Weblink: Learn the Quran through Lego

Shukran to Brother Yacoob for sharing this amazing website Teaching Kids the Holy Quran http://readwithmeaning.wordpress.com/

Newly printed- Title: An extension workbook to Allah made them all

This post has been updated. The second book which is an activity book is being sold by the author and will soon be available at Islamic bookstores. It is not yet available for sale on the Internet. Visit kidenuf.wordpress.com for updates

Editors note:Highly recommend this new title by Durban based Khadija Lockhat. The previous version is available here: http://www.simplyislam.com/iteminfo.asp?item=53749#

This is an extract from the author’s blog:

The workbook builds on ideas expressed in a book titled “Allah made them all” which I wrote in 2003 and was published by Goodword Books. It is available at most Islamic bookstores and online as it was reprinted in 2010.

My decision to write this book was guided by my own need as an adult to want to understand the Quraan which is the foremost source of knowledge in understanding Islam. The Quraan is the word of Allah and is filled with infinite wisdom; it provides guidance about directing about lives and is filled detailed accounts of historical events.
Sadly, however the Quraan is most often read without understanding. My duaa is that children who read this book begin to appreciate the lessons found in the Quraan and are encouraged to want to further explore their understanding of the Quraan

The information and content of this workbook was guided by my experience as a primary school educator at an Islamic school as well as information I gathered while completing my Honours degree in Language and Media Studies. I realised that it is only when Muslim children truly understand Islam can they truly be proud to be Muslims. It is when they read about the Heroes of Islam, the magnificence of Allah’s creation and the simplicity of practicing Islam can they realise their individuality and place in society.

Contact Khadija on khatija@lockhat.com for further enquiries

Infertility in the Qur’an

Source: http://www.angelfire.com/la/IslamicView/Quran1.html

The Qur’an is true guidance for all mankind, complete and not lacking anything. It touches on every aspect of life, so it should come as no suprise that infertility is on the vast array of subjects. The Qur’an teaches in many ways, showing us a glimpse of the lives of others before us is one way. There are two stories of infertility in Qur’an which we should draw and learn from. The first story is that of Ibrahim s.a.w. and his wife Sara r.a. The two main accounts of this story, given as follows.
And his wife was standing (there) and she laughed: But we gave her glad tidings of Isaac and after him, of Jacob. She said “Alas for me! Shall I bear a child, seeing I am an old woman, and my husband here, is an old man? That indeed would be a wonderful thing!” They said: “Dost thou wonder at Allah’s decree? The grace of Allah and His blessings on you, O ye people of the house! For He is indeed worthy of all praise, full of Glory!” 11:71-73

…And they (angels) gave him (Ibrahim) glad tidings of a son endowed with knowledge. But his wife came forward clamoring, she smote her forehead and said: “A barren old woman!” They said “Even so has thy Lord spoken and He is full of wisdom and knowledge.” 51:28-30

Not much detail is given in the Qur’an concerning the lives of Sara or Hagar. But some of the details we recieve with ahadith. Islamic exegesis also rely on heavily upon biblical (OT) information about Sara as well as Hagar. What we do know from the Qur’an was that Sara was old and barren when Allah blessed her with a child. Exegesis place her age at about ninety and Ibrahim was over 100 yrs old. It was several years before this that Sara gave her hand maiden, Hagar, to Ibrahim in marriage so that he may have children.
Many women going through infertility can relate to the sense of guilt for “denying” their husbands children. This is a common feeling that is present, as we see with Sarah. As we see in this story polygyny is an option for couple who can not have children due to the illness with the wife.

Accroding to exigisis after Hagar conceived she became “haughty” in her ability to have children. From this rose a jealousy in Sara in which she threatened to do harm to Hagar. Nothing came of this threat and evidently the waters were calmed in Ibrahim’s household. The family continued to remain together until Ibrahim’s command to take Hagar and Ishmael to the valley of Mecca and leave them there.

We have reference in the Qur’an of Sara striking her face and laughing in the astonishment of being blessed with a pregnancy at 90 yrs of age. It appears Sarah, naturally, had long since given up hopes of conceiving. She had given Hagar to Ibrahim as a way not to deny him and accepting the Qadar (fate) that Allah had set for her.

Here we can take a lesson from Sara, at some point we must learn to just accept what has been written for us and go on. All too often couples become obsessed with having a child to where it is harmful for themselves. We as Muslims must learn to seek a healthy balance in striving for pregnancy. We must learn at what point to stop medical procedures and accept what Allah has planne for us. A woman’s (or man’s) life does not end because they have no children. Sarah, although barren, remained firm in her faith, true to her husband, and a full woman in every sense of the word.

Sarah was ultimately blessed with a child, Ishaq pbuh. Angels came to her as they were on their way to the people of Lot pbuh and informed her. Not only was she told of a son but she was also informed that she would live to see her grandchildren. Considering her age it could have been the total shock that lead her to smite her face. I’m sure after so many years of giving up on having children a slap on the face is what she needed to reassure herself she wasn’t dreaming.

It is important at this point to take notice of the example set by Ibrahim in relation to his barren wife. He was never harsh to his wife in words or deeds even though she was unable to conceive. Nor did he abandon her he chose to stand by his wife as she stood by him. He did not seek out another wife or “right hand possession” to have children, it was Sara who suggested Hagar to him. This bond of marriage, faith, love, and tenderness kept this couple together even in infertile times. Working together in cooperation something we all should take notice of. And men, or cultures for that matter, who blame women for not conceiving and down them as if they were no longer a complete woman should take heed in this example set by Ibrahim.
Ibrahim was indeed a model… 16:120

Another Qur’anic example of infertility is that of Zakariya pbuh and his wife Ishba. The Qur’anic story focuses more on Zakariya than Ishba herself. In fact very little is said about her in the Qur’an, hadith, and exegesis.

There did Zakariya pray to his Lord, saying: “O my Lord! Grant unto me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer! While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him: “Allah doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya, witnessing the truth of a Word from Allah, and (be besides) noble, chaste, and a prophet,- of the (goodly) company of the righteous.” He said: “O my Lord! How shall I have son, seeing I am very old, and my wife is barren?” “Thus,” was the answer, “Doth Allah accomplish what He willeth.” 3:38-40

(This is) a recital of the Mercy of thy Lord to His servant Zakariya.Behold! he cried to his Lord in secret, Praying: “O my Lord! infirm indeed are my bones, and the hair of my head doth glisten with grey: but never am I unblest, O my Lord, in my prayer to Thee! 19:2-4

And (remember) Zakariya, when he cried to his Lord: “O my Lord! leave me not without offspring, though thou art the best of inheritors.” So We listened to him: and We granted him Yahya: We cured his wife’s (Barrenness) for him. These (three)were ever quick in emulation in good works; they used to call on Us with love and reverence, and humble themselves before Us. 21:89-90

Mary r.a. was placed in the care of Zakariya pbh and her aunt Ishba. Ishba was barren, so the caring of a child was a blessing in her family. Zakariya pbuh at times marveled at how well Mary had grown and it instilled the urge in him to have a son. One who would not only inherit the family lineage, but one who would carry on the teachings of Allah, something which he did himself. Perhaps Mary r.a. fulfilled the natural urge in Zakariya pbuh to have children for a limited time, but when she had matured and no longer a child, the desire seems to have rekindled. Whatever the exact emotions that Zakariya pbuh had, it brought him to a point where he prayed in secret to have a son.

Zakariya pbuh beseeched Allah for this blessing, perhaps not expecting the answer, he appears surprised with it. It was not so much the answer of “yes” but rather the means in which the child would come to him. His old barren wife, cured by Allah, was to conceive. Zakariya responded in natural amazement that his wife would conceive. He was told by Allah that such a thing was easy for Allah.. and it is. His son would be given the name of Yahya pbuh a name not before given who would carry on Zakariya’s pbuh work.
We also learn that Ishba and Mary were pregnant around the same time. Yahya’s pbuh work with Isa pbuh being something planned by Allah surrounded by many miraculous events.

As with the story of Ibrahim pbuh we have the example of a husband who remains with his barren wife. She is not shunned, shammed, divorced, or looked down upon as an incomplete woman as many men and cultures do to women. This is a lesson that all of our ummah must learn, as Allah says “…He leaves barren whom He wills” (42:50) It is a decree from Allah. This does not make one less of a woman (or man) and one should not be treated as such. We are to remain firm in our faith in Allah, knowing that He brings about things that we may not like and things we are tested with. And the stigma placed on couples who do not have children we are failing our test.

I know many women are thinking, that these two stories have such happy endings (babies) and yet it does not happen with all of us. Why does not Allah bestow on all of us pregnancies.. why must “I” be barren.. why me? As I sit here and write this my mind searches for an example of a woman with no children, suddenly I remembered one so full of faith, and one mentioned in the Qur’an as an example for all those who believe.

And Allah sets forth, as an example to those who believe the wife of Pharaoh: Behold she said: “O my Lord! Build for me, in nearness to Thee, a mansion in the Garden, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from those that do wrong”; 66:11
Her name was Asya, and she never conceived a child. It is said that her marriage was one of sacrifice she made for the safety of her people. But the marriage was never consumated, for Allah had stricken Pharaoh with impotence. Whatever the case may have been, here was a childless woman, who is set forth as an example for all believers. She nurtured a Prophet from infancy even though he was not her own, and she was a martyr.

It is said that Pharoah had killed several believers in the palace, among them a maid, her children and her husband. Asya picked up an iron stake to kill Pharaoh, she failed, and Pharaoh had her tortured by piercing iron stakes through her breast. The same childless woman sought Allah to build mansions in the Garden, and to save her from those that do wrong. Do we dare to say that such an example as stated by Allah is incomplete or less of a woman because she bore no children? Do we not take heed in the examples given to us? So anytime one attempts to make you feel low, or less of a woman (or man) think of these examples, draw guidance and strength from them. Rely on Allah, and seek Him to give you strength.

May Allah give us All that is good for us, make it easy for us to obtain it and keep us on the straight path when we do.

References:
Qur’an translation by Yusuf Ali
“Women in the Qur’an, Traditions and Interpretation” by Barbara Freyer Stowasser ISBN 0-19-508480-2

The Newborn child – what did the Prophet (SAW) say?

Children are a source of delight and the birth of a child is followed by much excitement. New parents often find themselves overwhelmed with advice on what to do, what not to do and which customs/traditions to follow. The following information was compiled from a discussion on Ummah.com that includes the sources of Hadith/Quranic Ayah relating to the Islamic guidelines regarding the newborn child:

1. Encouragement to have Children

Allah says, “So now have sexual relations with them,, and seek that which Allah has ordained for you.”

And the Prophet (SAW) said, “Marry the loving and fertile because through you, I will compete with the nations for superiority in numbers”(Abu Dawood)

And it is important that the Parents bring up their children upon righteousness, so that the Parents will benefit from them during their lives and after their death. Allaah’s Messenger (SAW) said,

“A servant will have his rank raised and will say, ‘O my Lord how has this come about for me?’ He says, ‘through your sons after you seeking forgiveness for you’”(ibn Maajah)

Know that what has preceded applies equally to both boys and girls, and indeed Islaam has encouraged the bringing up of girls, and Allah condemns those that are distressed at the birth of a girl, and the Messenger (SAW) came elevating the status of this gift from Allah,
“Whoever takes care of two girls until they reach adulthood – he and
I will come together on the Day of Resurrection (like this) – and he
interlaced his two fingers”(Muslim)

meaning in Paradise. So can their be a greater honour given to daughters?!

1. Giving the good news of the Birth

The near of kin who are anxiously waiting should be informed so that they can stop worrying and congratulate the parents and supplicate for the baby. Allah mentions this good news being conveyed to a number of His Prophets, from them Zakariyyah of his son Yahya,
“Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in a private room (saying), ‘Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya’”

1. Giving the Adhaan in the ear of the newborn

The first practice to do is to make the adhaan in the ear of the baby, so that the first words that the baby hears is the name of Allah, and the kalima.

It is to be given straight after the birth, or very soon afterwards as he (SAW) did with his grandson al-Husayn, as is related by Abu Raafi’ who said,

“I saw the Prophet give the adhaan for prayer in the ear of al-Husayn ibn Alee when his mother Faatimah gave birth to him,” (Tirmidhee)

It should be given with it’s usual wording in a voice which is audible to the baby, not so loudly that it risks harm to the baby or alarms it.

Only the adhaan is to be given, not the iqaamah as well as there is no authentic evidence to support this. Giving the adhaan only is also the reported practice of the Khaleefah Umar bin Abdul Azeez. This is closer to the sunnah, and Allaah knows best.

The sunnah has not specified as to which ear it should be given, however the Messenger (SAW) used to love to do good actions starting from the right, so it would be more appropriate to give the adhaan in the right ear.

1. The Tahneek

This means to softening a date and then rubbing the palate of the new-born with it just after the birth or soon after. This is done by putting a piece of the softened date on the finger and rubbing it from left to right in the mouth of the baby.

Ibn Hajr said, “if one is not able to find a dry date, then a fresh date should be used, and if that is not available then anything sweet.” (Fath 9/588)

It is not essential to chew the date rather it may be softened in any way. The action of chewing as reported in the sunnah was something specific to the Messenger (SAW) due to the blessings that Allah had placed in his saliva.

It is done by the father or the mother or anyone from the People of Knowledge whose supplication is hoped would be accepted. So he should perform tahneek and supplicate for the child as was the practice of the Companions.

Imaam Nawawee says, “Scholars are agreed upon the recommendation of performing tahneek upon the baby after its birth.” (Sharh Saheeh Muslim 4/122)

Aaishah (ra) reports, “new-born children used to be brought to the Messenger of Allaah and he would supplicate for blessings for them, and rub a chewed date upon their palate.” (Muslim)

1. Naming the child

The baby may be named on the day of its birth or later on the seventh day or past the seventh day, as this is what is clear after study of all the evidences from the sunnah.

It is the father or the mother who chose the name for the baby. If they differ amongst themselves then it is the father who has the choice, he may name it himself or give his wife the right to choose. The fact that this is the right of the father is shown by the principle that the child is ascribed and attributed to the father, as Allah says,

“Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just in the Sight of Allah”

It is also allowed for the parents to allow others to name the child, since our Prophet (SAW) used to name some of the children of his Companions.

The name should carry a good and praiseworthy meaning as the Messenger (SAW) said,
“On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and
your fathers names, so make your names good.” (Abu Dawood)

It is recommended to call oneself a servant of Allah (Abdullaah) or the servant of any of the names of Allah. Then it is recommended to name a child after a prophet, due to the hadeeth,
“call yourselves by the names of the Prophets” (Abu Dawood)

and the hadeeth,

“a son was born to me this night and I called him after my forefather Ibraaheem” (Muslim)

Then it is recommended to name the child after any pious person in the hope that it will become like him/her. Then it is recommended to name by any name which has good meaning.

It is forbidden to name a child with a name that denote servitude to other than Allah, for example Abd an-Nabi, Abd ar-Rasool etc, just as it is forbidden to name them with names that are particular to the Unbelievers like George, Michael, Susan etc.

The names of tyrants and evil personalities should be avoided such as Fir’awn, Qaroon, Abu Lahab etc.. Likewise it is disliked to name with the names of the Surahs of the Qur’aan like ‘Taa Haa’ or ‘Yaa Seen’ as is reported from Imaam Maalik and others. There is no authentic hadeeth which ascribes the above two as being names of the Prophet (SAW).

1. The Aqeeqah
   

After the seventh day of the arrival of the new-born, as a form of welcome for it and to give thanks to the One who gave the blessings, it is prescribed to slaughter a sheep. The Messenger (SAW) said,

“Every child is in pledge for it’s Aqeeqah which is sacrificed for it on its seventh day, and it is named on it, and its head is shaved” (Abu Dawood)

If the new-born is a boy then two sheep are to be sacrificed, and if it is a girl then one sheep. This is the position of the majority of the scholars and Companions. The Prophet (SAW) said,
“for the boy two equal sheep, and for the girl, a single sheep.” (Ibn
Maajah)

So it is permissible to sacrifice the male or female sheep or goat, and this is best. As for sacrificing other animals then the scholars have differed over this.

The sacrifice should be done by the father or a close relative, for our Prophet (SAW) performed the Aqeeqah for his two grandsons. It is also obligatory to mention the name of Allaah over it while sacrificing, and if a close relative is performing the Aqeeqah then he should add, ‘this aqeeqah is the Aqeeqah of so and so’ mentioning the name of the person on whose behalf he is performing the aqeeqah, as is reported in the hadeeth related by al-Bayhaqee.

The meat of the sacrifice may be distributed cooked or uncooked,, but it is preferred that it should be cooked as this leads to greater blessing as mentioned by a group of the scholars.

1. Shaving the baby’s head
   

On the seventh day after the birth the head of the baby should be shaved. So when al-Hasan was born the Prophet (SAW) told his daughter, Faatima (RA),

“shave his head and give the weight of his hair in silver to the
poor” (Ahmad)

The right side of the head should be shaved first, then the left as mentioned in the hadeeth,

“shave, and he indicated to the right side of his head, and then the
left” (Muslim)

It is not permissible to shave a part of the head and leave a part, as this was prohibited by the Messenger (SAW) as reported by al-Bukhaaree. The strongest view seems to be that the head of the boy or the girl should be shaved, as is reported that Faatimah weighed the hair of her daughter (Muwatta) but the scholars differ on this, and Allah knows best.

The shaving should be done after the sacrifice, and our pious predecessors liked to rub some perfume over the baby’s head after the shaving.

Then it is prescribed to give the value of the baby’s weight of hair in silver in charity, and it is recommended to give this charity on the seventh day also, but it is not necessary to do so, and may be delayed.

1. Circumcision

It is prescribed that the boy be circumcised, it is recommended that the circumcision take place on the seventh day, but it is obligatory to circumcise before the boy reaches puberty.

What does the Quran say about breastfeeding?

Surah 2. Verse 233:

The mothers shall give suck to their offspring for two whole years, if the father desires to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be Treated unfairly on account of her child. Nor father on account of his child, an heir shall be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. If ye decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided ye pay (the mother) what ye offered, on equitable terms. But fear Allah and know that Allah sees well what ye do.

Al-Quran

Translation by A.Yusuf Ali