Interview with Kinza Academy Founder Nabila Hanson Part I
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Home school is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. According to the U.S. government census in 2007, 1.5 million children are home schooled in the United States. Other estimates put the number much higher.
What is home schooling and why is it so popular? Nabila Hanson, founder of Kinza Academy, answers these and other questions in an interview with examiner.com.
In Part I, Nabila discusses home schooling in general. In Part II, she answers questions about Kinza Academy and its approach to educating children at home.
Read Part I of the interview here.
Proper Manners of the Faqir
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Imam al-Ghazali (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned a few lessons in his book Al-Adab fid-Deen regarding the proper manners of the fuqara (i.e. the poor). From these manners are the following:
1. Being content with what one has. This is because being dissatisfied is an accusation against what Allah has willed.
2. Striving to meet one’s needs and waiting to see what Allah has planned for one. Imam Abul Hasan ash-Shadhili (Allah be pleased with him) mentioned that there is one single attribute, that many are unaware of, which nullifies all of the servant’s deeds, and that is bitterness towards what Allah has destined. This is so because Allah said:
ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَرِهُوا مَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالَهُمْ
That is because they are opposed to what Allah has sent down, so He has made their deeds fruitless. [Muhammad 47:9]
3. Adhering to being satisfied.
4. Concealing one’s neediness. One should remember that whoever is satisfied, doesn’t beg, or show his neediness to others, will be enriched by Allah.
5. One shouldn’t wear clothes that will demonstrate that one is poor, nor try to gain the favor of people by humiliating one’s self in any form.
6. Discard greediness. That is, one should stop looking at what others have as this is a way to forget what Allah has given. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
Look at those who are below you and don’t look at those who are above you, for this would make the favours (conferred upon you by Allah) insignificant (in your eyes). [Muslim]
7. Preferring to preserve one’s good name and one’s good reputation by manifesting that one has enough.
8. Respecting the rich, without exalting them.
9. Manifesting to the rich that one has enough, and not to long for their fortune.
10. Not having any arrogance towards the rich. An important aspect of this is to remember that they, too, have their own trials.
11. Protecting the heart when one sees anyone who has something that one does not have.
12. Holding fast to one’s religion when one sees them. One should remember that holding fast to one’s religion means that one realizes:
وَلَلْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لَّكَ مِنَ الْأُولَى
And indeed the Hereafter is better for than the present. [ad-Duha 93:4]
[Notes from a lecture by Shaykh Nuh Keller]
[This is a repost from early on before the blog was hacked]
Thoughts on The Doha Debate of Muslim Women & “Freedom” to Marry Whom They Please
Bismillah
I was linked to the Doha Debate on the issue of whether Muslim women have the right to marry whom they choose, be they Muslim or non Muslim. Yasir Qadhi did an excellent job getting the point across although he was limited in time. I also think Dr. Thuraya did an excellent job, although on a different scale. Asra Nomani, on the other hand, continues to fail in making a distinction between cultural baggage, political agendas, and religious laws. It is upsetting to see that women agree with her points. Could she at least show she is a little more balanced by acknowledging that there is a strong opinion with proof that states that a believing Muslim women can not marry a non Muslim man? Don’t accept the ijmaa’, fine, but have a little respect for the Qur’an and scholarship. How can anyone argue with a woman who isn’t willing to remove her own ignorance?
Here are a few more resources on this issue:
A Muslim woman marrying a non Muslim man
Any sincere Muslim will acknowledge the harms that would come out of marrying an irreligious Muslim, much less non Muslim. Why would our Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) tell us to look for good character and religiosity when looking for a spouse? It really is so simple. Unfortunately, our communities are weak. Parents today look more for status, education and wealth and we are teaching our children that this is what they should be teaching their children as well. It is really a vicious cycle that continues to bring about many harms. There has to be a balance. Our communities need to be more united so that we can aid each other in finding good spouses and raising strong families. We must refocus so that, insha’Allah, we can attain unto the Highest.
May Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala guide us all. Ameen
We live life as if it were a dress rehearsal.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
I’ve been reading a new book titled Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. This book is divided into 365 inspirational chapters - one for each day of the year. It is very uplifting and has become one of those books I really like having around. One of the recent entries I read (January 4th entry) has kept me thinking for days now, questioning what I am doing, how I am spending my time, and so on.
How many of us live our life like it’s a dress rehearsal? We hold back and we don’t give our all because we are waiting for that curtain to open. We really believe the curtain will open. We are certain that the procrastination we partake in is only temporary and that the day will come when we stop treating our life like it is a dress rehearsal. As the author says,
“Perhaps you save the pretty china for when company comes; perhaps you’re like me and rarely dress up when you’re home alone. If we’re not playing to an audience, does it really matter?”
About a year and a half ago or so I received a gift from my mother in law. It was a beautiful set of spoons and forks. She used it for guests years ago, when her kids were younger. She passed it on to me and told me to save it for the times I had guests over. One day she came over and saw that I had exchanged my own eating utensils for these. She approached me and told me bluntly that these were for guests. Immediately I thought, why? I told her that I really liked them and would like my family to use them while we can instead of waiting to have others stop by to pull them out. I’m not one to like clutter too much either, so the idea of them just sitting there wasn’t something I really cared for. Alhamdulillah I use them and I’m grateful for her gift.
I feel like I’ve lived most of my life as if it were a dress rehearsal. It has been about people for so long and not about me. I have been afraid to be me for years because of fear of being rejected. I have feared standing up for what is right. I have not given life my all. I keep putting off expecting tomorrow to come. It may not. I put certain things off with my children, with my husband, my family. I put off my Creator for a later time. Life is too busy. Who has time?
Ya Rabb. How I wish to live my life like it is the real deal. This life is the real deal because without it we will not make it Firdous in the Aakhira. If we don’t take a hold of our time now and put effort in things that really matter then we will not succeed. Who cares if I rent for the rest of my life. Who cares if I don’t get a degree from a university. Who cares if I don’t get the newest gadget that everyone seems to have. Why should I be aiming so low? Why stress over things that aren’t priority and that many a times pull us away from our Creator? Ya Allah.
Death is ever present. It will come and there is no escaping it. I’m so busy worrying about what I do not have that I am missing out on what I have been blessed with. We’re so busy looking at others who have more than us that we have become so ungrateful. We complain so much about the littlest things. We aren’t satisfied with anything. We’re arrogant and we’re negative. We’re so consumed by this worldly life that we have forgotten that it will end. We can run but we can not hide from the reality. We have always been meant to die so that we can reawaken again in our new homes - everlasting homes.
What is it that we want to accomplish in this dunya? Do we seek status and wealth? Or do we seek strangeness and simplicity? Rasulullah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveller on a path.” Ya Allah! We are so comfortable in this dunya that being reminded about its ending bothers us and even upsets us. “Why are you talking about death?” Who has heard this? Who has seen and heard the yawning when religious topics are brought up? How many of us yawn?
Why are we studying? Why are we eating? Why do we eat breakfast every morning? Do we look at things on a deeper level or have we fallen for the deception as well?
We forget and must be reminded.
What are we here for? And what does that mean to us?
Qur’an: “and I have created Jinn and Men only to worship Me…”
“Every soul shall taste Death…”
Is it time we stop waiting for the curtain to open and live life to its fullest while we can? Oh Allah bestow Your Mercy upon us all. Ameen
ZaytunaCollege.org Website is Up!
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Zaytuna College
Our Mission
ZAYTUNA COLLEGE aims to educate and prepare morally committed, professional, intellectual, and spiritual leaders, who are grounded in the Islamic scholarly tradition and conversant with the cultural currents and critical ideals shaping modern society.
Zaytuna College hopes to welcome its first freshman class in Fall 2010 or Fall 2011.
The Zaytuna Board is expected to make a formal launch date decision by July 1, after which admissions requirements and more information will be posted. Please keep up with the latest news and developments at Zaytuna College by continuing to visit our website regularly or by signing up for our mailing list.
How exciting. Oh Allah, let it be! Ameen!
Fawakih Arabic Intensive - Last Spots!!
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
There are a few more seats (approximately 3-4 for each program) available for the Fawakih programs in DC (Living the hadith program) and Indiana (Qur’anic Arabic Program). I would really encourage whoever has been considering it but hasn’t registered yet to sign up. I attended last years program and benefited in so many ways. Insha’Allah I will attend again this summer and hope to benefit from this program more than last year. And if all goes well next year, I am making du’a’ to be given the ability to put in my application for the Zaytuna Summer Arabic Intensive in the Bay Area. If you have any questions regarding the Fawakih Arabic program let me know inshaAllah. I hope to be of some help for you!
Islamic Parenting Class @ SeekersGuidance.com
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
I am signed up for the Islamic Parenting class over @ SeekersGuidance.com that is being taught by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Ustadha Shireen Ahmed. I’m currently listening to the Introduction to the course. Already I am greatful for considering this course and would recommend any parents or parents-to-be to sign up for this course asap. There has been so much barakah in the introduction itself that I can’t imagine how much more barakah will continue flowing throughout the rest of the course, bi’idhnillah.
If you don’t know anything about the course, here is a little information:
This course is based on two texts, Simt al-`Uqyan, (Thread of Pure Gold) and its commentary. Simt al-`Uqyan is a classical text on parenting written 500 years ago by Imam Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Ramli who was one of the leading authorities of the Shafi`i school in the tenth century after Hijra. Its commentary was authored by the Yemeni scholar Shaykh Abdullah ibn Ahmad Basudan in the thirteenth century after Hijra.
May Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala allow us to benefit much from the advice given. Ameen
Arabic, Books, Children, Fiqh, Green, Khutbah, Quotes, Etc
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Some random things.
~ I’m reading (and re-reading some) a few books right now that I recommend everyone gets.
When You Hear Hoofbeats Think of a Zebra
I don’t feel like sharing the rest right now but I am reading like 15 other books. I think I will be going on a reading break pretty soon as I already finished another load before these. Getting a little tired here.
~ Fawakih is almost here! I am so excited for this summer insha’Allah. I’m also stressed because taking on Arabic full time for a whole month, going back and forth from the institute and having a life at home with two children, my husband, and other responsibilities isn’t the easiest of things. Alhamdulillah I managed last year but would like to improve a lot this year bi’idhnillah. I’m studying my Sarf and Nahu but I am needing a bigger push. TwennyTwo… come over for a week and let us study our brains off! (InshaAllah)
~I know I’ve spoken about this a lot but I really do love the Waldorf method of education. It makes me want to be a kid again and beg my parents to enroll me in a Waldorf school!
~ Muhammad Ali said “Children make you want to start life over.” How true this is subhana’Allah!
~ I’ve been contemplating the importance of getting my life together today. Children are a huge responsibility. An excerpt from When You Hear Hoofbeats Think Of a Zebra on this is soon to come insha’Allah.
~ I am really tired and hungry. It’s almost midnight here. To eat or not to eat. That is the question.
~ Ramadan is comin’. Ramadan is comin’. This will be a Green Ramadan Insha’Allah!
~ My husband shared some beneficial bits from the khutbah today. The khutbah was regarding the decrease in number of Muslims who attend the Masajid anymore. The bro mentioned a few reasons as to why this is happening, starting with Muslims losing their identity and not wanting to be reminded of the identity they have forgotten. He also mentioned that we now pray next to people we don’t even know. Subhana’Allah this point really had me thinking all day. Why aren’t we greeting our brothers and sisters before they greet us? Why don’t we go beyond the ‘as salamu ‘alaykum’ and ask them how they are doing and if they need anything. So much reward and such a necessity for us today. Can we get over our ego and start initiating salams and really try to bring more kindness and compassion to our communities?
~ I’m loving Fiqh again. I’ve had this internal urge to get back on the Fiqh wagon for a while and last night my husband and I picked up Reliance of the Traveller again. We covered a few basic topics of Salah and reviewed. It was awesome alhamdulillah.
~ I have insecurities. Lots of them. Oh well, life goes on. Too much goodness to focus on those small bits of negativity in life anymore. I’m not promised beyond now. Ya Allah.
~ I really want to take the Islamic Parenting class with SeekersGuidance. InshaAllah. Care to join me anyone? : )
Explore Home Education Workshop June 6th
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Please spread the word to those who may be able to attend!
EXPLORE HOME-EDUCATION WORKSHOP
When: Saturday, June 6, 2009
11:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Dublin Library Meeting Room 200 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568
Topics: The meaning of home-education, why people home-educate, how to set up your home-education, traditional school houses, curriculum choices, legal issues, and social issues, as well as a question and answer period.
In this day and age, when the public educational system is failing, when crime on most school campuses is a lurking concern, when exposure to immoral behavior at earlier and earlier ages is becoming the norm, when religion is intentionally kept out of the curriculum, home-education must be considered as a viable learning option for our children.
We find many people in our community do not understand why people choose to home-educate and are often times misinformed about what it means to home-educate. We are offering this workshop because it is important that people understand the choices available and make informed decisions about their children’s education. Deciding whether or not to home-educate will probably be the most important educational decision you make for your children.
The workshop will include a presentation and discussion period where people are welcome to participate and have their questions answered about home-education. The presentation will be given by Nabila Hanson, director of Kinza Academy, and seasoned home-education teacher. Nabila will be accompanied by a teacher turned home-educator mom who will share her experiences about teaching in the private Islamic school setting vs. teaching her children at home.
Each participant will receive an informational package and a free copy of Educating Your Child in Modern Times which includes essays by Hamza Yusuf and John Taylor Gatto. Tea and pastries will be served.
Seating is limited, so please register early. The cost for this workshop is $35.00 per family. Please make your own arrangements for babysitting. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at: events@kinzaacademy.com.
Follow this link - Explore Home-education Workshop Saturday June 6, 2009
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could…
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could
live in a small green home
even if small
and just enjoy life and relax?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could
just jump into lakes, ponds, creeks
not worry much about our pants and abayas
and live free?
Taste the water.
Feel the air.
Raise your arms.
Treasure every moment.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could
have strong communities
wherein we raised our children
strong, kind, and healthy?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could
help each child suffering
the one who doesn’t have a place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear
the one who doesn’t have mommy or daddy?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could
offer every child some consistency
and live a life of consistency
ourselves?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could
change the world with messages
and truly live in a peaceful place
- a place called Earth?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could
find in every corner of a store
natural healthy food
- food that our children would love and crave?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could
have more of our natural courage we are born with
the type of courage that changes the world
and brings forth love and removes violence?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could
just learn to embrace every day as a new day
live it to its fullest
and share this message with the world?
Libertad.
Amor.
Amistad.
Un Mundo Bello.
It starts with one.
