Safe Teaching and Learning - Be digital to stay safe from corona virus

Assalam Alaikum dear brothers and sisters,

As learning activities around the world are effected with the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19), we wanted to let you know how GatewaytoQuran can help by providing education online. GatewaytoQuran believes in online teaching. We are improving standards of providing online Education. Online learning system will help you stay safe and keep students safe during this difficult time. And it makes sure that there is no discontinuity in your learning experience. 

We should take steps to ensure we’re operating responsibly during the crisis. In times like this, we are instructed to stay safe and keep others safe. Islam teaches cleanliness, which is one of the solutions to the problem. Also we are supposed to follow the instructions given by authorities in these difficult times when the glob is under the threat of corona virus. In our homes, we must take extra precautions to make sure we are staying safe. According to Islamic rulings, when authorities command us to do something and that doesn't violate the commands of Islam, then it becomes wajib to follow their commands. SO, make sure to take all precautions suggested by authorities. 

Because we’re a digital platform, we don’t anticipate any interruption in service for you or your students. Neither students nor teachers are hard at work keeping our Quran education running smoothly. We will continue to offer 24/7 support for all users, and we’re committed to helping students continue learning uninterrupted wherever they are. 

During this time, we have a message to the world. Educational institutes and organizations must turn to remote work and learning. The world must adapt and respond to the current situation. Sharing knowledge through digital channels and online teaching ensures that all students can learn without interruption.

Thank you for your continued dedication to your knowledge. We wish you and your loved ones the best during the crisis and thank you for being our students.

Sincerely,
Saifullah Khan, CEO GatewaytoQuran

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Quran & Qaida Reading with Tajweed Progress - Parent Teacher Guide

Sources to learn Quran with Tajweed: https://gatewaytoquran.weebly.com/quranlessons 

Learning to read the Quran is a tremendously important step in any Muslim child’s life, beginning their life relationship with Islam and the Book of Allah. Understandably, parents can feel anxious about how best to support their children through this experience. We asked over 1000 parents what they felt their main challenges were in terms of teaching their children how to read the Noble Quran. They responded with the following main concerns or ‘pain points’:

1. Slow Progress

2. Fear of Inaccurate pronunciation if they supported or taught their children at home

3. Lack of Fun in the learning process

4. Lack of understanding of what children are reciting

Of these four particular concerns, the first two points were most emphasised by the parents we spoke with. In this article, we present a few solutions to help you overcome these challenges. Each set of solutions corresponds to the three different stages in the process: before, during and after learning to recite the Quran.

BEFORE

Starting at the wrong age is perhaps the first mistake most parents make when teaching their child Quran. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the ideal starting age. Even siblings from the same family can vary greatly in the ages when they are ready. So how do you work out when the time is right?

A lot has to do with your own judgement and a little testing. Try sitting down with your child for 10 minutes a day and go through the alphabet. Are they able to concentrate? Do they seem engaged? Are they able to remember some of what you taught them the next day? If you're answering these questions in the affirmative, then it does indicate they are now suited to a madrasah environment. But once they are ready, how do you find a suitable Quran school for them? 

A good Madrasah teacher makes all the difference to your child’s progress. Therefore, the first important step is to choose with care. Recommendations are great but don’t just rely on those; meet and speak with the potential teacher yourself. Here are five questions every parent should ask their child’s prospective Madrasah teacher before enrolling:

1. How long did your last five students who completed the Qaida take?

Every child is different, which is why it is best to ask for the results of a number of students and calculate the average. However, if the average time for this group comes out as over 12 months, you may want to see if other teachers in your area have achieved completions in a shorter time scale, as this is quite long.

2. Can I please see the Qaida you use?

Qaidas differ dramatically in style of teaching and instructions. Many are imported from abroad and have not been adapted or developed for the needs of the modern child. If the teacher’s preferred Qaida is longer than 50-60 pages, it’s likely to prolong the time your child takes to learn.

3. Can your best student please read out the Arabic alphabet to me?

If you notice any of the pronunciation mistakes we outline below, be concerned. These are the basics. If they are not being recited accurately by the best student in the class, your child could easily pick up similar errors at the crucial first stage.

4. Can your best student please read out a line from the Quran to me?

You have asked to hear from the teacher’s best student and, as such, you should realistically expect that they will read fluently and accurately. If you notice slow or inaccurate recitation, you may rightly have some reservations over the standard being set by this teacher.

5. Ask at least 5 children if they enjoy coming to this Madrasah

Children’s answers are usually an honest reflection on what it’s like to learn there. Notice whether they are speaking confidently and fluently as they answer you or if they are choosing their words and watching the teacher as they comment, or indeed, their parents if you are asking after class. This may indicate that they are telling you what they think the relevant authority figure wants them to say, rather than giving you their true opinion.

Now ask yourself: After what I’ve seen and heard, am I really happy sending my child to this Madrasah? If the answer is no, keep looking.

DURING

There are two main areas of recitation you need to be concerned with: accuracy and speed. Accuracy should always come first because there’s no point in reading words inaccurately, even if you are quick. In fact, developing a habit of ignoring errors for the sake of speed can make it harder to fix such inaccuracies later on.

How to improve accuracy

Accuracy begins with a good Madrasah teacher. At the first stage, always select a proficient teacher that pronounces well and gives helpful feedback. To best support your child around classes, take the time to check your own pronunciation as well as theirs.

Are you confident that you are reciting accurately yourself? Listen to proficient reciters of the Quran together. Watch out for common, basic errors and ensure they are corrected consistently.

Use our free resource: Discover our 7 common pronunciation mistakes every child should never make.

How to improve speed

Practice. Practice. Practice. Speed comes with regular practice so work with your child to recite regularly, even if you keep the sessions very short. Don’t try and do too much at once and focus instead on their mastering a line or word at a time.

You can make a game of it and time your child. That which is measured improves and helps the child see their progress for themselves. Do be careful, though, that by focusing on speed you do not allow errors to creep back into the recital.

You can find out when your child is likely to complete the Qaida or Quran by using our calculator by clicking here.

Overall, to improve both accuracy and speed you must allocate more quality time to study. Nothing great is achieved without great effort. The more time you can spend with your child to help them with their practice at home, and the more you can support and encourage them, the better their progress will be.

AFTER

Even when study appears to be complete, speed and accuracy issues can arise when a child is reading the Quran. If this happens, they need to master the Qaida again.

Most children might be hesitant, but the Qaida is the foundation of reading the Quran and must be learned fully for lifelong proficiency in Quran recitation. Encourage your child not to see returning to the Qaida as a failure, rather, a way of perfecting their skill in such an important area. Give them the same support and time you have all along the journey and they will soon become more proficient and return to reading the Quran.

Sources to learn Quran with Tajweed: https://gatewaytoquran.weebly.com/quranlessons 

Setting goals for Ramadhan for your kids

Ramadhan is a blessing of Allah (s.w.t) and everyone should get advantage of it. Don't let it go without benefiting your child. In this month Allah (s.w.t) gives you rewards 70 times more than usual. 

You can set your goals for your child this Ramadan. Fasting whole day or a part of it, Learning Tajweed, memorizing certain surahs of the holy Quran, etc. You can also work upon improving their Islamic behavior. You can help them  improving on a characteristic such as being nice, helping others, being patient etc.

Given below is a book for Ramadhan activities and a Video which explains it. 

Link to DOWNLOAD the Book 

Set Goals for Ramadhan

You can help the kids to understand that it is good for them to set the goals and achieve them. Children learn from environment. If you encourage them and appreciate them, they'll take interest. For this purpose, their teacher can talk to them, you can talk to them or someone who has a friendly relationship with them. Once you and your child decide the goals, then start helping them achieve the goals. Remember: the goals must be achievable according to their age. 

Strategies

Help your child find ways to reach their goals. Help them make the goals possible, and write them down. For example, if the goal is to read 1 juz from the holy Quran, then give them a plan to read it in different times. like one quarter before school, half Juz after school, and the remaining one quarter in evening. The same way for the other goals.

Chart Progress

To help your child see their progress and motivate them not to give up, take help from the coloring book. In the charts given in book they fill up and highlight each successful step. The Ramadha activities book is as simple as a 30 days calendar, and you can place a sticker when your child has accomplished each small step. Or simply take a picture of the work done and send to their Islamic teacher. Simple and easy. :)

Celebrate Success

Depending on the age of your child and the goals you set, you can decide to celebrate their small successes. This could be at each maghrib, or the end of the week. You can celebrate it by offering a reward of some kind. 

If your children were not successful in reaching their short-term goals, then do a review and decide on a different strategy. At the end of Ramadan, you can even have a big celebration for your child’s success at reaching their goals!
For my students I would like to offer rewards if you agree. 
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Giving Qaida or Quran Test to get actual results

I,m Saifullah Khan, the founder of GatewaytoQuran and quality control supervisor. Previously I worked as Quran Teacher, Teacher trainer, Examination controller etc in different Quran and Tajweed teaching academies. After every exam, I noticed that kids who did good in their classes, scored less in their exams. With the help of my other fellows, teachers and Quran teaching experts I started finding the reasons. Everyone gave different reasons. But my finding is that the major reason for students failure in exams was "over stress". 

Then, I started giving random tests without letting them know they have a test on a particular time. And started being friendly with them. And the results are amazing. I can't even believe. You can see yourself in this video where I'm giving a Qaida test.  

How to give tests in a friendly environment

So, if your students are doing good in your live Quran classes and at the same time they are scoring less, then here is the strategy you should adopt. So you come to know the actual results.   

1. Be friendly. The way i showed in the video when I'm giving a Qaida test which doesn't even look like a test. Ask them about their food, school, their trip or game and other activities to get them engaged.  

2. Encourage them. Say "Good Job" when they try to say the words from their Qaida book or read an ayah from the holy Quran, even if they are doing it wrong. I would like to say again "EVEN IF THEY ARE DOING IT WRONG" Then fix their mistakes. It will reduce their stress and they will do better.  

3. If the kids are not friendly and you could not make them smile, then you can not find out their actual performance. For these type of kids there is another strategy. Sit down with their teacher when he's teaching and listen to them reading Quran, Qaida, Duas, Salah etc. 

4. Or simply get their class recorded and listen to it. and then guide the teacher how to improve it. 

     Recording the lessons is very simple and easy. There are amazing free of cost softwares to do that. Visit http://voipcallrecording.com and get mp3SkypeRecorder. Install it on the PC that the teacher uses for the kids classes. Or install it on kid's PC. It will automatically record the class for you which you can listen to later and evaluate. Then, guide the teacher on how he / she can improve the teaching and make it more helpful for the kids. 

These are just some ways. You can add some other ways too...

Jazakumullahu khair. 

Dua in The Month of Rajab

Rajab was regarded as one of the sacred months (Al-Ashhur-al-hurum) in which battles were prohibited in the days of the Holy Prophet . It is also a prelude to the month of Ramadan, because Ramadan follows it after the intervening month of Sha'ban. Therefore, when the Holy Prophet sighted the moon of Rajab, he used to pray to Allah in the following words:

  اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَبٍ، وَشَعْبَانَ، وَبَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ

"O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha'ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings)."

The chain of Hadith is dhaeef. 

Note: Making dua with the words of Dhaeef hadith is better than making dua in your own words. 

Specific Worships for the month of Rajab  

The Shari'ah has not prescribed any specific way to observe the month of Rajab or to perform a specific mode of worship or a ritual in any one of its dates. However, being a prologue to the month of Ramadan, it should be availed of for preparing oneself for Ramadan and one should pray Allah to make him reach the blessed month and to benefit from its unique merits.

Some people have invented some special rituals or practices in this month, which are not supported by reliable resources of the Shari'ah or are based on some unauthentic traditions.

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COLOUR CODED TAJWIDI QURAN

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LEARN QURAN

LETS LEARN QURANat GatewaytoQuran

Sources to learn Quran with Tajweed: https://gatewaytoquran.weebly.com/quranlessons 

WELCOME TO THE BLESSED VALLEY OF THE HOLY QUR’AN

Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says in his hadith;

“The best amongst you is he who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” (Bukhari, Fadhail ul Qur’an, 21)

In another hadith;

“A believer, who recites the Qur’an and acts on it, is like an orange (utrujjah) which tastes nice and smells nice. And the example of the believer who does not recite the Qur’an but acts on it is like a date that tastes sweet but has no smell. And the example of the hypocrite who recites the Qur’an is like a sweet basil which smells good but tastes bitter. And the example of a hypocrite who does not recite the Qur’an is like a colocynth (bitter apple) which tastes bitter and has a bad smell.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Nasai and Ibn Majah)

In another hadith;

“The one who reads a single letter from the Book of Allah will be rewarded with one good deed. (Know that) A good deed is multiplied ten times over. I do not say Alif Laam Meem is one letter. Verily, Alif is one letter, Laam is one letter, Meem is one letter.” (At-Tirmidhi)

The Prophet (PBUH) has declared the importance of learning the Qur’an with the above-mentioned statements.

The busy and fast lives that we are leading in this age have caused us to postpone learning to read the Qur’an.

Since some of us are older, it is not as easy to learn quickly as it was in our childhood years. Sometimes this is a hindrance for us to start up.

Even if we want to begin to learn we may have difficulty in finding a tutor in the times that we are available. When tutors are available, we may not always be so…

And sometimes some of us may be too shy to learn something from someone at their age.

Out of all these factors, we think that there is a need for such a website, therefore this website started from this very necessity.

Whatsoever our pretext for not learning Qur’an yet is, we think there is no longer any setback before you. We invite you to experience and enjoy the blessed aura of the Qur’an. We ask from Allah (SWT) to accept our struggle to learn and teach the Qur’an

Sources to learn Quran with Tajweed:
https://gatewaytoquran.com/

LETS LEARN QURANat GatewaytoQuran

ONLINE QURAN LEARNING

Our aim is to make our students learn tajweed (Recitation of the Holy Quran with correct pronunciation and accent) and translation and tafsir of the Holy Quran. We tach those who want to learn Islam and the holy Quran online by way of distance courses.

http://gatewaytoquran.weebly.com/

Sources to learn Quran with Tajweed:
https://gatewaytoquran.com/

Misprinted Qurans Caused A Political Crisis.

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The Quran is the exact word of Allah Subhanahu wa ta'aala, So you can leave out a paragraph or alter words printing it. what happened in Kuwait in 1999 is that 120,000 copies of the holy Quran were printed and distributed  internationally. And this happened with the state-issued copies of the holy book in Kuwait. The minister for justice and Islamic affairs was accused of “trying to disfigure the faith of Muslims”. As a result, the entire Kuwaiti parliament was dissolved. Members of the opposition claimed the misprints were created intentionally to provide an excuse for parliament to be broken up and a new election called.

www.GatewaytoQuran.com

Miracle Baby.

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Russian Republic of Dagestan: In 2009, Muslims see that verses on the Quran were appearing spontaneously on the skin of Ali Yakubov, a nine-month-old boy. Thousands visited his home to witness the miracle. Skeptics were keen to point out that this may be child abuse but with wider implications.

Ali’s father is a policeman in a Muslim region. Ali's mom said: “Allah is great and he sent me my miracle child to keep our people safe.”

This baby has left doctors baffled in Russia. The ayaat of the holy Quran appear on nine-month-old Ali Yakubov's back, arms, legs and stomach, before fading away and being replaced with new sayings.

Ali's parents were left stunned when the word Allah appeared on Ali Yakubov's chin soon after his birth. Since then scores of writings in the Arabic script have appeared almost all over his body. Medics have denied that the marks are from someone writing on the child's skin. The kid's mother, Madina Yakubov, said that she and her husband were not religious until the words started appearing on his skin. The baby boy's mother said: "Normally those signs appear twice a week - on Mondays and on the nights between Thursdays and Fridays. "Ali always feels bad when it is happening. He cries and his temperature goes up.

The World’s Biggest Hand written Quran

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India: In 2008, Sayeed Najmul Hasan Chishti from India took the world record for writing the largest handwritten Quran. Then in 2009, the record was being eyed by a teenager writing for 12 hours a day to produce a Quran 3,000 meters (about 1,000 ft) long. If she finished, no one noticed because the world record was taken in 2011 by a Quran in Russia. Weighing 1,763 pounds, this massive book was encrusted in gold and silver and a smattering of precious stones.

After all that effort, it probably hurt when the new world’s largest Quran was unveiled in Afghanistan a couple of months later. Clearly, the quest to have the world’s largest is hard-fought, and a lot of people are putting a lot of effort into claiming it (someone should probably tell them about the 18-meter (60 ft) Quran that is part of a building in South Sumatra). There are a lot of large Qurans, is what we’re saying.

Learn Quran Online www.GatewaytoQuran.com

Quran sayings: Navigation of teacher, parent and children

Learn Quran @ Gateway to Quran

How to guide young generation?

It is necessary for the teacher to act according to Islamic norms and must have unconditional faith in Allah and their sayings. They must take noble traits to get an understanding in their mind By the Allah. They must have to follow the path Guided be Allah and offer their activities according to Allah’s sake. The objective of their life is to guide the young Islamic generation to the path of Allah. They do not need to think for the special position or to become rich only dedicated towards their objective with their full efforts. Teachers should have the knowledge of the current affairs and also about hereafter. Their knowledge must be serviceable, and they need to avoid disputable and useless part from the content they have. They need to maintain their body clean and practices themselves for other necessary routine activities as nail clipping.

What to do at teaching?

Teachers should include exceptions, practical examples, diagrams, figures and unchanging rules to make their teaching material more interesting and give assignments to enhance their skills. They should measure the level of students and give special attention by repeating the lesson or any other way and teach students according to their mental level. There is no need to cheat them if they do not know answers of the question raised by the student, just confess in front of them ant teach later after knowing. They should ask to the absent student about the reason and appraise the present students. If the student makes mistakes then place of hurting, forgive them and attract them towards their faults and give confession method to overcome from the mistakes. Teachers guard them against harm and discipline them with their deeds and accounts.

How to test?

Teachers must be treating their student accurately and monitor all the activities and movements this I the major responsibility of the teacher. They should appropriate students before mates and reward hard working students. They must guide the students at the time of selecting and changing the subject and ensure that this should be based on their tendency to lead them in correct direction under the supervision of the teacher. Teachers should not take decisions on the basis of partiality and treat every pupil equally. According to Quran, teachers should not fix the time limit to learn anything by the student but after a specific time period must take the feedback from the student to test their memory. They should not finish the lessons till it is not completely understandable and acceptable by the student. They should not inadequately reduce or raise their voice at the time of teaching. If students are hungry or anger or they are ill then teachers should not teach them because this may become harmful situation for both. Teacher should not discuss the issues which were not suited with age and mind of students and do not force mentally disabled students rather treat them with love and special care and do not test them without teaching.

Some of the Magnificent Characteristics of the Quran

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Allah has described the Noble Quran with a number of magnificent characteristics of which Ibn Qudamah mentioned eight in points. They are as follows:

That it is clear (mubin) and makes clear the laws and reports which it contains.

That it is Allah's firm rope (Hablullah), that is, it is the solid contract which Allah made a reason for reaching Himself and the attainment of success by His Grace.

That it consists of distinct chapters (muhkamat), each distinct from the other, perfected and preserved from any flaws or contradictions.

 That it consists of clear verses (ayat bayyinat) which are clear and obvious signs indicating Allah's unique unity, the perfection of His attributes, and the goodness of His laws.

That it contains clear and obscure verses (ayat muhkamat wa mutashabihat); the clear being that whose meaning is clear and the obscure being those whose meaning is hidden. And this does not contradict point number three above because the clarity there refers to perfection and protection from flaws and contradiction, while here it refers to clarity of meaning. If the obscure is referred back to the clear, all of it will become clear.

That it is the truth (haqq) that cannot be affected by falsehood from any direction.

That it is free from its description by the disbelievers as being poetry, magic or human speech.

That it is a miracle that no one can imitate even with the help of others

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Surah Al Kahf Importance

Surah Kahf is the 18th surah of the Quran. It is named Suratul Kahf because of the miraculous divine story of the Companions of the Cave. 

Among the three stories mentioned in this Surah, the first story is of 'As-haabul Kahf, a story about several believing youths who flea their country for the sake of their religion and take refuge in a mountain cave, then remain there asleep for 309 years. Then Allah reawakens them after this lengthy period. The second story is the story of the Prophet Musa ~ ~ with Al-Khidr. The third story is of "Dhul Qarnain".

Each of these stories and examples are meant to be taken as a lesson or moral as well as points for reflection. So please read this blessed surah every Friday and understand the translation of it. 

Hazrat Aisha (r.a) narrates Whoever reads the Qur'an and is well versed in it will be in the company of the angels who are all noble and righteous,and the one who recites and falters in it (yet he recites it) will recieve a two fold reward. - Bukhari-Muslim 

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said Whoever recites Surah Kahf on the day of Jummah, there will be a Nur brightened for him between two Jummahs. 

Also when the prophet was asked about the Djal the prophet responded by saying Whoever memorizes the first ten ayahs of Surah Kahf will be saved from the Dajjal. (Sahih Muslim) 

Also the prophet said the one who recites Surah al-Kahf will die a martyr and will be raised with the martyrs on the Day of Judgement along the side of the Holy Prophet Muhameed(pbuh). 

Also the Holy Prophet mentioned Recitation of is good for making a person wake up at a particular time and he also said the benefits of reciting Surah al-Kahf is that all sins of the past week are forgiven. 

Also Abu Saeed Al Khudari said that the Messenger of Allah ~ ~ said, "Whoever reads Suratul Kahf has a light for him from "maqaamahu" his place (where he is standing) to Makkah; and whoever reads 10 ayat from the end of it (the last 10 ayat) when the Dajjal comes out, he will not be harmed by him. 

Also Al-Bara’ reported: A man was reciting Surat al-Kahf and his horse was tied with two ropes beside him. A cloud came down and spread over that man, and it kept on coming closer and closer to him till his horse started jumping (as if it were afraid of something) When it was morning, the man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and told him of that experience. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “That was al-Sakinah (tranquility) which descended because of (the recitation of) the Qur’an” (Bukhari and Muslim) 

Also another story of how the surah was revealed was that The Quraysh sent two men to the rabbis of Medina, reasoning that they had superior knowledge of the scriptures and about the prophets of God. The two Quraysh men described their tribesman, Muhammad, to the rabbis. The rabbis told the men to ask Muhammad three questions: 

They said, "Ask him about three things which we will tell you to ask, and if he answers them then he is a Prophet who has been sent; if he does not, then he is saying things that are not true, in which case how you will deal with him will be up to you. Ask him about some young men in ancient times, what was their story For theirs is a strange and wondrous tale. Ask him about a man who travelled a great deal and reached the east and the west of the earth. What was his story And ask him about the Ruh (soul or spirit) -- what is it? If he tells you about these things, then he is a Prophet, so follow him, but if he does not tell you, then he is a man who is making things up, so deal with him as you see fit." 

The famous story goes that when Muhammad pbuh was informed of the three questions from the rabbis, he said that he would have the answers in the morning but did not say "if God wills it". For fifteen days, Muhammad awaited eagerly for the revelation. Muhammad did not answer the question until then. Doubt in Muhammad began to grow amongst the people of Mecca. Then, after fifteen days, Muhammad received the revelation of al-Kahf as an answer to the questions. So again please read surah al-Kahf every FRIDAY by doing this Allah swt will save you from the Djal and forgive your sins from the past! Inshallah 

Some important verses from Surah Kahf 

: And say not of anything: Lo! I shall do that tomorrow, 

: Except if Allah wills it. And remember thy Lord when thou forgettest, and say: It may be that my Lord guideth me unto a nearer way of truth than this. 

: Say, "The truth is from your Lord": Let him who will believe, and let him who will, reject (it): for the wrong-doers We have prepared a Fire whose (smoke and flames), like the walls and roof of a tent, will hem them in: if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces, how dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on! 

: Say: "Shall we tell you of those who lose most in respect of their deeds? 

: "Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life, while they thought that they were acquiring good by their works?" 

: They are those who deny the Signs of their Lord and the fact of their having to meet Him (in the Hereafter): vain will be their works, nor shall We, on the Day of Judgment, give them any weight. 

: That is their reward, Hell, because they rejected Faith, and took My Signs and My Messengers by way of jest. 

: Say(O Muhamad): If the oceans were ink for the words of my Lord, they would be empty before the words of my Lord, even if we had other oceans like it! 

: Say(O Muhamad): I am a human like you, except that it has been revealed to me that your Lord is one. So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord. 

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How to Easily Memorize Quran – Tips & Techniques

Gateway to Quran

Quran is the Holy book of Muslims. It was descended upon the Last Prophet, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) more than 1400 years ago. The Holy Quran is the authentic word from Allah and it has preserved its form to date. Allah Himself has taken the responsibility of keeping the divine book safe and protected.

“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.” – [Al Hijr 15:9]

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) emphasized on reading the Quran daily. It is a form of guidance for all the mankind and its generations to come till the Day of Judgment. The Quran contains the word from Allah. It shares all the information that is required to become a true believer. Allah addresses the matters of Deen, Dunya and Akhirah in the Holy Quran. Therefore, if you have knowledge from the Quran, you don’t need to refer to any other book to solve your issues.

Only the recitation of one alphabet from Quran carries reward equal to 10 hasanah, then imagine the reward for the person who recites and remembers the whole Quran. A Hafiz-e-Quran bears within his heart light of purity and his mind is always busy with reflecting on Allah’s words. This makes him a truly practicing Muslim and increases his status in eyes of Allah.

Guided Notes for “The Book of Allah and Its Magnificent Status”

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A few resources I made up for our study of this book:

Basic guided notes (student fills in the blanks), I made for my younger kids (ages 9 and up)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11026810/is/quraan/book-of-Allah-magnificant-status-student-notes.pdf

This version has an answer key.

A bit more advanced notes I made for my high schooler:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11026810/is/quraan/book-of-Allah-magnificent-status-guided-notes-adv.pdf

Didn’t finish the answer key on this one yet…….

If you need the book, you can get it here:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11026810/is/quraan/thebookofallah.pdf

I really liked enjoyed studying this book and so wanted to share it with the kids. It is nicely organized into sections, making it easier to study in sha Allah. 

(Either set of guided notes is probably great for adults too!)

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10 Reasons to Learn 10 Verses of Surah Kahaf

Why learn Surah Kahaf’s first 10 verses?                         Gateway to Quran

1) Because Prophet (saws) asked us to

He only asked us to do what he did himself. So consider it as a sunnah as well (not just the way of prophet (saw) but of so many companions, successors and so on).

I have never come across memorization of any specific surah/ayaat except for this.

“If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of the Surah al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal.” [Muslim]

Though memorization of some surahs is just plain obvious (like Surah Fatiha for the validation of your prayer), but Surah Kahaf’s memorization has been specifically talked about.

Since Prophet (saws) was so concerned about us (as mentioned in the sixth verse), following his advice is the least we can do.

2) Because memorization is important

Most of us think of memorization as an extra deed, but the following hadith clarifies how hollow your soul is when you have nothing of the Quran in your heart.

He who does not memorize any part from the Qur’an he is like the ruined house. [At-Tirmidhi]

Surahs for Depression

by Raiiq Ridwan                                                               Gateway to Quran

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Life is never a bed of roses. We suffer from heartbreak, pain, and calamity, any of which might drive us to depression. However, at times depression can just be there for no specific reason at all, and when this happens it is imperative that we seek help for it. Allah subhana wa ta’ala has revealed the Quran as a guide for mankind till the end of time, giving us a guide to help us through depression. Some surahs of the Quran are valuable reading during depression and anxiety, as their meanings and messages can help alleviate depression, inshaa Allah.

Surah Duha

There have been multiple articles on UnderstandQuran.com about Surah Duha, Surah 93, ma sha Allah. Allah subhana wa ta’ala revealed it at a time when our Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam was depressed, to soothe him. For the man who suffered the most in this world, it was something very soothing. The Surah reminds the prophet of the blessings that Allah has opened for him and asks him to help the poor and the needy and to make mention of the blessings of Allah upon him.

Surah Inshirah

Along with Surah Duha, Allah also revealed Surah Inshirah, Surah 94, in the Quran. Allah tells the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam about how Allah had eased the pain that the prophet felt internally by revealing to him the Quran. Allah mentions how He will raise the mention of His prophet around the world, and today every second somewhere on earth the adhaan is going on and someone somewhere is saying Ashadu anna Muhammadar Rasulullah. Allah also mentions that both before hardship and after hardship is ease. Then He instructs the prophet to pray to His Lord after he is done with his duties to the people.

Surah Yusuf

Among the early surahs revealed to the prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam was Surah Yusuf. This is a unique surah in the Quran in that most of it relates just the story of one prophet of Allah, Yusuf. Countless lessons can be derived from this surah and a lot of it has to do with dealing with hardship— how Yaqub alayhi salam and Yusuf alayhi salam dealt with pain and suffering in this world and how Allah elevated both of them due to their patience. This was also a surahrevealed to the prophet to console him, and this should work brilliantly for us too!

Surah Isra, Kahf, Maryam, Taha, Anbiya

The eminent companion of the prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, Abdullah ibn Mas’ood radi Allahu anhu said concerning these surahs (Surahs 17, 18, 19, 20, 21), “They were among the first chapters to be revealed and they are my treasures.” [1] Imam al-Bayhaqi mentions about this narration, “He was referring to the superiority of these surahs because of what they contain of stories of the Prophets alayhimussalam and the nations. And they were among the first surahs to be revealed at the beginning of Islam, because they are Makkan surahs, and they were among the first parts of the Quran to be recited and memorized.” All of these Surahs contain lots of stories of the prophets, of the nations of old, and of Bani Israeel in particular. All of these stories help with depression and anxiety and help us feel the power and majesty of Allah.

Surah Rahman

Surah Rahman probably has the most vivid imagery of both Paradise and Hellfire. It also tells us of so many blessings of Allah that are mentioned within it. It is a surah that is soothing to the ears, calming on the heart, and food for the soul. With its beautiful imagery, description of Paradise, and a mention of the blessings of our Lord, it can take us out of depression.

Surah Nas

A lot of times depression has a lot to do with low self-esteem and self-doubt. A lot of it is exaggerated by the whisperings of Shaytan who has sworn to deviate every last human being he can on planet Earth. However, Allah is The Most Merciful and among the surahs he has revealed to combat the whispers of Shaytan is Surah Nas. Reciting it often can help in removing doubts and whisperings and is a surah which brings protection from Allah.

Gateway to Quran

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