7-8B EOY Project

What's it like to be a Muslim woman in America? Here, 7th and 8th grade girls share their stories, experiences, ideas and advice.

[themuminat]

Respect Towards neighbors

 Assalamu alaykum. My name is Zubayda Sheikh, and today I'm going to be talking about neighbors. Some of us have neighbors we barely talk to, and  some of us have neighbors we’re very close to. In Islam It’s good to share and be kind to your neighbors. I actually have my own story about my neighbor. I remember about 1 year ago my neighbor lost his job ad he was struggling greatly. This neighbor wasn’t Muslim but atheist. It was Ramadan and my mom was making iftar and she  remembered how my neighbor was struggling, so she made him samosas and rice. After she finished she made me go and give our neighbor the food. At first I didn't want to give it to him because I was too scared, but I  then remembered a hadith about neighbors. The prophet (saw) said “ Give to the one whose door is nearer to you” , so I gathered  my courage and knocked on the door. My neighbor came out, and once he saw the food his mouth stretched into a smile. Ever since that day we talked more and he even made us a caramel pie. I never forgot the smile on his face. I learned one action can change a whole persons attitude towards you.

- Zubayda

[themuminat]

[themuminat]

Hijab

Hijab. To some people it means in Islam us women are oppressed. But none of them truly know what a beautiful religion Islam is, and how women are so valued in Islam. But if you honestly take the time to really learn about Islam you'll come to a different conclusion. In Islam a man has to provide his wife with a place to live, food on the table, and he must 'spend' on her. Not to mention he has to care for the kids and he must be kind to her. Anywsy, back to the hijab! Speaking from experience, wearing the hijab is no easy task. The beginning is the hardest part for most people, but for me it is right now that is the hardest. Every day I go to school and see the cool, popular girls, with their hair down. I watch as the boys walk up to them and flirt. I stand there as if I don't belong, and deep down I know I don't. Sometimes I long to just take off my sarf and become like them; liked, popular, and cool. But then reality hits me, and I know that what I am doing will not only benifit me in this life, but also in the next one. I remind myself that I was so blessed by Allah (SWT) to wear the hijab, and represnt the message he sent down to Muhammed (SAW). I remind myself that I have a real purpose in this life, and its not to become an object that people can admire or put on display. I am a strong, independent, muslim girl. My mom once told me: "If you had a diamond, would you hold it out for people to admire and even steal? Or would you put it away in and keep it in a safe. That is just like hijab except in this case your hijab is your diamond." And I believed her. I still do even 'till this day. My hijab is my protection, so why would I throw it away for a couple of compliments or a boy? -Layali Kasem

[themuminat]

Patience in Calamity

Assalamualikum! Today we will be talking about the importance of patience in Islam and our daily lives. In society today it’s easy to lose your temper because of the intolerance there is against Islam and Muslims. However, patience is much more than that. It is of utmost importance to be patient with the world.  You will encounter many MANY difficulties in your life, but having Sabr is important.

 It is narrated by Abu Hurairah that the messenger of Allah (SWT) said, The strong one is not he who can over-power his rival in wrestling, but rather he who keeps himself under control when roused to anger.”( Narrated in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)

There are many situations where you can get furious, but let’s talk about ways that you can stay calm in hardships, calamities or when life just doesn’t go your way.

The first way to calm down when you are angry is to make Wudu/Ablution. It is related by Atiyyah b. Urwah that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Anger is roused from the influence of Satan, and Satan has been created from fire, and fire is put out with water. So, when any of you is seized with anger, let him perform Wudu (ablution).”(Narrated by Abu Dawud). So don’t let Shaytan get the better of you, instead stay calm and patient with the situation at hand.

Another way to become calm when you are already angry is to change the way you are positioned. The Prophet of Allah (SAW) said, “When one of you become angry while standing he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down.”

The last way to stay patient during an argument is to stay silent. The Prophet of Allah (SAW) said, “If one of you become angry he should stay silent.” This is an important practice because when we are angry we are not able to control the way speak or think and it can cause you to do things that may harm others.

So the next time you feel like you can’t take it anymore and you feel like you are going to explode, try one of these techniques to help you stay calm and have Sabr.

By: Nadiya, Heeba, & Zaynab

[themuminat]

Halal Recipies

When living in America (or any other place, really) eating halal is key. Yet it is difficult, and can be a struggle. Below, we have compiled a list of recipes that are easy and simple to make, yet delicious, and most importantly, halal.

Appetizer: Cheese Dunkers/ Mozzarella sticks   

Ingredients:

-1 cup of flour                                                                                                       -1 cup of Italian style breadcrumbs                                                                       -2 eggs                                                                                                                 -1 tablespoon milk                                                                                                 -Cheese sticks cut in half                                                                                     -1 cup of vegetable/canola oil                                                                               -Dip: marinara sauce

Directions:

Whisk eggs and milk together.

Coat each piece of cheese with flour, then dip in egg 

Dip in flour and eggs again.

Roll in breadcrumbs

Freeze an hour before frying.

Heat oil in skillet and cook sticks for about a minute on each side, or until golden and before cheese starts to leak.

Drain on paper towels.

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

(Sorry it’s a little blurry)

Main course: Vegetarian Quesadillas

Ingredients:

-6 large tortillas                                                                                                     -1 package of shredded cheese                                                                           -Half of a bell pepper, chopped up                                                                       -Dip: Salsa                                                     

Directions:

1. Lay out 3 tortillas on a cookie tray

2. Spread cheese on the tortillas

3 Sprinkle bell peppers on top of the cheese

4. Place another tortilla on top of each existing tortilla

5. Place the cookie tray in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. 

6. Serve warm with salsa        

Desert: Cookie Dough Cheesecake:

(Recipe from Tasty)

Ingredients:

1 package pre-made cookie dough *optional* extra for topping 3 8-oz packages of cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup sour cream 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 3 eggs Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. 

2. Press a package of pre-made cookie dough into a springform pan.

 3. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.

4.  Add sour cream and vanilla and mix. 

5. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each one. 

6. Pour into springform pan. *optional* drop half teaspoonfuls of cookie dough on top of the cheesecake batter. 

7. Bake for 1 hour, cool completely, then refrigerate overnight.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T90oIRlIYM

Remember, eating halal is very important!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2wdMfGY-wo 

By: Fariha, Jenna, Tanjida

[themuminat]

Lying

Hello, this is Zaynab K. and I’ll be talking about Islam’s perspective on lying and the consequences of doing so. Abdullah B.  Mas’ud reported that the Prophet said “Truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise… Lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to Hellfire.” This hadith is basically saying that lying will only backfire and steer you away from the right path. 

Lying is actually a greater sin than drinking wine. Just a few false words can lead to disaster and separate people. Lying can also lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and mistrust. It won’t accomplish anything and will most likely only cause damage. You may think you can get away with it, but Allah sees everything. If you tell a lie, how can anyone determine when you’re really speaking the truth?

[themuminat]

The Hazardous Horrors of Hypocrisy By Alina Khan

As many Muslims know, there is no one Allah hates more than those who are hypocritical. Hypocrites are the people that say one thing and does the complete opposite. For example, if someone says that you must read the Qur’an everyday, yet don’t read it themselves. 

The Arabic word for hypocrites is Munafiqeen. In the Qur’an, there is an entire Surah about the hypocrites (Surah al-Munafiqun). In that Surah, one particular ayat that stood out to me the most was ayah 4: “And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up - they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?” Allah hates them so much that he wishes them to have the worst punishment in Hellfire. 

In the Prophet’s (SAW) time, the person known to be the “chief of hypocrites” was Abdullah bin Ubai. In Hadith 2:359 narrated by Ibn ‘Umar it says,  When 'Abdullah bin Ubai (the chief of hypocrites) died, his son came to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Please give me your shirt to shroud him in it, offer his funeral prayer and ask for Allah's forgiveness for him." So Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) gave his shirt to him and said, "Inform me (When the funeral is ready) so that I may offer the funeral prayer." So, he informed him and when the Prophet intended to offer the funeral prayer, 'Umar took hold of his hand and said, "Has Allah not forbidden you to offer the funeral prayer for the hypocrites? The Prophet said, "I have been given the choice for Allah says: '(It does not avail) Whether you (O Muhammad) ask forgiveness for them (hypocrites), or do not ask for forgiveness for them. Even though you ask for their forgiveness seventy times, Allah will not forgive them. (9.80)" So the Prophet offered the funeral prayer and on that the revelation came: "And never (O Muhammad) pray (funeral prayer) for any of them (i.e. hypocrites) that dies." (9. 84)”

[themuminat]

It is related by Aishah that Rasulullah (SAW) said, “Exchange presents with one another for it removes bad feelings from hearts.” The Prophet (SAW) himself encouraged Muslims to give gifts. As he explains, they soften people’s hearts and allow them to be kinder and more humble. He also says the kinds of gifts to give, who to give them to, and the reason behind them. “If a present is given to a person younger in age, it would be a gesture of affection; if to a friend, it would be a means to strengthening the bond of brotherhood; if to a needy person, it would be a source of comfort; and if to an elder, it would be a mark of regard and respect.” Gifts should be given with sincere thoughts and genuine kindness. Sometimes the best gifts is not money or a toy, but words of gratitude.

-Tanjida

[themuminat]

Depression and Muslims/Islam

Lots of people get depression for multiple reasons,but sometimes Muslims can feel depressed and some of them 

[themuminat]

Smile You’re Giving Sadaqah :)

 In society today there are so many people in need of help and sometimes it can be confusing on how to help everyone. In Arabic charity is known as sadaqah. Rasulullah (saw) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.”-Al Tirmidhi, hadith 496. The hadith shows how important sadaqah will be on the day of judgement. It helps people right now who are struggling, but it will help you on the Day of Judgement when there will be no help.  Sadaqah doesn’t always mean giving money to help someone. Islam considers all good deeds to be sadaqah that will help increase your iman.  

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Every Muslim has to give in charity." The people then asked: "(But what) if someone has nothing to give, what should he do?" The Prophet replied: "He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns)." The people further asked: "If he cannot find even that?" He replied: "He should help the needy who appeal for help." Then the people asked: "If he cannot do (even) that?" The Prophet said finally: "Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds, and that will be regarded as charitable deeds." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 524

Here are some ways you can give charity that does not require money:

You can donate some of you clothes or toys to people and refugees in need. This is a great way to use stuff you already have at your disposal to give to someone who would greatly appreciate these things.

Another way is to volunteer in your community. There are always organizations in need of volunteers to help out at events such as homeless shelters, food banks, or fundraisers.

The simplest way to give charity is to SMILE. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Charity is prescribed for each descendant of Adam every day the sun rises." He was then asked: "From what do we give charity every day?" The Prophet answered: "The doors of goodness are many...enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one's legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one's arms--all of these are charity prescribed for you." He also said: "Your smile for your brother is charity." - Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 3, Number 98

Sadaqah is more than just putting money in a box during a fundraiser, it can be helping people in you community or simply smiling at someone. So SMILE you’re giving Sadaqah. 

By: Nadiya

[themuminat]

Thankfulness: Heeba Shaikh

Thankfulness. It is a virtue that we all need in our lives regardless of anything. Personally, I feel sometimes I am not thankful enough for all the blessings I have been given from Allah (SWT).

I know it’s hard sometimes. At times you may feel as if you are bombarded with so many things in life and that it is just not fair at all. You want to complain—believe me I do it too. We all do. But we must take the time to slow down and breathe. Just being able to breathe is a blessing.

Let’s take school for instance. A week full of irritating people, and on top of all that you have many projects to do. You feel as though school shouldn’t even exist. I mean who could blame you? But let me remind you it is so important to stop and think. There are millions of children around the world, adults even, that live out their lives without an education. Some would do anything just to acquire some knowledge. You and I are so blessed to live our lives with an education. Especially, us being young Muslim women. We not only go to public school, but also Sunday school! Alhamdulillah, every one of us is well educated and will InshAllah go on to empower the world as we get older.

Thankfulness does not only apply to the larger things in life. Being able to drink even a drop of water whenever you want is huge. You have a wonderful family. You have clothes, food, and a home.  You live a life some might never live to see.

I have met people in my life who are so thankful for everything it makes me want to be like them. I once knew a girl in my class.  She was very sweet and was a good person.  After Christmas, I asked her what she had gotten as present. She said she got lots of toys and some money. However she then said that she gave away all of her gifts and money to charity. I was pleased to hear this. I asked her “Why?” She said “I met a Muslim girl the other day who taught me some things about Islam. I got to know how thankful you guys are and decided to be a little more thankful myself.”  After hearing this, I felt such a sense of pride to know that a Muslim helped the world just by being confident in their person and sharing our faith.  

So remember, be thankful! Say “Alhamdulillah” after any good news. Even after waking up in the morning, be thankful. As long you are thankful, Allah will continue giving you blessings and will not punish you.

Allah says: “And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless, verily, My punishment is indeed severe’” [Ibraaheem 14:7].  

[themuminat]

Islamophobia

Terrorists. Extremists. Radicals. Those are the words that are used to describe us Muslims nowadays. Today, in this day and age that is how we are looked at; as nothing more than someone willing to throw away their life for an insignificant and terrifying cause. A cause that represents us in the worst way possible. Muslims today fear for their lives and now feel that representing their religion is just asking to be laughed at, hated, and oppressed. What people don’t understand is that in every bunch of apples there are a couple of bad ones, But do you throw away the whole bunch? Anas raḍyAllāhu ‘anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said to me: “There will be among you a people who will struggle in worship of Allah, … and they will go out of the religion (discard Islam) as an arrow goes out through the game.” (Musnad Ahmad). In this Hadith the Prophet (SAW) is warning us about extremists who will corrupt the image of Islam. As Muslims we should stick together and show that chaos and tragedy. But instead we have people not praying, cursing, and getting farther and farther away from the deen. As a teenager myself I know sometimes it can be hard especially when our friends pressure us into doing something reckless. It’s hard because the people we consider our friends, people we believe we can trust are doing something against our deen. It’s hard yes, but inshallah if you get through it you’ll be a stronger person and you’ll live with the thought that nothing is impossible. >\p>

The same can be said for all religions. For example there are extremists who represent our religion in the worst way but not Islam as a whole, yet people are so ignorant they judge us like this. Here are some examples from our personal life. 


Layali- I was in art class when this boy decided he wanted to make fun of me in front of the whole class. As my friends and I listened he went on saying that I was a terrorist, that I would betray my friends, and that I don’t belong in this country. 


Malak- I was in the 5th grade, and my teacher would always put CNN videos , and this specific video was about extremists. Before my teacher played it , she said she wasn’t sure if she should play it, because someone in this classroom would be offended by the actions of her religion. My whole class, even those who I considered to be my best friends turned to stare at me, and at that moment I felt so small, so insignificant, so alone.
 

Aya- I was sitting at my desk doing my work, after I finished, I walked up to my teacher and handed her my work, she refused to accept it and called me out on it and was told to go to my seat. As I watched my classmates walk up one by one to hand the same assignments. I went back agin to give her my assignment 
And she refused to accept it again. Every once in a while I was mocked by my teacher and was laughed at by my peers.
 But this isn’t something that happens every once in a  while, muslims go through this everyday. 

Ali (RAW) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: ““In the last days (of the world) there will appear young people with foolish thoughts and ideas.” (Al-Bukhari 5057). In this Hadith the prophet is telling us that there will be those with crazy ideas who represent in the worst way and these people will spread islamophobia. But we as Muslims must stay strong and our faith should be stronger than ever.

[themuminat]

The History of Islam

This Koolsoom, Saniyah, Javairia, and Sabra. We are going to teach you about the history of Islam. Islam originated in 610 CE in Mecca and Madina in the 7th century.  The meaning of Islam means peace it also relates to how we greet each other when we say asalam wa alaikum it means peace be upoun you. There are over a billion Muslims across the globe. What is really amazing and inspiring is that muslims come from all over the world, just not the Middle East. Islam is a monotheistic religion which means we only believe in one God. Islam is believing in one God, and the messengers. We follow the foot steps of our Prophets and the our holy book the Qur'an through out the years even to this day. There is two types of muslims Sunni and Shia. Sunni is one of the main of the two branches of Islam, Sunnis believe in that the last prophet was Muhammad (PBUH) and the Shia believe that another prophet came after Muhammad.  Must muslims are sunni in the islamic world. Sunni pray five times a day and shia pray three times a day as they combined their two salats such as Maghrib and Isha together. shia use a hard plank of wood or hard tablets for them to rest their heads for when they are praying.  

[themuminat]

Preparing for death

Hi my name is Zubayda and im in class 7/8b. My topic is preparing for death, and even though it might sound moody it's something we Muslims absolutely have to prepare for. One way you can prepare for death is DOING ALL YOUR PRAYERS. Even though i might sound like your parents it's very true. The Quran states that the key to Janna is salah. Another way to prepare for yawmul qiyamah( day of judgement) is to do every single one if the five pillars is Islam. Number one shahadah which is proclaiming that you beleive in Allah and in his prophet. Number two salah which I will not go in depth because I just talked about it. Number three Zakah. You must at least give 2.5% of Your wealth to the poor. Number four sawm basically you have fast every Ramadan. Last but not least hajj, every Muslim has to make hajj at least once in their life, but there are some exceptions like if you can't afford to go.There are many other ways to prepare for death but these are the basics. Inshallah you will follows these and live a beautiful afterlife in jannah.

[themuminat]

Mama, mama, mama bear

Your love is something I’m so blessed to share

You support me through it all

Your warmth is cozier than a wool shawl

[themuminat]

Islamic Virtue: By Jenna Siwan

Islamic Virtue is the behaviour of one who follows the teachings and principals of Islam. Some of the various Islamic virtues include purity/cleanliness, kindness, respect and considersation for others, modesty, piety, honesty, moderation, and unselfishness. These virtues also incorporate sincerity, patience, humility, forgiveness, and being cheerful/happy. A true Muslim should carry these qualities, because they cleanse the human mind and soul and prevent evil qualities such as arrogance and ignorance. When a Muslim practices these qualities, they find the more in depth meaning of Islam and become purer humans. On the other hand when one practices arrogance their soul loses purity and religion all together. From personal experience with my peers in eighth grade, several students prefer acting like they are superior to others (grade wise) and support the use of verbal profanity regardless of the later consequences. In Islam, such aspects are haram, and thought of as extremely rude and arrogant. Using Islamic Virtue, Muslims all over the world are able to conquer arrogance and other evil practices to create a peaceful and cleanly environment, where the Islamic behaviours and actions are practiced on a daily basis. As Muslims, we show our behaviours through prayer, clothing choices (such as the hijab), and regular lifestyle such as in the house or outside at school or at the store. Islamic virtue is a very important aspect of being a Muslim, and sets forth a huge impact on the Islamic society, providing pure actions, intentions, and souls for the Muslims over the world! ~ Jenna Siwan 7-8B

[themuminat]

Raising a child in today's society

Society today is different than it was back then. There are new technologies. New trends. New ideas. It is always changing.

Therefore, it is important for parents to make sure their child is following the right path. And, in today's society, with the new trends and bad things popping up, it can be a little difficult.

Bad things: getting high, drugs, etc, along with smaller things, like saying bad words, and dating

Things that might motivate a child to do such things: Peer pressure, pressure to fit in, being rebellious, etc

I have compiled a list of ways parents try to avoid their child in doing the things listed below:

Method one: You're always my baby- This method is basically babying the child, being their best friend, being overly protective

Pros: Can help them avoiding the talk of the bad things

Cons: The child will have to leave someday. When they do, it's going to be hard for them to function, because they always rely on the parent. They won't learn anything in a social way. And, when encountered with doing something bad in college years, they would not know how to respond. 

(Below: How a child might react when exposed to the terrible things in this society. Except this might be a bit exaggerated) 

Overall: No, not this method. It might seem good for a child in younger years, but not their future.

Method two: I couldn't care less- This method is basically letting the child go free, not really caring. The parent figures they can learn on their own.

Pros: The child can make their own decisions and be ready to be independent in later years

Cons: They might encounter things that they believe is right, getting them into deep doo doo.

(Like this. Okay, not really):

Overall: Is this even a question?

As you can see, these methods can be somewhat effective, but will result in bad consequences as well.

Now, the big question: What is a method in which can I raise my child to be a good Muslim in today's society without any bad consequences?

The answer: I don't know. You honestly can't find a method that's 100% foolproof.

(And now all the parents are like)

No, really. The best way, for me, is to teach your child about being a Muslim. Make sure they understand on what's right and what's wrong.

You don't necessarily have to do this yourself. A good idea is a Sunday School or something similar to help teach them about what's wrong and right about Islam.

But a part of this has to deal with the child as well. They have to understand this information and-the most important part-apply it in their lives. They have to play a part in making sure they are being a good Muslim in today's society

Thank you. And good night.  

By: Fariha (Who else?)