Bismillah,
Only last week was I introducing the girls to the Tafsir of Surah al-Burooj and we ended up having a deeply touching conversation on Islamophobia, on the story of the People of the Ditch and the lessons we can take from it and Muslims today in the West. Here is the Surah al-burooj handout for the teens.
Sadly, the incident in North Carolina Chapel Hill shooting where 3 young Muslim adults Deah Barakat, Yosur and Razan Abu-Salha were shot execution style in their apartment by a white atheist took place between our discussion of Charlie Hebdo and this week’s lesson. It is natural to feel sad, worried and fearful in the face of media bias but yet our community leaders have been fantastic in gently guiding us towards optimism, hope and patience. The Barakat and Abu-Salha families have taken the lead and beaten us all in that regard masha Allah. Allah yesberon ya rabb!
I personally believe that we as teachers must also provide pastoral care to our students following in the footsteps of the great scholars in Islamic History. Imam Bukhari was known to spend at least 500 dirham each month on his students looking out for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. I am no Imam Bukhari but I am inspired by him and decided to boost the girls confidence, show them that they have a safe space to articulate their thoughts and feelings on the recent events. And to work together to find solutions using the Qur’an.
[On a side note – I formally introduced the girls to the project I’m starting to help them learn about community activism called Barakah Bags to feed the homeless. The 3 winners service to community has truly motivated me to keep going.]
I made these balloons and distributed them out to my Year 10s and 9s and added a little message with an ayah from Surah Ale Imran.
“So do not become weak, nor be sad and you will be superior if you are indeed true believers.” (3:139)
If you want to make your own tags and hand out balloons, here is the word doc(in case you want to change the wording) and pdf doc. Give with a pure niyyah confident that by continuing to practise Islam as it deserves to be practised, we will normalise our deen.
I cut these out and stuck them on colourful patterned paper, punched a hole on one side and attached them to the balloon using string. Voila! it’s that easy 🙂
I hope this blog post has inspired you to make some for your class, events or study circle kids. Please Like the facebook page for this blog to stay updated. JZK.
HM
Arabic Adventures 