Email Address: ainahabibah0606@gmail.com
Phone Number: +60 17-3283863
Student ID: 240553
University: International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Faculty & Programme: Foundation in Human Sciences
Languages Spoken: Malay (native), English (fluent), Arabic (basic proficiency)

Personal Motto: “Strive for excellence, guided by values.”

Profile Bio:
No matter what path I will choose in the future, I will not give up in pursuing a career in education because that is my childhood dream. I hope that the future me can be proud of the me.

 Introduction – Ta‘āruf, Adab in Learning & The Qur’an as Guidance

In our first usrah session, we began with ta‘āruf (introduction) and ice-breaking activities. These were helpful in creating a welcoming and comfortable environment among usrah members. Building a strong bond with one another is important, as it makes learning together more meaningful and enjoyable. Getting to know each other through light and interactive games helped us feel at ease and encouraged us to participate more actively in future discussions.

We also explored the adab (etiquette) of seeking knowledge. Islam places great importance on manners when studying. This includes having sincere intentions, showing respect to our teacher and classmates, being punctual, listening carefully, and being humble in the pursuit of knowledge. Good adab helps make the learning process more beneficial and brings blessings to our efforts.

Lastly, we discussed the role of the Qur’an as a Book of Guidance (Huda). The Qur’an is not only for recitation but also for reflection and action. It offers answers and guidance for every aspect of life—spiritual, social, moral, and practical. As Muslims, we are encouraged to read the Qur’an with understanding and apply its teachings in our daily lives.

Learning Positive Values from Ibadah

This week, we learned how ibadah (worship) can help us develop good values in our lives. It is not just about doing the rituals, but also about building strong character and faith through intention, actions, and awareness. We focused on three main parts: having the right niyyah (intention), doing the right ‘amal (practice), and understanding ihsan (positive values).

1. Setting the Right Niyyah (Intention)

Niyyah means the intention behind our actions. In Islam, what we intend in our hearts is very important. A hadith says, “Actions are judged by intentions” (Bukhari and Muslim). When we have sincere intentions for the sake of Allah, our everyday actions can become acts of worship. This teaches us to be honest, focused, and responsible in everything we do.

2. Applying the Right ‘Amal (Practice)

‘Amal refers to doing the right actions in the correct way. This means following the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah when we pray, fast, or do other worship. When we practise properly, it helps us become more disciplined, respectful, and consistent in our daily lives.

3. Internalising Ihsan (Positive Values)

Ihsan means doing things with excellence, as if we see Allah, or knowing that He always sees us. This makes us more careful in our actions and encourages us to do good, even when no one is watching. Through ihsan, we can build values like patience, kindness, and sincerity.

Conclusion

In short, ibadah is not just about rituals, but also about shaping our character. By starting with good intentions, doing the right actions, and keeping Allah in our hearts, we can gain positive values that help us grow as better Muslims and better people.

This week, we learned that every act of ibadah in Islam is not only a duty, but also a way to gain hikmah—positive values and wisdom that help us live a better life. The Qur’an teaches us that acts of worship such as salah, sawm, zakah, and hajj each carry deep meaning and benefits for our personal and social lives.

1. Salah – Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45)

“Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing...” (29:45)

This verse shows that salah (prayer) helps prevent bad behaviour and wrong actions. It reminds us to stay close to Allah and live a good and honest life. Through regular prayer, we can build values such as self-control, discipline, and a strong sense of right and wrong.

2. Sawm – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)

“O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become righteous.” (2:183)

Fasting during Ramadan teaches us taqwa (God-consciousness). By controlling our desires, we learn patience, gratitude, and empathy for those who are less fortunate. These are all important values that shape a caring and humble personality.

3. Zakah – Surah At-Tawbah (9:103)

“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase…” (9:103)

Zakah (obligatory charity) is not just about helping others. It also purifies the soul of the giver from greed and selfishness. This act of giving builds values like generosity, care for the poor, and social responsibility.

4. Hajj – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197)

“…And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness…” (2:197)

Hajj is a journey of both body and soul. It teaches unity, patience, equality, and humility. During Hajj, Muslims from all over the world come together as one, which reminds us of our shared purpose and our duty to treat others with respect and fairness.

Conclusion

The Qur’an clearly shows us that every form of ibadah carries deep wisdom. These acts help us grow spiritually and develop good character. By understanding the meaning behind our worship, we can gain hikmah that benefits both ourselves and the community.

This week, we learned that salah is not just a physical act but also a spiritual one. To perform salah properly and with khushu’ (humility and concentration), we need to prepare ourselves correctly and understand its rules and requirements. Good preparation helps us build a strong connection with Allah during prayer.

1. Taharah – Purification through Wudu’ or Tayammum

Before praying, a Muslim must be in a state of cleanliness. This is called taharah. The most common way is wudu’ (ablution), where we wash certain parts of the body. If clean water is not available, we can perform tayammum (dry ablution using clean soil or dust). Being clean reminds us to respect the act of prayer and approach it with sincerity and focus.

2. Conditions for the Acceptance (Sah) of Salah

For salah to be valid, certain conditions must be met:

·        Performing it at the correct time

·        Facing the qiblah (direction of the Kaabah)

·        Being in a state of taharah

·        Covering the aurah (parts of the body that must be covered)

·        Having the right intention (niyyah)

These conditions show how Islam teaches discipline and structure in our worship.

3. Pillars (Arkan) of Salah

There are certain parts of salah that must be done for it to be complete. These are called the pillars (arkan) of salah, and they include:

·        Standing (qiyam)

·        Reciting Al-Fatihah

·        Bowing (ruku’)

·        Prostration (sujud)

·        Final sitting (tashahhud akhir)

·        Saying the closing salam

If we miss any of these, the salah is not valid. These actions help us develop mindfulness and respect during prayer.

4. Application of Salah in Different Situations

Islam gives flexibility in how we perform salah in certain conditions:

·        Qasr and Jama’: When travelling, Muslims can shorten (qasr) or combine (jama’) their prayers. This shows how Islam is practical and considers our needs.

·        Nawafil during illness: If someone is sick and cannot pray in the usual way, they can pray nawafil (voluntary prayers) while sitting or lying down. This teaches us that intention and effort are more important than physical actions alone.

Conclusion

Preparing for salah properly helps us achieve khushu’—a focused and humble heart during prayer. When we understand the rules and the wisdom behind them, our prayers become more meaningful and powerful. This brings us closer to Allah and strengthens our character.

This week, we explored the beautiful values and virtues that can be developed through salah (prayer), especially when performed with khushu’—a state of full concentration, humility, and awareness of Allah. When Muslims pray with sincerity and focus, they not only fulfil a religious duty, but also build a strong character guided by Islamic values.

1. Al-Ta’ah – Submission and Loyalty

In salah, we show our full submission and loyalty to Allah. We follow His commands and turn away from worldly distractions. This trains us to obey Allah not just during prayer, but also in our daily lives. A person who is loyal to Allah is more likely to make good choices and avoid harmful behaviour.

2. Al-Jihad – Struggle in the Path of Allah

Praying with khushu’ is a form of jihad (struggle), especially when we fight against laziness, distractions, or a busy mind. It teaches us patience and discipline. This inner struggle strengthens our willpower and helps us stay firm in doing good and avoiding wrong.

3. Muhasabah – Self-Reflection

Salah gives us time to reflect on our actions and relationship with Allah. In moments of quiet between movements, we can do muhasabah (self-checking) by asking ourselves: “Have I done what’s right today?” or “What can I improve?” This habit builds awareness and responsibility.

4. Iffah – Modesty and Self-Restraint

Salah reminds us to stay away from sinful behaviour. A person who prays regularly with khushu’ is more likely to protect themselves from things that displease Allah. Iffah includes modesty in how we speak, act, and interact with others, which helps us maintain good manners and self-respect.

5. Tawaddu’ – Humility

Standing before Allah in prayer makes us realise how small we are compared to His greatness. This feeling builds tawaddu’ (humility). It reminds us not to be proud or arrogant, and to treat others kindly and equally, no matter their background or status.

Conclusion

When we perform salah with true khushu’, we gain more than just rewards—we grow into better individuals. Values like loyalty, discipline, reflection, modesty, and humility help shape our personality and guide our behaviour. These virtues make us better Muslims and more responsible members of society.

This week, we focused on the important values that are developed through sawm (fasting), especially during the month of Ramadan. Fasting is not only about staying away from food and drink—it is a way to improve our character and behaviour. Through sawm, Muslims learn how to control their desires and become more thoughtful, respectful, and kind.

1. Sabr – Patience and Forbearance

The main value of fasting is sabr (patience). We practise patience by staying calm when we are hungry, tired, or upset. Fasting teaches us how to control our emotions and not react quickly in anger. This helps us become more peaceful and strong in facing life’s challenges.

2. Takrim – Respect and Deference

When fasting, we become more careful with how we speak and act. We learn to respect others by avoiding rude words, arguments, or bad behaviour. Takrim means giving others their rights and treating them with honour. Fasting reminds us to speak kindly, behave politely, and value those around us.

3. Rahmah – Friendliness and Compassion

Rahmah is about being kind, helpful, and caring toward others. Fasting helps us feel what the poor and hungry go through, which builds compassion in our hearts. This makes us more generous and willing to help others in need. We also learn to be more friendly, understanding, and gentle in our relationships.

Conclusion

Fasting teaches many good values that help us become better Muslims. By practising sabr, takrim, and rahmah, we grow into people who are calm, respectful, and caring. These values do not only benefit us during Ramadan, but also help us throughout our lives, at home, in school, and in society.

This week, we learned that giving zakah (obligatory charity) and sadaqah (voluntary charity) is not only about helping others, but also about building strong values within ourselves. These acts of giving teach us to rely on Allah, care for others, and create a more united and loving community.

1. Tawakkul – Reliance on Allah

When we give zakah or sadaqah, we are sharing a part of our wealth. Some people may feel worried about losing money, but Islam teaches us to have tawakkul—trust in Allah’s plan and provision. By giving sincerely for the sake of Allah, we believe that He will replace what we give with something better. This strengthens our faith and helps us become less attached to material things.

2. Ukhuwah – Brotherhood

Charity builds ukhuwah, which means brotherhood and unity among Muslims. When we give to others, we show that we care about their well-being. It creates love and trust between the rich and the poor, and reminds us that we are part of one big family. This value helps reduce jealousy and selfishness, while promoting kindness, respect, and support within the community.

Conclusion

Zakah and sadaqah are not just financial acts—they are spiritual practices that shape our heart and behaviour. Through tawakkul, we become more faithful and content. Through ukhuwah, we become more caring and united. These values make our society stronger and more peaceful.

This week, we explored the values and lessons found in the acts of Hajj and Umrah. These are not only physical journeys to the holy lands, but also spiritual journeys that teach us important virtues. Through these acts of worship, Muslims learn how to sacrifice for Allah and live with taqwa (awareness of Allah).

1. Al-Tadhiyyah – Sacrifice

One of the key values in Hajj is tadhiyyah, which means sacrifice. Pilgrims leave behind their homes, families, comfort, and even their daily routines for the sake of Allah. This teaches us to put Allah first and to be willing to give up our time, energy, and wealth for something greater.

2. Taqwa – God-Consciousness

During Hajj and Umrah, Muslims are constantly reminded of Allah. Every step, every prayer, and every ritual is done to seek His pleasure. This builds taqwa, which is being mindful of Allah in all that we do. When a person has taqwa, they will try their best to stay away from sin and do what is right, even when no one is watching.

Conclusion

Hajj and Umrah are powerful experiences that teach Muslims how to live with purpose and devotion. The values of tadhiyyah and taqwa remind us to be strong in our faith, to make sacrifices when needed, and to always keep Allah in our hearts. These values help shape us into more sincere, obedient, and responsible individuals.

NUR AZWA SAFRINA BINTI MOHD SHAFRI(245124)

AUNI INSYIRAH BINTI ABD RAUP(241275)

DANIA ZUYYIN UMAIRAH BINTI MOHD KHALID(241462)

ANIS ADRIANA BINTI MOHAMAD AZROL(241070)

NURINA AMIRAH BINTI MD ZAKI(247186)

This is the poster that we present during the last usrah .

A Note of Gratitude to My Facilitator

I would like to sincerely thank my facilitator for guiding and supporting me throughout these seven weeks of learning. Meeting every Friday has been a valuable part of my journey, as each session gave me new insights and helped me understand the topics better. Your patience, encouragement, and clear explanations made the lessons easier to follow and more meaningful. I truly appreciate the time and effort you gave to help us grow in both knowledge and character. May Allah reward you for your dedication and kindness.

A Note of Gratitude to My Usrah Members

I am also thankful to all my usrah members for sharing this meaningful journey with me. Throughout these seven weeks, your presence, participation, and reflections have made each session more engaging and comfortable. Learning together, listening to each other, and supporting one another truly created a warm and respectful environment. I’m grateful for the friendships and knowledge we have built together. May Allah continue to bless our bond and guide us in our journey of seeking His pleasure.

In the second session, we studied the five pillars of Islam through the famous Hadith Jibril. This hadith summarises the essential parts of the Islamic faith. The five pillars are:

1. Shahadah – Declaration of faith in the oneness of Allah and in Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as His final messenger.

2. Salah – Performing the five daily prayers.

3. Sawm – Fasting in the month of Ramadan.

4. Zakah – Giving a portion of our wealth to those in need.

5. Hajj – Pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

These pillars are the foundation of a Muslim’s life. They are not only physical acts of worship, but also ways to train the soul, develop discipline, and build a stronger relationship with Allah. By practising these pillars sincerely, a Muslim strengthens both their spiritual and social life.

This week, we focused on the first three pillars of Iman (faith), which are the foundations of what Muslims believe in.

1. Belief in Allah – We believe that Allah is the only Creator and Sustainer of everything. He has no partner, and His knowledge and power are beyond human understanding.

2. Belief in the Angels (Malā’ikah) – Angels are created from light and always obey Allah’s commands. They do not have free will like humans, and each angel has a specific duty, such as recording deeds or delivering messages.

3. Belief in the Books (Kutub) – Allah sent divine books to different prophets as guidance. The Qur’an is the final and complete book, revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and it remains unchanged until today.

Believing in these elements helps us stay connected to the unseen world and strengthens our trust in Allah’s wisdom and guidance.

In this session, we completed the remaining three pillars of Iman.

1. Belief in the Messengers and Prophets (Rusul and Anbiyā') – Allah sent prophets to guide people with truth. Each prophet was chosen for a specific time and community. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the final messenger for all of humanity.

2. Belief in the Day of Resurrection (Qiyāmah) – Life does not end in this world. On the Day of Judgment, everyone will be held accountable for their actions. This belief reminds us to live responsibly and prepare for the Hereafter.

3. Belief in Qadā’ and Qadr – Everything happens according to Allah’s plan, whether good or bad. This teaches us to accept difficulties with patience and be grateful during times of ease.

Together, these beliefs shape a strong Muslim character—one that is hopeful, resilient, and conscious of Allah in every aspect of life.

This week, we explored two important Islamic concepts: Iḥsān and Eschatology.

Iḥsān means doing everything with excellence and sincerity. It is described in Hadith Jibril as “worshipping Allah as if you see Him, and even if you do not see Him, knowing that He sees you.” Practising iḥsān helps Muslims become more mindful, sincere, and careful in both worship and daily actions.

We also touched on Eschatology, which is the study of life after death and the events of the Hereafter. This includes topics such as the questioning in the grave, signs of the Day of Judgment, and the rewards and punishments in the afterlife. Learning about the Hereafter motivates us to live a life that is pleasing to Allah, as every action will be judged.

In this session, we learned about different types of adab (manners) in everyday life.

1. Adab towards parents – Islam teaches us to honour our parents with kindness, patience, and respect. We should obey them in everything except what goes against Islam and always speak to them gently.

   
   

2. Adab towards neighbours and society – We are encouraged to be kind, helpful, and honest in our community. Islam promotes strong social bonds and discourages actions that cause harm or discomfort to others.

   
   

3. Adab as a student – A good student is respectful, focused, responsible, and eager to learn. Being punctual, completing tasks on time, and listening actively are all part of Islamic etiquette in learning.

   
   

Adab is an important part of a Muslim's identity. It helps us build strong relationships and earn the love and trust of others.

In the final session, we discussed how Islam encourages the protection and care of the environment. As khalifahs (vicegerence) of the earth, Muslims are responsible for preserving nature and using resources wisely.

Islam teaches sustainability, which means avoiding waste , using water responsibly, protecting animals, planting trees, and keeping the environment clean. We learned that even small acts—like not wasting food or switching off unused lights—are considered acts of worship when done with the right intention.

This session reminded us that our faith is not limited to prayer and fasting, but also includes caring for Allah’s creation. Living in harmony with nature is part of being a good Muslim.

Final Reflection

Looking back at these seven weeks of usrah sessions, I am truly grateful for all the knowledge, reminders, and lessons I have received. Each session gave me a deeper understanding of Islam—not just in terms of worship, but also in values, manners, and responsibilities as a Muslim in daily life.

Through learning about the pillars of Islam and Iman, the concept of Ihsan, and topics like adab and sustainability, I was reminded that Islam is a complete way of life. It teaches us how to strengthen our relationship with Allah, treat others with kindness, and live responsibly on this earth.

I appreciate the efforts of my chief facilitator, who guided our learning every week with patience and clarity, as well as my fellow usrah members who created a supportive environment. This journey has not only increased my knowledge, but also motivated me to become a better person—spiritually, morally, and socially.

I pray that all of us can continue to grow in our understanding of Islam and apply what we have learned in our daily lives. May Allah accept our efforts and bless us with continuous guidance. Ameen.