Making Quran and Seerah Come ALIVE in Homes!

How do we make Quran and Seerah come ALIVE in our homes? Sometimes, we forget that Allah s.w.t. loves us so much that HE has provided a manual of life for us through the Quran and yet, we neglect and fail to optimize this Guidebook.

Wouldn't we want to achieve a harmonious family with young children who are polite and receptive to new information introduced? There are a million tips and guidelines that can extracted and simplified from the Quran for us to apply in our daily lives and therewith, guide our young ones.

Growing up in secular Singapore can be quite trying for a regular Muslim as the system moulds us to treat Islam as a part of life as though it is a separate body when in reality, Islam is THE way of life. Some parents tend to relinquish their responsibilities unintentionally and unknowingly as they develop this mindset that they have done their part when they have sent their children to madrasah, be it part-time or full time, or if they have sent their children to learn how to recite the Quran but truth be told, is that enough?

When we build God-conscious minds from young through proper methods and not simply by threats or instilling fear, values will form the foundation and if God wills, all will fall into place. This would be further made possible through constant supplications to Allah, undivided faith and consistent effort.

I had the opportunity to attend the 3Is Workshop conducted by IQRAsaurus on Monday, 31st October 2016, along with other parents and educators. IQRAsaurus is the brainchild of Sister Ziehan and her husband, Brother Iqram. It was easy to relate to their sharing session on integration as they were so casual and behaved just like any other ordinary couple, openly acknowledging that they err and are still actively continuously seeking knowledge without a 'holier than thou' persona. They were honest and genuine throughout the session and displayed no hint of any hidden agenda. It was even more beautiful when their children joined in the session. It was a live testimony of 'a mother is the first madrasah' as they mirror certain characteristics of their mother. It was too apparent for us to turn a blind eye to. 

Brother Iqram conducting the session with his toddler on his shoulders

Their 10-year-old daughter, Najwa presenting one of the books she wrote and aspires to publish: A Pig's Prayer

Nazirul Husna, Yours Truly, Sister Ziehan & children, Ustazah Su'aidah and daughter (From left to right)

I was so thankful that Allah willed me to attend the workshop and meet other like-minded individuals.

I felt so inspired and motivated. This is exactly what I strive to achieve. Insya'allah.
To have children of God-conscious minds.
To guide my children onto the straight path ~ sirattul mustaqeem.
To be reunited with my loved ones in the Gardens of Paradise.

Some Knowledge Takeaways from the workshop:

1. We must 'walk the talk'. If we want our children to behave a certain way, we must model the practices e.g. if we want to emulate Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and teach our children not to eat while walking, then we must remember not to do that ourselves
2. Our ideas belong to Allah. Allah gave us the idea and triggered our minds to develop the ideas.
3. Parenting is a journey. We are not perfect nor always right. There are times our children can correct and remind us. Acknowledge that we err and thank our children for the reminders.
4. Display patience and self-control if we want our children to learn patience and self-control. Our children are a reflection of us, especially when they are young as we are their immediate source of learning.
5. Quran has outlined the ISO in our lives so specifically and holistically. Embrace it.
6. Allah swt is our leaning pillar. When in doubt or overwhelmed with challenges, consult HIM.

There are many more learning points derived from that single workshop which lasted for 4 hours. The wealth of knowledge acquired was just a tip of the iceberg. I have renewed excitement as I start planning on the integration levels I can start on Azeen and Ayra and looking forward to the upcoming ChiChi LaLa: Chasing Rainbows on 19th November at d'Pelangi Ballroom, Novotel Clarke Quay. I can't wait for the sharing session by IQRA'saurus on Quran 'hacks' in creating an ideal Islamic environment at home.

Of course, I am also as excited for the other stage programmes such as:

❤️️Kinesthetic techniques on memorizing the Quran by Ustazah Su'aidah Salim
❤️️Instilling Love of Reading by PlayDate
❤️️Interactive segment adapted from the Asmaul' Husna Series by Homely Hammocks
❤️️Islamic Art by Little Fikra and more!

For parents who are like-minded in raising children of God-conscious minds, do come for ChiChi LaLa: Chasing Rainbows with your family. Apart from the interactive stage programmes and booths, there is also an all-you-can-eat high tea buffet catered from d'Pelangi!
To get your tickets, click here.