For the shahadat of Imam Hassan (AS), we focused on the quote of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) where he calls Imam Hassan (AS) and Imam Hussain (AS) the Leaders of the Young People of Paradise. We began our discussion by talking about Heaven. Here's the gist of our conversation. “Do you remember what Heaven is?” “It’s … Continue reading Leaders of the Young People of Paradise
Imam Hussain
Can’t Block the Light of Guidance
No matter how hard the enemies of Islam tried, they could not block the light of guidance from spreading and reaching us, even hundreds of years later. After Karbala, Yazid tried to prevent the spread of the message of Islam by imprisoning the Ahlul Bayt. However, even from inside the prison, their guidance still spread, … Continue reading Can’t Block the Light of Guidance
The Generosity of Bibi Sakina (SA)
Today, we discussed the generosity of Bibi Sakina. Here’s the gist of the discussion I had with my four year old. "Who is Bibi Sakina?" "[incorrect answer]" "Hmm… no… do you know all the nohas that you listen to that talk about Bibi Sakina? What happened to Bibi Sakina?" "Yeah the bad people pulled her … Continue reading The Generosity of Bibi Sakina (SA)
Friendship Spring
Today, I have another activity that we did last month, during the first ten days of Muharram, discussing another companion of Imam Hussain (AS). Hazrat Habib ibn Mazahir was one of Imam Hussain (AS)’s close friends. They had been friends since their childhood, and though they lived far away from each other and could not … Continue reading Friendship Spring
The Decision of Hazrat Hur (AS)
Last month, during the first ten days of Muharram, we did a couple of activities to discuss some of the companions of Imam Hussain (AS). Today, I’m going to post one of those activities. In Karbala, Hazrat Hur (AS) had a big decision to make. A decision with huge consequences. On the one hand, Hazrat Hur (AS) … Continue reading The Decision of Hazrat Hur (AS)
Hazrat Hur (AS) and Forgiveness
One of the lessons we can learn from Hazrat Hur (AS) is that it's not too late to ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness. Even if you've done something that seems unerasable, asking Allah (SWT) for forgiveness can still erase our sins. To demonstrate this, we used a dry erase board. One the board, we thought … Continue reading Hazrat Hur (AS) and Forgiveness
Map and Timeline of the Journey of Karbala and its Aftermath
As we approach the Day of Arbaeen, I feel like this is a good time to review everything that the family and friends of Imam Hussain (AS) have endured on their long and difficult journey. As they return to Karbala and then to Madinah, we can review everything that has happened and discuss all the … Continue reading Map and Timeline of the Journey of Karbala and its Aftermath
Bibi Sakina – A Bird in a Cage
A conversation with my three year old... Who is our third Imam? Second is Hassan. Yep, and who’s our third imam? Umm, our third imam is Imam Hussain. Yeah! You got it! High five! Do you remember how we talked about the bad people that hurt Imam Hussain (AS)? Yeah. Did you know that Imam Hussain (AS) … Continue reading Bibi Sakina – A Bird in a Cage
Who is Bibi Zainab (SA)?
Along with Imam Zainul Abideen (AS), Bibi Zainab (SA) was one of the main heroes of Karbala after Ashura. Without Bibi Zainab (SA), the message of Islam would not have survived. Today's activity is aimed at older kids who already know many of the stories of Karbala and its aftermath. It leads them to reflect on … Continue reading Who is Bibi Zainab (SA)?
“Is Prophet Mohammed (SAW) Your Grandfather or Mine?”
In Shaam, the 4th Imam (AS) gave a powerful speech in which he introduced himself to the people. He discussed his family, the Holy Prophet (SAW) and the Imams (AS) that came before him. He explained the virtues that they possess. He also spoke of the evils that occurred in Karbala. He spoke so eloquently that … Continue reading “Is Prophet Mohammed (SAW) Your Grandfather or Mine?”