We are neighbors, one perspective of an American Muslim

We are neighbors, one perspective of an American Muslim
submitted to the NYTimes op-ed page on Monday, April 29, 2013 (unpublished)
by Umm Muhemmed

A month ago, on the cusp of Easter, I was reflecting on ‘Good Friday’ and how American Muslims, living in a largely Christian country, may further incorporate such notion of goodness and awareness of Christ into their congregational sermon and practice—a position I have maintained consistently since converting to Islam a decade ago, and one shared by many others, converts and born-Muslims alike.

Two weeks ago, it was another story altogether. Friday was frightening, with the pursuit of the second Boston Marathon bomber. I stayed home from the mosque that Friday, out of fear—scared of further terror, and of backlash. With my two young children, I made a small camp in a back closet, which we all agreed felt like the safest place in our home.

And now, this past Friday, I embarked on what should have been a simple visit to honor a dear friend, who I have known for twenty years, at her wedding.  But it wasn’t simple. Unlike many other domestic travelers, I was unaffected by ‘sequester’, but I felt the stares. There were deep penetrating stares as I walked, alone, through the airport, and down the aisle, unaccompanied by the children and spouse that for many normalize my wearing of hijab and appearance of religiosity.

Are you more scared of me or me of you? Fear seemed to engulf both sides. I am a student of Qur’aan, but I was reluctant to take out a Qur’aan next to my seatmate on the plane. Before starting any journey, I ask for safety, from God. There is a short prayer that I normally utter quietly in Arabic, but even that felt suspicious, not to mention the offering of mid-afternoon and sunset prayers, which I do, when on a plane, by simply bending over in a make-shift prostration, while still sitting. In the past ten years, when I perceived any unfamiliarity with Islam, I generally explained before I offered prayers, but on Friday, there was too much fear. I didn’t want to broach the topic, and so tried to do and say everything almost invisibly.

‘Why aren’t more Muslims speaking out, against terrorism?’ I was asked recently. ‘We are, I am,’ I replied. It feels as though it is all we do, at times, and yet the voices of peace, tolerance, and love are never the loudest in the room. Most of us are also scared, equally if not more scared. We fear the terror and the backlash. The violence in our midst is one which we strongly condemn. It is a sickness, a disease, of horribly misinterpreted and misdirected motives which has no place in any religion. It is akin to finding the definition for ‘murder’ in the dictionary and using the dictionary as a justification for killing. Nothing Prophet Muhemmed did, nor any of the Prophets who preceded him, who are role models for Muslims, and for all of humanity, ever pointed to terror. Nothing.

And so we are all engulfed in fear, but it need not be so. There is hope, faith, and always a new day. To my fellow Muslims, continue striving. And as you strive, please remember to meet your neighbors, all of them, be they your seatmates, your colleagues, your classmates, or the women, men and children next door. This is a fundamental act, and one, I must remind myself of as well, especially when fear-stricken. Though possibly not as heroic as working in a food pantry or donating blood, acts which many of us are already engaged in, it goes a long way in trying to re-establish peace.

And to my fellow Americans of different faith traditions, please look beyond the violence, into your own hearts. Recognize the humanity in your Muslim American neighbors. They are good, and they are striving to be better, always. Peace is possible, and, as has forever been the case, it is the only sustainable way forward. We are united, in so many more ways than we are divided. This is divine truth, and it is also the truth that makes a town, a city, a country and a world thrive.

-Umm Muhemmed is an American convert to Islam, she is a student of Qur’aan, author of ‘A Qur’aanic Odyssey, Towards Juz Amma,’ and ‘Ya Sin, Towards the Heart of the Qur’aan’ (forthcoming)

Chapter 5: Why Ya Sin?

Immediately following is a chapter from ‘Ya Sin, Towards the Heart of the Qur’aan,’ a recently completed story by Umm Muhemmed, which follows from ‘A Qur’aanic Odyssey, Towards Juz Amma’. ‘Ya Sin’ narrates the family’s ongoing journey through the Qur’aan with a focus on Surah Ya Sin, the surah they set out to learn following completion of Juz Amma, throughout the month of Ramadan.  Although each of the chapters are connected, each one may be read as a stand-alone text as well.

Setting: Sunday morning, nearby park
Characters: Ibrahim, Abdurrahman, Khadija, Amna and Nani

Ibrahim has grabbed two limbs and is hanging freely between them. From where I am sitting with Abdurrahman, I can barely make out his face behind all the leaves.

“Janu, please go see what he’s up to,” I say to Abdurrahman, who has been sitting quietly, trying to complete extra rounds of thikr on his tasbeeh. “It’s pretty high, and I know I can neither reach nor catch him,” I add.

“I’m going,” says Abdurrahman, standing up quickly, sensing my concern. “But, just so you know,” he says, turning back to me, “little boys were made to climb trees. I think your mother would vouch for me on that one too.”

My mother, who is squatting in a tree-shaded sandbox, nearby with Amna, nods her head and smiles.

Abdurrahman makes his way over to the tree, putting his tasbeeh away in his pocket as he walks. “So why so high bambino?” asks Abdurrahman.

“Papa, what do you mean? I just heard you, ‘little boys were made to climb trees’,” Ibrahim repeats.

“You’re right, I’m right, and mamas were made to worry,” says Abdurrahman smiling and grabbing the lower branch. Within another minute, he has climbed up to Ibrahim, and is hanging alongside, albeit with his feet dangling another three feet below.

“You know Ammi was telling me about Muslim athletes in Ramadan when she was growing up. Were you one?”

“Bambino, you know I’m only a ten year-old Muslim, but let’s just say, I have played a couple of good rounds of soccer before iftar, with Taleem, that is, before you and Amna came along and ate up all my energy.”

“Papa, we don’t eat your energy,” responds Ibrahim.

“You know what I mean. So, a penny for your thoughts? What have you been strategizing up here?”

“Planning,” says Ibrahim.

“Planning what?” Abdurrahman responds.

“A game I am going to play with Yaseen when he comes over next time. I’ll take that branch up there and then he can have the lower one, and then we’ll fight the black lizards with our double edged swords.”

“What black lizards?”

“The ones that are taking over our planet,” says Ibrahim, in a very serious tone.

“Of course,” smiles Abdurrahman.

“Papa,” Ibrahim says, pausing. “Why do you and Ammi and Hafidha Rabia want me to learn Surah Yā Sīn now? You know how long it is…four Surah An Nabas lined up?” which seems to have become Ibrahim’s refrain about Yā Sīn this past week.[1]

“You know someone once said basically that if you recite Surah Yā Sīn at fajr, you’ll be happy all day,” responds Abdurrahman.

“Who said that?” queries Ibrahim.

“Who do you think?” Abdurrahman responds.

“Ammi?”

“Well, she may have reminded me of it, but no, think a little bit harder.”

“I give up,” says Ibrahim.

“You never give up, bambino. You’re Nonna’s grandson and she doesn’t allow quitters,” says Abdurrahman.

“Neither does Nani,” adds Ibrahim. “Ok, so if it’s not Ammi…and it’s not you,” he says looking at Abdurrahman for confirmation. “Then, maybe, Ammi’s papa?”

“Try again.”

“Papa, I’m lost. You aren’t giving me enough clues. In any real detective case, you have to give the detective clues.”

“Or the detective has to look for the clues,” responds Abdurrahman.

“Ok, so, was it a boy or a girl?” asks Ibrahim.

“A man,” Abdurrahman responds.

“Is he alive?” Ibrahim continues.

“No,” says Abdurrahman.

“Was he good or evil, like the black lizards?”

“He was the best,” says Abdurrahman.

“Really? Papa, are you sure he was real?”

“Yes, very sure. I’ve changed my life I’m so sure.”

“Papa, you just gave away the answer. It was Prophet Muhemmed,” says Ibrahim.

“Salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam,” adds Abdurrahman, then continuing, “yes, and he also said that Yā Sīn is the heart of the Qur’aan.”[2]

“What else, Papa?”

“For reciting Yā Sīn you receive the reward of reading the Qur’aan ten times,” responds Abdurrahman.[3]

“Ten times?” Ibrahim exclaims, “I haven’t even finished one time. So you mean if I finish Yā Sīn before I finish reading the whole Qur’aan, I’ve already finished it?”

Abdurrahman smiles, again. “I think we should ask your mother about that one, or maybe Hafidha Rabia. That’s a technicality I don’t quite get.”

“So, anything else?” probes Ibrahim, who is still hanging, with his feet dangling between the two trees.

“Bambino, don’t you want to put your feet down on the ground for a minute?”

“Papa, I’m starting my fast at noon, and I’ve got all the energy in the world. I think I could hang here all day, even if I were fasting.”

“It’s a pretty cool spot,” adds Abdurrahman. “And to answer your question, I do have more ahadith, a lot more, but let’s take them one at a time. They mean more that way, sort of like your ayah, which I have been meaning to ask you about. Did you get it before we left this morning?”

“Errr,” says Ibrahim, looking around as though he’s guilty, then shakes his head.

“Ok, well then, let me take you through it now. Ayah six right, that’s what your mother said you were on today.”

Ibrahim nods.

Abdurrahman starts reciting quietly until he gets to ayah six, then pronounces it out loud for Ibrahim to hear, “Li-tundhira qawman-ma undhira aba’ uhum fahum ghafilun.” He repeats it again, and again. Ibrahim closes his eyes, as he listens, then starts to move his lips. Then both are silent for a minute.

“Papa, I think I got it,” says Ibrahim.

“Of course you do,” responds Abdurrahman, “but you have to promise me, you’ll go look in your mushaf when we get home. Your mama is not going to be happy if she thinks we cut any corners.”

“Don’t worry Papa, we’re not going to make her worried….can you tell me what it means now?” asks Ibrahim.

“Don’t quote me on this, but I think it has to do with Prophet Muhemmed Salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam warning people whose fathers didn’t warn them, and who didn’t obey Allah Subhanahu wa-ta‘ala’s command, but again, let’s go look it up when we are at home.”[4]

“So, like you?” says Ibrahim.

“What?” responds Abdurrahman.

“Like you, your father wasn’t Muslim,” Ibrahim says.

“No, I take your point, but alhumdulilah, he was a very good man,” Abdurrahman says. “And that’s the way I want you to think of him, bambino. And maybe one day when I’m gone, you’ll remember me with your children, inshaa Allah.”

“I’ll remember you Papa, don’t worry, but first, help me get up to the next branch, and then the one after that and then that one up there. I want to surprise Ammi and show her we can go all the way to the top.”

“Ibrahim, your mother will never forgive me. So, how about, we go up to the next branch, but we don’t make a scene. Just you and me, for a minute, and we leave the other branches for another day, ok bambino?”

“You make good deals, Papa. Ok, just one more branch, and one more time on Yā Sīn and then we’ll go back to the sandbox,” says Ibrahim, starting to hoist his legs up.

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[1] The fictitious character Hafidha Rabia, who featured more prominently in A Qur’aanic Odyssey, Towards Juz Amma, teaches the family remotely, from Jakarta. As previously noted, ‘hafidha’ is the honorary title given to a woman who has memorized the Qur’aan (the male designation is ‘hafidh’ also spelled ‘hafiz’). The name

‘Rabia’ means ‘spring’ in Arabic. Among the most renowned personages to hold the name ‘Rabia’ in Islamic history is ’Rabia al Basri’, the 8th century, Sufi mystic. During Ramadan, as mentioned in the ‘Cast of Characters’, lessons with Hafidha Rabia have been suspended, however, progress and review, with the immediate family, still continue apace.

[2] The hadith transmitted by ‘Ataa bin Abi Rabaah RA states that the Prophet SAW said: “Whosoever recites Surah Yā Sīn in the early part of the day his needs will be fulfilled,” (Mishkaat); furthermore, under the commentary of the above hadith it is explained: “ones worldly needs and the needs pertaining to the deen and the Hereafter will be fulfilled.”

[3] “Everything has a heart and the heart of the Qur’an is Yā Sīn. Anyone who reads it, God will write down for him ten readings of the Qur’an,” as recorded by Anas (Tirmidhi Hadith Collection).

[4] As translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, “In order that thou mayest admonish a people, whose fathers had received no admonition, and who therefore remained heedless (of the Signs of Allah),” (1989, p.1117).

Ramadan, goal setting and a new look at da’wah

Below is a selection from the Q&A, with minor embellishments, following the ‘Ramadan, goal setting and a new look at da’wah’ presentation in Houston TX, Saturday, July 21^st, 2012. Also please find the hand-out with selected children’s activities, circulated after the talk, below (following the Q&A). It is important to note at the outset, as indicated during the presentation, I do not have a perfect prescription for childcare/rearing. It is, for me, a daily struggle, and a daily learning. Each parent ultimately holds the unique keys and the understanding for the job inshaa Allah. The goal of the talk was to shed light on the fact that each parent/caregiver actually has the potential to act as a da’ii to his/her family and community, in the Prophetic tradition, especially during the month of Ramadan.

1)       How do we reach our children, especially our older children, in Ramadan?
Consider a young woman/older teenager who has demonstrated no interest in the religion and a pronounced interest in computer programming and a fascination with hacking. While Martin Lings’ ‘Muhammad: his life based on the earliest sources’ and Tariq Ramadan’s ‘In the Footsteps of the Prophet’ are wonderful texts, this may not be the right way to re-start a dialogue.  Instead, I suggest picking up the latest issue of ‘Wired Magazine’ and sharing the feature article on ‘Anonymous’ as a way to communicate your own understanding of hacking, including the real perils (and associated punishments). Following, you may be able to introduce another book, namely ‘Alif the Unseen’, by G. Willow Wilson, a recent fiction that, in a Harry Potter-esque way, walks the reader into a fantasy, computer underground. This could prompt a further dialogue about the author, who is a revert to Islam, and an eloquent and clear thinker on a range of deen-subjects, and, who is also featured this month in ‘Azizah Magazine’, which delves into a wide array of issues experienced by Muslim women and could be a further connection and source of inspiration for an older teen. This is just one example (which may/not fit your situation), but the point is that we use the youth’s interests, not necessarily our own, and we start our dialogue from that place, trying to link back to the deen. In addition, if the youth you are trying to reach has her/his own room, simply ask if you may spend time in that space, with him/her. Observe the space; ask questions about what may be on the wall or decorating different parts of the room. What is his/her mode of expression? Try to understand rather than judge what you see. A dialogue is sure to start, and there is also potential to link that dialogue, in a sensitive way, to the deen, but the onus on us, as parents and care givers, is to listen first.  I also suggest taking your family out of its norm and consider an iftar in Memorial Park (or a park near to your home). Consider spending an hour in the park before hand. Let nature be a link, among you, and a link back to the deen. The point here is to create a very positive association with iftar and to spend time observing AllahSWT’s extraordinary creations. Tone and how we deliver the ‘message’ is almost everything. Keeping the example of Prophet Muhemmed (SAW) in the forefront of our minds and hearts will inshaa Allah help us all in our efforts. Please note a similar question was raised during the AQO launch discussion which may be of possible interest.

2)      I have non-Muslim colleagues at work who ask me how I fast, how I actually go without food and water? I don’t want to sound self-righteous, but how should I respond?
Less is more. I would simply recommend responding, ‘With God’s help’. If they press you on the subject, you could describe the (spiritual) nourishment during the month of Ramadan, i.e. the extra prayers, acts of charity, etc, which are all a sort of soul food. If they press you still further, you may want to share a couple of articles with them. Islamicity is replete with many such articles, but you may want to excerpt/tailor to ensure the tone and language is in line with your specific da’wah effort. I have received these questions for many years, often from the same people; generally the question is not necessarily a question but more a statement of disbelief, therefore I try to answer courteously but also move on (it is therefore important for you to sense what the questioner is really asking). In addition, there is a precedent for fasting in nearly every world religion and it may be helpful to read up on this for your own reference if you want to make real inter-faith bridges. For some comic relief on the subject, I suggest Baba Ali’s Ramadan’s Reruns (initial segment), available via Youtube.

3)     How do we manage the long days in Ramadan with our children, and without TV?
Although I am not a fan, TV is not inherently evil. If your children have a very strong desire to watch TV, and they are not listening to you (in terms of limiting the TV time), try having a dialogue with them about what they think would be an appropriate amount during Ramadan, considering the many additional Ramadan activities/goals you may have outlined (provided you have their buy-in for those goals). Try to reach a compromise that works for all of you, but have them have a sense of ownership in the process. Then, I strongly recommend pre-selecting programs, especially a range of (informative, potentially calm) nature programs. In the activity list below, I have also included a reference to the Zaky series, as well as the PBS documentary ‘Muhammad, Legacy of a Prophet’, which while geared toward adults, could be watched in shorter segments by/with younger children. I would keep a chart and make a record, but give this specific task to the children. You could also create a reward scheme. Muslimville offers a range of wonderful Ramadan resources (cited below), including ‘Smart Cool Week’ which is TV-free but full of alternative activities. Chapter 5 ‘TV’ in ‘A Qur’aanic Odyssey’ also deals explicitly with this issue.
Sometimes the placement of the TV is also a major challenge. If you really want to excise TV from your home during Ramadan then you may need to reconsider its placement in the home (most living rooms are organized around TV sets). And if you do remove it then you need to make sure you have alternatives (books, puzzles, drawing, legos, clay, outdoor activities), and you also need to realize that in any transition away from TV you may need to be forefront in interacting with your children. Two parents also contributed the following, during the Q&A: maintain a loose schedule and have the children know what is coming in the day. Also, to the extent possible, have the children participate in food preparation, especially iftar, and be open to accepting the chaos (and clean-up) that often accompanies children in the kitchen.

4)   What should I do, during Ramadan, since I’m fasting? (this question was asked by a young male teenager, who attended the talk, all previous questions had been asked by adults)?
‘There are endless possibilities, but the important part is to stay active. Ramadan is not a long siesta, even in Houston-summer-break-heat. Do you like basketball?’
Head nod.
‘ Ok, do you have a basketball hoop (or access to one)?’
‘Yes.’
‘Ok, well, you may not have the energy to do 100 shots, but I would still try for 5-10 shots, when the sun is not at its peak. Stay active. Keep moving…. Do you have a favorite author? Have you read all the books by your favorite author?’
‘Yes.’
‘Ok, well, how about finding a second favorite author. The public libraries are open and want to see you….Have you started to make any Eid gifts?’
‘No.’
‘Well, quite apart from any Qur’aanic goals you may have for this month, why don’t you consider (now, don’t share this with your parents), copying out your favorite ayaat from the Qur’aan and laminating them and/or framing them to give them as gifts. Remember, stay active. Don’t lose or waste a minute. Ramadan is only once a year and we don’t want to be caught ‘sleeping on the job.’ Let’s talk more one-on-one after, ok?’
‘Ok.’
In addition, the principal of ILM Academy recommended that we consider incorporating more community service and charity projects during the course of Ramadan, which could have major appeal for our youth. Habitat for Humanity may be too ambitious but maybe not. Ask the youth what they think they could do and then plot a strategy with them.  Also try making the mesgid a real destination for activities so a positive relationship is cultivated with this sacred space.

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Following is a short list of Ramadan materials of possible interest. In this era of information overload, I deliberately selected only a few of the materials I have come across (and actively tested/implemented and enjoyed with children).  These are all free downloads with the exception to the Ramadan Memory Book (available for a nominal fee) and the full length versions of two videos (although clips may be viewed freely).  I welcome feedback.

Web sites/e-books
1. Ramadan Memory Book by Umm Ibrahim (Talibidden Jr), this is a wonderful resource that we have used (and re-used) for 4 years, alhumdulilah! Geared toward children 5-8. Available via:
Lulu: http://www.lulu.com/shop/umm-ibrahim/ramadan-memory-book/ebook/product-5161193.html
(also recommend TJ http://tjramadan.blogspot.com/ by same author)

2. Muslimville Ramadan competitions, ages JK to 8. We have participated for 3 years and always experience new learning, alhumdulilah. Available via: http://ramadancompetition.com/

3. Mini Muslim Ramadan resources, including e-book, Fatimah’s First Fasting Day Storybook. Available via: http://www.mini-mumin.com/RK2.html

4.  Resources available via Productive Muslim (www.productivemuslim.com), including 30 Tips for a guilt-free Ramadan (free e-book). These are not specifically geared toward children, however, may be useful to adults and tailored by parents to children.

Videos:
1. Zaky series, via One4Kids, especially, Let’s Learn Qur’an with Zaky & Friends, geared for younger children. Ramadan Song with Zaky, featured on this video, is also available via Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3jQfIzgXsM

2. Muhammad: Legacy of Prophet (PBS): although now a decade old (and not explicitly ‘Ramadan-focused’), is still stirring and we have found that it may we watched with young and old alike, with parental guidance:  http://www.pbs.org/muhammad/film2.shtml

Other technology
 Each person has his/her own personal preferences, but we have found that digital Qur’aans (including the iQuran application) go a long way in helping to engage our youth (including getting them to identify favorite qaris, identify selections to memorize, serve as a reward for a major Qur’aanic accomplishments etc). We, however, only use such devices as a supplement (to our actual mushafs) and try to observe the same etiquette in handling etc that we would with a real mushaf.  In addition, a favorite Qur’anic search engine is available via: http://www.islamicity.com/QuranSearch/

Reflections ongoing

‘A Qur’aanic Odyssey: Towards Juz Amma’ by Umm Muhemmed and published by Greenbird Books launched in Houston, Texas, April 15th, 2012. Little by little, the book takes its own journey. Among the most recent stops: the Freeport Community Library in Maine (June 28th, 2012). Following a presentation about hifdh al Qur’aan, the motives behind the book, and examples of inter-faith and inter-cultural exchanges, there were many questions asked by attendees. Some were asked during the formal Q&A and some raised after. In the space below, I (the author) have attempted to capture some of these questions and provide answers. It should be noted at the outset, the group was incredibly diverse (and talented), but it was a non-Muslim audience, which may explain the nature of some of the questions and answers. The above-noted is not meant to discriminate but rather to clarify.
*
1) Does the memorization and recitation change you? Ideally memorization and recitation should be a transformative activity. The words, which are considered revelation by Muslims, are inherently holy, and therefore the mere utterance of such words should introduce an element of holiness into one’s being. This is the goal. Sometimes amidst our busyness it does not always occur, but we keep striving.  When I face a particularly contentious situation with family (children arguing etc), I often start reciting Ayat-ul Kursi (the Ayah/line of the Throne, 2:255) in an attempt to put positive energy back into the situation and dispel the tension. It is often effective, and has the potential to change the focus.

**

2) Do the children understand the Arabic of the Qur’aan? We always start each surah (chapter) by reading the translation, however, the children presently do not memorize the word for word translation. Sometimes, extensive understanding is quite taxing for younger children, and it is easier simply to memorize the ayaat (lines), first. Understanding is highly valued in hifdh al Qur’aan, however, it is often done in a second, later phase, when a child is slightly older. That said, our children are learning Arabic, apart from their Qur’aanic study, and we do pause our recitation to identify key words that they recognize. There are diverse opinions on this subject and our approach is one of many. Finally, it should be noted, that although a huge value is placed on understanding the text, since it is believed that the verses are revelation, there is an inherent value in saying them (even without full understanding).
***

3) Is Qur’aanic recitation a communal or individual activity? From observations, particularly of madressas in Central Asia, my understanding is that it is largely a group activity. How does that work in terms of what you are presenting, namely home-based hifdh? Qur’aanic recitation has both communal and individual elements, as seen with many sacred text. Madressa activity may often be communal, but even then, there is generally a time when students will recite on their own, and/or individually with a teacher. Likewise, learning at home, has the potential to be communal, as children recite with parents, other relatives and teachers.  In terms of group salah (prayer), there are portions that are said in unison and portions that are said individually. It is a constant interplay. Quite apart from dedicated learning time (at madressa and/or home), and salah time, Qur’aan is also often recited collectively and individually by Muslims as a further form of ibadah (worship) throughout the day.

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4) Is there a belief of re-incarnation in Islam? There is no belief in reincarnation of which I am aware, but belief in an afterlife is integral to Islam. Furthermore, as we recite, in the same way that we aspire to introduce an element of holiness, ultimately, we seek to become ‘living Qur’aans’, i.e. our actions and our thoughts reflect the Qur’aan. This is not ‘re-incarnation’ per se, but it is intended to be a transformative and transcendental process that ultimately leads us (back) to the Prophetic tradition. Furthermore, there is a belief in an afterlife.

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5) The memorization approach that you describe seems to resemble ‘the whole language’ approach to teaching. Could you comment on this? Yes, there is a slight parallel with the ‘whole language approach’, notwithstanding my previous comment about the children not grasping the full meaning of every ayah (line). We have focused on the building blocks of words through the Qur’aanic primer (or qaida) phase (more like a phonics approach). Then, we have moved into full words and full ayaat (lines), trying to make sense of the text in many different ways. This includes copying down the text as well as writing from memory, listening, repetition, inclusion in salah (prayer), drawing, recording our own voices (and sending voice memos) and even reenacting. It is my belief that the more the children can ‘see’ and experience the text, the more meaningful it will become inshaa Allah. Paramount is for them to begin to feel and appreciate that they are safeguarding the text–preserving and protecting it, in the true spirit of hifdh.

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6) When you were reciting to us, why were you looking down? I was largely looking down to keep my concentration. There are many familiar faces in the room, here, and I wanted to maintain my focus. In reciting in prayer, I would also look down, with my eyes open, as is sunnah (practice of Prophet Muhemmed, peace be upon him). When I teach our children and others, I often look into the faces of the students in an attempt to connect the words to them. We often engage in a ‘call and response’, e.g. I say one ayah (line), they say the next. Going back to the earlier question of ‘communal vs. individual’ recitation, the position of the reciter changes based on the situation.

 *******

7) How did you come to Islam? As with many people, my conversion story is lengthy. It involves a considerable journey through the Episcopal Church, Syria, Pakistan, Middlebury Language School, and the Associated Press (where I worked as a researcher), among other places. It is one based on constant inquiry and truth seeking. It is also an evolving story. Although one makes a decision at a certain point in time, one reaffirms that decision each moment, each day, akin to a marriage vow. There is a certain date when we are married, however, we live our vows day after day, and hopefully seek to increase the love in our relationship.  Such is the faith quest, as well.

 

Welcome

June 28th 2012 Freeport Community Library (Maine)

The End

As first ‘published’ via Quran Club, Friday, June 15, 2012. A special thanks to the ‘Club’ for spreading the word. Below is an excerpt from the first chapter in the sequel to ‘A Qur’aanic Odyssey: Towards Juz Amma’, published by Greenbird Books in April 2012. The sequel, ‘Ya-Sin’ narrates the family’s ongoing journey through the Qur’aan with a focus on Surah Ya Sin, the surah they set out to learn following completion of Juz Amma. Although each of the chapters are connected, each one may be read as a stand-alone text.

“Do you think we’ll ever get to the end?”

“Inshaa Allah,” I respond, patting Ibrahim gently on the back, in an attempt to encourage him.

“Ammi, there are six pages between me and Ya Sin,” says Ibrahim, looking down into his mushaf.

“You are six,” pipes in Amna.

“I am not six pages,” is Ibrahim’s response.

“Yes, you are,” responds Amna, starting to put on a fighting face.

“No, I am not,” sounds out Ibrahim slowly, increasingly frustrated.

“Just a minute, both of you, please,” I say stretching out my arms to keep them from coming to blows. “You’re right Ibrahim, you are not six pages, and you are also right, Amna, he is six. So how about rather than arguing about all of this, we try to channel some of our energy into memorizing?”

“Ammi, I really don’t think I can do this,” responds Ibrahim, shaking his head. “It’s just too long. It’s like four Surah Al Nabas lined up. You never did that when you were my age; how am I supposed to now?”[1]

“You’re right. I was definitely not on Surah Ya Sin when I was six, but I do remember hearing my Daadi recite, and I vaguely remember her trying to teach me… what if we take it one ayah at a time?” I say, then continuing, “and finish when we finish.”

“What is that supposed to me?” asks Ibrahim.

“Supposed to mean?” mimics Amna, nodding her head.

“There’s no due date. No expiry. We just start learning, and let Allah Subhanahu wa-ta‘ala do the heavy lifting, like we did all throughout Juz Amma.”

“Ammi, I really don’t understand you. No expiry, like the milk? And what do you mean by ‘heavy lifting’?” follows up Ibrahim.

“We take our time, baita, and we hope and pray that Allah in His infinite mercy will help us. Anyway, 83 ayaat are actually not that many. Technically, it’s less than two Surah An Naziats if you think of it that way. And you remember that beautiful hadith on our bookmarks?”

“The one about running?”

“Yes,” I say smiling, and then read out from my bookmark: I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assemble better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw near to him a fathom’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.[2].

“I speed,” responds Amna. In her customary way, she starts running in between the porch pillars, which accent part of our new backyard.

“I go faster,” says Ibrahim, leaping up and starting to chase after his sister.

[1] Surah An Naba spans approximately one and half pages in a 15 line Uthmani script mushaf (Uthmani script refers to the notation in the mushaf and may be contrasted with an Indo Pak script, with the latter providing additional notation for the non-Arabic speaker). For this reason, Ibrahim likens Surah Al Ya Sin to 4 Surah An Nabas. In terms of total ayaat, however, Surah Al Ya Sin is 83 ayaat, or only approximately double the ayah length of Surah An Naba (which is composed of 40 ayaat).

[2] The above noted hadith has been transmitted on the authority of Abu Hurairah, Radiallahu Anhu (RA), and related by al-Buhkari, as well as by Muslim, Tirmidhi and Ibn-Majah.

Continue reading…at A Qur’aanic Odyssey blog.

A Journey to Ramadan

Alhumdulilah, as part of my own Qur’aanic odyssey, I have had the honor of working with many rising Qur’aan stars  this year, especially in first grade. Following are a couple of Qur’aan learning, preserving and inshaa Allah loving tips, which may be of interest, especially in the countdown to the blessed month of Ramadan. Please note, many of these tips have been informed and inspired by Fee Qalbee, particularly the ‘Ready for Ramadhan‘ series.

1. Have you had the time or opportunity to ask yourself/loved ones, the following about Ramadan:  what am I/we doing on a daily basis to prepare for the majestic month of prayer, fasting, recitation, reflection, charity and closeness to AllahSWT IA?

2. Start packing a bag: yes, imagine that you are going on a journey. What will you need during the month of Ramadan to help you? What might you put in your bag, every day, in the next month and a half to get ready? Will you put in an ayah from the Qur’aan, a box of dates, prayer timings? A recitation by your favorite qari? A new hijab? A new topi? A new prayer mat? By the same token, what about things that you will not take on your journey? Are there items you may start putting away to get ready for the month of Ramadan?

3. Start reviewing your Qur’aan (in salah): what new surahs did you learn last year, the year before? Do you still remember some/one of them? Start now and commit to refreshing your surahs so that by the time Ramadan arrives you are ready to recite the beautiful book of AllahSWT IA. Create a chart with your family members to track daily/weekly progress IA. Integrate your learning into your salah and just see how your memorization starts to take off IA.

4. What about making a ‘githir jar’ to help build your Arabic vocabulary and understanding of the Qur’aan over the summer; decorate an old glass jar and add to it ‘root’ (githir) words in Arabic (with the definition on the back) and/or frequently appearing words. Extra points for those who teach a word to another family/friend as well IA.

5. Do you have a favorite qari? How many different qurra have you heard? Do you have a favorite? What about a second favorite?  Are the recordings readily accessible? Do you know anything about the qari? From where s/he came? Studied? Listen, listen, but also make sure you take time to hear your own voice. Sometimes prolonged listening gives young (and old) learners alike a sense that they may know the surah, but they may simply be following along. Integrating the surahs into salah, as noted above, is a great way to ensure that the surahs are actually retained.

6. What are you planning for Eid gifts? What about writing out your favorite verses from the Qur’aan (in Arabic) and framing them (or laminating them and making bookmarks) and giving them as Eid gifts, or even pre-Ramadan gifts to help get friends and family in the spirit of Ramadan?

7. How about a little (healthy) Qur’aan competition among family members? Have you ever recited with your cousins? Your grandmother? Your father? Who knows the most? Who tries the most? Who has the most beautiful tarteel? Who has the most refined tajweed? One of our favorite games is ‘rapid fire’. An ayah is recited and the others have to say the next ayah together with the name of the surah. Remember ‘As’ are always given for extra efforts. There are really only winners in these fun, family-based competitions.

8. How’s your sequencing? Are you able to recite the surah names/titles in their proper sequence, starting with Al Fatihah? How about just the titles in one juz a month? Or how about simply starting with Juz Amma and trying to perfect that sequence before Ramadan? There are countless ways to make this activity fun, including hop scotch. Use your imagination to make sequencing fun. Add and subtract surahs. What surah is 3 more than Surah An Naba?

The most important elements are to inculcate love and lasting learning, and reverence for the Holy Qur’aan. Once we open our hearts to this great book and the transformative month of Ramadan, the possibilities are endless IA. Happy learning, and happy Ramadan preparation IA!