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Hello everyone !!

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Let me introduce myself and share my goals briefly, so we can get to know each other better and work together towards achieving great things while strengthening our connection in this second semester of usrah!

Name: Nur Alyaa Natasha binti Mohd Faizur

Matric Number: 244883

Course: Foundation in Arabic

Mahallah: Khalid Al Walid

Usrah Group: Group 49

Age: 19 years old

Hobby: Playing badminton

Hometown: Kuala Besut , Terengganu

Secondary School: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Nurul Ittifaq

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USRAH WEEK 1: Wisdom, Intention, and Practice

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USRAH WEEK 1: Wisdom, Intention, and Practice

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Wisdom:

Wisdom means the lessons or wisdom we gain when an event occurs, which provides us with understanding and benefits to improve ourselves.

Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayat 269:

"يُؤْتِي الْحِكْمَةَ مَن يَشَاءُ وَمَن يُؤْتَ الْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوتِيَ خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا

"وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُوا الْأَلْبَابِ

"Allah grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been given much good. And none will take heed except those of understanding."

Examples of Wisdom

1. Accepting Fate:

When tested with difficulties, such as losing a job or facing health issues, the wisdom behind it is to teach us to accept fate with patience, as we believe that Allah has a better plan for us.

2. Having a Positive Outlook on Allah:

When tested, we must believe that every trial given is for our own good. Even though we may not understand the reason, we should have a positive outlook on Allah, as He is All-Knowing.

Intention:

Intention is the purpose in the heart when doing something, which distinguishes between worship (for Allah) and custom (not for religious purposes).

Example of intention:

1. Learning with the intention for the sake of Allah is to seek beneficial knowledge and draw closer to Him, while learning only for exams and achieving success is merely a routine without deeper meaning.

Practice:

Practise refers to the deeds or acts performed by an individual, whether in daily life or worship, carried out with a specific intention.

Examples of Practise:

1. In daily life:

Practicing good manners, such as greeting with a smile or saying "thank you" when interacting, are small actions that have a big impact on our relationships with others and reflect noble character in daily life.

2. In worship:

Performing prayers with full concentration and the intention to draw closer to Allah is an act that not only fulfills our obligation but also brings peace and blessings into our lives.

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USRAH WEEK 2: Prayer, Fasting, Zakat, and Hajj

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USRAH WEEK 2: Prayer, Fasting, Zakat, and Hajj

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Prayer:

Prayer is a mandatory prayer performed five times a day to draw closer to Allah.

Surah Al-Ankabut, Ayat 45:

اِتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ وَلَذِكْرُ اللَّـهِ أَكْبَرُ وَاللَّـهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ

Benefits of prayer:

1. Drawing closer to Allah - Prayer is the primary way for Muslims to connect and renew their relationship with Allah every day.

2. Preventing immoral and wrong actions - Prayer helps keep a person away from sinful behavior and bad deeds, as it serves as a reminder to stay obedient to Allah.

Fasting:

Fasting means abstaining from food, drink, and things that break the fast from dawn until sunset, as an act of worship to draw closer to Allah.

Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayat 83:

وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ لَا تَعبُدُونَ إِلَّا اللَّـهَ وَبِالوالِدَينِ إِحسانًا وَذِي القُرْبَىٰ وَاليَتَامَىٰ وَالمَسَاكِينِ وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِّنْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ مُعْرِضُونَ

Types of fasting in Islam:

1. Ramadhan Fasting - The obligatory fast during the month of Ramadhan.

2. Voluntary Fasting - Optional fasts such as on Mondays & Thursdays, Arafah, and Ashura.

3. Kaffara Fasting - A fast to atone for mistakes or violations.

4. Nazar Fasting - A fast made as a vow to fulfill a promise or request.

5. Qadha Fasting - A fast to make up for missed fasting during Ramadhan.

Benefits of fasting:

1. Increasing taqwa - Fasting helps Muslims draw closer to Allah and enhances spiritual awareness.

2. Teaching patience - Fasting trains individuals to be patient and control their desires and worldly temptations.

Zakat:

Zakat means giving a portion of wealth to those in need, such as the poor and needy, to purify one's wealth and help ease the burdens of those less fortunate.

Surah At-Tawbah, Ayat 103:

خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِمْ بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ صَلاَتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَهُمْ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

Types of zakat:

1. Zakat Fitr - Given at the end of Ramadan to purify oneself and help those in need.

2. Zakat on Wealth - Given from wealth like money, gold, and business profits after reaching the nisab and being held for a year.

3. Zakat on Business - Given from the profits of a business.

4. Zakat on Gold and Silver - Given from savings of gold and silver once it reaches the nisab.

Benefits of zakat:

1. Purifies the heart - Zakat prevents greed and encourages generosity.

2. Helps the community's economy - Zakat reduces poverty and improves the well-being of those less fortunate.

Hajj

Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage for Muslims who are able, performed in Makkah once in a lifetime.

Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayat 197:

أَذَاَنُ لِّي مَواقِيتِ النُّفُوسِ فِيهِ لِي بَرَكِهِ وَقَاءٍ وَصَابَةٍ لِّلْفُؤْدِ إِنَّ بَرَاءَ الشَّهَرِ تَعْلَمُونَ قَارَعَ الْمُوْسَسِ

The pillars of Hajj

1. Ihram - Wearing the special clothing and making the intention to begin Hajj.

2. Tawaf - Circling the Kaabah seven times.

3. Sa'i - Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times.

4. Wuquf at Arafah - Standing at the plain of Arafah on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah to pray and seek forgiveness.

5. Animal sacrifice - Offering a sacrifice (in the Tamattu' and Qiran Hajj).

6. Tahallul - Shaving or trimming hair to signify the end of Ihram.

7. Tawaf Ifadah - Performing another Tawaf after Wuquf at Arafah as part of completing Hajj.

Benefits of Hajj:

1. Drawing closer to Allah - Hajj is one way to enhance piety and devotion to Allah.

2. Promoting unity among Muslims - Hajj brings together Muslims from all over the world, regardless of race, status, or position, in one act of worship.

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USRAH WEEK 3: Preparing for Prayer with Khusyu

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USRAH WEEK 3: Preparing for Prayer with Khusyu

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Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:

أول ما يُحاسب به العبد يوم القيامة صلاته

This means: The first thing a servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgment is his prayer.

Khusyu

Khusyu means being fully focused, humble, and sincere in prayer, with complete devotion and without distractions, showing true submission to Allah.

Ways to achieve khusyu in prayer:

1. Understand the meaning of the prayers.

2. Clear your mind of distractions.

3. Maintain a humble posture.

4. Pray in a quiet, clean space.

5. Prepare mentally and physically before prayer.

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USRAH WEEK 4: The Benefits of Praying with Khusyu

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USRAH WEEK 4: The Benefits of Praying with Khusyu

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Obedience

Obedience means obeying the commands of Allah and His Messenger in all aspects of life, showing faith and devotion to Allah. It is essential for earning Allah's pleasure and living a righteous life.

Striving

Striving means striving or struggle in the way of Allah, whether through warfare, self-improvement, or upholding truth and Islam.

Self-reflection

Self-reflection means self-reflection or evaluating one's actions, intentions, and state of being in order to improve and strengthen faith and deeds.

Humility

Humility means having a humble attitude, being free from arrogance, and respecting others with politeness.

Iffah

Iffah means chastity, purity, and preserving one's dignity by avoiding improper actions, while maintaining modesty and self-respect.

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Sabr

Sabr means patience, which is the ability to remain calm and resilient in the face of trials, difficulties, or challenges without complaining or giving up.

Types of patience during fasting:

1. Patience in abstaining from food and drink - Staying disciplined and resisting the urge to eat or drink during fasting hours.

2. Patience in avoiding bad deeds - Refraining from negative actions like gossip, anger, or arguing while fasting.

3. Patience in worship - Being consistent in performing acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran, and making du'a during Ramadan.

Takrim

Takrim means honoring or respecting someone by treating them with kindness and appreciation.

The concept of takrim in fasting:

1. Obedience to Allah - Honoring Allah’s commands by observing the fast sincerely and adhering to His prohibitions throughout Ramadan.

2. Seeking closeness to Allah - Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but also about drawing closer to Allah through prayer, supplication, remembrance (dhikr), and other good deeds.

The importance of honoring others

1. Strengthening unity - Honoring others fosters harmony and unity within the community.

2. Pleasing Allah - Showing respect to others is a virtuous act that brings rewards from Allah.

Mercy

Mercy means mercy or compassion granted by Allah to His creations, bringing goodness, blessings, and protection.

Fasting is considered a way to cultivate mercy because:

1. Increases patience - Fasting teaches us to be patient in restraining ourselves from food, drink, and bad actions.

2. Builds empathy - Experiencing hunger and thirst helps us understand the struggles of those in need, fostering compassion and generosity.

3. Draws us closer to Allah - Fasting strengthens our relationship with Allah through increased worship and sincerity.

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Zakat

An obligatory act in Islam

2.5% of wealth that meets the nisab and haul criteria

Two types of zakat: Zakat Fitrah and Zakat Mal

Charity

Voluntary, not obligatory

No fixed rate, can be given freely

Free

What do we gain by giving zakat?

1. Tawakal (Trust in Allah):
By giving zakat, we demonstrate our trust in Allah’s provision. It shows that we rely on Him for sustenance and believe that our wealth is a gift from Him.

2. Ukhuwah (Brotherhood):
Zakat fosters a sense of community and solidarity. It strengthens the bond between Muslims, as it encourages mutual care, compassion, and support for those in need.

3. Developing Empathy:

Giving zakat helps us understand and feel the struggles of the less fortunate. It encourages a sense of empathy and compassion, as we acknowledge the hardships others face.

4. Increasing Faith and Piety

Giving zakat purifies the heart and strengthens one’s faith (iman) and piety (takwa). It helps to develop a closer relationship with Allah and encourages spiritual growth.

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Our group has chosen to create a poster titled:

"The Benefits of Practicing Correct 'Amal"

The benefits of practicing correct 'amal include strengthening our iman, attaining mardhahatillah and muraqabatillah, achieving inner tranquility, and improving connectivity between societies.

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Alhamdulillah, the usrah for this semester has concluded. A huge thank you to our naqibah, Sr. Aliesya, for dedicating her time and effort to share valuable religious knowledge with us. May all her efforts and the knowledge shared be blessed and rewarded abundantly by Allah. Jazakillahu khairan kathira, may you continue to be given the strength to benefit us all. Every sharing and piece of advice has deeply impacted our hearts, and inshaAllah, the knowledge gained will be practiced and passed on to others. May the bond of ukhuwah among us always be blessed and strengthened by Allah. Thank you for your patience and dedication in guiding us. This usrah was so enjoyable, with many fun games and prizes that made the atmosphere even more lively. May these sweet memories inspire us to continue learning and succeeding together. May every step we take in seeking knowledge be filled with Allah's blessings.