I thought I was going mad and it was just me. I felt a sigh of relief when another brother jokingly brought this to the open, so I thought I ought to share this with you.
Have you ever started thinking whether you locked the car after "Hayya Ala Assalat" or that you need to email Jo about xyz after "Bismillah". I cracked up when this brother said it and were talking about ways in which one could focus when conducting the salat.
What about this kind of distraction?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTwh6p1kyRQ
This is an interesting extract from a book by Nick Herbert
""It could be said that the working memory staging areas are where the brain makes order out of chaos. Estimates of how many bits of information our brains process each second vary. In his book Elemental Mind, Nick Herbert estimates that our brain receives 100 million bits of information per second from each eye, 10 million bits of information per second from the skin, and 30,000 bits of information per second from the ears. When all this external information is combined with the billions of bits of internal information our mind is processing, Herbert estimates that our brain is dealing with an incredible 10 trillion bits of information each second. Working memory can be looked at like the editor of a book or a movie deciding which bits of information are relevant and should be retained for later use and which are irrelevant and should be discarded."
So, now, I do not feel so bad, but still need to do something about it, as now, stop and start again 4 or 5 times before I am totally focussed on the salat.
So, here are a few tips that I would like to share, but would welcome more:
.Know the meaning of Allah Akbar. Know the value of that.
2.Know Allah is watching you. Worship as if you’re seeing him and if u don’t have that level remember that he’s watching you.
3.Fold your hands and always look down.
4.Slow the speed of your recitation. Think about how long an imam will take to pray his fajr prayer and how much you will take.
5.Du3a and adthkar before u start recitation in salah.
6.Know what the meaning of what you’re reciting. If you don’t know Arabic atleast focus on the words. Recite slowly.
7.Beautify your recitations.
8.Remember that allah divided this salah between him and you.
The Prophet (SAW) said that Allah the Exalted had said: ' I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. When he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of Judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified Me, and sometimes He will say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. When he (the worshipper) says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious -- not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. [Muslim 4: 395]
9.Look at one place. Focus on the spot.
10.Athkhaar al salah. In sujood or ruku’.
11.Never look up when you go back from ruk3i. Prophet forbids us from doing that.
12.Don’t get distracted by things around you.
13.Du3a (supplication) the closest servant to Allah is in his sujood so Increase your du3a.
I would love to hear about any other tips on how to better focus when doing your salat.
Insha Allah, next time I would like to share with you my discussions on making up for missed prayers v.s the non obligatory prayers
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Thursday, 27 January 2011
How quick can I read the Qur'an
I get this asked of me by so many parents of new children with the expectations that I could actually give them a definitive answer.
In reality, it all depends on how much work you do with your child at home, and, most importantly, at what age they are starting.
There seems to be this expectation that a child of 4 or 5 years should be able to read the Qur'an independently in a year or two. In some case, I agree. I have personally come across a 6 year old who has read the entire Qur'an masha Allah. However, this is a very bright child who is home taught and reads with his parents for a couple of hours a day, without fail, even at the cost of any other school work.
The majority of kids come to a Saturday Islamic Club to memorize Sura's as well as learn how to read the Qur'an. Baring in mind that, on average, a child does an hour's homework/practicing what they were taught at school during the week gives you an average of 2 hours a week dedicated to learning how to read.
Simple mathematics tells me that, using the above benchmark, it would take a child two years to be able to read three letter words independently, with all the vowel symbols, and then at least a further three years to be able to apply the most common tajweed rules and read the calligraphy of the Qur'an (depending on the style that you chose).
So, now that I have said four years, I am certain that I will be challenged in both directions. On the one hand, I will get the "my cousin's son managed to read it in two years" and an the other, I will see parents slacking with the expectation that we do not have to do anything and just let the school teach them an hour a week and "hey presto" my son can read the Qur'an.
Now this brings on another question - how important is tajweed? Granted, your son can read Qur'an after a year, but can he read it with tajweed? Does it matter to you?
What is more important - a younger child who can read the Qur'an with wrong pronunciations or an older child who can read with tajweed AS WELL as has a key understanding of what s/he is reading?
I know where I would vote, but what do you think?
In reality, it all depends on how much work you do with your child at home, and, most importantly, at what age they are starting.
There seems to be this expectation that a child of 4 or 5 years should be able to read the Qur'an independently in a year or two. In some case, I agree. I have personally come across a 6 year old who has read the entire Qur'an masha Allah. However, this is a very bright child who is home taught and reads with his parents for a couple of hours a day, without fail, even at the cost of any other school work.
The majority of kids come to a Saturday Islamic Club to memorize Sura's as well as learn how to read the Qur'an. Baring in mind that, on average, a child does an hour's homework/practicing what they were taught at school during the week gives you an average of 2 hours a week dedicated to learning how to read.
Simple mathematics tells me that, using the above benchmark, it would take a child two years to be able to read three letter words independently, with all the vowel symbols, and then at least a further three years to be able to apply the most common tajweed rules and read the calligraphy of the Qur'an (depending on the style that you chose).
So, now that I have said four years, I am certain that I will be challenged in both directions. On the one hand, I will get the "my cousin's son managed to read it in two years" and an the other, I will see parents slacking with the expectation that we do not have to do anything and just let the school teach them an hour a week and "hey presto" my son can read the Qur'an.
Now this brings on another question - how important is tajweed? Granted, your son can read Qur'an after a year, but can he read it with tajweed? Does it matter to you?
What is more important - a younger child who can read the Qur'an with wrong pronunciations or an older child who can read with tajweed AS WELL as has a key understanding of what s/he is reading?
I know where I would vote, but what do you think?
Thursday, 13 January 2011
A childs funeral is the saddest of all funerals
A 3 year old boy passed away in the early hours on Monday morning (Alla Yirhamo) and his funeral was yesterday. Although I have never seen the boy, it was still so heart breaking to burry such a small child, innocent of all the bad that the world has to offer.
It may be consolig to say that he is guaranteed Janna, and that he is of no sin, but it still does not make it any easier.
The image is still in my head now, more than 24 hours after the funeral and it makes me think all the time about how I would feel losing one of my two children. Perhaps this has drawn me closer to them and has made me less strick (or softer, as my wife would say), but, from now, I always want to treasure every moment I have with them as if it is the last. All this bickering must stop, especially over pathetic subjects. It is just not worth it.
Imagine you bickered with your child in the evening an you wake up in the morning to see that they are not waking up, imagine the guilt. Would s/he ever forgive you for that shouting.
I don't know. I am just sad that God has taken the life of another innocent little toddler.
It may be consolig to say that he is guaranteed Janna, and that he is of no sin, but it still does not make it any easier.
The image is still in my head now, more than 24 hours after the funeral and it makes me think all the time about how I would feel losing one of my two children. Perhaps this has drawn me closer to them and has made me less strick (or softer, as my wife would say), but, from now, I always want to treasure every moment I have with them as if it is the last. All this bickering must stop, especially over pathetic subjects. It is just not worth it.
Imagine you bickered with your child in the evening an you wake up in the morning to see that they are not waking up, imagine the guilt. Would s/he ever forgive you for that shouting.
I don't know. I am just sad that God has taken the life of another innocent little toddler.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Welcome to the new term
A new term is upon us with new challenges ahead of us. It did feel like a very long break this time, perhaps because of the snow and that so many were down with flue towards the end of the term.
We have recruited a floating teacher. Other than slotting into a class when a teacher is off ill, his prime role is to focus on small groups in from each class and work with them on ensuring that they are on track with the rest of the class. He will also work with the more advanced children to help them progress to the next level and avoid them getting board with what seems basic to them.
Today, I had an insight as to what they teach in South Africa and was quite impressed, given that they have classes five days a week. They seem to have a similar approach to us in the Qur'an reading and recitation, but differ in Islamic Studies. They seem focus on memorising Du'as whilst we aim to give the children an all rounded knowledge about their religion and encourage them to proudly embrace it.
On a personal level, I have put on over 12 Kg since October and need to shed it quickly. Therefore, I have embarked on two challenges, through which I ought to lose these Kg's and more.
Challenge 1: - Cycle from London to Brighton with my son in June. I will be training with him every week and will update his blog on our progress and the pains we encounter.
Challenge 2: - Run the London Marathon in Spring 2012, assuming that it will still take place. Sunday is my first jog in over 12 months, so am not looking forward to stiff legs in the evening.
That's all for now. I will write a new post about our experiences cycling and running tomorrow.
We have recruited a floating teacher. Other than slotting into a class when a teacher is off ill, his prime role is to focus on small groups in from each class and work with them on ensuring that they are on track with the rest of the class. He will also work with the more advanced children to help them progress to the next level and avoid them getting board with what seems basic to them.
Today, I had an insight as to what they teach in South Africa and was quite impressed, given that they have classes five days a week. They seem to have a similar approach to us in the Qur'an reading and recitation, but differ in Islamic Studies. They seem focus on memorising Du'as whilst we aim to give the children an all rounded knowledge about their religion and encourage them to proudly embrace it.
On a personal level, I have put on over 12 Kg since October and need to shed it quickly. Therefore, I have embarked on two challenges, through which I ought to lose these Kg's and more.
Challenge 1: - Cycle from London to Brighton with my son in June. I will be training with him every week and will update his blog on our progress and the pains we encounter.
Challenge 2: - Run the London Marathon in Spring 2012, assuming that it will still take place. Sunday is my first jog in over 12 months, so am not looking forward to stiff legs in the evening.
That's all for now. I will write a new post about our experiences cycling and running tomorrow.
Monday, 25 October 2010
Let's go for a ride
Any one up for getting together towards the end of November? The last bike ride was a success, with a wonderful turnout.
All we need is a dry sunny day. We can always wrap up worm, don't you think?
Alternatively, we can just meet up and go for a stroll by the river (not sure which one yet). Perhaps Cassiobury Park again? or Richmond Park? or even in one of the parks in Harrow?
Come to thinkg of it, a park in Harrow where the kids can play in the play area where the parents chew the fat and solve he worlds problems is not a bad idea?
Oh, this is just a social - no fund raising required.
Anyway, if you are interested, just let me know at the school, leave me feedback here of email me.
I will update this blog next week when I have some feedback.
Take care and have a lovely week
Hassan
All we need is a dry sunny day. We can always wrap up worm, don't you think?
Alternatively, we can just meet up and go for a stroll by the river (not sure which one yet). Perhaps Cassiobury Park again? or Richmond Park? or even in one of the parks in Harrow?
Come to thinkg of it, a park in Harrow where the kids can play in the play area where the parents chew the fat and solve he worlds problems is not a bad idea?
Oh, this is just a social - no fund raising required.
Anyway, if you are interested, just let me know at the school, leave me feedback here of email me.
I will update this blog next week when I have some feedback.
Take care and have a lovely week
Hassan
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Only for a Sadka Jaria?
The reward in the after life, I mean? The number of times I have heard this term on the past few weeks make me wonder whether people do good because they actually care or are they selfishly collecting "points" to give them sufficient credit in the after life?
Perhaps I am reading too much into it and human beings are naturally good caring people, and the sadka jaria is just a "bonus"?
Does it really matter what the intention is? Surely, as long as that person is doing good is all that matters?
Having said that, what if I was not capable of helping someone out? I want to do good, but my circumstances are preventing me from doing so. Will I be punished for it?
Perhaps I am reading too much into it and human beings are naturally good caring people, and the sadka jaria is just a "bonus"?
Does it really matter what the intention is? Surely, as long as that person is doing good is all that matters?
Having said that, what if I was not capable of helping someone out? I want to do good, but my circumstances are preventing me from doing so. Will I be punished for it?
Friday, 4 June 2010
We actually did 11K last Sunday!
We had a great turnout! Seven kids and two other dads cycled with us. If I could post some pictures, you would be impressed. Wait to see them on the screen in the school.
We were a bit evil by taking them up two steep hills, but it was worth it because the down hill ride was great fun. Two additional families turn up to cheer us on, so th atmosphere was electric. If only it was a bit hotter, the kids could have gone into the paddling pools - well, four did not care for the wind and just jumped in.
I am not sure about the other children, but my two, for the first time, asked to go to bet at 9:00 - so definitely worth it for me.
In terms of fund raising, we have pledges of £410, al-hamdulla. Still over £300 away from our target, but, I can't complain. Two more laptops is better than what we have now.
Take care
Hassan
We were a bit evil by taking them up two steep hills, but it was worth it because the down hill ride was great fun. Two additional families turn up to cheer us on, so th atmosphere was electric. If only it was a bit hotter, the kids could have gone into the paddling pools - well, four did not care for the wind and just jumped in.
I am not sure about the other children, but my two, for the first time, asked to go to bet at 9:00 - so definitely worth it for me.
In terms of fund raising, we have pledges of £410, al-hamdulla. Still over £300 away from our target, but, I can't complain. Two more laptops is better than what we have now.
Take care
Hassan
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