0 Eid Cards 1437 (2016)

Happy Eid Mubarak for everyone in advance! Subhanallah, the days are passing so swiftly and we are almost at the end of this blessed month. We pray that all our deeds may be accepted and our souls be purified!

Making Eid cards have been a part of enjoyment for us since a few years. Sending and receiving greetings creates love between each other and especially the collections of the greetings brings a sort of joy even years letter.

Alhamdulillah, now Big sister is able to design her own and help her siblings as well which is a great relief for me to save my time.

Here come our cards

Oh, finally our Little sister’s pretty little card. This is her first card for her pen pal. What a lovely feeling!

 May these friendships open up the path to help each other for the truth!

3 Ramadan 1437 update...

Happy Ramadan Mubarak for everyone and at the same time sympathy for families affected by the flood and other disasters. May Allah grant them better than what they missed and reunite in Jannah the souls that were lost!

Alhamdulillah, for granting us this great month once again in our lives whilst So many from our families and friends are not with us today. May Allah forgive them, and grant us and our families the ability to do the best to purify our souls and reap the blessings of this special month!

Islam is a beautiful religion where the person is rewarded as he intends for a good and it is multiplied when the action takes place, as we all know every action is judged by our intention.

The time is passing so swiftly by the will of Allah and we have to be vigilant on how we spend our time. As this month being the month of Quran we planned to spend most of our time in reading, memorizing, and learning the meaning of some chapters of the Quran.

This year I let them write down their own plan to make it more confident for them.

The Ramadan reminder is to save my energy from repeating the same thing ;)

Then comes the Ramadan tracker for Little Soldier and Alhamdulillah he fasted for two days and by the will of Allah he started vomiting accompanied by diarrhea on the third day. So, he couldn’t fast any more as he was feeling very weak.

This chart is to create a competition between the sisters in recitation of the Quran. AA stands for big Sister and Fa is little Princess.

Three rows are to complete the Quran thrice and it has to be ticked after the completion of each Juz. Oh, little Sister ticked a whole row without any of us seeing, maybe to boost her sister’s enthusiasm.

It depends on how each of them do. Completion of Quran more than three times is Voila!

I cannot end up this post of mine without mentioning about a wonderful YouTube channel of Sheikh Fahad Alkandari (Link) which is so fascinating and we enjoy as a family together in every Ramadan which really made me feel ashamed of the link that we have between us and the Quran being born Muslims. Subhanallah! It is all about how the miraculous book of Allah changed the hearts of each one.

It brings goosebumps when listening to the stories of brothers and sisters on how they ponder over each ayah. Also most of the converts start their Dawah once they got to know the reality of faith, and Masha Allah now they are being the cause for so many of others enter into this pure religion of Islam, like Dr, Bilal Philips, Sheikh Nu’man Ali khan, Yusuf Este and many others. 

May Allah keep all of us steadfast in the true faith!

I really regret for not being able to understand the beautiful language of the book of Allah, while the brothers and sisters who convert into Islam are able to understand it.

Indeed, it made me open up my mind in either way to try to learn the language of the Quran to understand and enjoy the recitation rather than merely ending up each chapter. Surely, there is a huge difference between the recitation with understanding to some extent and without.

Alhamdulillah, we were discussing the last chapter of the Quran and Masha Allah it was so interesting to read it and my little boy is so curious in learning.

This was something that he made on Sura Fil , Ikhlas and Falaq.

May Allah accept us and grant us the ability to purify our souls in order to get closer to Him and gain His pleasure in all aspects of our life!

0 Weekend Activities With Abi

Each day is different from the other. The weather was charm and all were feeling drowsy waking up late. Kids were working with Hubby while I was busy preparing meals.

Oh! Masha Allah, they came up with this beautiful popsicle jewelry chest. Popsicle are fantastic for many activities. They look cute and beautiful.

Abi helped them to assemble the popsicle together using hot glue gun and Big sister did the painting and the decorating part.

Hey, here is a cute cottage for our Little Sister.

Abi didn’t forget to fix a birdhouse for our little girl.

Finally, comes the bridge built for our Little Soldier. Building bridge structures are great for kids to learn physical science like force and motion etc.…

Our first popsicle bridge passed the weight test of 22 kg. Oops! We missed to take a shot.

Update: This Sunday was for Little Princess, Oh! it came out pretty well though it took quite a longtime

They really look pretty and is an interesting activity for kids to spend time quietly. Hoping to make more exciting stuff Insha Allah.

0 Ummi… “I want to do something...”

Homeschooling is a marvelous journey which creates an understanding on how the children grow and grasp knowledge from the world around them. It is something that cannot be made understand, but something to be felt or understood by one’s own self. It is something that gives the children the freedom and opportunity to explore the world and “let it happen” and not “make it happen.”

What is meant by this is that the child comes up with her own curiosity and ideas and then we guide and open up the ways for them to dive into their interests.

It so happened … my 7-year-old came to me saying that she wants to do something interesting. I said, “you come up with an idea and I’ll help you with it.” Finally, she grabbed a book from the shelf Super Science Models by Janice Vancleave’s. Really a fascinating book and was interested in making a layered book. Eventually we ended up with this beautiful layered book of seasons.

 And the sun runs [on course] toward its stopping point. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing. [36:38]

Then comes my 5-year-old saying that “you spent time coloring and drawing with sister, I also want to do something.” Yes, I warmly welcome his interests too. We worked on this project and finally came up with a layered book of senses.

And it is He who produced for you hearing and vision and hearts; little are you grateful.[23:78]

Have We not made for him two eyes? And a tongue and two lips?[90:8-9]

Until, when they reach it, their hearing and their eyes and their skins will testify against them of what they used to do. And they will say to their skins, "Why have you testified against us?" They will say, "We were made to speak by Allah , who has made everything speak; and He created you the first time, and to Him you are returned. [41:20-21]

Subhanallah! It is so fascinating to discuss the bounties of Allah given to us. They are priceless. Having the organs in order is a great gift from the Mighty and having them function is another incomparable bounty.

Alhamdulillah, may Allah keep us steadfast in this beautiful journey which really builds up closeness with our precious gifts (the children). Also let this journey build up the closeness with our loving creator who guides his slaves, and we pray to him to show us the straight path which will make us and our progeny enter Jannah!

0 Fun with MEP Math

Masha Allah, It is so delighted to see kids being active and enthusiastic during this lesson, having fun with various stuff. I thought of saving the pictures of this sweet memories of their mess time. Also I would like to mention how it works great.

The MEP MATH is a well-organized program which provides:

• Mental work; Pupils should count and carry out operations mentally.
• Board work; Pupils are encouraged to come to the board to show a solution, convey an idea, etc.
• Oral work; Pupils are encouraged to use correct mathematical terms and should get used to reading aloud mathematical statements correctly.
• Demonstration; where the pupils should work with manual aids (number cards, strips, dominoes, items from their collection etc.).

Finally it ends up with discussions on their thought processes, what they wrote down etc.
Here are some of the shots of our classroom activities:

The number strips and the number rods in different colors. (Done by Big sister)

 Using the number cards, strips, dominoes, and signs to work on sums.

Showing that each shape is in four versions: 2 sizes and each size in 2 colors

The dominoes and number cards were given by one of our cousins which she made during her Montessori course. Jazakallah, A great help and very useful!

0 New Grade - Muharram 1437

Subhanallah, as we enter into another new hijri year, I’m really astonished how the days and years pass so swiftly and how rapidly the little ones grow Masha Allah…

As usual kids were actively preparing for their new grades academically. Although each & every day is a learning adventure for a homeschooler the upgrading of new grade is a joy and grants them a sort of enthusiasm in their learning.

Our new brilliant student for this year is our Little sister who is the youngest at home, quite advanced and petted by all of us.

 It is so fascinating to see how she is warmly welcomed by her siblings. This beautiful Arabic alphabet chart was done by her elder sisters.

And the English alphabet is for our little soldier done by Big sister.

Finally our gorgeous journal for the year was designed by dear hubby Alhamdulillah.

Ah, ha, it is not an easy task unless by the help of Allah. Shaythan comes in different angles to corrupt our minds. But one thing to remember is that which I listened from one of the lectures of Moulana Mufthi Ismail Menk “Spending time with children is a form of Ibadah and is one of the actions of Ambiya.

Our only desire is that our children love the Rabb of the universe with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and adhere to his commands at all times.

Today we live in a global village, bombarded with fitnas from all corners. We pray to Allah for a humble offspring who are going to be steadfast in this Deen and spread it across the globe Insha Allah.

May Allah accept our efforts and guide us on the straight path!

2 Story of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام

And [then] he said, "Indeed, I will go to [where I am ordered by] my Lord; He will guide me. My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous." So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy. And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast." And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, "O Abraham, You have fulfilled the vision." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice, And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations: "Peace upon Abraham." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, he was of Our believing servants. [37:99-111]

As we are in the blessed month of Zulhijjah and looking forward to celebrate the Eidul Adha, it is unworthy to celebrate it without knowing the purpose of it.

Subhanallah! It is the rememberance of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام and his noble family.

As usual elder kids were discussing about Hajj and having fun with Hajj board game, I thought of making something interesting for younger two. They two are very keen in listening to stories and enjoying them.

So, I made this little story book in order to make them understand how Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام became the true friend of Allah by passing each test successfully. The points were taken from TalimiBoard (KZN) Al- Maktab.

I left some space for them to paste the correct pictures to make the book more colorful and enjoyable for them.

 Download PDF file

And the discussion points are to be discussed in an emotional way so that it might illuminate the hearts of the young Muslims who are going to be the future leaders one day Insha Allah.

May Allah accept our good deeds and make us among the true lovers of Him!

0 Pillars of Islam

Alhamdulillah, today we are here with our little soldier’s pillars of Islam activity for his lesson from Bright Star Thasheel books. Masha Allah there are a lots of beautiful projects done by other dear homeschoolers.

This one was done using paper towel rolls and we used an old carton to lay the pillars in order. The pictures and the numbers were taken from old activity books. I used the pictures and the number so that it will be easy for him to understand.

The curious fellow was so happy and he is saying the pillars in order and is also familiar with the names of five times salah too.

Subhanallah, we are almost at the end of the lunar year and it is time to evaluate the kids before we move onto the new grade on Muharram Insha Allah. So, we are being a bit busy doing our exams and hope we will have our next post Mmm…., May be around next month Insha Allah.

1 Eid Cards 1436 (2015)

Alhamdulillah, we are almost at the end of this blessed month. May Allah accept all our good deeds!

It is interesting to see children grow and activities differ year after year. Alhamdulillah , little princess was able to fast all until today without much tantrum, Masha allah.

As usual kids were eager about preparing their eid cards for pen pals and friends. By the will of Allah I was feeling sick and tired for few days and was not in a good position to spend time with their project. 

By the grace of Allah Big sister is quite grown and she was ready to prepare and help her siblings. They used whatever stuff was available at home to decorate their cards.

You can see the beautiful work of my little ones :)

These three are to be sent for big sister’s pen pals

Then comes the little princess’s stuff.

Oh, yes this is our little soldier’s, He is no more a little soldier. Now he is the big boss at our home. You can see he has decorated the eid masjid with colorful bulbs.

Finally, our cute little sister’s card to be given to a cousin of her age.

Wish you all a HAPPY EID. May the blessings of Eid be with you throughout your life!

Also let us pray for the Muslim ummah across the globe for peace and harmony. And may Allah help the mujaahideen who are striving to safeguard the deen of Allah!