Izzah's e-portfolio

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. In this week’s usrah session, Group 5 presented on a profound topic that connects Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, with two deep spiritual values, sacrifice and taqwa (God-consciousness). Their explanation reminded us that Hajj is not just a ritual, but a powerful journey that transforms a person inwardly and outwardly. 🕋 What is Hajj? Hajj is a major pilgrimage that Muslims are required to perform at least once in a lifetime if they are able. It is both an act of worship and a spiritual renewal, bringing Muslims from all over the world together in unity, humility, and devotion to Allah. “And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House  for whoever is able to find thereto a way…” - Surah Ali ’Imran, 3:97 This verse clearly highlights the obligation of Hajj for those who are capable, showing that Hajj is a divine command and not just a cultural tradition. ✨ Significance of Hajj: A Journey of Sacrifice and Taqwa The group ...

Assalamu’alaikum Everyone! This week, we were blessed with presentations by two insightful groups. Group 3 presented on the virtues found in Ṣawm (Fasting), while Group 4 focused on the virtues found in Zakāh and Ṣadaqah. Both topics reminded us of the spiritual beauty behind two core pillars of Islam, fasting and giving, and how they serve as pathways to both taqwā and inner purification. 🕌 Presentation by Group 3: The Virtues Found in Ṣawm (Fasting) Fasting is often associated with hunger and thirst, but the presentation reminded us that true fasting is about self-restraint, spiritual growth, and nearness to Allah. The Qur’anic verse that underpins this is: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may become righteous (muttaqūn).” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183) 🌟 Key Virtues of Fasting Shared in the Presentation: 1. Ṣabr (Patience and Perseverance) Fasting trains us to endure difficulties, hunger, tiredness, emotional triggers,...

  Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh 💛 Alhamdulillah, our fourth week of Usrah continued with another insightful presentation, this time by the second group. They delivered a meaningful sharing session on the topic: “The Virtues Found in Ṣalāh with Khushu‘”. Their points were not only informative but also spiritually awakening, they reminded us that ṣalāh is not just a ritual, but a life-changing act when performed with khushu‘ (humility and presence of heart). 📖 What Is Khushu‘? Khushu‘ is a state of humility, surrender, and attentiveness in prayer. It is when the heart is fully present, recognizing the greatness of Allah and the smallness of oneself. As Allah says in the Qur’an: “Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their prayers with all solemnity and full submissiveness (khushu‘).” (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:1–2) This verse highlights that khushu‘ is not just a recommended part of prayer, it is what leads to true success, both in this world and the next....

  Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh 🌿 In Week 3 of our Usrah class, it was finally my group’s turn to present. The topic we were given was something deeply important in every Muslim’s life: “Preparation for Salah with Khushu‘.” At first, it seemed like a common topic, but as we explored it, we discovered so many deep reminders that touched our hearts. 📚 What We Shared in the Presentation Our presentation was based on four main areas: 1. Ṭahārah (Purification): Wudhu’ and Tayammum We began by explaining the importance of purity before Salah. Without wudhu’ or tayammum (when water isn’t available), our prayer isn’t valid. It reminded us how Islam values cleanliness not just physically, but also spiritually, as we stand before Allah in prayer. 2. Conditions for the Acceptance (Ṣaḥīḥ) of Salah We discussed the basic conditions that must be fulfilled for a prayer to be valid, such as: • Covering the ‘awrah • Facing the qiblah • Praying within the proper time ...

Assalamualaikum Everyone! 🌸 Welcome to my Week 2 Usrah reflection. This week, we explored a topic that is simple in words but deep in meaning  “Intention Only for Allah.”  We were reminded about the real reason behind our actions as Muslims. 🎥 About the Talk: The video by Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan discussed how every act of worship, every good deed, every small effort, even a smile, should be done sincerely for the sake of Allah. It’s easy to forget this in our daily routines, especially when we want others to recognize our efforts or praise us for doing something good. But Allah sees our hearts, and He knows what no one else does. 🌟 Key Lessons I Gained: 1. Purifying Our Intentions Ustadh Nouman reminded us that sometimes we might do the right things, but for the wrong reasons. We may want attention, respect, or admiration, but none of these are the reasons Allah accepts deeds. What matters most is ikhlas (sincerity). Our goal should be to earn Allah’s pleasure, not people’...

Assalamualaikum and Hi everyone! 🌙 The first class  in Usrah, we explored a beautiful topic , “Unlocking the Blessings of Ramadan.” Our instructor shared a short video, and from there, I jotted down a few key takeaways that really made me reflect. Ramadan is not just about fasting, it’s about resetting our hearts and reconnecting with Allah. 🌟 Key Reflections: 🔹 A Month of Forgiveness Letting go of grudges is not just for others, it benefits us. If we forgive those who wrong us, Allah will forgive our sins. Mercy begins with us. 🔹 The Month of the Qur’an Ramadan is when the Qur’an was revealed. It’s the perfect time to build a stronger connection with it, even if we start with small steps. 🔹 Discipline & Dedication Fasting teaches discipline. The month is full of chances to train ourselves, through extra acts of worship, controlling our desires, and being more conscious of our actions. 🔹 Rewards Multiplied Every small good deed is multiplied. That means even helping someo...