On the 12th of July, we were honoured to have Sr. Zohra Tejani come in and run an interactive workshop on Sura Rum!
The ‘game board’ was built as we worked our way through the verses of Sura in a very visual, fun way! And then at the end the group was divided and each group made their way across their board, trying to reach the top without getting caught by snake!
All in all an educational and fun evening – a perfect way to get acquainted with the Sura!
Alhamdulillah we had a successful Creative Writing workshop over the half-term, inspired by the life of Lady Fatima (as).
Thirty 5 to 7 year olds began by listening to the story of Maryam’s Doll (in Adventures of a Qur’anic Family by Sun Behind The Cloud Publications Ltd), which is the story of how Maryam is inspired to give her favourite doll away because she remembers how Bibi Fatima (as) did so with her wedding dress. We discussed the verse 3:92 – Lantanalul Birra – which talks of giving out of what we love the most.
The children then split into two groups and began by writing down 6 things they loved, followed by 6 things they shared. The two were compared and discussed, making them think about whether they would share the things that they loved, like Bibi Fatima (as).
They then went on to make a craft which showed the story of the poor man at the door, and allowed the children to move Bibi Fatima (as) across the page to open the door, then back to where her dress was, and then back again to give the dress away. They were encouraged to use this craft to relay the story to their friends.
Finally, they were then invited to write the story in their own words. They were extremely attentive and enjoyed this very much!
Twenty 8 to 11 year olds went upstairs to work with Zayn Gulamhussein, a teacher and tutor with years of experience. They too were introduced to the story of the wedding dress and then asked to begin thinking of a story along those lines, entitled ‘The Pain of Giving’. Using a worksheet to help them plan their story, along with some creative writing games, they were well on their way and managed to write up some original and well thought out short stories by the end!
We held a Hajj Day at the Children’s Islamic Library!
Children 10 and under were invited to take part in a Hajj Simulation on Wednesday 30th August, 2017. They went through different stations as detailed below:
1. NIYYAH STATION:
Aim: To make them understand the effect of the RIGHT Niyyah – Those that hope to get closer to Allah SWT by doing the RIGHT NIYYAH will find it easy to find their way to the RIGHT direction.
– Magnetise needle in a circle motion
– Place magnetised needle on a piece of paper floating on water (in a bowl)
– The needle will spin until it aligns in the direction of the compass
– Now place non-magnetic material – this will not necessarily face the compass direction
2. ARAFAAT
Aim: Emphasise that Arafaah is all about contemplation and ask for forgiveness.
– Ask them to write two bad deeds on the white board.
– Spraying water is like reflecting on the act – it starts to do something but doesn’t totally get rid of it
– With Istaghfar insh Allah will forgive that action
3. MUZDALIFA
Aim: To prepare our pebbles for Jamaraat and rest under the beautiful night sky. admire Allah’s beautiful creation – The night sky filled with stars and prepare for Jamaraat (pelting the devil).
– Write down 3 (or more) bad deeds on the pieces of papers
– Scrunch up and make it into a pebble to use to pelt at Jamaraat
4. JAMARAAT
Aim: Think of our actions and pelt away the whisperings of Shaytaan from inside and outside.
– Get them to throw their pebbles at the Jamaraats
5. SACRIFICE
Aim: To give up an action that is not so good so we can get closer to Allah and make Him happy
Remind story of P.Ibrahim sacrificing P.Ismaeel
– They write one (not so good) thing they’ll try to give up for Allah’s pleasure and stick it on the sheep prop.
– Little ones can just stick cotton wool
6. TAWAAF
Aim: Thinking of our days of the week and making Allah central to everything we do
– Do tawaaf around the Kaaba!
7. MAQAM IBRAHIM
Aim: Show Maqam Ibrahim and tell them about P.Ibrahim’s footsteps imprinted on the ground when he stood after building the H.Kaaba. After Tawaaf we pray 2 rakaat Salaah behind Maqam Ibrahim.
– Go through actions of a 2 rakaat salaah.
8. SAEE – SAFA TO MARWA
Aim: To understand that we need to constantly strive in Allah’s way and not give up hope just like B.Hajra!
– Do Sa’ee!
9. MINA
Aim: To get to know other people who also love Allah so much and realise how we are not alone, there are millions of others who are also striving to get to closer to Allah SWT!
– Time to socialise and enjoy!
Alhamdulillah, the children loved learning about the Hajj through this interactive way! There was also a story on Hajj to wrap up the day J
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