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Name: Wardina Sahira Binti Zulkifli

Nickname: Wardina / Wa

Matric No: 2310074

Kulliyah: Kulliyah of Education (TESL)

Year of study: 2nd Year, 1st Semester

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I valued myself as an introverted learner with a determined spirit. I find joy in quiet moments spent at home with family and close friends, valuing those who truly appreciate me. While I enjoy my own company, I also find fulfillment in helping others and creating connections with those who cherish meaningful connection. In my free time, you'll likely find me listening to my comfort playlists, taking a peacefulness walk with nature and simply appreciating the present moment to the fullest.

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Email: wardinasahiraz@gmail.com

Whatsapp: https://wa.me/60183914500

Instagram: wrdna.sz

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This was my first face-to-face session for this class, and a wave of nervousness washed over me. Signing up solo for a new course with unfamiliar faces left me feeling a bit out of place. However, the session went much better than I expected. I met our Naqibah, Sr. Sofia, who is not only incredibly vibrant but also very kind. Through introductions session, I started to connect with some of my classmates.

Sr. Sofia also laid out the course structure and upcoming assignments, giving me a clear roadmap for this course and preparing me for what's to come. Overall, this session was a great way to break the ice and I also felt a little bit relieve after successfully went through this first session.

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Sr. Sofia sent us an audio lesson on the concept of Adab, particularly Adab in learning knowledge. Listening to the audio, I learned some examples of Adab in Islam and its benefits for everyone. Moreover, I also need to make a list of important timestamps based on this audio. Capturing important timestamps at first felt confusing, but surprisingly, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the task!

Much to my surprise, I ended up jotting down many more timestamps than expected. (Maybe I got a little carried away – my notes ended up more detailed than some of my classmates, hehe.) The experience felt more like listening to an informative podcast, all while gaining valuable knowledge.

On a personal note, Sr. Sofia's warm and sweet voice made the learning process even more enjoyable. Her closing remarks, reminding us to prioritize self-care and remain patient on the learning journey, really touched me.

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Sr. Sofia threw us into a group task today! She put us in random groups for the task. I ended up in Group 5 with some new faces. It was great meeting everyone! Our topic was how the Hadith Jibreel relates to Adab in learning.

We were all a bit shy at first, but as we discussed the topic, we slowly warmed up and felt more comfortable with each other. My part of the presentation was about the importance of dressing properly when seeking knowledge. I was happy that Sr. Sofia seemed to agree with my opinion!

By the end of the day, I made new friends, and I hope our group continues to work well together on future tasks.

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This week in Usrah, Sr. Sofia reviewed the Hadith Jibreel, which talks about the core aspects of Islam. She explained that there are three main pillars: Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. Muslims should believe in and practice the teachings outlined in the Rukuns (pillars) of Islam and Iman. Sr. Sofia emphasized the importance of Ihsan, which completes the foundation of faith and action.

She also highlighted that Islam is a universal religion, suitable for all people regardless of background. Finally, Sr. Sofia reminded everyone that following the Quran and Sunnah is essential for Muslims to live a righteous life. Even though attendance was low this week, I enjoyed the session and gained valuable knowledge!

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Sr. Sofia explains in this session of Usrah that the very foundation of our faith is believing in Allah SWT. This belief goes beyond just knowing He exists, but truly having faith in our hearts.

The First Pillar: Belief in Allah's Existence

While we cannot see or hear Allah SWT directly, He has provided us with countless signs that point to His existence. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is filled with beautiful verses (Ayat) that describe the wonders of the world around us. These verses can be a source of great comfort and guidance, especially during difficult times.

Sr. Sofia also suggests a powerful technique to deepen our connection with Allah SWT while reading Quran. By replacing the word "servant" with our own names, we can personalize the message and feel a stronger bond with Allah SWT.

The Second Pillar: Belief in Allah's Power

We must believe in Allah SWT's ultimate power. He is our Creator, and because of that, we have a duty to follow His commandments and avoid things He has forbidden. Unfortunately, many people today become slaves to worldly desires like wealth and possessions, forgetting the true purpose in life.

The Third Pillar: Belief in Allah's Ownership

We must believe that Allah owns everything in the universe. This includes our possessions, our health, and even the sustenance we receive each day. Trusting that Allah determines our provisions helps us live with gratitude and contentment.

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Today's Usrah session was really informative! I got to watch presentations by other groups on some interesting topics.

The first group discussed whether Adab (manners) or Ahkam (rulings) were more important. They explained that while following the rules is crucial, having good manners is just as important.

Another group's presentation focused on how to cherish life. They shared ideas about appreciating the blessings we have, like our family and health. They also mentioned using our time wisely to do good things and help others. This presentation made me think about how I can be more grateful for the things in my life.

The last presentation explored why our faith (Iman) is always tested. It was a powerful reminder that tests help us grow stronger. They also explained that these tests help us grow closer to Allah. This presentation reminded me of the importance of staying strong during challenging times.

Overall, I learned a lot from these presentations and feel grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a knowledgeable and inspiring session.

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Our Usrah session today had another interesting presentation and lecture from Sr. Sofia!

First, a group presented on whether stories with bad endings are always bad for us. It made me think about how even sad stories can teach us valuable lessons.

Sr. Sofia then built on this idea by talking about the next pillars of Iman (faith). One is believing in the holy books (kitab). We learned that Muslims believe all scriptures come from Allah and are fair to humanity. They contain laws, advice, and Allah's promises, like heaven for good deeds and hell for bad ones. The four main scriptures are the Tawrat, Injil, Zabur and Quran. Unlike the Quran, which remains unchanged, some earlier scriptures have different versions.

Next, Sr. Sofia explained believing in the prophets. We learned that Allah sent prophets to guide us, with some receiving revelations just for themselves (nabi) and others tasked with spreading the message (rasul). These prophets delivered Allah's commands, set good examples, and made things easier for us to understand.

Sr. Sofia also discussed believing in the afterlife (akhirat). Here, everyone will be judged based on their deeds, leading to heaven or hell. This reminds us that every action has consequences and motivates us to prepare for the afterlife. We also learned about the Siratul Mustaqim and the reward of heaven for faithful Muslims.

Sr. Sofia concluded by talking about believing in qada and qadar. This means we believe Allah has planned our overall journey, but we still have free will to make choices. For example, Allah might give us wealth, but we choose how to use it – for good or bad deeds. The outcome is in Allah's hands, but our choices determine how we get there. This reminds us to be responsible for our actions and strive to make good choices.

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Today marks the bittersweet conclusion of our Usrah class with Sr. Sofia and my beloved classmates. In this final session, Sr Sofia discussed about eschatology, the study of the end times. She reminded us that the Quran itself mentions the signs of the Day of Judgement, along with supporting narrations from the hadiths.

Sr Sofia emphasized that interpreting these signs is a task best left to the ulama, the religious scholars. Our focus, she explained, should be on achieving ihsan, a state of excellence in our worship and deeds, driven by the knowledge that Allah sees us at all times.

After that, my group and I presented our designated topic in front of everyone. Following the presentations, we also need to put our lesson into practice by acting them out. My groups and I need to demonstrate proper adab while learning and seeking knowledge.

Even though I felt quite sad as this course has come to an end, a sense of relief also prevails as I reflect on the challenges overcome and knowledge gained. I am grateful to have successfully navigated this course with the guidance of Sr. Sofia, whose kindness and consideration fostered a positive learning environment. This Usrah class also gave me an opportunity to connect with such a wonderful group of people. Overall, I sincerely hope that everyone, myself included, manages to pass this course with success.

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WHY WE NEED TO STUDY MORE TO IMPROVE OUR AMAL?

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WHY WE NEED TO STUDY MORE TO IMPROVE OUR AMAL?

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Our team recently had the opportunity to present on the crucial topic of "Why We Need to Study More to Improve Our Amal". The presentation focused on four key areas: fostering spiritual growth, strengthening our Iman (faith), combating ignorance and misconceptions, and acquiring a deeper understanding of Islamic principles. I specifically focused on the importance of combating ignorance and misconceptions, highlighting how a lack of knowledge can hinder our ability to perform righteous deeds accurately.

After several weeks of preparation and overcoming technical challenges that delayed our presentation, we were finally able to deliver our findings to fellow classmates. It was a moment of relief to share our research and insights. We hope our presentation not only benefited them but also presented new knowledge and deepened their understanding of the Islamic faith

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The world knew him for his amazing creations, art that touched millions and comforted countless people. But his journey to success wasn't easy. He didn't have a lot of money, but his love for what his did was strong. As teenagers, he was constantly working on his craft, writing, and composing. It wasn't always smooth sailing, even his family worried about his choices. But he never gave up, his determination was incredible.

But success didn't shield him from the internal battles. This admired artist, just like the younger me, had also struggled with mental health. What inspired me most was his courage to not let it win. He used his sadness to make his art even more powerful, turning his pain into something everyone could understand.

His creations weren't just expressions for me, they were a lifeline. When I felt lost and alone, his art was a light, a silent way of saying "you're not by yourself." This artist's story is a reminder of how strong people can be. It is a reminder that even when things are tough and we have dark times, we can still achieve our dreams. His story, like so many others, inspires millions, including me, to never stop chasing what we believe in.

"What didn't kill me only made me stronger and I begin to bloom like a lotus flower once again." - Amygdala

"You, who sacrifice your sleep for your dreams, it's okay to rest. For today, don't even dream" - Snooze

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one of the memories captured through the programme

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Starting out at IIUM can be nerve-wracking, especially during your early weeks. That's exactly how I felt when I joined a program called "Spill the Identi-Tea" during my first semester. Being new, I barely knew anyone and walked in feeling pretty awkward. Thankfully, my roommates also tagged along, making things a little less lonely.

The program kicked off with a delightful mini potluck! There were all sorts of delicious treats, from fried noodles and sandwiches to tarts and even some cool-looking cocktails. (though I couldn't have too much!).

After filling our tummies, it was time to break the ice. We played a fun game that involved teamwork and introductions. Divided into groups, we used a rope and a book. To pass the rope, someone had to introduce themselves – name, hometown, course, and a passion or hobby. It was a great way to get to know each other better, and the winning group was determined by whether they could keep the book from falling using only the rope. Even though I was a bit shy, it turned out to be a lot of fun. Plus, I even met someone unexpectedly – someone who came from my own hometown! Such a cool coincidence!

The program didn't stop there. We had a talk about the meaning of life, our purpose as humans, and even read some surahs from the Quran together. It was a truly enriching experience. I learned so much and even felt a bit emotional when the discussion touched on some relatable topics. By the end, we all gathered for few group pictures, and I even captured one with my newfound friends.

I truly enjoyed the programme and wished I could attend more like it. Sadly, with my packed schedule these days, it seems like impossible.

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Today was my first Usrah 2 session. I met my new naqibah, Sr. Fawazz, and some new classmates. I was a bit nervous because the groupmates for the upcoming project would be chosen randomly. I think Sr. Fawazz chose this method to encourage everyone to interact with each other and not just stay with their usual friends. I’m actually glad about this because it’ll help me meet new people from different kulliyyahs.

Sr. Fawazz also explained the three pillars of Usrah: ta'aruf, tafahum, and ta'wun. I also found it interesting that we recited Al-Quran and Rabitah dua together before class ended. Hopefully, this approach will help me improve my Quran recitation by the end of the semester.

I wish there will be a permanent, strategic, and comfortable location for our next class session. This will provide a consistent and conducive environment for us to engage in meaningful discussions and activities.

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This is what our group came up with for this task!

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Today was my second Usrah class. This time, we had class at the Edu Cafe. It wasn’t crowded, so we all found good seats to focus on our class.

We started the class with Quran recitation. Sr. Fawazz chose Surah Muhammad for us to read together. She then explained the five pillars of Islam and emphasized the importance of prayer. She said that prayer helps us renew our faith every day.

After that, we had a group activity. I was in a group of four. We watched a video titled “Allah Said Do This After You Sin.” We discussed the message of the video and planned a presentation to share our insights. We only had a short time to prepare, but we tried our best to create a creative presentation.

Even though our group didn’t win, I was proud of our work. I hope we can do even better in the future. I also wish we had a bit more time to prepare our presentation that night.

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Tonight was our third Usrah class, and it was held online through Google Meet. We started the class by reciting Surah Al-Furqan together.

Sr. Fawazz explained the pillars of repentance (taubah). She said that to truly repent, we must stop sinning, feel regret, make a firm decision not to repeat the sin, and seek forgiveness from others if we have wronged them. She also discussed signs that Allah may accept our repentance, such as feeling peace in our hearts, increased devotion to prayer, and a renewed desire to do good deeds.

For our activity, we were asked to create a word cloud based on our favorite Quranic verse. I chose verse 70 of Surah Al-Anfal. This verse inspires me because it speaks of Allah's forgiveness, kindness, and the tests and rewards that come with faith and hope. I included words like forgiveness, kindness, faith, hope, trials, and reward to represent the core message of the verse. It reminds me that even in difficult times, we can find hope and reward if we remain faithful.

Last but not least, I would appreciate it if Sr. Fawazz could delve deeper into the subjects we cover during our Usrah sessions.

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This week's usrah session was held at the mosque. We started the session by reciting mathurat and performing the Isha prayer together. One of the activities for this session was a group-based tadarus of Surah Maryam. This collaborative approach allowed us to learn from each other and support one another in understanding the Quranic verses.

Additionally, my group exchanged our individual difficulties in written form and worked together to propose potential solutions. I sincerely hope that my contributions were helpful to the person I assisted. I also hope that I can improve my ability to provide effective help to my groupmates in future sessions.

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This week’s usrah session focused on Surah Fussilat, verses 30-38. Sr. Fawazz highlighted the significance of verse 30, emphasizing that entering Heaven is our ultimate goal as Muslims. She also talked about sadness and death. She reminded us that it's wrong to wish for death and that we should always trust in Allah, especially when we feel alone.

For the in-class activity, we were tasked with creating an ideal daily schedule for a Muslim, prioritizing good manners and etiquette. The use of mahjong paper made this activity both engaging and informative. I hope to contribute more actively to such activities in future sessions.

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Our group presented about the virtues found in Hajj and Umrah. We focused on two primary virtues: tadhiyyah (sacrifice) and taqwa (piety). Under tadhiyyah, we explored the physical and financial sacrifices made by pilgrims, as well as the sacrifice of time and comfort. In terms of taqwa, we examined the importance of sincere intentions, unwavering patience, and steadfast perseverance throughout the pilgrimage journey. By understanding these virtues, we hope to gain deeper insights into the significance of Hajj and Umrah.

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This Usrah was held online. This session was instructed to let us share our findings through presentations. I was impressed by the quality of work presented by everyone. Each presentation offered fresh perspectives and valuable knowledge, broadening my understanding of the topic. I particularly appreciated the effort and creativity put into the slides and posters. I hope that my group can also strive for such high standards in our future presentations and continue to grow and learn from each other.

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This was our final usrah session. During this session, Sr. Fawazz introduced a unique activity called "Secret Sahabah," where we need to exchange thoughtful gifts with chosen people. I eagerly participated, hoping my selected person would be pleased with my gift.

Then, we had a photography session and a potluck dinner, where everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. Sr. Fawazz also taught us how to do a rabbit origami and then we need to write some notes in the origami before exchanging it with other people. Finally, Sr. Fawazz invited a few students to share their reflections on the usrah classes. As the session concluded, I experienced a mix of sadness and relief. While I was sad to see the course end, I was also relieved to have completed it.

Hopefully, I will be able to apply the knowledge I gained from these classes and wish everyone success in passing this course.

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Through usrah classes, I've gained a deeper appreciation for the significance of dua rabitah in our daily lives. Sr. Fawazz's consistent encouragement to practice Quran recitation has not only improved my Quran reading skills but also fostered a sense of familiarity with the Holy Quran. Additionally, the course has expanded my knowledge of Islamic concepts, such as the pillars of taubah and the virtues associated with Hajj and Umrah.

The interactive activities have further enhanced my understanding and strengthened the bonds of sisterhood among the class participants. I hope to continue applying the knowledge gained in these classes to my daily life and to further deepen my understanding of Islam.