Place : Lr(B) 14

Discussion : Recitation of Surah Al-Maryam verse 41-50, adab with parents, friends, neigbours, society and as a student

From this session, I listened to many adab towards friends discussed among us during game session where we were ought to pass a pencil box with background music. People who were lucky are chosen to tell the usrah mates about adab with friends and some examples based on their experiences. We also shared our snacks together with some sticky notes written on each of the snacks. It was fun!

Place : Lr(B) 14

Discussion : Appreciation of nature, environment and sustainability in Islam, importance of of taking care of the environment, how to sustain the nature and environment, current issues about environmental problems

From this session, I found verse from quran and hadith related to the environment and our responsibility as caliphs to take care of our environment. We also took pictures together as it was our last usrah session together for this semester

Place: Computer Lab 3

Discussion : Acquisition of Hikmah from Ibadah

From this session, these are things that I got :

1. Connection with Allah: Ibadah is a means to establish a direct connection with Allah. Through acts of worship, believers seek closeness to the Divine and gain spiritual insight.

2. Submission and Surrender: Ibadah teaches humility, submission, and surrender to Allah’s will. This surrender leads to wisdom, as it acknowledges our limited understanding compared to the infinite knowledge of the Creator.

3. Understanding Divine Commands: Engaging in ibadah allows us to understand the divine commands and principles laid out in the Quran and Sunnah. As we reflect on these teachings, we gain wisdom about life’s purpose and our role in it.

4. Self-Discipline: Regular ibadah cultivates self-discipline. Fasting, prayer, and other acts of worship require consistency and control over desires. This discipline contributes to wisdom by shaping our character and behavior.

5. Reflection and Contemplation: Ibadah encourages reflection and contemplation. During prayers, we ponder over verses, seek forgiveness, and express gratitude. This introspection leads to deeper understanding and wisdom.

6. Patience and Gratitude: Facing challenges in ibadah (such as fasting during Ramadan) teaches patience. Gratitude for blessings received during worship enhances our wisdom by recognizing Allah’s benevolence.

7. Empathy and Compassion: Acts of charity (sadaqah) and helping others in need (zakat) are forms of ibadah. These actions cultivate empathy and compassion, leading to greater wisdom in understanding human suffering and the importance of kindness.

8. Seeking Knowledge: Ibadah encourages seeking knowledge. Learning about the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence deepens our understanding of faith and provides practical wisdom for daily life

Place : Computer Lab 3

Discussion : Reasons and sources of hikmah from ibadah

From this session, I got a myriad of things which are :

1. Greatness of Allah: When we witness the magnificence and greatness of Allah, we naturally feel humble and weak before Him. Just as we honor and respect distinguished individuals, recognizing Allah's grandeur motivates us to worship and serve Him.

2. Feelings of Dependence: Our very existence depends on Allah's will. We constantly need Him. This awareness of our need and deficiency urges us to worship Him. If there were no challenges like death, poverty, or sickness, some people might never humble themselves before Allah.

3. Awareness of Blessings: Reflecting on the abundant blessings bestowed by Allah can be a powerful incentive for worship. In our prayers, we often begin by acknowledging these blessings, expressing our love for Allah, and then humbly presenting our requests.

4. Human Nature (Fitrah): Worship is an innate part of human nature. Although people may sometimes stray and worship other things (like the sun, stones, or money), the prophets’ mission is to guide this natural disposition toward the right path of worshiping Allah.

Place : Computer Lab 3

Discussion :

From this session I learned about these things :

Khushu’ during Salah is the state of having a heart fully present and focused during the act of worship. It goes beyond mere physical movements and involves a deep connection with Allah.

1. Know Your Lord: Understanding Allah and having authentic knowledge about Him increases love and faith in our hearts. This knowledge enhances our worship experience.

2. Avoid Sins: Minimize major and minor sins. A heart free from sin is more receptive to Allah’s words during and after Salah. Sinful actions harden the heart, hindering khusyu’.

3. Recite the Quran: Frequent recitation of the Quran softens the heart and prepares it for khusyu’. Consistent engagement with the Quran helps maintain focus during Salah.

4. Detach from Worldly Matters: Minimize attachment to worldly concerns. Redirect your intentions toward the Afterlife. Remember that worldly distractions can hinder concentration in Salah.

A. Pre-Salah:

• Immediate Wudu’: Perform ablution (wudu’) promptly after hearing the Adhan. It prepares you for Salah and acts as a buffer zone.

• Early Arrival at the Mosque: Arriving early for congregational prayers helps create a buffer between your pre-Salah state of mind and the actual Salah.

• Remember Your Mortality: Realize that this Salah might be your last. There’s no guarantee of living to catch the next one.

• Stand Before Allah: As you face the Qiblah, recognize that you stand before Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Be fully present.

B. During Salah:

• Isti’adthah: Begin by seeking refuge from Shaytan’s whispers. Say “A’uzu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim.”

• Focus on Sujud: Keep your eyes focused on the place of prostration (sujud). This helps maintain concentration.

• Recite Al-Fatihah: Reflect on Allah’s response to you after each verse of Al-Fatihah.

Place : Computer Lab 3

Discussion : Virtues found in salah with khusyu

From this session, I believe the topic is related to the previous week's topic. So, the points are simple as stated on the poster. We did discuss about Surah Al-Mu'minun.

Place : Computer Lab 3

Discussion : Virtues found in sawm (fasting)

From this session I got to know the benefits of fasting specifically in Islam which are :

1. Reward and Shield: Fasting is an act of worship that shields the servant from the Fire. Every good deed is rewarded tenfold, and fasting is a shield from Hell. The smell coming from the mouth of a fasting person is more pleasant to Allah than the scent of musk.

2. Closeness to God: Fasting brings a servant closer to their Lord Almighty. It tames desires and helps overcome evil inclinations. There is a special gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, through which only those who observe fasting will enter on the Day of Resurrection.

3. Forgiveness and Expiation: Fasting is one of the greatest reasons for the forgiveness of sins. It encourages us to do good deeds, correct our behavior, and adopt good manners. Educating oneself and urging righteousness become natural during fasting.

4. Patience and Detachment: Fasting teaches patience, temperance, and diligence. It detaches us from worldly desires and helps us appreciate Allah’s blessings. It’s a manifestation of unity among Muslims.

Place : Computer Lab 3

Discussion : Virtues found in zakat/sadaqah

From this session I got to know the difference between zakat and sadaqah. There are also different forms of Sadaqah:

• Making dua (supplication) for someone shows care and concern.

• Spreading knowledge, especially to those who cannot afford it, is a perpetual form of sadaqah.

• Providing a helping hand to those in need, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is another way to give sadaqah.