Me Me

ramadan lapbook

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:50:00 +0000

I was very fascinated with lapbooks, until the shams teachers at Burooj realized the amount of work (we have some 25 kids in our class!). Alhamdulillah, the outcome was too good for words! :)

Our lapbooks are concentrate on ingraining values. Burooj Weekend School focuses on the values/ethics the children take home. The age group in our class is 5-7 yrs.

For instance, first Sunday was introduction to Ramadan. They colored and decorated the cover page, and we discussed the "Ramadan is" book. The book mentions all key aspects of Ramadan. They did the earbud painting of the crescent and the star - as we discussed moon sighting.
We got them in the "Ramadan mode"

Here's the cover page:

"Ramadan is" - book, that contained the keywords they associate with Ramadan

Ear bud painting of a crescent and a star

Day 2 - seven days into Ramadan - we asked them to draw a "Day of fasting". Three boxes - for Suhoor, during the day and iftar. Most drew food for Suhoor and iftar. Some drew masjid and prayer mats. Subhan Allah, one was really cute and innocent - he drew himself sleeping in the "during the day" box! Oh, for iftar, we got to see dates and samosas too :)

inside... Day of fasting.

Day 3 - theme: Quran. They learnt a new song! "We are getting ready to read the Quran" And we made the bookmarks.

Songs they learnt: (taken from nazziepaterrov)

Day 4 - we discussed charity. And how poor people lived in house, made of "clothes". How they live on the road. Masha Allah, such sincerity in these kids. We talked about how fasting makes us Thank Allah for everything we have. When they were all excited about fasting - we helped them make door hangers - "Wake me up for Suhoor"

Day 5:
Last weekend of ramadan, we made pop-up Eid Cards,

Whatis: Quran

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Assalamu alaykum,

What is the Quran? Allah describes in it Surah 39, verse 23

اللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَابًا مُّتَشَابِهًا مَّثَانِيَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ هُدَى اللَّهِ يَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ يَشَاء وَمَن يُضْلِلْ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍ (39:23)

39:23 (Asad) God bestows from on high the best of all teachings in the shape of a divine writ fully consistent within itself, repeating each statement [of the truth] in manifold forms [a divine writ] whereat shiver the skins of all who of their Sustainer stand in awe: [but] in the end their skins and their hearts do soften at the remembrance of [the grace of] God. Such is God’s guidance: He guides therewith him that wills [to be guided] whereas he whom God lets go astray can never find any guide

The verse starts with ALLAH - an emphatic start to the verse. It is the best of content and best of form. The verses are extremely effective and moving. Even the disbelievers were moved and affected by it.

Quran appears 66 times in the Quran. "Quran" means, to read.

5 main names used for the Qur'an:

Qur'an (the recited)
al-Kitab (the book) see 21:10
al-Furqan (the distinguisher) see 25: 1
al-Dhikr (the praised) see 15: 9
al-Tanzeel (the sent down).see 26: 192

Other references to the Qur'an are by such words as nur (light), huda (guidance), rahma (mercy), majid (glorious), mubarak (blessed), bashir (announcer), nadhir (warner), etc.

All these names reflect one of the various aspects of the revealed word of Allah.

The scholars have spent years researching and compiling the sciences of the Quran. Some of topics covered are, the revelation, the transmission of Oral and written Quran, the mushaf of Uthman (r.a), the Quran script, vocabulary, literary forms and styles, recitals, etc.

Source: Intro to Quranic Sciences - SunniPath

*This post is written for Mission Ramadan Challenge!

Cinderella Was Not Saved...

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:29:00 +0000

....She Was a Happy Person All Along!

Training..

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:36:00 +0000

Me-Me is officially training on http://cli.gs/way-2-jannah

Ode...

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 06:41:00 +0000

by a close friend.

haffi taffi sat on a wall
kept on thinking of going to the mall

maybe i'll buy a book, she thought
and maybe a scarf I could have bought

haffi taffi skipped down the road
her little grey backpack holding all her load

Win FREE stuff!

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Getting free Tshirts at Pringoo is easy, all you have to do is join pringoo, rate designs and earn points and redeem it for free Tshirts, what are you waiting for.. Join Pringoo and collect points. Register NOW!

(if you are impatient like me, go for the keychains. They are cheap)

Bell Bajao - Support Women's rights!

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Breakthrough is celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8, by celebrating all those who are speaking out, through their actions, their beliefs, their music or art.

Join the blog action week from March 2 - 8 on http://www.bellbajao.org/blog.php and tell us your stories. Write about those people who support women’s rights either through their passion, their work or in their personal lives.

Stories can include photographs, videos and other visual elements to be posted online. Do include a short description of yourself as well (name, age, location, any additional details).

You'll be joining some amazing male leaders like Bollywood actor and Bell Bajao ambassador Boman Irani. (http://www.bellbajao.org/flim_details.php?id=127)

Notable author and former UN Undersecretary General Shashi Tharoor is writing...Fashion designer Sandeep Khosla is talking…Bell Bajao campaign creator Zenobia Pithawalla speaks out…Ad film director Bauddhayan Mukerji frames his views...Copywriter Ryan Mendonca crafts lines...activist Harish Sadani is taking a stand on The Bell Bajao Blog (http://www.bellbajao.org/blog_details.php?blogid=72).

So join Breakthrough in bringing domestic violence to a halt! Bell Bajao!

Traffic in Bangalore

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:46:00 +0000

Funnies

yup, that's my excuse for not learning how to drive :$

Lessons of Life - Shukr

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:42:00 +0000

some of you might remember my mom's friend - who was having a tough time making the ends meet - Yes, last ramadan. She called up my mother in law this morning, and she's short by Rs. 20, 000 = $500 for her son's fees. The deadline is the 31st of this month.

Subhan Allah, its amazing how her own family have left her hanging . Her own brothers and sisters - i just can't imagine how someone can be so hard-hearted. Insha Allah, Allah will open other doors for her.

She gets some 10K as rent from her basement - which is all used up in the monthly expenses. In addition, she herself, hasn't been feeling too well - so frequent visits to the doctors is another expenses. Recently, she has been diagnosed with Spondylitis.

As I traced this post from my blog history, I was reminded of the lesson that was intended. Shukr. Alhamdulillah. So often we often.

Summer Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:41:00 +0000

Summer Discovery Project - Realize the truth–about the creation and the Creator.

‘Bags for Orphan’ Campaign - Start your ‘Back to School’ shopping with a ‘Bag for Orphan’.

Summer Guide for Muslim Parents - includes a list of teaching aids, and games.

Height of generosity

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:41:00 +0000

The height of generosity is to care of all creations of Allah - not just human beings -even animals and plants.

Qualities of an Exemplary Leader

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Sun, 04 May 2008 15:13:00 +0000

Islamicity has an excellent article on leadership by Imam Zaid Shakir. Lessons are derived from one verse:

Also, we have to understand that when we are merciful and forgiving, we invite God's mercy and forgiveness into our life. God mentions in the Qur'an, O believers! Verily, among your spouses and children are those that are enemies unto you. If you pardon them, overlook their faults and seek forgiveness for them; then you should know that God is Oft Forgiving and Most Merciful [to you]. (64:14)

Link to the article

English in India

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Sun, 04 May 2008 11:28:00 +0000

I feel English in India is often a literal translations of phrases used in our mother tongues - whether it's urdu, hindi, or any regional language.

For instance, in urdu one might say, "ek kaam karo", which might be in the sense of, "you know what..". The phrase to me indicates the thought process. Here I've heard a literal translation of it. People often begin their sentences with "Do one thing.."

And there are phrases that don't mean what they are supposed to mean.

One might tell you, "Give me a missed call, and I'll store your number." How do you give someone a "missed call"? Here it means a blank call. You thought "missed call" is a call that someone accidentally missed? Wrong. Here we miss calls with an intention.

Caution: This might turn into a series, as I discover more of such instances.

Thoughts..

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:28:00 +0000

my e-friend's msn nick read: "Your life is either an example for others or a warning".

Got me thinking. There are living models around us. I asked myself how often I learn from others. If I see good in someone, do I pray that Allah blesses me with the good attributes? When I notice someone committing an act of sin, do I seek refuge from Allah from such sins, and pray for that person?

Like a close relative of mine, in the months I've spent with her, there's never been a time when she's sent anyone empty handed. Whether it is someone pan-handling on the street, or an old friend who's going through times - she has something for everyone. A penny, a household item she doesn't need anymore, clothing, food - and if she's given everything the person needed, she's also prescribed duas and waza'ef. I pray Allah makes us all generous.

Look around - what would you like to be? An example or a warning.

Cars in Chaos

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:55:00 +0000

When I landed in Hyderabad, after living in Toronto for about seven years, the traffic situation actually freaked me out. I was scared to walk on the street (since there are NO footpaths). Crossing the road was dangerous venture. I decided to get my ears checked. The noise level is extremely high, so I'm sure there's damage done to my ears. After about a week, I wondered: Why people in India don't suffer from road rage - like in North America? I mean, in Toronto at least, the moment someone overtakes from the wrong side, or just honks, people get to swearing - gestures, words, in every way they can. Just recently I figured out the answer - that's after 4 months. You know why? That's because no one in India follows the rules, and like good samaritans, they don't expect anyone to do so either. Thus no question of road rage!

I'm no expert, but from my view there's a lot to improve on the traffic condition. Starting from restricting one car per family, encouraging people to walk/cycle (which means we need a footpath), carpool, harsher fines for violating traffic rules, to finally, smoothing the roads. Having said that, the change has to begin from within us. Each of us.

"Honking will not make the traffic disappear" rightly read on a road in Bangalore.

Return...

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000

I'm back - with a loads of new (silly) ideas, my reflections on Return to India (R2I), hopefully notes from local lectures, and much more.

This is it.

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 21:55:00 +0000

Almost 2 years of blogging, this is where it ends...
As one door closes, another opens, Alhamdulillah. I'm very close to entering a new phase of my life - as I'm getting married in less than a month, insha Allah. There'll be some major changes - new compromises, new family, new happiness - subhan Allah, all a part of a package.

A whole new world it is. And I need all the duas I can get from my readers . I'm quite overwhelmed by the number of brothers and sisters that read my blog - and more so, how frequently they drop by.
(And I ask Humairah the same question - why. Why would anyone waste their time on my blog. Most times she's speechless*)

Regardless, Jazak Allah for the comments and feedback - they never failed to make me smile. I've already received a couple "it was nice to know you" notes. One in particular was really sweet. A heartfelt thank you. No matter where life takes us, you all will remain in my duas.

To close up a couple of open ended posts:
- how matter how difficult a fish can be, we somehow always end up falling in love! Subhan Allah, they are a mystery in their own.
- To all the lil' pigs: don't worry, insha Allah, the wolves aren't evil. They never mean to hurt you. You might not end up being friends - but no ill feelings, insha Allah
- I did take a whole lot of courses from work
- for those who are waiting for an update on AL, there'll be one soon. We might even have a guest writer.
- I still don't know the UPS guy's name.
- I had promised FA of Edmonton for some sample hyderbadi + banagolre + hinglish. This link will suffice for Hyderabadi.
- I believe that's all the pending tasks I had.

Oh wait, I forgot the most important..
Please forgive me for anything I said or did that offended you in any way.

*But we've come to the unanimous conclusion that when they are bored, and can't find anything to do, they give in and visit my blog

It's as if...

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 21:30:00 +0000

.. I'm 85!
My back hurts and I forget things.

Revisiting - Red Riding Hood.

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 05:12:00 +0000

(When I was cleaning my room this week, I came across my assignments from high school. This poem below is one of them. In order to protect the integrity, I've left the meanings intact. It was meant to be a free form.
Another interesting note: My brother, Salman, and I wrote it together- back in 2000
With all the recent "Allegorical Absurdity", this comes as a change.
Final note: The post's like many others - is dedicated to the REDNESS of my life. I love you, and you alone ;) )

Credit: Faraz - Wax Museum
DISCLAIMER: Please be warned some pictures are rather gory.

the red riding hood
was playing a play-station game
when her mother forced her
to go visit her grandma

she drove in her Mercedes-Benz
with a laptop for a present
(her mother insisted)

On her way she met
a handsome wolf
greeted him and
there - his mouth watered.

Inquired the intention of her trip
she agreed to give him a ride
Fully aware of his intentions, she was.
having heard the red riding hood story
from her grandma

She hated her grandma
Bossy and irritating - she was.
The Wolf thought the grandma
would be certainly tasty.

With common intentions,
they were together and made a great team.
Thus the grandma made a great feast
for the wolf.

He said Grace and thanked
the modern world
for teenagers were too ignorant for words.

Best Book

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 02:05:00 +0000

When I did my kitabi tag post, I forgot to include my favorite book. I think I got it the same week of my post, and hence wasn't on my bookshelf. It was sent by "Odd Wisdom" from Al Ain. Now since I had to try out my new camera [Canon PowerShot SD1000], I took some pictures of the book, as a supplement to my bookshelf post. [This is no means a nag for those who still haven't posted their bookshelves - though it works as a reminder too.]

Couple of reasons why it's my favorite book -It has some very inspirational quotes on Success. Not to mention, it was a gift from my best friend. Finally, the size. It's huge. And that's what's unique about it. It's one of the biggest books I have.

ps: I'm still extremely busy - but with my new laptop, I'm able to manage my time, and use the oft-wasted pockets of time (i.e. I can stay up until 3a :$ )

Shaam - Hazoor Agaey Hein (Live)

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 02:10:00 +0000

back just to share a nasheed I love.

Jazak Allah to Adnan of Knowledge Seeker

I'm back

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:44:00 +0000

in response to plans to start a petition, and the requests and pleas, I'm back. [and this post is dedicated to you, H..]

To another blogger, F - Jazak Allah for the frequent visits when you came by looking for an update. And I'm sorry I disappointed you each time.

I'm back to justify my absence: On 7 Shawwal 1428 [Oct 19, 2007] at 7:31 AM, my sister was blessed with a baby girl. We've named her Zarah.

May Allah make her the coolness of her parents' eyes, ameen.

p.s: i'm not sure how long i'll be away for, or if I'll ever return to blogging. If I don't ever return, most of you have my contact, do drop me a line whenever.

[I'm in no mood to write an emotional post about how much fun blogging was, to mention the amazing people I met, or to recall the memories I'll hold on to! - Mebe that's a reason for me to come up and write a concluding post? Meh! We'll see.]

Imam Abu Hanifa

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:33:00 +0000

[At some point, I had consider starting a Imam Abu Hanifa series. Figured being a hanafi, I should try and learn more about him and his life. Hoping @ end, I'd be motivated towards seeking knowledge. When these thoughts were running through my head, I had also attended a two day session with Sh Faraz Rabbani, and Imam Muhammad ibn Al Kawthari - about Imam Abu Hanifa.
I don't know if I'll have regular content in this category. We'll see.]

80 years after the Hijrah a young man was born in Kufa. Following his daily routine, he was walking to the market in Kufa to engage in his business. On the way he met Shaykh As-Sha’bi who asked this young man ‘who do you go to?’. He said “I go to the market”. Shaykh As-Sha’bi explained himself and said “Who do you study with?” The young man said “I don’t frequent the Ulema.” Shaykh As-Sha’bi said “I see signs of intelligence in you. You should sit in the company of learned men.”

Instead of going to the market that day, he turned direction and went to the circles of knowledge. With this one sentence, Shaykh As-Sha’bi became the turning point for someone that was to be known as Imam Abu Hanifa. It can be said had it not been for Shaykh As-Sha’bi, we would have never had Imam Abu Hanifa but would have had Abu Hanifa the trader

Taken from: spiritual encryptions

A Confused pig

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:10:00 +0000

You’ve read all of the three little pigs
Who used to live in a house of twigs

The little wolf came often to see them
Some thought it was nothing but a gem

So they sat around talking all day
Pausing at times only to pray*

Was the little pig wrong in judging the wolf so soon
Would the wolf turn out to be a hidden moon

What was it about the wolf that time would only tell
The little pig wondered if it was worth a DELL
Was it as precious and rare as a shell
Or was it time that was casting a spell

The little pig knew exactly what to do
he wasn't going to sit around cooking his stew

He knew in Allah, he should trust
Who was Kind and always Just!!!

*All creation glorify Allah!

A new member - HOB

noreply@blogger.com (Hafsa) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 01:57:00 +0000

MF from my MF and HB series, has another brother - lets call him HOB - Her Other Brother. I personally don't know HOB too well, but I hear he's no less of a comedian than HB. Now, I'm thinking of renaming my series to "MF, HB and HOB series"

Scene: MF got a gift for HOB for Eid, and the conversation below is what followed. Relayed directly by MF:

he comes into my room

"Issy, you're soo silly!" [He calls me Issy, pronounced as Eeecy, short from Sissy, short from sister...]
"What happened HOB?"
"What the heck did you get me?"
"It's a board game!"
"You should have given me this game 10 years ago"
"Hahaha... we can play it now as well!"
"No. I'm going to keep this game for 10 years, and give it your kids and tell them this is what your mother gave me when I was 21!"