SMILE

      SMILE

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "To smile in the company of your brother is charity. " (Bukhari)

It seems that nothing has more power to elevate a mood than the impact of a genuine smile. The benefits of a smile extend not only to the recipient of the warm gesture but also to the smile's originator.  "A smile is a little curve that sets a lot of things straight." Here are some of the many .....

Benefits of Smiling!

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive- People are spending millions on cosmetic products and procedures to make them look better.If you want to look better, try adding a genuine smile. Its cheaper and mush more attractive.The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood-Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious-When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress-Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.Smiling helps to promote release of a "feel good" group of hormones called endorphins. These are the same group of hormones responsible for the runners high you hear so much about. If you don't have time to get to the gym for a hard run, try adding a smile  to boost these natural, stress relieving hormones.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System-Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure-When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling is medication-Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug and leads to a healthier immune system.Various studies conducted over the years have shown that smiling can boost the functioning of the immune system. This may help to reduce your risk of developing everything from the common cold to chronic diseases such as
cancer. Could there be a less expensive medicine than this?

8. A smile inspires others-When you smile you also send a positive message that can potentially change someone else's mood for the better. The person you graced with your smile may go on to pass the kindness to someone else. Who knows how far your original smile will travel?

9. Smiling promotes Success -Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.When you smile, you appear confident and capable. Given the choice between two equally qualified job candidates, the smiling candidate is going to be perceived as being more of a team player and easier to work with. Who do you think is more likely to get the job offer?

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive-Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

Smile..!!!...It does not cost a cent and can make a persons day! 

"It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown".

The greatest reason for smiling is because it is a sunnah [practice] of our Beloved Messenger of Allah [peace be upon him]!!!. The Messenger of Allah[pbuh] had a smiling face and advised us to entertain our guest with a smiling face and good conduct. To smile is an act of charity!

Importance of Discharging Amanah(Trusts)

Importance of

 Discharging Amanah

(Trusts)

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due.'' (Quran-4:58)

 

Messenger of Allah Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

 

"There are three signs of a hypocrite:

• When he speaks, he lies;
• When he makes a promise, he breaks it
• When he is trusted, he betrays his trust."

[Hadith-Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

THE COVER GIRL

THE COVER GIRL

Walking down the road, sporting the latest handbag , designer shoes and the trendiest figure hugging abayah….Wow is she turning heads around here! Is this our new cover girl?

 The Beloved Messenger of Allah( S.A.W ) said: There are two types of people who will be punished in hell and whom I've not seen:(the second type)Women will be dressed but appear to be naked, they will attract others to themselves, and they themselves will be  attracted to others. Their heads will appear like the humps of the camels, they will not enter Paradise and they will not smell its fragrance which can be smelt from such and such a distance.

Shaytaan's ambition is to mislead. When a muslimah makes a niyyah to wear the hijaab he jumps into action.

Plot 1: He tries to stop her. If he fails…

Plot 2:Misleads her in donning hijaab. She thinks she is covering,but chooses a figure hugging abayah or she lifts the jalabeeb instead of lowering….

So lets ask ourselves,are we really covered girls or do we want to be "cover girls?"

There is a parable of a flower and a pearl both striking in their beauty, lets ponder and take a lesson, which one do we want to be?

Suddenly, a tinge of distress appeared on the flower. "Nothing accounts for sorrow in your talk; so why are u depressed?" The pearl asked."Human beings deal with us carelessly; they slight us. They don't grow us for our sake but to get pleasure from our fragrance and beautiful appearance. They throw us on the street or in the garbage can after we are dispossessed of the most valuable properties; brilliance and fragrance"

The flower sighed. And then  the flower said to the pearl: "Speak to me about your life! How do you live? How do you feel it? You are buried in the bottom of the sea. "

The pearl answered: "Although I have none of your distinctive colours and sweet scents, humans think I am precious. They do the impossible to procure me. They go on long journeys, dive deep in the seas searching for me. You might be astounded to know that the further I lay, the more beautiful and brilliant I become. That's what upraises my value in their thought. I live in a thick shell isolated in the dark seas. However, I'm happy and proud to be in a safe zone far from wanton and mischievous hands and still the humans consider me highly valuable" Do you know what the flower and the pearl symbolize?

 Think ..Think..

You will find that The flower is the woman who shows her charms and the pearl is the veiled woman who conceals her beauties.

Ponder  about it!

"O Prophet(pbuh)! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the faithful to draw their outer garments (jilbabs) close around themselves; that is better that they will be recognized and not annoyed. And Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.(Al Quran Al-Ahzab:59)

"Rock With Me"

 

     "Rock With Me"

 

 

The Noble Messenger of Allah [peace be upon him] said: " Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection"[Hadith- Bukhari]

 
There was once an elderly, sad woman in a nursing home. She wouldn't talk to anyone or request anything. She seemed merely to exist. Besides performing her daily prayers she would spend the rest of the day rocking in her creaky old rocking chair.

 

The old woman didn't have many visitors. But every few days, a concerned and pious Allah conscious wise young nurse would go into her room. Besides making salaam(greeting),She didn't try to speak or ask questions of the old lady. She simply pulled up another rocking chair beside the old woman and rocked with her.

 

Weeks  later, the old woman finally spoke to the young nurse
'Thank you,' she said. 'Thank you for rocking with me, it meant so much'

 

The old woman thereafter came out of her "shell" and was a very sociable person! She just needed some caring love and support at a critical time in her life.

 

In life there are times when we are meant to talk and be supportive, and there are times when we can help by just being there. Actions, as we are told are often more important than words. The next time you know someone in need, just be there and be supportive.

 

 

The Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] said, "A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other." The Prophet[pbuh] then clasped his hands with the fingers interlaced (while saying that). [Hadith- Bukhari]

  

 

Fast of Aashura

Fast of Aashura

 

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him] has exhorted and encouraged his Ummah to fast on the day of Ashura. He said:

 

"This fast[Aahura] is a compensation for the (minor) sins of the past year."(Hadith-Muslim)

 

Note: Fast either on the 9^th and 10^th or 10^th and 11^th Muharram. According to The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) : "Observe the fast of Ashura and oppose the Jews.  Fast a day before it or a day after."(Baihaqi)

 

                             ****

 

Spending on Your Family

 

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him] is reported to have said:

"One who generously spends on his family on the day of Aashora, Allah will increase (his provision) for the whole year." (Hdith-Baihaqi)

 

“Haya is part of Faith”

  "Haya is part of Faith"

 

Holiday Season???...Let our Jolly not lead to a Folly!!!

 
What is Haya? This term covers a wide number of concepts. In English, it may be translated as modesty, shyness, self-respect, bashfulness, shame, honour, humility, etc. Islamically Haya is an attribute which pushes the believer to avoid anything distasteful or offensive.

Haya plays a huge role in the lives of Muslims because it is a very important part of our Iman (faith/belief). If we do not have any form of haya within us then it is most likely that our Iman is very weak. For as it states in the following hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:, "Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya is a part of faith." (Bukhari)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Every faith has an innate character. The character of Islam is modesty." (Hadith)

The Prophet(pbuh) also said: "Haya does not bring anything except good." (Bukhari)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed haya (modesty) and Iman are Companions. When one of them is lifted, the other leaves as well." (Hadith-Baihaqi)

 

The Prophet(pbuh) also said: "Haya comes from Iman; Iman leads to Paradise. Obscenity comes from antipathy; and antipathy leads to the fire." (Bukhari)

 

Allah say in the Quran:

 

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty……." (Qur'an Nur, 30-31)

 

"Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware…."(Qur'an 49:13)

 

 

The Month of Muharram

The Month of Muharram

 

*

 

Introduction

With the sighting of the new moon the Islamic new year is ushered in.  The first month Muharram, is a month of great reward and virtue.  Muharram itself means `sacred' and is from those months which have been mentioned as sacred in the Holy Quraan.
 Almighty Allah states in the Holy Quraan:

"Four of them ( Zil-Qadah, Zil-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab) are sacred."

(Surah At-Tawbah:36)

*

Virtues

From out of the four sacred months, Muharram has been blessed with certain specific virtues:-
 The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) said:

"The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhan is the fasting of Allah's month of Muharram."

(Muslim)

In another Hadeeth, Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radhiyallahu-Anhu) reports: "that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) said: "The one that keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty fasts for each fast (in this sacred month)."

(Tabraani)

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Almighty Allah. The Hadith citied above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are the most rewardable among the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts one observes out of his own choice without being obligatory on him.

The Hadith does not mean that the reward promised for fasts of Muharram can only be attained by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should take advantage of this opportunity.

*

The Day of Aashora (10th Muharram)

Although the month of Muharram is a sacred month as a whole, the 10 th of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named 'Ashurah'.  It is one of the most important and blessed days of Allah in the Islamic calendar. 

According to the Holy companion, Ibn Abbas Radhiallaho Anhu, when the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam migrated to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10 th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa Alayhis Salaam and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously, and the Pharaoh was drowned in its water. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam said, "We are more closely related to Musa than you." So the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Ashura. (Abu Dawood)

*

According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of Ashura should be either preceeded or suceded by an additional fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9 th and 10 th of Muharram or the 10 th and 11 th . The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam is that the Jews used to fast on the day of Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam wanted to distinguish the Islmaic-way of fasting from that of the Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to the day of Ashura.

Some Ulama (scholars) are of the opinion that before the fasts of Ramadhan were made compulsory, the fast of the day of Aashora was compulsory upon the Ummah.

This is stated in a Hadeeth reported by Hazrat Aisha (Radhiyallahu-Anha):

"that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) ordered the observance of the fast of Aashora.  However, when the fast of Ramadhan became compulsory, then whosoever wished, kept this fast and whosoever desired did not observe this fast."

(Bukhari)

  But, nevertheless the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) continued to fast this day and encouraged his Companions to do the same.

 

*

Recommended deeds on the day of Aashora

 The Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) has exhorted and encouraged his Ummah to fast on this day. He said:

"This fast[Aahura] is a compensation for the (minor) sins of the past year."

(Muslim)

  One should also observe the fast of the 9th Muharram to safeguard his deed from resemblance with the Non-Muslims who fast only on the 10th Muharram.

 Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radhiyallahu-Anhu) said:

"When Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) observed the fast of the day of Aashora and ordered (his Companions) to fast, they said: `O Rasulullah! It is a day revered (glorified) by the Jews and Christians.'    Thereupon Rasulullah said: "The coming year, if Allah wills (I remain alive), I will for surely fast on the ninth (also)."

(Muslim)

  These Ahadeeth indicate clearly that one should fast on the ninth and tenth of Muharram. However, if one does not manage to fast on the ninth, then he/she should fast on the eleventh of Muharram instead.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) said:

"Observe the fast of Aashora and oppose the Jews.  Fast a day before it or a day after."

(Baihaqi)

  Hence, it is important to either fast on the ninth and the tenth or the tenth and the eleventh of Muharram.  To fast only on the day of Aashora is Makrooh as stated by Allamah Ibn Aabideen Shaami.

One should be generous on one's family and dependants and spend more on them than what is normally spent.
Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) said:

"One who generously spends on his family on the day of Aashora, Allah will increase (his provision) for the whole year." (Baihaqi)

*

These are the actions supported by Ahadeeth.

Let us observe this great day according to the ways of Rasulullah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) and the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu-Anhum), and refrain from all innovations which deprive us of the blessings from Almighty Allah.

 

May Allah guide us all upon the Straight Path and save us from every act which brings His displeasure.

 

Ameen.

 

"THE POST EXAM AND FESTIVE PERIOD"

 "THE POST EXAM AND FESTIVE PERIOD"

 

 

 

 The Warning of the Qur'ân

 

"O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from the fire.."(Quran-Surah 66 -6)

 

An Earnest Appeal to Parents

 The post exam is a period of care-free relaxation and indulgence. It is the common practice of students during this interim to indulge in frivolous pursuits not to mention haraam and abominable actions. It is un-Islamic to get involved in those activities which attract the wrath of Allah. It is extreme foolishness and utter dimwittedness to indulge in things which Allah has, explicitly through the Qur'aan Majeed and Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam, forbade us from.

 It is the objective of shaytaan, the accursed, to deviate the Muslimeen from the obedience of Allah and Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam, by means of false promises and the notion that such - and - such an activity is wide-spread and therefore acceptable. 0 parents, take heed of the warning given by Allah and inculcate this awareness in our youth, for whom Allah has made us responsible.

 

"Lo! All of you are leaders and shall be questioned on the day of Judgement in respect of your trust. So, the king is head unto his subjects and shall be question in respect of them, the husband is a head unto his wife and shall be questioned in respect of her, the wife is a head unto her husband's house and the children, and shall be questioned in respect of them all; the slave is-a watchman unto his master's effects and shall be questioned in respect of those. So you all shepherds and you shall be questioned in respect of that entrusted to you." (Bhukhari - Muslim)

 Parents, Are you Prepared to see your Beloved Burning ?

 

 If a child is set alight, flailing his arms and screaming in agony, will any respected human being, forget a parent, be able to witness such horror without it affecting the heart and forcing the body into action, to extinguish such fire? It is not possible for any person to be a passive spectator in such an event. Therefore, how is it possible for us as parents to allow our children to engage in activities which only paves the way to ultimate destruction, i.e. Jahannam, not to mention, the Jahannam we light in our hearts right here in this earthly life when we suddenly realize that our dear children have become involved in some destructive addiction or haraam relationship. By then it is too late. Let us act now and secure our youths future.

 

 Parents! Allah's commandments are being broken without any fear of causing the anger of Allah, thus leading them to the fire of Jahannam. What are we doing to save our dear and beloved ones?A man's daughter, sister and wife are all over the world held in very high esteem by the family members, and as such, regarded sacred, so much so that if a stranger happens to molest them, it is almost synonymous to death to the families of these people. History bears witness to the fact that, in order to preserve one's honour and dignity, a dignified person leaves no stone unturned even if he has to spend every cent he possesses to achieve this end. Today, despite widespread permissiveness, this inherent attitude in man still prevails very strongly, yet we Muslims show indifference and continue recklessly along the path of degradation and destruction. History bears witness that no nation on the earth was able to retain its power, glory and strength when it chose to disregard the law of Allah that governed it. Obedience to and respect for the law of Allah is the only means wherewith a nation can retain its dignity, power and glory. Flagrant disobedience of Allah's law leads to certain destruction. Shall we then go on to aid and abet the un-Islamic order of society and way of life, and thereby cause Muslims to be annihilated?  

On the other hand, every Islamically respectful manner and dignified attitude has been abandoned and jettisoned by Muslims countrywide. It is hurtful and repugnant to see that Muslims regard permissiveness and everything that Allah abhors as lawful and dignified, thus inviting the wrath and anger of Allah.They care not, and remain unmindful of crossing the boundaries set out by Allah for the preservation of human dignity and instead they indulge freely and willfully in the taking of intoxicants which is declared by Allah to be the storehouse and mother of all sins, which are abominable to Allah.

 

Some Despicable Activities commonly engaged in by the Youth:

 

1.  Parties

2.  Time being spent at evil places

3.  Associating with friends who have evil habits

4.  Alcohol and drugs

5.  Gang fights

6.  Pornography

7.  Cellphone/mobile/internet chatrooms [such as Mix it etc]

8.  Returning home in the early parts of the morning[especially during christmas and new years eve]

9.  Intermingling of sexes

10. Zina (adultery, fornication) 

 

The Solution

Ø      Do not send them to school after exams unless proper control and supervsion is present.

Ø      To keep them busy.Explore contructive deeni ways to keep them occupied.

Ø      Encourage reading of good Islamic Books.

Ø      To send the males in the path of Allah

Ø      Females to participate in taleemi programmes and da'wah activities held in the neighbourhood.

Ø      To assist widows and the sick

Ø      Males to participate in volunteer work e.g. any Islamic activities supported and supervised by Ulema.

Ø      Visiting patients in hospital

Ø      And if your children wish to go on any outings then accompany them to such places, if such places are Islamically acceptable, otherwise prohibit them from going.

Ø      Try and engage in ISLAMIC ACTIVITIES like memorization of Qur'an and the Zikr of Allah.

Ø      Make available some good Islamic cd's such as lectures, nasheeds,quran,zikr etc

Ø      Ensure punctuality in Prayers at its FIXED times.

*SPEND AS MUCH TIME AS POSSIBLE WITH YOUR KIDS!!!!!...There is NO substitute to Parental Guidance & Supervision!!!!

IMPORTANT: Don't forget to ask Allah for Protection & Help as Nothing can be achieved without the help of Allah!

 

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam has informed us that the Dua of a father in favour of his child is definitely accepted by Allah! (Timidhi, Ibne Majah)-Hadith

Another year gone....

Another year gone....

 

Staring at the calendar it's impossible not to notice that there are just two pages left on the calendar and November is almost over. Where did the time go? Where did the year go? What did we do with the time? Questions without answers, but there are answers. The answers are in how we spend our time. Every one of us is given the same 24hours in a day, the same 86'400 minutes for the year. What we choose to do with it is entirely up to us. As the adage goes:

            Bad News is that time flies. The good news is that you are the pilot.

More than the time lost are the lost moments. Opportunities to share precious moments lost when we focussed on 'more important' things. Events and objects that we have attached importance to and given them a valuable space in a major part of our lives – our jobs, careers, enjoyment are all important but not as important as the people around us. To date no one has been recorded as saying while on his deathbed "I should have spent more time at the office."  This touching story brings the point home with stark reality:

While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a lady on a bench near a playground. "That's my son over there," she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.

"He's a fine looking boy" the lady said. "That's my daughter on the bike in the white dress." Then, looking at her watch, she called to her daughter. "What do you say we go, Melissa?"

Melissa pleaded, "Just five more minutes, Mum Please? Just five more minutes."

The lady nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart's content. Minutes passed and the mother stood and called again to her daughter. "Time to go now?"

Again Melissa pleaded, "Five more minutes, Mum. Just five more minutes."

The lady smiled and said, "OK."

"My, you certainly are a patient mother," the woman responded.

The lady smiled and then said, "Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent much time with Tommy and now I'd give anything for just five more minutes with him. I've vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa. She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get five more minutes to watch her play."

Life is all about making priorities, what are your priorities?
Give someone you love 5 more minutes of your time today. So drop the pens, pots, money and just make the time to give someone you love a call or a hug just for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala That opportunity may not arise again so grab it and make it a moment to remember. . And give thanks to Allah that He granted us such special people in our lives – people without whom life would be constrained and devoid of pleasure.

Time is not about counting the moments but about making the moments count.

Holidays Can be Real Fun!!!

Holidays Can

be Real Fun!!!

 

Some ways of

making your kids

vacation more

 

rewarding

 

During the vacation there is a good opportunity to recharge our kids spiritual batteries and start afresh in daily activities. It is a joyous period and a unique break from our busy schedules. Most of us welcome vacations for its fun. It is good to have fun but this must always be done by not compromising the Islamic way of life!!!

By the same token, it is not a bad idea to take time out during these pressure-free holidays to reflect and possibly change our positions and life for the better.

There is an area that is largely ignored by parents when they go on holidays and that is how to guide their children and teenagers to a sin-free vacation. Very often, the newer generations of Muslims growing up in the West have little guidance and sometimes even less knowledge of the Islamic rules that govern our Islamic way of life and they often end up imitating the free unislamic western lifestyle that surrounds them.

 No doubt, if we don't take a proactive approach to maintaining our iman (faith), we might really lose it. The vacation represents an ideal opportunity to boost one's deen (religion). However if it's spent inappropriately, it can lead to disastrous consequences. If we truly value our faith, it is imperative that we use this opportunity to its fullest extent.

Parents have a great responsibility to guide their children to an Islamic lifestyle and to provide a vice-free environment. They should use all available strategies to carry out this responsibility effectively and successfully. This can be achieved by attempting to implement the following tips:

PRAYER -  Parents should ensure that prayers are performed punctually and be keen to pray on time, especially when their children are with them. This will help the children learn the importance of prayer and the value of time. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as said, "Refresh yourselves with Prayer…" (Hadith Al-Bukhari).Men should perform prayer at the Masjid.However if on vacation a Masjid is not close by then pray together as a family. Prayer in Jamaat is better than praying alone. Children love to call azan. Make the youngest one the salaat manager, taking care of prayer rugs, timing, and inviting everyone to salaat.

 ENVIRONMENT- Always remain within an environment that is free from sin. Psychologist emphasize that environment has a great effect on the upbringing of kids. Plan visits to places that do not in any way encroach on our Islamic way of life. Parents should try to keep their children and teenagers away from the immoral scenes that people usually see in holiday resorts during vacations. The free intermingling of sexes is totally prohibited in Islam. Children are vulnerable and very easily succumb to peer pressure. Parents need to be diplomatically assertive in emphasizing Islamic values.

INTERACT- Regular interaction with your children is vital. Teach them through cool behaviour. Trying to appear "cool" in front of their peers during adolescence brings tremendous pressure on children. "Children often don't feel that their parents know what's cool and what's happening, so they turn to their peer group for the answers by trying to imitate them. By starting regular interaction while your children are young, parents can ensure that their kids will use them as their role models and not their peer groups. Time spent with children enhances the parent-child relationship, so that in their later life children will emulate their parents' values and attitudes and that makes the gift of time the greatest gift of all.

  

TEACH- Vacations are an excellent opportunity to teach our kids in an interactive way. Plan tasks, projects, games which have an Islamic flavour to it. Parents should take the vacations as an opportunity to indirectly set good examples to their children for cooperation, kindness, and truthfulness. Learn and teach the rules of Islam in a interactive way. Encourage the reading of Qurán and Hadith. Encourage the kids to have Taalim.[Islamic education] Better still, the parents should join in Taalimi programs. Competitions in memorizing the Qur'an and learning the hadith should be encouraged to help inculcate real commitment to the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

READ- Kids have loads of time and will become easily bored if not kept occupied. Introduce them to good Islamic books. Reading material should be carefully selected as you don't want your kids to be adversely affected by unislamic literature. Parents should seize the opportunity of their free time in the holidays to tell their children stories from the Qur'an that impart good morals, enhance spirituality and help build an upright character. Tell or read to your children stories on some nights before bed. There are lots of excellent Islamic stories and books available that you can use or you can make up your own. At the same time, you will be helping your children develop Islamic character.

CO-OPERATION -Muslim parents should help disseminate the cooperative spirit among their sons and daughters during the holidays. This can be achieved by teaching the children the benefits of working together and learning to be patient in achieving their goals, in an attempt to make them realize the importance of teamwork. Reward them where necessary. The family unit is the basis of a good society.

SPORTS- Sports can be a great contributor to building the kids physically and spiritually. Choose such activities that support an Islamic spirit and identity. Ensure that these activities do not encroach on their deen. For example when the time of prayer approaches, let them pray first and then resume their sporting activities. Teach them to use Islamic words in their activities. Instead of saying WOW! Let them say ALLAHU AKBAR[Allah is the Greatest], let them start by saying Bismillah[I begin in the name of Allah] etc. In this way they will be making zikr[remembering Allah]. To be physically fit is part of deen. Swimming, Archery , Horse Riding, Athletics are strongly recommended. The Messenger of Allah(pbuh) even raced with his beloved wife Aisha(RA).

HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITIES- Parents can motivate their kids to bake, clean the garage, re-organize their rooms, help set the table for guests etc. If necessary a roster can be drawn up.

ZIKR[remembering Allah]- Let them spend time making Zikr, Reciting Quran, Making dua etc Get a book on the virtues of good deeds and read it to them. Fazaile Amaal [Virtues of Good Deeds] is an excellent book. Then let them practically do it so they get accustomed to making zikr. The Messenger of Allah [pbuh] informed us that we will not regret about anything in this life accept the time spent without zikr. Verily, in the Zikr of Allah do hearts find peace." (Surah Ra'd) ... "Verily, the remembrance of Allah is the greatest." (Surah Ahzaab) [Qurán]

PLAN AN EVENT- Try organising one weekly treat that you all do together. Bring your kids in on the act and ask them where they want to go this weekend. It may be the zoo, it may be an outing or it may just be going shopping. But it is a great idea to go on an outing with them on a regular basis. These little treats will be exciting for your kids and will remind you that it can be fun to be a parent. Organise a family gathering, Go as a family out in the Path of Allah, a picnic, a sightseeing tour, a day to the zoo, stop off for ice cream or to feed the birds in the park, visit the local orphanage, a visit to the kiddies section in the local hospital etc. Be innovative within the confinements of Sharia.

GARDENING- Gardening is an excelling way to keep them occupied and bring them closer to Allah. Let them have their own vegetable patches, let them plant flowers etc. Explain to them about Beauty of Allah in His creation

PLAY- Play with your children. You could play ball, colour pictures, build toy houses from blocks, or do whatever they like. Let your children help you with simple tasks. Prophet Mohammed (Pbuh) was especially fond of children and used to get into the spirit of childish games in their company. He would have fun with the children who had come back from Abyssinia and tried to speak in Abyssinian with them. It was his practice to give lifts on his camel to children when he returned from journeys. (Bukhari).

LOVE- Show your children in simple ways that you love them. Some parents try to appeal to their children by showering them with gifts rather than giving of themselves. This may cause more harm than good. The simple example of Prophet Muhammad[pbuh].When his daughter Fatima (May Allah be pleased with her) would come to him, the Prophet[pbuh] used to stand up, kiss her, take her hand, and give her his seat. Later in life, this personal type of affection will be much more memorable to children than receiving a gift that anyone could have given them. Don't buy their love- Win it!!!

SIN: Ensure a sin free vacation. Cinemas, Movies, Immoral PC games, Discos, etc will harm their Imaan. Instead of playing haraam music rather buy some good Islamic CD's for them.

FRIENDS-The most important element of a successful vacation from an Islamic perspective is the company that our kids keep. Friends will either make or break our deen (religion). If a kid finds himself hanging out with non-Muslim classmates who are doing haraam it will have a negative bearing on his Imaan. Company of deeni[pious] and knowledgeable people is a great boon. For boys going out with other youth in the Path of Allah is an excellent way to be in good company. The Family could also go out together. In an authentic Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look at whom you befriend." Tactfully persuade them to choose such friends who will be positively and islamically influence their character. The company our kids keep will have a profound effect on their imaan and personality!

Vacations can be spiritually enriching for both parents and kids PROVIDED we do things Islamically correct. It is an excellent opportunity to develop our kids character and uplift their Imaan!

The Messenger of Allah [pbuh] said:"The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character." (Hadith-Sahih Bukhari)