9 years old

Today is the 15th of Ramadhan and R has turned 9 by the hijri calendar. To me, this is more important than when she turns 9 by the Gregorian calendar as the Islamic calendar is what Allah and His Messenger have stipulated the Muslims go by.

Can’t believe it was 9 years ago today that my darling R entered into the world. I feel quite emotional writing this. I remember very clearly the day she was born and here she is 9 years old already masha’Allah.

This Ramadhan, I’m very proud of her (not in an arrogant way but more in a motherly-love kind of way). This is her second year of fasting the whole month and mashaAllah she has kept all of her fasts. She also decided to set herself the goal of reading the entire Qu’ran this month and day 15 she is masha’Allah tabarakAllah on track and will have completed her 15th juz today.

We did have the same goal but I sadly am way behind her. I think I seriously underestimated how difficult fasting would be in the heatwave that we’ve had, plus breastfeeding (baby S seems to be feeding more and more) and then the sleepless nights. Alhamdulillah, despite all of this, I have managed to keep all of my fasts. But am lagging behind on the Qu’ran front. I don’t think I’ll be able to finish reading the Qu’ran this month but alhamdulillah am so happy for R as if she continues in the way that she has, then this will be her first ever time completing her recitation of the entire Qu’ran – and what better time to do it in, then the month of Ramadhan – the month she was born in. Insha’Allah it will be something she’ll remember.

Aside from that, not much else going on. R has stopped her hifdh during Ramadhan. Didn’t plan on doing this but she was so passionate about completing her recitation of the Qu’ran that she just couldn’t have managed her normal hifdh timetable at the same time. So instead, she has been doing an extra juz a day of murajaah to really try to consolidate it. I know this might seem a lot – one juz recitation and then a separate juz of murajaah but it is doable if split up in chunks in the day.

R has also had her daily Arabic lessons and apart from that, she’s been free to do what she likes. She has been knitting a hairband for her sister, baby S and has been reading a very lovely book about the stories of the Prophets. This book has been on our shelf for some time and can’t believe we haven’t read it sooner. It really is just perfect for R’s age. It isn’t for adults and isn’t for little kids – its more for the age bracket of 8-13 I would say.  So, she’s been enjoying that.

As for the boys, it has been Qu’ran revision. Stopped on the hifdh front too. And looooots of Reading Eggs. Z’s reading has really taken off masha’Allah and I have now taken out the Superdragons reading set and he is reading simple books to me. Yay! Been waiting for this.

Half way through Ramadhan, I’m determined not to get depressed at not being able to achieve what I had set myself to do. Alhamdulillah, I take comfort in knowing that our intention is rewarded even if we did not complete the deed. And it is all about the intention behind deeds and not the deeds themselves. Allah knows our situation, He knows…

Hope you’re all having a wonderful Ramadhan. Please remember us in your duas.

Real home ed and ramadhan

We’ve pretty much stopped formal work apart from R’s quran schedule and Arabic. For Z, he’s continuing with quran, Arabic and lots of reading eggs.

MashaAllah his reading has really picked up and we had a wonderful moment last week. He decided to grab a piece of paper and a pen and without me asking him he wrote the words ‘see, cat, the and man’. I couldn’t believe it mashaAllah. And now he’s sounding out loads of words, he sees words everywhere when we’re out lol. This is it inshaAllah. When they start acting in this way they’re ready. So am going to carry on as it seems the method I’m using is working with him now alhamdulillah.

Despite not doing much formal work, I feel that we’ve had some real home ed days alhamdulillah. Recently I’ve met a few ‘readers’ of my blog and I cringe

Eating books and saying goodbye!

That time of the year again when Ramadan has flown by and we’re approaching the 1st of Shawwal already!

A few days ago, I felt a bit frustrated that R hadn’t completed her MEP Year 3 as was planned for this month. But then, I put my correct ‘lenses’ on and realised that she has masha’Allah acheived so much more than that this month – and much more meaningful things. Masha’Allah, with only 1 or 2 days left of Ramadan – she has fasted the entire month with the correct eating times of suhr and iftar. She wants to do the 6 days of shawwal too but seeing how loose her trousers have become, I’m not quite sure I’ll let her. But then I’m wondering if I should stop her from doing a good deed that she knows will gain her extra reward. As they get older and start to display their own ‘deeny decisions’ sometimes best to take a step back?

She has also completed her memorisation of another juz this month masha’Allah tabarakaAllah and is now praying all of her salat on time. So, really – who cares about the silly MEP program when alhamdulillah our children begin to implement the commandments of their Lord. How easy it is to lose focus of what is important.

Aside from this, R has pretty much spent the whole month reading. She has read about 10 novels this month and completed the library summer reading challenge and collected all the prizes in one go. She’s in that ‘eating books stage’ that I so clearly remember when I was her age. Am happy that she looooves reading masha’Allah but am worried that it might come in the way of her new hifdh programme as she really needs to spend much more time with the Qu’ran. At the moment, she’s walking around with a book in her hand, reads until midnight in bed, reads when eating etc. I’d rather she listens to the ajaza she has memorised as a form of revision. But then I’ve always wanted my kids to have a passion for reading – difficult to strike a balance as I don’t want to put her off her goal of memorising the Qu’ran.

Alhamdulillah, I’m really happy with this Ramadhan for R. As for the boys, I’m not too happy – they’ve been bored – fighting with each other and then playing then fighting. I just haven’t had the energy to do much with them and I feel I’ve let them down but they are still very young.

As for myself, I don’t feel as though I have done enough ibadah this month. I’ve often crashed on the sofa after putting the kids to sleep. I’ve missed a few fasts due to illness and pure pregnancy exhaustion which I’m not too happy about it. And generally I don’t feel content that I’ve spent Ramadan in the best possible way. But I can’t turn back the hands of time – I guess its all about where I go from here.

So many flaws in my character, so many acts of worship I need to improve and increase in. May Allah help me and guide me. Ameen.

Feel a bit emotional as I write this – last odd night of Ramadan. Feel happy about R’s progress this month but not too happy about my own. Maybe its hormones, maybe being too busy, maybe laziness… I don’t know.

Eid preparations – have sorted eid gifts alhamdulillah. R did some baking on her own this month and has decided to make a home made chocolate cake on her own for eid. So we’re sorting that out tomorrow insha’Allah. Bought the henna and will be trying out my designs (!) on her. Most of the house isn’t clean, but again I really can’t be asked this year! I think my hormones are really kicking in lol!

Anyway, have a wonderful Eid everyone – please remember us in your duas!

Family News!!!

I am under shock and my hands are slightly shaking as I type this.

My little 25 year old brother announced today that he has become a Muslim and is getting married in a few weeks! Am totally under shock. I can’t believe it. I always said I would shout it from the rooftops if someone in my family embraced Islam.

Well, here I am SHOUUUUUUUUUUTING it! lol

Takbeer! Allah Akbar!

We’re back…

Assalamu alaikum,

Ummihomeschoolsme has been closed for some time. I can’t go into details but I had to make it private for some time. I apologise for not replying to everyone individually who emailed to ask for access or to ask that it be reopened etc. I ask Allah (Swt) to accept this blog as a means to attain nearness to Him, to help others along this home ed journey and to protect, guide and nurture myself and my family along the way. Ameen.

We’re back! 🙂

During Ramadan, I have been planning for next year inshaAllah and we are going to be trying out some new methods, curricula and so stay tuned for more ummihomeschoolsme posts.

A request please: I hope that I will not have to make this blog private again and so I ask you all to make dua for me and my family.

JazakhaAllahu khairan,

Umm Raiyaan

SOLACE for revert sisters in difficulty – please spread the word!

 

Please support this email to your contacts – especially those that want to gain some reward from Allah and volunteer for the project. And revert sisters in difficulty who would benefit (it doesn’t matter how small or big the difficulty is).

As Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu,

May this meet you in the best of health, happiness and imaan.

Here is some really exciting news, Masha’Allah.

SOLACE, a new voluntary organisation has been set up to help revert sisters in difficulty.  www.solaceuk.org

At some point, you have most likely received a forward in your inbox or a text asking you if you know of anyone who can house a revert sister who has been thrown out of their home or asking you to donate money for a revert single mother who is unable to pay the rent and has been threatened with eviction.

How often do you think that these sisters get the help they need?  And after their immediate problem is solved, who is there to follow up with the sister on a regular basis, just to see if she is okay?

What most people forget is that many revert sisters may have been rejected by their families and don’t always receive the support they need from the Muslim community either. Sadly, we are not in a position where mosques or Muslim community centres can offer lasting assistance to these sisters and they are often left to fend for themselves.

SOLACE, with the help of Allah, aims to provide comfort, companionship and practical assistance to these revert sisters.

Here is a taster of the kinds of support SOLACE will provide, bi idhnillah;

• Listening service through the support scheme, by trained SOLACE volunteers
• Household help for revert sisters who have no family support
• Counselling by qualified counsellors and life coaches
• Parenting workshops
• Coffee mornings and day trips
• Much more, insha’Allah

By the grace of Allah, we have the support and full backing of Sheikh Haitham Al Haddad, who has given us his time and advice to help establish SOLACE.  May Allah reward him for his generosity.

However, SOLACE needs YOUR help.

Here’s what you can do…

1. First of all, please spread the word to revert sisters you know who may be facing difficulties. They may be coping alone with health problems, suffering depression, isolation or loneliness. Or suffering marital problems or physical/emotional abuse, or needing help dealing with non-Muslim relatives? They may even be considering leaving their Deen.

If so, please pass on the SOLACE website address to them: http://www.solaceuk.org

 2. SOLACE is a voluntary organisation that relies solely on fundraising and donations.  It is still in urgent need of an extra £5000 funding. 

–          If you would like to host a fundraising event in your area please contact info@solaceuk.org

–          If you would like to make a donation, then visit the website where donations can be made via Paypal or direct bank transfer, (to be safe and secure.)

–          If you know of any companies that would like to sponsor SOLACE, forward this email to them and ask them to contact donations@solaceuk.org

100% DONATION PROMISE

You can be confident that 100% of the money you donate goes towards assisting reverts in difficulty.  No money is taken from your donation for our administration costs. 

1. SOLACE needs volunteers.

Do you know of any sisters based in London who have 1-2 hours a week to spare, to listen and provide support to a revert sister in difficulty? (full training will be provided free of charge).                                                        

Do you, or anyone you know have skills that you think SOLACE could benefit from?

eg. administrative, fundraising, counselling skills etc

SOLACE needs your support to make this a beneficial service for revert sisters in difficulty.

Please make du’a for this project.

JazakAllahu Khairun

Wasalamu alaikum

SOLACE Team

www.solaceuk.org

info@solaceuk.org

(Solace is supported by MRDF: Muslim Research and Development Foundation)

Changing Education Paradigms

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu
 
This is just absolutely brilliant. I would really recommend that everyone watches this short video about education. Its why I and many others home educate!
 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U&feature=player_embedded#!
 
Wasalamuu alaikum
Umm Raiyaan xx

How will you die?

Assalamu Alaikum Sisters,
 
I am sure you have heard the news by now of our dear brother Faraj Alsaadi who died suddenly in a motorcycle accident on August 16th 2010 at 9.30 a.m. after leading hundreds of his brothers and sisters outside the US embassy in support of our sister Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
 
Wallahi, it brings tears to the eyes to read his story. He was imprisoned here in the UK and later released with NO charges whatsoever. He has only been free a short while enjoying his time with his wife and 3 children. He has worked tirelessly for families of brothers in prison and to seek justice for our sister Aafia who has been raped, tortured and illegally imprisoned by the US.
 
Please read his story: http://www.justiceforaafia.org/articles/press-releases/600-in-memory-of-faraj-hassan-alsaadi
And here is a video of his body (it is no wonder that he is smiling – he died whilst fasting in the month of Ramadan, having led taraweeh and qiyam the night before – a sure sign of husn al khatimah – a good ending). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TahXNV9vZ1E&feature=player_embedded
 
I have spoken to two sisters who have visited his wife and children and they say that they are completely shocked and distraught. Please make dua for them. They are here alone in the UK with no family aside from brother Faraj’s brother.
 
It does make us think about our own ending. How will it be? Will we be smiling when the angel of death takes away our soul? Will we be in a state of wudu, or another state of ibadah? Or will we be calling out for a family member, singing the latest nasheed or craving for the thing that we actually worshipped instead of Allah! Allahu mustan. Wallahi sisters, we need to take note of this story and start changing our lives aiming for a lofty position in jannah. As brother Faraj said as he addressed the brothers and sisters outside the US embassy the night before he died “We don’t know when our time will be”. Little did he know that a few hours later will be his time. When will be our time?!
 
Wsm
Umm Raiyaan

Another beautiful BEAUTIFUL Ramadan lecture..

Assalamu Alaikum,

 

How are you all? How is your Ramadan going? This is an amazing lecture. Really, it will make you see the act of fasting in a different way. There are 9 parts to it. I am providing the youtube link to part 1, but I’m sure the other parts will pop up on the sidebar. This is a lecture not to be missed! It will bring tears to your eyes when you realise the rahma of our Generous Lord!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3ftUSa6Rc4

 

Please remember me and my family in your duas.

Ramadan

Alhamdulillah, Ramadan is finally here! The weather has been quite cool mashaAllah – quite a lot of rain actually. I do feel for those who are fasting in the heat.

I thought it might be difficult to fast this year as I am breastfeeding baby Y. But alhamdulillah it hasn’t been as difficult as I thought it would be. I just get thirsty and tired but apart from that I’m okay alhamdulillah.

In terms of home ed, R made a Ramadan calendar (jzk ummrashid, I completely forgot to let her do one until I read your blog). R is moving on with her memorisation mashaAllah. She just completed a new long surah in juz tabarak mashaAllah which she is really happy about. And we do our normal revision. MashaAllah, she has fasted the whole day today. I didn’t think she could do it but actually she seemed to complain more last year when she fasted her very first fast than this year even though this year is much longer. She says she wants to fast the whole month but I don’t think I’ll let her. Maybe a few days here and there inshaAllah. How do you deal with young children and fasting? Do you let them fast the whole month? We are also reading quite a few Islamic books and discussing the lessons within them.

After iftar, I am enjoying a wonderful series on www.huda.tv called ‘One Step Closer’. Its about practical steps we can take to move closer to Allah (Swt). I love huda during Ramadan. If you can, check it out – they have some amazing lectures on there. And unlike Islam Channel, there are no women without hijab and no music! Alhamdulillah.

And thats about it. I’m really enjoying this Ramadan so far alhamdulillah. It really brings me back to why I became a Muslim – that there is a Creator and that we have been made to serve and please Him. Alhamdulillah for being a Muslim.