A blueprint for teaching – learning from the Prophet ﷺ
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A blueprint for teaching – learning from the Prophet ﷺ

As a teacher, I often reflect on what the Prophet ﷺ would prioritise if he were in our position today. What would his main concern be? It’s a big question and I don’t claim to have all the answers. But I began searching through the Qur’an, hoping to find a clearer picture of the Prophet’s…

Major Principles of Islam – Chastity and Honour (part 2) The importance of boundaries and protecting children
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Major Principles of Islam – Chastity and Honour (part 2) The importance of boundaries and protecting children

The virtue of being chaste Chastity and honour are known as al-‘Afaaf wal Hayaa’ in Arabic, or sha’af sometimes. The importance of chastity is highlighted in the Quran, particularly at the beginning of Surat al Mu’minoon, where Allah mentions the value of being chaste. In the opening verses, Allah calls believers successful and describes them…

On losing a child: an Islamic perspective
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On losing a child: an Islamic perspective

The loss of a child is a deeply sorrowful and painful experience for parents and the community. Islam recognises that this is a time of immense grief and therefore, provides clear guidance on how to cope with this tragic event. Find patience and acceptance The death of a child is seen as a test and…

What dua can I make for righteous children?
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What dua can I make for righteous children?

Duas to have righteous children وَزَكَرِيَّا إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُ رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ  Wazakariyyā idh nādā rabbahu rabbi lā tadharnī fardan wa-anta khayru-l-wārithīn And (remember) Zakariyya when he called his Lord, ‘My Lord, do not leave me alone and You are the best of inheritors.’  (21:89) فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّارًا…

Can playing with children be an act of worship?
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Can playing with children be an act of worship?

Let them play and join in Whenever we play with children, we have an opportunity to enter into their world and see the world through their eyes, (where everything is new, exciting and fascinating). Although this looks like play to us adults, it is actually work for them. It has been said by many psychologists…

Keeping pure – Ensure purity in every sphere of your life and for the future of your children
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Keeping pure – Ensure purity in every sphere of your life and for the future of your children

Purity was commanded from the beginning of revelation Surat al Muddaththir and Muzzammil were from the first revelations. In them, Allah addressed the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his followers, commanding sincerity and purity, saying wa thiyabaka fatahhir, ‘purify your clothes’: يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُدَّثِّرُ O you Enrobed one. قُمْ فَأَنذِرْ Arise and warn. وَرَبَّكَ…

The coolness of your eyes
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The coolness of your eyes

In the description of the Servants of Ar-Rahman in Surat al Furqan, Allah the Almighty says: وَعِبَادُ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ هَوْنًا وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ الْجَاهِلُونَ قَالُوا سَلَامًا The servants of the Merciful are those who walk the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace.” (25:63) This means they live…

How can you get your child to cooperate when they are fed up with your instructions?
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How can you get your child to cooperate when they are fed up with your instructions?

Kindness and patience is paramount. Children respond to the tone of your voice. Your tone makes or breaks your communication. A harsh tone pushes the red button. It triggers a barrage of resentment. When a child hears a nagging tone, it makes them rebel and resist what you are asking them to do. If your…

Drugs, gangs and social media. Be vigilant of child exploitation
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Drugs, gangs and social media. Be vigilant of child exploitation

  Allah Almighty entrusted us with His amanah (trusts). In Surat al Ahzab, He described the amanah, which He offered to the heavens, earth and mountains to carry, but the only being which agreed to carry it was mankind.  ﴿٧٢﴾ إِنَّا عَرَضْنَا الْأَمَانَةَ عَلَى السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَالْجِبَالِ فَأَبَيْنَ أَنْ يَحْمِلْنَهَا وَأَشْفَقْنَ مِنْهَا وَحَمَلَهَا الْإِنْسَانُ ۖ…

Zihar and adoption. Lessons from Surat Al Ahzab
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How does Islam view adoption and what is Kafalat Yateem?

Islam places significant emphasis on looking after orphans and vulnerable children, considering it a highly virtuous and meritorious act. Several teachings in the Quran underscore the importance of caring for orphans and treating them with kindness and compassion. In the Quran Allah Almighty says: “Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east…

fixing broken families
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Fixing broken families – where are you on the tranquility-o-metre?

Love is the fortress for our children   And among His signs that He created for you, from among yourselves mates, to dwell with them in tranquility and He put love and mercy among you. In that there are signs for those who reflect. (30:21) We all know this ayah it is recited at every…