Al-Maktab Newsletter & Activities
Muhtaram Ulama / Muallimaat
Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu
Please find attached….
- Al-Maktab Newsletter (Topic: The Month of Ramadhaan)
- Ramadhaan Fasting chart (For Grade R,1 and 2 learners)
- Maamoolaat form for senior students (Grade 3 upwards)
- Chart of 70 000 Kalimah Tayyibah
- Please print these attachments and hand out to the pupils before Ramadhaan. Discuss each chart with the pupils and show them how to fill it in.
Also encourage the pupils in Grade 5,6 and 7 to try and complete one khatam of the Qur-aan Shareef during Ramadhaan.
At the end of Ramadhaan, prizes can be given to those younger pupils (grade 1,2,3) who kept all their fasts and senior pupils who completed one khatam of the Qur-aan Shareef.
May Allah Ta’ala bless us all with an accepted Ramadhaan and give us all the taufeeq (ability) to spend our time correctly in the ibaadat of Allah Ta’ala during this blessed month.
Was Salaam
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The 15th Night of Sha’baan (Laylatul Bara’ah)
Introduction
Allah Ta’ala has given us many opportunities to enjoy His special mercy and forgiveness. The 15th night of Sha’baan is also one very special opportunity that comes only once a year.
Many Ahaadith explain the tremendous virtues of this night. Countless number of people are forgiven by Allah Ta’ala during this blessed night. It is due to this reason that it is called ‘The Night of Bara’ah’ (i.e. the night wherein Allah Ta’ala makes a decision to save people from the fire of Jahannam). It is a special night in which Allah Ta’ala looks at the people of the earth with mercy.
Allah Ta’ala blesses us with this opportunity to prepare and cleanse ourselves before the blessed month of Ramadhaan arrives.
Virtues of this night
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said, ‘This is the middle night of Sha’baan. Allah Ta’ala looks upon His slaves on this night and forgives those who seek forgiveness and bestows His mercy upon those who make dua for mercy but leaves out those who have hatred (against another Muslim) as they were before, (and does not forgive them unless they clean their hearts from malice).
Hadhrat Aaishah (radiyallahu anha) has reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “This is the middle night of Sha’baan. Allah Ta’ala frees a large number of people from the fire on this night, more than the number of the hair growing on the sheep of the tribe of Kalb.”
The tribe of Kalb was a large tribe in Madinah, the members of which owned many sheep. Therefore, the last sentence of the Hadith indicates the large number of people forgiven on this night by Allah Ta’ala.
From the very beginning of this night, Allah Ta’ala turns His special mercy and attention towards the creation and forgives those who repent and seek forgiveness.
Every Muslim should therefore value this night. Turn towards Allah Ta’ala with sincere regret and shame over the sins we have committed and make a promise never to return to sin again. Seek the forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala for oneself and for all Muslims, living and deceased. Have firm hope and determination in one’s heart that Allah Ta’ala will surely show mercy on us and forgive our sins.
Announcements
On this night, Allah Ta’ala descends to the first sky and announces, “Is there anyone seeking forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking sustenance that I may grant it to him? Is there anyone in any difficulty that I may relieve him?” These announcements continue till the time of Fajar.
Those who are deprived
It is mentioned in a Hadith that on this night Allah Ta’ala does not cast a glance of mercy at a person who:
- Associates partners with Him. (Commits shirk)
- Who harbours hatred in his heart (against someone)
- Who cuts off family ties
- Who leaves his pants hanging below his ankles
- Who disobeys his parents
- Who commits adultery
- Who commits murder
- Who has a habit of drinking wine.’
- What should be done on this night?
In order to obtain maximum benefit from this great night, one should allocate a specific portion of the night for the ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala. Dua and Istighfaar (repentance) should be our main priority. Make intention of seeking Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure and the reformation of one’s inner self. The following are some of the ibaadaat we can practice on.
1. Salaah: Salaah is one of the most preferable acts to be performed during this night. There is no particular number of rakaats, but preferably it should not be less than eight. It is also advisable that each part of the Salaah like Qiyaam (standing), Ruku and Sajdah should be longer than normal. Also try and recite as much Qiraat (Qur-aan recitation) in salaah as possible. If possible perform Salaatut Tasbeeh.
2. Tilaawah: The recitation of the Qur-aan Shareef is another form of worship that is very beneficial on this night. After performing Salaah, or at any other time, one should recite as much of the Qur-aan Shareef as possible.
3. Zikr: Engage one’s tongue and heart in the zikr of Allah Ta’ala. Zikr can also be recited while walking, lying on the bed and during other hours of work or leisure.
4. Dua: The best benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is dua. Dua itself is a great form of ibaadat and Allah Ta’ala grants a reward for each dua that a person makes.
5. Durood: One should also recite abundant durood upon Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). If possible, read the 40 Durood and Salaam.
Women who cannot perform Salaah, nor recite the Qur-aan Shareef, should engage in reciting any form of zikr, tasbeeh, durood shareef and dua asking Allah Ta’ala for their needs in whatever language they wish. They can also recite the Arabic Duas mentioned in the Qur-aan Shareef or in the Ahaadith with the intention of dua.
5. Fasting: On the day immediately following the Night of Baraah, i.e. the 15th of Sha’baan, it is mustahab (preferable) to keep a fast.
What happens on Laylatul Bara’ah
By: Shaikhul Hadeeth, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi (RA)
The Malaaikah are issued instructions for the whole year on this one particular night of the year. They are assigned duties for the year and informed that such and such things have been decreed for such and such person.
Many a man is engrossed in sports and pastimes while, in the heavens above, orders have gone out for his arrest. It has been decreed that he will suffer death and no one can intercede with Allah Ta’ala, or appeal to Him, to change His decree! Nor can the decreed hour of a man’s death be delayed by even a minute! A Hadith reports Ibne Abbaas (radiyallahu anhu) as saying: ‘You will notice that a person is walking about in the bazaars, though his name has been recorded in the list of those who are destined to die in that year.” Abu Nadhrah (radiyallahu anhu) says: “On this night, the angels are assigned their duties for the whole year. Orders are issued about the means of welfare apportioned for the year, about the evils to be suffered, about the sustenance to be provided, about the people destined to die, about the afflictions and about the high or low prices of commodities.”
‘Ikramah (radiyallahu anhu) says, “On the middle night of Sha’ban (Laylatul Bara’ah), all the events decreed for the year are assigned to the angels. The lists of people destined to die, and of those who will perform Hajj during the year are handed over to the angels. No changes can be made to these lists’
According to another Hadith, Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] once said: “(On this night), the angels are given the names of people who are going to die during the year from one Sha’baan to the next, with the specific hours of death destined for each person. Many a man gets married in this world and a child is born to him while, in the heavens above, his name has been recorded in the list of the dead.”
Hadhrat Aaishah (radiyallahu anha) says: “Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] used to fast very frequently during Sha’baan, for it is in this month that a list is prepared of those who are destined to die during the year. And many a man is engaged in getting married while, in the heavens above, his name has been recorded among the dead; or, again, a man is preparing for Hajj while his name has been enlisted among the dead.”
Another Hadith reports that once Hadhrat Aaishah (radiyallahu anha) asked Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] why he fasted more frequently in the month of Sha’baan, to which he replied: “In this month, a record is made of those who are destined to die during the year and I wish that, when my name is recorded in the list of the dead, I should be fasting.”
A Hadith says that, every year, on the middle night of Sha’baan, Allah Ta’ala informs Izraeel (alayhis salaam), the Angel of Death, about all those who are destined to die during the year. [Fazaail-e-Sadaqaat Page 653-654]
Important tips for this mubaarak night
The Mubaarak night starts from Maghrib. Therefore, one should commence whatever Ibaadat you can from the Maghrib Salaah.
Perform the Esha and Fajar Salaah with Jamaat. It is mentioned in a Hadith that one who performs the Esha and Fajar Salaah with Jamaat earns the reward of staying awake the entire night in Ibaadat.
Make as much Ibaadat as possible before going to sleep. Don’t allow shaytaan to deceive you saying that, “Go to sleep and wake up early for Tahajjud.” You may never wake up and the entire night will be lost.
Shaytaan makes one very tired when engaging in Ibaadat. Hence to combat this, keep on changing from one Ibaadat to another. e.g. recite Qur-aan Shareef, thereafter make zikr, then do some kitaab reading, then read durood shareef, etc. and continue your Ibaadat in this manner.
The following are some of the Ibaadaat we can engage in on this mubaarak night;
- Recitation of Qur-aan Shareef
- Performing of Salaah (Tahajjud, Salaatut Taubah, Salaatush Shukar, Salaatul Hajaat, etc.)
- Performing of Salaatut Tasbeeh
- Istighfaar (at least 1000 times)
- Zikr of First Kalimah, Third Kalimah, etc.
- Recitation of Durood Shareef
- Reading the Hizbul Azam or Munaajaat-e-Maqbool
- Collective ta’leem of Fazaail-e-Ramadhaan
- Learn your Qur-aan lessons for tomorrow
- Engage in fervent dua
- Do some collective ibaadat with the entire family e.g. zikr, durood shareef, ta’leem and dua. You may make the dua and the children in the home can say Aameen to the dua. May Allah Ta’ala bless us all with bara’ah (freedom) from the fire of Jahannam. Aameen.
Dua for Laylatul Bara’ah
Hadhrat Aaishah (radiyallahu anha) says, “I heard Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) reading this dua in sajdah on this night. Thereafter he said to me, ‘Learn this dua and teach it to others. Jibra’eel (alayhis salaam) taught this dua to me.’”
اَعُوْذُ بِعَفْوِكَ مِنْ عِقَابِكَ وَاَعُوْذُ بِرِضَاكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ وَاَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْكَ جَلَّ وَجْهُكَ لَااُحْصِىْ ثَنَاءً عَلَيْكَ اَنْتَ كَمَا اَثْنَيْتَ عَلٰى نَفْسِكَ
Aauzu bi’afwika min ‘iqaabika wa ‘aoozu bi ridhaaka min sakhatika wa ‘aoozu minka jalla wajuka laa uhsee sanaa an ‘alayka anta kama asnayta ‘ala nafsik
Translation: I seek protection in Your forgiveness from Your punishment and I seek shelter in Your pleasure from Your displeasure; and I seek safety in You, from You. Glory be to You. I am unable to fully praise You. You are as you have praised Yourself. [Shu’bul Imaan # 3556]
15th night of Sha’baan (Laylatul Baraa’ah)
Working with High School Pupils
Maktab Classes for High School Pupils
Re: Maktab Classes for High School Pupils
Question:
Respected Moulana, Assalaamu alaykum warahamtaullahi wabarakaatuhu.
I would please like Moulana’s advice on the following:
It is becoming extremely concerning that our children are not carrying on with Madrasah or any Deeni activity after completing Grade Seven maktab. The conditions at schools are very worrying which warrant our children being in the environment of Deen, especially when they are now older and more understanding.
There aren’t many maktab institutes that accommodate our high school learners that I know off.
I would like to start encouraging our children to attend Madrasah even when they are attending high school.
We don’t have the facilities, or a Moulana or an Apa or even funding for this but I feel that if we do not take the initiative to start it, we are going to lose our children.
What does Moulana feel? Should we start with the classes, even if it be for 1 child for now or should we rather concentrate on maktab and not take on so much?
It is our sincere dua that all maktabs carry on till grade 12.
Please advise
Concerned Teacher
Baitul Ilm, PM Burg
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Answer:
Muhtaram
May Allah Ta’ala reward you for your concern. Indeed, this is a great need right now in the Ummah. Every maktab should endeavour to continue with classes after grade 7. This must be included into our maktab structures.
Hadhrat Moulana Saeed Khan Saahib (RA) used to emphasise on this fact that we are teaching little children who are not mukallaf (the laws of Shariat do not apply to them). What about those who are mukallaf? What have we done for them?
For a start we should try and start off a class for boys and girls even if it is only twice a week. There are always complaints from parents that children have too much of work and cannot manage to come to Madrasah. Hence twice a week from 3:30 to 5:00 maybe easily possible for many pupils.
The focus must be more on tarbiyat and advice. Try to befriend them. Don’t shout them and don’t treat them like little children. Remember that they are doing us a favour by coming to Madrasah. Many students have questions and doubts in their minds that need to be answered. This is an excellent forum for them to ask whatever is in their minds.
Furthermore, it’s a good chance for them to recite some Qur-aan Shareef for the week. Many children don’t read any Qur-aan at all during the week.
Make a poster in the beginning of the year and send it out to the community. Put one copy on the Masjid board as well.
The program or timetable should be as follows;
- Qur-aan recitation with emphasis on fluency and tajweed
- Revision of Surahs and Duas – Additional Surahs and duas could also be taught
- History — Seeratul Mujtaba (The life of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam)
- Fiqh — Ta’leemul Haq
- Practical wudhu and Salaah
- General discussions and Q & A
- End of with some Ta’leem of Fazaail-e-Aamaal/Sadaqaat and zikr
On a Saturday, once a month or once in six weeks, the girls could be called in to do some home economics like baking, sewing, etc. The boys can be taken in Jamaat or other youth activities.
General Advice when Teaching High School Pupils
Keep the following points in mind:
- High School pupils cannot be treated like maktab children. We should feel like they are doing us a favour by coming to Madrasah. If we are a little harsh or hard with them, they will leave Madrasah and we will end up being the losers.
- Show lots of love and Ikraam to these pupils. Hadhrat Moulana Ilyaas Saahib (rahmatullahi alayh) used to say that we have no right to tell a student anything until such a time that he respects our shoes like how he respects bread.
- To plant a seed, one has to first prepare the soil. This takes lots of time. If you plant seeds directly in the beach sand, nothing will grow. But if you prepare the soil and then plant the seeds, you will harvest a beautiful crop. This preparing of the soil is called zehn saazi (making the mind of the person) and this takes lots of time. Once the zehn is made, they will listen to anything you say.
- Assign them to the care of Allah Ta’ala and make lots of dua for them. Daily the Ustaaz must take out time and make dua for them. Remember that Hadhrat Umar (radiyallahu anhu) was the outcome of the dua of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
- Speak to them one on one. i.e. call them separately and speak to them alone. Hadhrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Saahib (DB) says, “Over the years I have found this to be the most effective way of making students understand.”
Remember that your work will not go to waste. Whatever effort you made on these students must show its colours one day.
May Allah accept our broken efforts and crown them with success. Aameen.
Was Salaam,
Ta’limi Board (KZN)