but since in our household we have someone who starting to suffer heart disease, I thought it would be a great idea to cook as healthy as possible but always try to keep it delicious! In fact, although I don't like cooking, I do always try my best to feed my family with good food low in sugar, salt and fats such as oils, butters etc. At least I try! :))


Today I have tried a new Asian recipe for the joy of my dh and kids! Well, I got a bit curry-ed away with the chillies, but was worthwhile all the efforts and...chillies! HOT!
PS: all the recipes featured in my blog are homeschooling friendly! ;)

Book from BHF

Says it all
Chilli plant

Lamb curry is cooking. Just added some marrow.
Aromatic white rice with cardamon and whole cloves

Just in the middle of my cooking, A. spotted

a beautiful rainbow in a very rainy day.

and another one

ready to eat!

yogurt salad.

Hadith

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who takes care of an orphan, whether he is his relative or a stranger, will be in Jannah with me like these two". The narrator, Malik bin Anas raised his forefinger and middle finger for illustration.[Muslim]

Discover!

Assalamu alaykum,


so we met up with a dear sister today and went to Discover in Stratford.


Summer looks like it's over wa Allahu Alim, and so we opted for an indoor fun day!


Kids have enjoyed a lot. For us it was our second time but this time was much better, kids had more time to explore around and we even discover a basement! Subhan'Allah!


Kids brought back home lots of stories and have their brain filled with books...I bought them two small white booklets to fill in with their own stories. A has started to write down a fanatsy story about his little baby brother wanting to play football etc. he even made a nice picture to go with it. S draw a big playground with a toy boat, big car, slide, roundabout, swings, trees, kids playing etc. most probably he was trying to draw the playground he enjoyed today in Discover. Mash'Allah!


BTW one sisters was asking me if the centre has music or if they use music to teach about stories as she read it on their website. The only music we found were the sound of nature, letters, noises, but no music as in dancing etc.


Here' my pics. Hope you like them.

Hootah the baby space monster!

wooden spoons activity on a tree!

S dressed up as a zebra

A story corner
pretend play food and baby
S learning the sound of the word S P L A S H written on the floor.

Ver interactive!
Indian corner stories.
Travellers tent.

wa alaykum assalam

Grasp five things before...

“Grasp five things before five others:your youth before your decrepitude,your health before your illness,your riches before your poverty,your leisure before your work, and your life before your death.”
(Al Tirmidhi)