#Importance Of Islamic Studies For Kids

[quranforchildren]

Islamic Studies For Kids Online

The Importance of Islamic Studies for Kids Online: Exploring Faith Through Education

In a rapidly advancing digital world, parents are increasingly seeking ways to provide their children with a quality education that aligns with their religious and moral values. For Muslim families, ensuring their children understand the teachings of Islam is a cornerstone of their upbringing. However, with busy schedules, limited access to local resources, and the growing demand for a tailored education, online platforms offering Islamic topics for kids have emerged as a transformative solution.

One of the most effective ways to nurture a child’s spiritual and intellectual growth is through Islamic Studies for Kids Online. These programs offer engaging and interactive ways for children to learn about their faith, history, and values while exploring diverse Islamic topics for kids.

This blog delves into the benefits, structure, and significance of online Islamic studies for kids, showing how these platforms are shaping the future of Islamic education.

1. Why Online Islamic Studies Are Gaining Popularity

Gone are the days when families had to rely solely on local religious schools or tutors for Islamic education. The rise of online learning has bridged the gap, offering flexibility, accessibility, and customization. Here’s why online Islamic studies are becoming a preferred choice:

Accessibility: Whether you live in a bustling city or a remote area, online platforms bring qualified Islamic teachers and resources right to your home.

Flexibility: Busy parents and students can schedule classes around their daily routines, ensuring consistency without disrupting other commitments.

Tailored Learning: Online courses often cater to different age groups and skill levels, providing personalized content for every child’s needs.

2. What Do Islamic Studies for Kids Include?

Online Islamic studies programs are designed to cover a wide range of topics that are essential for a child’s spiritual and intellectual growth. These programs often include:

a) Quranic Studies

Learning to recite, memorize, and understand the Quran is a central part of Islamic education. Online classes provide structured lessons on Tajweed (pronunciation rules) and Tafsir (interpretation), ensuring children grasp the Quran’s meaning and application in daily life.

b) Prophetic Stories

Children are naturally drawn to stories, and the lives of the Prophets (peace be upon them) are filled with lessons of patience, courage, and faith. Online courses often include engaging storytelling sessions that teach valuable morals through Islamic history.

c) Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)

Understanding basic Islamic practices, such as how to pray, fast, and perform wudu (ablution), is fundamental. These practical lessons are tailored to suit a child’s age and comprehension level.

d) Islamic History

From the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the golden age of Islamic civilization, children learn about their rich heritage, fostering pride in their identity.

e) Akhlaq and Adab (Morals and Etiquette)

Instilling good manners and moral values is a key focus of Islamic education. Online classes emphasize concepts such as honesty, kindness, respect, and gratitude, helping children build strong character.

f) Exploring Diverse Islamic Topics for Kids

Beyond foundational subjects, many programs offer lessons on contemporary topics, such as environmental stewardship in Islam, financial responsibility, and the importance of community service, helping children connect faith to real-world issues.

3. Benefits of Online Islamic Studies for Kids

a) Interactive and Engaging Learning

One of the main advantages of online Islamic studies is the use of modern teaching methods. Many programs incorporate videos, quizzes, and games to make learning fun and interactive. This approach keeps children engaged and motivated to learn more about their faith.

b) One-on-One Attention

For younger children or those who need extra guidance, one-on-one lessons with a qualified teacher can make all the difference. Online platforms allow for personalized attention, ensuring that each child’s unique learning needs are met.

c) Encourages Independent Learning

Online Islamic studies often come with self-paced modules that encourage children to take ownership of their education. This helps them develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the material.

d) Access to Expert Teachers

Many online platforms feature qualified teachers who specialize in Islamic education for children. Parents can choose instructors based on their expertise, language skills, and teaching style, ensuring a positive learning experience.

e) Convenient and Safe Environment

With online classes, children can learn in the safety and comfort of their homes. This eliminates the need for long commutes and ensures parents have control over their child’s learning environment.

4. How to Choose the Right Program for Your Child

Selecting the right online Islamic studies program is crucial to ensure your child receives a well-rounded education. Here are some factors to consider:

Curriculum: Look for programs that cover a wide range of Islamic topics for kids, from Quranic studies to Islamic history and morals.

Qualified Teachers: Ensure the platform has experienced teachers who are skilled at working with children.

Interactive Tools: Check if the program uses engaging tools like videos, games, and live sessions to make learning enjoyable.

Flexibility: Choose a program that fits your family’s schedule and allows for one-on-one or group lessons, depending on your child’s preference.

Trial Classes: Many platforms offer free trial lessons, giving you a chance to evaluate their teaching style and content quality.

5. The Role of Parents in Online Islamic Studies

While online platforms provide the tools and resources for Islamic education, parents play an essential role in supporting their child’s learning journey. Here’s how you can help:

Set a Routine: Establish a consistent schedule for online classes, ensuring your child has dedicated time for their studies.

Create a Positive Learning Environment: Minimize distractions during class time and provide a quiet, comfortable space for learning.

Engage in Discussions: Talk to your child about what they’ve learned and encourage them to ask questions. This reinforces their understanding and keeps them engaged.

Monitor Progress: Keep track of your child’s progress by reviewing class materials and communicating with their teacher.

6. Popular Platforms Offering Islamic Studies for Kids Online

Several reputable platforms specialize in providing online Islamic education for children. These programs combine traditional teaching methods with modern technology to create an immersive learning experience. Some popular platforms include:

Iqra Network: Offers personalized Quranic and Islamic studies lessons for kids of all ages.

Quran Academy: Focuses on Quran recitation, memorization, and Islamic fundamentals.

Bayyinah TV for Kids: Features engaging video content on various Islamic topics for kids.

7. The Long-Term Impact of Online Islamic Studies

Investing in your child’s Islamic education through online platforms has lasting benefits. By learning about their faith in a structured and engaging way, children develop a strong moral foundation, a deeper connection to their identity, and the skills to navigate life with confidence and integrity.

Conclusion

In a world where technology continues to reshape how we learn, online Islamic studies for kids offer a unique opportunity to combine traditional values with modern convenience. Through engaging lessons, personalized attention, and access to a wealth of Islamic topics for kids, these programs empower children to grow spiritually, intellectually, and morally.

For parents seeking to nurture their child’s faith and understanding of Islam, online Islamic studies provide a flexible and effective solution. Start exploring the available options today, and give your child the gift of a meaningful and enriching Islamic education.

[lonniemachin]

Nagham reached out to me to help share her family's fundraiser. Yasmeen Ouda is urgently raising money to evacuate her family from Gaza to Canada. They have currently only made $13,850 CAD out of their $50,000 goal, a little under 1/4th of the way there! Please donate and share, and if you can't donate, please still share!

Yasmeen's Twitter/X account: @Jasmeen217

From Yasmeen's GFM:

Hi everyone,

My name is Yasmeen Ouda, I am Palestinian born and raised in Gaza city, I moved to London Ontario 4 years ago with my husband. I am raising this fund to help my family flee the war and come safely to Canada and reunite with me and my kids again.

I'm writing to you at a really critical and urgent moment. Presently, my family is in Gaza and is dealing with unspeakable conditions. My family and I are fervently requesting your assistance so that we can help them flee to safety and reunite with me in Canada. I live in Canada with my 2 kids , yet I feel like I'm thousands of miles away from my family and are helpless to stop the suffering caused by ongoing aggression in Gaza. The situation is getting worse every day, and I worry about their safety.

I've been putting my family before myself since the beginning of the war. My heart shatters into even more pieces and hurts more each time I say this but they have already made evacuations inside Gaza with no safe place to go to. They didn’t manage to take any of their belongings except some clothes and important documents as the Israeli occupation forced them to evacuate immediately. Even by evacuating to the safe area as the Israeli claims they have witnessed so many bombs and death everywhere but they have miraculously survived each time.

Recently, Canada announced a program stating that immediate families of Palestinians with Canadian citizenship or permanent residency will be eligible to remain in Canada for three years in a move designed to bring them to safety while war rages in Gaza between Hamas and Israel.

I was overjoyed to hear this news because it gave me hope that, after this extremely difficult period, I would be reunited with my family. However, my joy was tinged with bitterness since I knew that they would not be able to pay for the rent or even the exorbitant living expenses in Canada

My brother is expecting his first child in May 2024 , after 1 year of marriage. he is very worried about this baby after having one miscarriage before and wish to take his wife and baby to safety but he won't be able to afford the costs of the delivery in Canada or even provide for his baby's needs at least for a while until he settles down and finds a job.

My sister is a 4th year medical student, she is studying in the Islamic university of Gaza. She's passionate about her major and dreaming of becoming a doctor but the Israeli occupation has shattered her dream into pieces when they bombed the university and turned it into aches. Now, she has a new opportunity to fulfill her dream again here in Canada, but studying in Canada is expensive and she will never make it without your help and support.

It is extremely difficult and demanding to start over in a new country without any savings, especially for people who are already fleeing the war and have nothing left for them. However, you may assist them by helping them with the initial steps of their new journey.

Your support, no matter how small the contribution, means more than mere financial aid. It's an expression of your solidarity, compassion, and humanity, granting her a chance at a new, secure life .Together, we can make a difference, rebuilding a life and dreams from scratch. Each donation, regardless of size, contributes to their new start.

[vague-humanoid]

Stranger Danger: Moral Panic, White Childhood Innocence, & the American Carceral State With Paul...

In this episode we speak with Paul Renfro about his book Stranger Danger: Family Values, Childhood, and the American Carceral State

Paul Renfro is an associate professor of history and an affiliate faculty in the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program at Florida State University. In addition to Stranger Danger, He is also the coeditor of Growing Up America: Youth and Politics since 1945, and the author of the forthcoming book The Life and Death of Ryan White: AIDS and Inequality in America which comes out this fall on UNC Press.

Stranger Danger tells the story of how bereaved parents of missing and slain children turned their grief into a mass movement and, alongside journalists and policymakers from both major political parties, propelled a moral panic. Leveraging larger cultural fears concerning familial and national decline, these child safety crusaders warned Americans of a supposedly widespread and worsening child kidnapping threat, erroneously claiming that as many as fifty thousand American children fell victim to stranger abductions annually. The actual figure was (and remains) between one hundred and three hundred, and kidnappings perpetrated by family members and acquaintances occur far more frequently.

We get into all of that and focus intently in this conversation on how Stranger Danger functioned from its inception as a moral panic or a sex panic. A panic Renfro argues we’ve never emerged from, one that still animates the reality of mass incarceration today, but is often less discussed than other contributing factors to the largest system of carceral control and punishment in the world.

This conversation was originally recorded all the way back on September 8th and was slated to be released on Halloween to time it up with the ridiculous annual copaganda about strangers lacing children’s candy a reliable myth propelled by the child safety regime. Obviously that timeline was dramatically derailed by our focus on work around Palestine which has largely taken the form of videos on our YouTube channels. My apologies to Paul Renfro for taking so long to get this excellent conversation edited and released. Even though the conversation certainly has nothing to do with Palestine directly, as I was finalizing the edit for this episode, it was interesting to think in this moment about the demonization of student protesters, the notion that student encampments have been somehow been infiltrated by so-called “terrorists” who are poisoning their minds with radical islam, teaching them anti-semitic rhetoric, and guerrilla warfare tactics. Certainly this has many of the hallmarks of a moral panic. And there are others we discuss in the show the panic around schools teaching sex education, the dangers of drag balls, or concerns about transgender kids in sports. It is important to be able to recognize attempts to manufacture panics, and to think critically about how we respond to these multifaceted propaganda efforts.

If you want to support our work, the best way to do so is to become a patron of the show. You can do so for as little as $1 a month at patreon.com/millennialsarekillingcapitalism

For show notes (with working links go here: https://millennialsarekillingcapitali... )

[alpaca-clouds]

How To Improve Historical Literacy

As I have already established: If my life had gone according to my plan, I would have studied history at university, not IT/economics. Because history is to me one of the most interesting areas of study. BY FAR.

But being a history nerd also brings me one thing: I... kinda notice how little most people know about history. And I am not talking about the kinda stuff I love even - you know, pre-colonial Americas and stuff. No, I am talking like European history.

I recently allowed myself the kinda joke and ask around with friends and with colleagues of work for them to just generally date me certain historical events, that are definitely taught in German schools. The events were: Christianization of Rome, the Fall of Rome, the Crusades, the witch hunts, the revolutions, the industrial revolution, and the fall of Weimar.

What can I say? In some cases people were off by 500 years.

And sure, I hear you say, but history is not about remembering dates.

I agree with that. History is about understanding how and why things happened. But if you do not even get the general series of events right and how much time roughly passed between those events... you do not understand how and why things happened. Because you have no way of knowing this.

I also quizzed three people a bit about the history of Islam as it interacted with European history and... Yeah. Most I got in response to that were blank stares and the question of: "How am I suppsed to know that?"

We talk a lot about media literacy. What we do not talk a lot about is historical literacy. And I think... that is a big issue.

I talked with a friend about this recently. A retired history teacher. (Mind you, he is not that old, he just could not do teaching anymore because of health issues.) And we talked about how the curriculum in history very much is still following the Great Man narrative - and also repeats a lot of historical propaganda unquestioned.

Sure, at least over here in Germany we do very much interact with the Nazi propaganda in a critical way. But at the same time we absolutely unquestioningly learn stuff as "true" that came from colonial propaganda - or from the Victorian era propaganda about the middle ages.

We generally do fairly little in history over here when it comes to anything happening before 1600. Sure, we roughly skim over it. If you pick Latin class you get a bit more of Rome and Greece. But without Latin class you will barely know anything about those times in history.

And the problem that comes from that is, that most folks never actually LEARN how to even read historical sources. Be it primary sources - or just historical research. Which then leads to people taking words as gospel from some idiots who want to turn the past into their personal fantasy (Shadiversity for example).

And really... I will decry curricula in so many different classes. But none as much as history. Because in history, well... the folks do not even learn the basics.

You absolutely cannot teach history without teaching about how history interacted. You cannot just do German history. Technically the people know that. It is why we learned about the French Revolution, and about the Industrial Revolution in the UK. But that is just not enough.

Kids need to learn how the world works - and how certain things came to be. And something that Germany barely talks about is colonialism. Or the crusades. And both things are so inherently important if you want to understand the state the world is in right now.

More than that, however... Kids really need to be taught how to find historical research and sources to inform themselves.

And I mean that bitterly.

Years ago I did an analysis of certain kids books that had historical themes (like those non-fiction books for kids) and... Oh boy. It was not good. There was so much bullshit in those, that came from research that was at times more than 80 years old and had long been disproven. But those fairly new books had not updated that kinda stuff. And how are kids supposed to recognize those issues? And how are they supposed to develop a bullshit detector, when they are taught bullshit as kids?

And really... Media literacy is bad, btu I think more than anything we should talk about historical literacy.

Might also help with the conspiracy theorists.

[vikings-til-valhalla]

Come meet your viking!

Wanted to update my intro post, so here goes nothin'!

Hey y'all, I'm Magnus! Gay trans guy (he/him) in my mid 20s. Autistic.

I began this blog ages ago, though I don't recall how long it's been around because time is a vortex and I'm too busy to count anymore. Anyway!

This blog is a place for anything Asatru and viking related. It's important to know that Asatru is an open practice, meaning all are welcome. And I mean ALL folks! Feel free to ask religious questions and advice, but know that Asatru is an individually practiced religion, and therefore nobody is an ordained professional, and I by no means consider myself an expert or professional on any level. I'm just some guy with a blog. That's it.

My Asatru journey began as a kid, at 15 years old, namely when I tried to call for some deity out there who'd answer my biggest questions about who I am and why I felt like a boy if I was a girl. Jesus sure didn't give me an answer, not after many years of asking, but when I reached out to Odin, terrified to stray from the religious path my parents set me on, I got my answer nearly immediately.

I came out as me. And my parents accept that, support me, and still help me to this day almost a decade later!

I find it comedic because I've tried to work with the Æsir and Vanir both, but traditionally Vanir worship was for more feminine folk, and Æsir worship for the masculine. I've been the rough and tough guy for as long as I can remember, always playing videogames that boys my age as a kid played, doing MMA, and all my clothes were from the boy's section. I thrive on my masculinity. And needless to say as a result, my Vanir worship has NEVER gone well. At all. But my Æsir worship? Yeah that's always yielded results and been helpful to me. So uhh... even the gods know I'm a man!! ;)

Know that on this blog, absolute zero bigotry or hate in any form will be tolerated. That means no misogyny, no misandry, no transmisogyny or transmisandry, no hate, no racism, no sexism, no religious oppression for any religion, no hate for the innocent whatsoever, no anti-feminism and no radical feminism especially trans-exclusionary (TERF). Any instances I find in reblogs, comments, asks, DMs, etc. will result in immediate bans without warning.

So! That's about it for the blog part! Love y'all, and I hope you enjoy the place!

Some cool things about me below the cut!

I'm an author! I've got 2 published books in paperback currently, with a third in the works being posted by weekly chapters on my Substack. Most of my works are high fantasy and space fantasy, but I never do any writing outside the fantasy and sci-fi umbrellas. I'm big on writing queer male stories, featuring men of adult age loving other adult men, but all characters in my writing regardless of gender or lack thereof, are assumed queer unless I state otherwise.

I'm unable to attend college for health reasons, but I plan to return when/if I'm able, and get a degree in ethics! I am HUGE on ethical practices in every aspect, love debating morality and ethics, I've studied the subject quite intensely over the 6 years I was in college, and it's been my passion besides creative writing, which I don't need a degree to do, but I will need certification if I wish to become a professional ethicist! So that'll be my degree someday, Odin and Tyr be willing! My experiences with transphobia, homophobia, and having grown up with a majority of my friends being Jewish and Islamic, has inspired me to fight for equal rights, safety, acceptance, wellbeing, opportunities, and freedoms for every single human being worldwide. I wish to someday leave this world better than when I arrived for all who have to keep going after me.

Before disability, I did MMA for 13 years. I had 2 teachers, but they split apart early on, and I stuck with the one. I'm still in contact with both! Seeing as I'm better now with my pain, I'm going next summer to join the local martial arts school by the other former teacher.

If you ever find me at a renfaire, you'll know me when you find the tiniest little beefcake guy dressed in furs and plate armor (I'm less than 5ft/150cm tall).

My absolute favorite type of music is metal. All types of metal! Mainly power, symphonic, folk, and death are what I listen to!

Favorite medias are: Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, D&D, Gravity Falls, Destiny, The Elder Scrolls, Transformers, Futurama, Pokémon, and anything Lego

I have an insanely huge cat who is my son. His name is Patron, said like the tequila, and as of September 2024 he's 17.6lbs of man. Here's a video of me and him for scale.

Feel free to ask about my cat son. Please ask about my cat son. I love him. He loves hugs and snuggles. I could write a whole novel on him if I had time. Patron is my whole world and life.

[spurgie-cousin]

Sorry if this is a personal ask but as an ex-Christian how do you deal with the paranoia that you might go to hell when you die? I have considered myself agnostic for a while but lately I’ve been feeling like I should go back to Christianity because I am so scared of going to hell but I also feel like I should want to be a Christian for more reasons than that. Have you ever dealt with something like this? How did you handle it? Thanks and I love your blog!

Thank you! And that's a great question. The idea of going to hell got its claws in me deep as a kid so this is something I definitely struggled with even as an adult.

For me, the thing that helpe the most was just completely deconstructing and then reconstructing my idea of spirituality. A big part of that was studying other religions, particularly other types of Christianity but also Judaism, Islam, new age stuff, etc. The idea of hell can vary SO much from denomination to denomination, some believe it's not such a bad place, some believe it's temporary, and some don't even believe in it at all. It really got me thinking about how many ways the Bible can be interpreted and how even if hell was a real thing, maybe my own church's interpretation wasn't even correct. People are imperfect after all and we know religion can attract people who care more about power and control than spirituality. There are so many ways people think about the afterlife, how can I be sure what I was told is any more correct than what my Jewish neighbor, whose religion is even older than mine, believes?

Along those lines, another thing that shifted my perspective was learning that most people's idea of hell as a fiery, torturous underworld was actually not even included in the Bible but invented by a poet and philosopher named Dante Alighieri. Even Biblical scholars consider the poem in question to be complete fiction, but the idea burrowed its way into our collective psyche through other fictional media like movies and stories.

I think another thing that has been really important for me personally is defining my morality outside of the Christian idea of it. Basically sitting down with myself and deciding what few things, if any, I know are almost certainly true about myself, people, the universe etc. One of those things I decided was that despite my flaws, I do not think I am inherently bad (as my church had told me). I know that I do my best to be kind, fair, and always try to be a little better than I was the day before, even on the days I don't do it as well as I'd like. From that perspective, the idea that a supposedly benevolent creator would send me to eternal suffering for breaking a few arbitrary rules starts to feel less and less like the truth. If there is a God and he knows everything about me (and is not a masochist) he knows my heart and intentions.

There's definitely more but this has gotten long lol so I'll stop there for now. I guess the tl;dr of this all would be, to try to reframe your idea of spirituality as a whole. Learning about different kinds of spirituality, doing some serious self-reflection, and being very honest about it will help you do that, which can help you get out of your old ideology's grip. I hope any of that makes sense or can be helpful in some way ❤️ let me know if there's anything I can clear up, if you have other questions, or want to talk about it more

[the-frosty-mac]

An incomplete recounting of my to-read-list :). Happy to get any recommendations while I’m at it (preferably books that have audio versions, but that’s not strictly necessary).

NON-FICTION:

“Stalin: History and Critique of a Black Legend” by Domenico Losurdo, as mentioned the other day

“Western Marxism” by Domenico Losurdo, as also mentioned the other day

“Wretched of the Earth” by Frantz Fanon as ALSO also mentioned the other day (I technically started it but only the foreword)

“Women and Revolution: A Discussion of the Unhappy Marriage of Marxism and Feminism,” edited by Lydia Sargent, ALSO ALSO also mentioned the other day. I’ve already read the essay that the rest of the book discusses (which is included within the book itself), and found it pretty illuminating on the topic of Marxist feminism. It gave me a much more solid grasp on what, exactly, the patriarchy is on a material level. So I’m very interested to read some of the critiques made of it by later Marxist feminists in this book.

“Unequal Exchange: A Study of the Imperialism of Trade” by Arghiri Emmanual. I’m already familiar with the basic concept of unequal exchange, but I think it’s important to understand it as deeply as possible given how foundational it is to modern imperialism.

“History of the Russian Revolution” by Leon Trotsky. I’m not particularly interested in getting into the Stalin v Trotsky beef, as I don’t consider myself well read enough to give a properly informed opinion yet, but I’ve heard that pretty much everyone, including his haters, agrees that Trotsky’s history book on the Russian Revolution is foundational (probably because he himself was such a major player in it). I understand the broad strokes of the October Revolution, but I’m not the expert I think I really should strive to be.

“How Europe Underdeveloped Africa” by Walter Rodney. Again, colonialism bad. Imperialism bad. This much is obvious. I would like to learn the specifics, though. Just because I tend to have a pretty good intuition for these kinds of things, doesn’t mean I should rely on that. It’s always good to learn history.

“Selected Works of Mao Tse-Tung: Volumes I-IX,” which is probably cheating because it’s basically just someone’s whole bibliography, but hey. I’ve read a criminally small amount of Mao, and I hope to fix that.

“Black Marxism” by Cedric Robinson. It would be very myopic of me, White American Communist number 5 trillion, to not read this.

Basically all of Gerald Horne’s bibliography, although I’m particularly interested in “The Counter-Revolution of 1776.” There’s a lot of debate on whether the American Revolution was a historically progressive event in a Marxist sense, and this book seems to make the argument that it was not, at least from what I’ve seen people say. I’m exceedingly curious to see why that is, and to see if I agree.

Antonio Gramsci’s “Prison Notebooks.” I don’t have much reasoning here, I’ve just seen many people reference Gramsci lol

“Modern Islamic Political Thought” by Hamid Enayat. Given how relevant the Middle East is to 21st century political discourse, I absolutely feel the need to read this.

“The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine” by Ilan Pappé. Why I’d feel the need to read this one should be obvious. Hell, I’d like to read Pappé’s whole bibliography.

FICTION:

Tolkien’s Legendarium. The whole thing. I’ve never actually finished any of his works (though I made it through most of The Hobbit as a kid). This is a bit of a major mark against me as a nerd, and I must rectify it.

The Cosmere, by Brandon Sanderson. I mean, realistically, I’ll never be able to get through ALL of it. I just don’t have the attention span. But at least some of the standalone books, maybe Era 1 of Mistborn.

“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt. I actually listened to an abridged audiobook of this once, but that’s not the same as the whole book.

“The Locked Tomb” by Tamsyn Muir. I started the series once, but never got very far. What I did read was excellent, but my attention span stopped me, as per usual.

Thrawn Ascendency Trilogy by Timothy Zahn. Had to get some Star Wars in, of course, and these books seem really intriguing to me. They seem to very much be their own thing, completely peripheral to anything else in Star Wars, which intrigues me.

Avatar prequel novels, buy a couple authors. I love The Last Airbender and Korra, so of course I’d want more from that world.

“Red Star” by Alexander Bogdanov. Communist science fiction written by an actual Bolshevik revolutionary? Hell fuckin yeah.

“The Expanse” by James S. A. Corey. idk anything about it but people seem to like it

“Carmilla” by Sheridan Le Fanu. A sapphic vampire classic (and one of the most influential vampire books ever) that I’ve not read is a crime.

“Animorphs” by Katherine Applegate. About as fucked up a series as YA can realistically get. I used to read these in middle school but it’s been so long that I barely remember anything except the vibes

“This Town Will Never Let Us Go” by Lawrence Miles. I actually own a copy, but I haven’t started it yet. Faction Paradox is a complicated thing to talk about, but endlessly fascinating, so I wanna get more into it.

“A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin. Basically the only reason I haven’t already read these as a fan of the show is that I don’t like reading things that seem to have been left on a cliffhanger for a long period of time. That bothers me. Maybe one day

Anne Rice’s “Vampire Chronicles.” I’m already a book and some change through it, but that’s hardly the whole series.

[freyabuckley00]

The Origins of My Religion (and lack thereof) pt. 1

TW: religion, discussion of racism

I grew up in the church. A large church in a medium sized town full of small minded folks. Saying I was Church of Christ always garnered one of two reactions. It was always, "I've never heard of that," or "Isn't that the one that doesn't use instruments?" Unknown or vaguely infamous were my only two options.

Growing up, my grandparents traveled all over the country, and they'd always find the closest church of Christ and visit. They always talked about finding someone who knows someone they know, and when I was a kid, I thought it was such a cool coincidence. As I got older, I realized they always met someone because it was such a small community. It's a cult. I don't use that term lightly.

I was raised to believe that only my church was the one going to heaven. Even the two other large churches of Christ did not make the cut. My youth group would go to the church of Christ teen conference a few hours away and we'd all be manipulated into confessing "sins" and praying for everyone at the conference because they were poor lost sinners who were going to burn in eternal damnation. The pastor was a Bible professor at the local Christian college and he'd tell stories about his students trying to constructively criticize and educate him on his views of God and the Bible, and he'd stand at the pulpit and ridicule them.

I was raised in a church of Pharisees. The only thing that was important was telling everyone how we were better than everyone else. My youth minister would encourage us to watch Tucker Carlson and argue with "liberals" on Twitter. He told us that Muslims were put on this earth to kill anyone who wasn't a follower of Islam. His wife--who was only allowed to teach if the men were in a separate room--taught us girls that we were chewed up pieces of gum if we let a boy do so much as hold our hands. No one wanted to be a chewed up and used piece of gum.

Then, they'd preach about love. Not from the words of Jesus or God, but from Paul. We only studied the books Paul wrote. His word was gospel. It was common gossip (we didn't call it gossip. It was "information") that he wasn't allowed to preach on the Sermon on the Mount because the elders found it too liberal.

Being in the south, I grew up seeing more confederate flag dress shirts than I did church members of color. I knew two Black students in my youth group, and they were adopted by white parents who heavily punished them for trying to reconnect with their birth families. They kicked the daughter out at 17 because she dared to reach out and meet her biological sister, who was not adopted by a white family. The parents then stood at the stage begging for prayers because their daughter "fell astray back to her roots." There's no hate like Christian love.

[aajjks]

Potentially controversial topic: I'm not entirely against "child marriage." Ok so, hear me out...

Firstly, I'd like to point out that consent is very very important. Obviously, parents shouldn't force their children into getting married regardless of their age.

Secondly, according to Islam, as soon as someone has gone through puberty, they're physically able to reproduce and could get married if they wanted to.

In the Western world, legal age counts as 18-21 years of age, but that's not the same for a lot of eastern countries. I'm not saying either one is right or wrong. It really depends on the situation.

The prophet in Islam was arranged to marry one of his wives when she was about 5 or 6 years old, but the marriage only became official when she reached puberty at the age of 9. I think things were very different in those times though. She was a lot more mature than the average 9 year old these days. There were also more pious people with less pedophiles and things weren't so messed up that time. She was known as one of the wisest women of their time and he was known to be trustworthy, so it worked for them.

He married his first wife when he was 25 and she was 40, so age gaps are not an issue to me either.

All of my great grandparents got married in their teens.

I think that things were very different in those times though. People nowadays mature at a slower rate than people in the past, so there are a lot of people that shouldn't be getting married when they're not ready. Kids a hundred years ago had a lot more responsibilities with working and running households compared to kids now that are still learning to tie their shoe laces.

I don't think kids should be getting married straight after puberty. They should get some time to settle into life and to get to know their bodies before having to share it with someone else. Obviously marrying kids off before puberty is out of the question. That's entirely just wrong. They should have some time to figure out where they want to be in life and parent shouldn't just decide on their behalf before they have a chance to decide for themselves.

I also think that getting married shouldn't interfere with getting an education. If getting married and having to take care of a spouse and run a household is going to disrupt someone's studies, then I think that it should rather wait till after.

If getting married sooner is going to reduce sin and risks of children being born outside of wedlock, then go ahead and have a happy married life, keep your honour and stay without guilt. It's much better to have a married teen that is doing everything above board than to have a teenager sneaking around and getting pregnant, getting STDs, causing complications or bringing shame to their families and themselves.

I think it ultimately depends on the situation, so both the parents and the kids should think about it carefully. Personally, I wouldn't encourage child marriages, but I don't think it's entirely wrong. I would rather wait till I'm entirely ready and responsible enough to handle marriage before committing myself to it, even if that means I have to wait another half a century. It really just depends of the personal growth and development of the person which doesn't really have a specified age because everyone matures at a different rate. But yeah, hypothetically, if for example, a responsible mature 16 year old was done with their studies or able to continue studying, wanted to get married instead of having children out of wedlock, I don't see why we should judge them or disallow it.

P.S. If someone reading this is not Muslim, please don't be quick to judge the facts about Islam that I mentioned. Islam is a peaceful religion that wouldn't force anyone into something they didn't want to do. Times were also very different, so please put the information into context if you are quick to disagree.

(Also, this is kinda ironic that I'm posting about this here considering the smut stuff on this blog, but that's all theoretical imaginary stuff that doesn't affect real life compared to physically going out and doing nasty shit. I don't claim to be perfect. Just a disclaimer 🤷🏽‍♀️. A girl can fantasize all she wants about Jungkook, right? Lol)

I am a Muslim and I know this, but like those times were really different, nowadays most ppl act like p*dophiles, in Islam consent is also very important, the nikkah is not valid until the girl agrees to marry from the depth of her heart, if a person is forced to marry, the nikkah is null.

and yes, all of the stuff on this blog is strictly fictional. and I agree that Islam is a very beautiful and peaceful religion 🩷

Child marriage is a crime I think. :/

[jordanianprincesses]

So the other day I saw that prince Hashem went to Spain with his parents. I’ve never really see him travel with them before for tours and all but then, I’m not a close follower of either monarchy’s . Maybe it’s because he’s a graduate and 18 now. Also, I’ve seen people ship cross marriages between royal households on Royal Confessions but that’s just typical headcannon, wishful thinking, right? So today I saw this ask of Princess Leonor at her graduation, wearing an Arabic necklace that says, “hub”, (hubbyhusband)?Which means love.

It’s a reach, it’s such a REACH now that I’m typing it out lol but since Queen Rania and Queen Letzia are friends and seem to be close I wouldn’t put it past them to want their kids to eventually end up together and Jordan grows stronger with two successful marriages. How many people would be mad if Hashem ends up being a consort in Spain and his kid a future monarch? Anything can happen between now and graduation from collage, just thought it was a coincidence. It could also just be an necklace she likes, a subtle show of show for islam/Muslim on such an important day for her or she likes the necklace period.

Hashem traveled with King Abdullah before and with cp Hussein too! I wish there's gonna be a cross marriage between royal households nowadays haha. I love history and that happened a lot before! But I don't think people will approve of H & L specially because of their different faith ! About the necklace Leonor studied Arabic before maybe she was just interested in the language and she liked the calligraphy that's it !

[khangthecinephile]

Book & movie analysis: Persepolis

For a very long time, Muslim people and Muslim country's image have been depicted by the Western media in a very negative way. This results in the majority of people living outside Muslim countries having misunderstandings and misconceptions of Muslim people, especially their gender roles. Which is exactly why Marjane Satrapi, an Iranian author wrote her famous graphic novels Persepolis, released in 2000 and 2004. These two books are autobiographies of Marjane’s own life, portraying her life living through the Islamic Revolution and many other wars during that time period. Persepolis explores the damages and the traumas that wars do to people and also the gender stereotypes in Islamic countries.

In Islamic countries, where there’s a big percentage of illiterate people, religions are some of the most important things of Islamic people’s life. And one of the most visible symbols of religion in these countries is the veils, the scarfs of a piece of fabric that women use to cover their hair. The veil was created to remain “moral boundaries” among the two genders and the women who wear veils would be considered “respectable women” according to the Quran (Stacey, “Why Muslim Women Wear The Veil,” ISLAM RELIGION). Although there are a lot Muslim women that like wearing their hijab as a way to honor their religion, there are also women like Marjane who’s against the veils. Marjane Satrapi intentionally put “The Veil” as the first story of her book to show her negative opinion towards this piece of clothing. In this story, Marjane was just a little kid and doesn’t really understand why she and her girlfriends have to wear the veil (Satrapi 3). But this attitude of hers continuously appears throughout the two books, even when she’s a grown woman. Muslim women, as oppressed as they already are by their culture and religion, were even more oppressed by laws to always wear the veil (Knipp, “Why Iranian authorities enforce veil wearing,” DW). It’s not simply just a piece of clothing, it is used by the governments to repress Muslim women, to limit their rights to be what they want to be. Instead of just staying quiet and living with the situation, many women like Marjane had spoken up and demonstrated for their own rights as women, despite their image of being controlled by men and having no voice in the society. This corruption of gender images and stereotypes will happen many more times in the books through both female and male characters, which I would explain further in the next parts of this essay. 

Like I mentioned before, Islamic countries have lots of people that do not receive any form of education. Especially women, when some Islamic countries don’t allow women to go to school (Brown, “The Taliban are taking away women’s right to learn. The world can’t afford to stay silent,” THE GUARDIAN). Even in the countries that do allow women to go to school, there would be gender segregated schools, and most of the time, the boys would receive a much better education and study in better conditions. For this reason, westerners assume that Muslim women are uneducated and can’t acknowledge the oppressions of their own countries. If we compare this stereotype to Marjane and her friends, there would be some serious misconceptions. Marjane and her family really value education. Marjane herself doesn’t just go to a normal school, she even gets the opportunity to attend a French school in Tehran which enables her to be fluent in multiple languages like French or English. Beside schools, Marjane also receives an education from her parents when her father always talks about their country's political situation and history. They also let Marjane be exposed with both Western and local literature and culture. Marjane as a kid liked punk music and listened to Kim Wilde (Satrapi 126). She even read books by Karl Marx and other Western authors (Satrapi 12). While still maintaining her patriotism and her interest in religion, Marjane onced wants to be a prophet (Satrapi 6). We can’t deny the fact that Marjane has many privileges compared to other Iranian girls but if we take a look at her mom, she’s also very well educated and often expresses her own opinions in certain political discussions between Marjane, her and her husband. Obviously, education doesn't just come from school or books, Marjane was also educated through her real life experience with war, bombs and through the sacrifices of her loved ones. Her grandmother always reminded her of her grandfather and how she has to take these sacrifices seriously and never forget who she is and where she comes from. (Satrapi 291). 

If some Westerners think that some Muslim women aren't allowed to go to schools because their religion says that women should be obedient to their husbands and stay at home, they’re completely wrong. Muslim’s religion and philosophy are different from Western’s religion and philosophy but they aren’t as extreme as people think. The Quran has always commanded and encouraged all Muslims including both male and female to pursue and acquire knowledge (Lodi, “Islam doesn’t deny women education, so why does the Taliban,” VOGUE ARABIA). Marji admitted that she’s a very religious person as a child but she has always been a curious person and educated herself all the time. The reason that she gave up her religion also didn’t have anything to do with it limiting her from becoming a more intellectual person, there’s just a lot of bad events that occurred to her at the time leading to her making that decision. Just through a few details of her character, Marjane has succeeded in changing the way people view Muslim women and has completely broken the rigid stereotype of Muslim women being uneducated.  

Besides being uneducated, the Western Media had depicted Muslim women’s overall picture as being traditionally feminine, weak, and submissive to men (Jaffer, “Are Muslim women really traditionally submissive,” THE TELEGRAPH). Many of them got abused and violently beaten by their husbands (Stacey, “Does Islam Oppress Women,” ISLAM RELIGION).  Or simply, they don’t have a voice in their own household and get controlled by their spouse. However this is not the case in Persepolis, Marjane in the story is a very independent woman, she had left the country when she was very young and is totally capable of taking care of herself. Not only that, Marjane always speaks her own opinion and isn’t afraid of the consequences, even at the time when she’s still in Iran, where people don't take women’s opinion very seriously. One of the most important elements that has created a strong and independent Marjane is the people surrounding her, the role models in her own family, specifically her mom and her grandmother. Marjane’s grandmother and mom both have very advanced mindsets for people of their time. Typically, when a girl reaches a certain age, Muslim parents or Asian parents in general would like their daughter to get married and settle down with a good enough man (Beglin, “Why do Tiger parents want their kids to marry young,” PSYCHOLOGY TODAY). But Marjane’s mom wants the opposite, on the night of Marjane’s wedding, she caught her mother crying in the bathroom. Marjane’s mother said: “I have always wanted for you to become independent, educated, cultured …And here you are getting married at twenty-one. I want you to leave Iran, for you to be free and emancipated …” (Satrapi 317). These words don’t just show the love she has for her daughter but also shows that she’s a modern woman and doesn’t want marriage to define her daughter. Taji’s worried that Marjane will end up like other Iranian women at the time who've got oppressed by their husband and got their freedom taken away. Marjane’s mom didn’t just break the stereotype of Muslim women, she has also broken the notion of Asian parents who are strict and want control of their children’s life. Same with Marjane’s grandmother, she’s also a woman that’s ahead of her time. Long before Marjane’s generation, the prejudices and contempt for women was also tremendous. But Marjane’s grandmother has made a decision that’s considered revolutionary, which is getting divorce. Like how she said, at the time, nobody ended their marriage (Satrapi 333). So this story of Marjane’s grandma had taught Marjane to stand up and make decisions for her own benefits, and it is totally normal to divorce her husband as long as she thinks that it’s the best thing for herself. Grandma has also taught Marjane that getting a divorce is a right of any Muslim woman and not supposed to depend on the men. 

In Persepolis, not just a lot of women’s stereotypes get broken but the reader can easily see some very positive male figures throughout Marjane’s life. One of them is obviously Marjane’s father Ebi. From the beginning of the book when Marjane was a child, her father has always been supportive of her and respects every decision she makes. He has also always been honest and open with her about the country's situation. Ebi doesn’t mind explaining things like history or politics to her daughter (Satrapi 19). He’s caring and patient with Marjane and sometimes even treats her as an adult. Him and his wife always want the best for their daughter, they are even willing to let Marjane go to another country just for her to be developed in a more healthy environment (Satrapi 147). Those characters are what differentiates him from the abusive and violent image of Muslim men. Unlike how Westerners portray men in Islam countries, Ebi is the complete opposite of the absent father figure or an oppressive husband (Naderi, “Non-threatening Muslim Men: Stigma management and religious observance in America,” Springer Link). Even in his relationship with his wife, he has always been respectful and listening. He sympathizes with his wife's sadness and maintains the equality of their marriage. Taji on the other hand, still completes her role as a wife and a mother but sometimes, she even has dominance over her husband.

Another man that had immensely influenced Marjane’s life is her uncle Anoosh. Like Ebi, Anoosh is very patient with Marjane and answers every single one of Marjane’s questions. Just after a short period of time, the two have become very close and connected (Satrapi 55). For Marjane, Anoosh is a hero, he gave his life to his idea and went through many struggles before meeting Marjane. On the last time they met each other, Anoosh gave Marjane the second bread swan which makes a pair of bread swans that symbolizes their relationship (Satrapi 69). The bread swans don’t just represent the love Anoosh has for Marjane but the fact that they were made from bread in the prison represent the trauma and suffering that Anoosh has experienced (Goldman, “Persepolis symbols: Bread Swan,” LITCHARTS).  Overall, he’s another figure that has changed the way people see Muslim men after reading Persepolis. 

Through the five main characters of the book including Marjane Satrapi herself, people can acknowledge how different a local and a citizen in an Islamic country like Marjane and the Western media views Muslim women and men. Persepolis had really given readers an unique experience and a wider insight of Iranians life. Not all Muslim women are illiterate and incapable of saving themselves and not all Muslim men are fanatics and terrorists who oppress and abuse their women. Most of them are just normal humans that have gone through a lot more wars and suffering.

Brown, Gordon. “The Taliban are taking away women’s right to learn. The world can’t afford to stay silent.” THE GUARDIAN, 22 December 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/dec/22/taliban-women-right-to-learn-afghanistan-muslim-nations. Accessed 26 June 2023.

Beglin, Cynthia Kim. “Why do Tiger parents want their kids to marry young?” PSYCHOLOGY TODAY, 10 January 2018, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/culture-shocked/201801/why-do-tiger-parents-want-their-kids-marry-young. Accessed 26 June 2023. 

Goldman, Ben. “Persepolis symbols: Bread Swan.” LITCHARTS, 26 August 2015, https://www.litcharts.com/lit/persepolis/symbols/bread-swan. Accessed 26 June 2023.

Jaffer, Nabeela. “Are Muslim women really traditionally submissive?” THE TELEGRAPH, 1 March 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/muslim-women-really-traditionally-submissive/. Accessed 26 June 2023.

Knipp, Kersten. “Why Iranian authorities enforce veil wearing?” DW, 21 December 2020, https://www.dw.com/en/why-iranian-authorities-force-women-to-wear-a-veil/a-56014027. Accessed 26 June 2023.

Lodi, Hafsa. “Islam doesn’t deny women education, so why does the Taliban.” VOGUE ARABIA, 26 September 2021, https://en.vogue.me/culture/afghanistan-taliban-women-school-ban/. Accessed 26 June 2023. 

Naderi, Pooya S. D. “Non-threatening Muslim Men: Stigma management and religious observance in America.” SPRINGER LINK, 27 January 2018, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11133-018-9372-4. Accessed 26 June 2023. 

Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis. Pantheon Books, 2000.

Stacey, Aisha. “Does Islam Oppress Women.” ISLAM RELIGION, 18 January 2010, https://www.islamreligion.com/articles/3344/does-islam-oppress-women/. Accessed 26 June 2023. 

Stacey, Aisha. “Why Muslim Women Wear The Veil.” ISLAM RELIGION, 28 September 2009, https://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2770/why-muslim-women-wear-veil/. Accessed 26 June 2023. 

[bayanulquran-academy]

Islamic Studies for Kids Online: Empowering the Next Generation of Muslims

In today’s interconnected world, the importance of providing children with a solid Islamic foundation has never been greater. With the rise of digital education, parents now have the opportunity to enroll their children in Islamic studies for kids online—a modern solution that combines traditional values with innovative technology. These programs cater to young learners, offering a flexible and engaging way to teach essential Islamic knowledge.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of Islamic studies online for kids, the topics covered, and how parents can choose the best online platform for their child’s spiritual development.

Why Islamic Studies Online for Kids?

Teaching children about Islam is essential to nurturing their spiritual, moral, and intellectual growth. Traditional methods, such as attending mosques or Islamic schools, remain valuable, but they are not always accessible to every family. This is where Islamic studies for kids online step in to bridge the gap.

Benefits of Online Islamic Studies:

Global Accessibility Online platforms make quality Islamic education available to children around the world, even in areas with limited Islamic resources.

Convenience Parents can schedule classes around their family’s routine, making it easier to balance school, extracurricular activities, and Islamic education.

Qualified Instructors Many online platforms hire certified and experienced teachers, ensuring that children receive authentic and accurate Islamic knowledge.

Personalized Learning Online classes often provide one-on-one sessions or small group settings, allowing teachers to tailor lessons to each child’s needs and abilities.

Interactive Tools Digital classrooms utilize engaging tools like videos, games, and interactive exercises to make learning enjoyable for young learners.

What is Taught in Islamic Studies for Kids Online?

The curriculum for Islamic studies online for kids is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the religion, focusing on practical knowledge and moral values. Here are the key subjects commonly covered:

1. Quranic Studies

Recitation and Tajweed: Teaching children how to recite the Quran with correct pronunciation and Tajweed rules.

Memorization: Helping kids memorize short surahs and duas.

Basic Tafsir: Explaining the meanings and lessons behind selected verses to help children apply Quranic teachings in their daily lives.

2. The Prophet’s Life (Seerah)

Children learn about the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his character, and his teachings, inspiring them to follow his example.

3. Islamic History

Stories of the prophets and important events in Islamic history help children connect with their religious heritage.

4. Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)

Kids are taught the basic rules of Salah, fasting, zakat, and other essential acts of worship, along with the importance of Halal and Haram.

5. Morals and Etiquette

Lessons on kindness, honesty, respect, and patience align with Islamic values, helping kids develop strong moral character.

6. Daily Islamic Practices

Children learn practical aspects of Islam, such as performing wudu, offering prayers, and making duas.

How to Choose the Right Islamic Studies Online Platform

With so many options available, selecting the right platform for Islamic studies for kids online can be challenging. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Curriculum and Topics Covered

Ensure the program offers a well-rounded curriculum, including Quranic studies, Seerah, Fiqh, and morals.

2. Qualified Teachers

Look for platforms with experienced and certified instructors who specialize in teaching children.

3. Interactive Learning Methods

Choose platforms that use engaging teaching tools, such as videos, storytelling, and games, to make lessons enjoyable.

4. Class Structure

Decide whether your child would benefit more from one-on-one sessions, small group classes, or self-paced learning.

5. Trial Classes

Opt for platforms offering free or discounted trial lessons to evaluate the teaching style and compatibility with your child.

6. Parent Involvement

Some platforms provide regular updates and progress reports, allowing parents to track their child’s learning journey.

Tips for Parents Supporting Islamic Studies Online for Kids

Be Engaged: Show interest in what your child is learning. Attend a few classes or review their lessons to stay informed.

Create a Dedicated Study Space: Set up a quiet and distraction-free area for online classes.

Encourage Practice: Reinforce lessons by encouraging your child to practice what they’ve learned, such as reciting surahs or performing Salah.

Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge milestones, like completing a surah or learning a new dua, to keep your child motivated.

The Future of Islamic Studies Online

As technology advances, the future of Islamic studies online for kids looks promising. Platforms are constantly innovating, incorporating gamified learning, virtual reality, and AI-driven progress tracking to make lessons even more engaging and personalized. These advancements will ensure that Islamic education remains accessible, effective, and enjoyable for children worldwide.

Conclusion

The importance of Islamic studies for children cannot be overstated. By enrolling your child in Islamic studies for kids online, you provide them with the tools they need to grow as knowledgeable, confident, and practicing Muslims.

These programs offer a flexible, engaging, and convenient way to learn about Islam, making it possible for families everywhere to ensure their children receive a quality Islamic education. Invest in your child’s spiritual and moral growth today by exploring the many options for Islamic studies online for kids and witnessing the positive impact it has on their lives.

[maigamal]

Understanding Islamic Studies Programs

Islamic Studies Programs offer a deep exploration of the history, teachings, and practices of Islam. These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Islamic faith and its impact on cultures, societies, and civilizations. Students in these programs engage with various subjects, including theology, philosophy, law, history, and literature, which all contribute to a well-rounded understanding of Islam and its diverse traditions.

Islamic Studies Programs are typically offered at universities, colleges, and specialized institutions, and they are available at different levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and even doctoral programs. The primary goal of these programs is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to analyze, interpret, and understand Islamic texts, practices, and their influence on the modern world.

A significant aspect of Islamic Studies is its interdisciplinary approach, as it draws from multiple fields such as religious studies, political science, sociology, and anthropology. This broadens students' perspectives and allows them to understand the religion in relation to history, culture, and society.

Key Areas of Study in Islamic Studies

Theology and Beliefs: Students in Islamic Studies programs study the core beliefs of Islam, including the concept of God (Allah), the role of the Prophet Muhammad, and the importance of the Quran. This area covers both Sunni and Shia traditions, exploring their theological differences and similarities.

Islamic Law (Sharia): Islamic jurisprudence, or Fiqh, is another key subject. It involves the study of Islamic law, its sources, principles, and its role in shaping the legal and social systems in Muslim-majority countries. Students learn about how Sharia is applied in daily life and the challenges it faces in the modern world.

Islamic History: A historical overview of Islam's development from its beginnings in the 7th century to its spread across the world is essential. This includes the study of the major events, figures, and dynasties that influenced the course of Islamic civilization, from the Rashidun Caliphate to the Ottoman Empire.

Islamic Philosophy and Thought: Islamic philosophy is a rich field that examines the works of famous philosophers, such as Al-Farabi, Avicenna, and Al-Ghazali. This area of study also explores issues related to ethics, logic, metaphysics, and the relationship between reason and faith.

Islamic Literature and Arts: This area covers the study of Islamic literature, poetry, and art. Students explore classical and modern works of literature, the role of poetry in Islamic culture, and the development of Islamic art, including calligraphy, architecture, and design.

Career Opportunities with an Islamic Studies Degree

Graduates of Islamic Studies Programs can pursue a wide range of career paths. Many go on to work in education, teaching at high schools, colleges, or universities. Others may work in research, contributing to academic studies or publishing scholarly articles. Additionally, graduates can pursue careers in diplomacy, working for international organizations or in governmental roles that require an understanding of Islamic culture and societies.

Islamic Studies graduates also find positions in media and journalism, where they can provide expert commentary on issues related to Islam and the Muslim world. Some may work in non-profit organizations, engaging in humanitarian efforts or promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. Additionally, graduates can take up roles in mosques, community centers, and Islamic charities.

Why Study Islamic Studies?

Studying Islamic Studies offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of one of the world’s major religions and cultures. The program provides students with critical thinking skills, a broad knowledge base, and the ability to analyze complex texts and ideas. It also fosters an appreciation for the diversity of the Islamic world and the historical and contemporary issues faced by Muslim communities globally.

Furthermore, Islamic Studies Programs can help students build skills that are highly valued in today’s interconnected world, such as intercultural communication, research, and analytical thinking. For those interested in social justice, global politics, or cultural studies, this field offers an insightful and rewarding academic pursuit.

In conclusion, Islamic Studies Programs offer a rich and diverse academic journey for those seeking a deeper understanding of Islam, its history, and its contributions to global society. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in academia, international relations, or simply wish to explore the profound impact of Islam on world civilization, these programs provide a solid foundation for personal and professional growth.

[riwaq]

Celebrating Young Voices: The Importance of Kids Quran Competition

A kids quran competition is more than just a contest. It's an opportunity to celebrate the incredible dedication and hard work of young people in learning and memorizing the Quran. These competitions play a key role in fostering a sense of connection to one's faith while encouraging personal growth, discipline, and public speaking skills.

Children who take part in these competitions are often introduced to the Quran at an early age, making it a part of their daily routine. The process of memorizing verses, understanding their meanings, and preparing for the event helps instill a sense of respect and love for the Quran, its teachings, and Islamic values.

These competitions are typically divided into different age groups, and participants are tested on their ability to recite verses with clarity, proper pronunciation, and intonation. Some competitions may also include additional tasks such as memorizing specific surahs or explaining the meaning of certain verses, depending on the rules set by the organizing body.

The kids quran competition also encourages healthy competition. It’s not just about winning a prize; it’s about the journey of learning and self-improvement. The focus is on developing a deeper understanding of the Quran and creating a bond with the faith. For many, this experience can foster confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment that lasts long after the competition is over.

Moreover, these events bring families and communities together. Parents feel proud to see their children actively participating, while local communities often gather to witness the event, offering their support and encouragement. This sense of unity creates an atmosphere of positivity, where everyone celebrates the young participants, no matter the outcome.

In the end, a kids quran competition is about more than just memorization. It's an opportunity for children to learn values such as perseverance, humility, and respect, while connecting deeply with their faith. Whether they win or not, the experience is one that will stay with them for life.

[tqapk]

The Transformative Power of Learning with an Online Quran Academy USA

The Quran, a divine revelation for humanity, holds timeless wisdom and guidance. For Muslims, understanding the Quran is not only an act of worship but also a means of living a fulfilling and moral life. However, modern challenges like busy schedules, geographical constraints, and a lack of access to skilled teachers often make traditional Quranic education difficult. This is where Online Quran Academies shine, offering a convenient and effective way to study the Quran.

Why Online Quran Academies are Gaining Popularity

The rise of technology has revolutionized education, making Quranic learning more accessible than ever. Here’s what makes Online Quran Academies a preferred choice:

1. Flexible Learning for Every Lifestyle

Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a parent managing a household, online academies allow you to customize your learning schedule. Morning, evening, or late-night sessions — you choose what works best for you.

2. Global Access to Expert Teachers

Gone are the days of struggling to find a qualified Quran teacher nearby. Online academies connect students with certified instructors specializing in Tajweed, Hifz, and Tafseer, no matter where they live.

3. One-on-One Attention

Unlike crowded classrooms, Online Quran Academy often provide personalized sessions where teachers focus solely on your progress, addressing your strengths and weaknesses.

4. Affordable and Cost-Efficient

With no commuting costs and flexible pricing plans, Quranic education becomes accessible to families with diverse budgets. Many academies even offer free trial classes to help you decide.

5. Safe and Comfortable Learning Environment

Study in the comfort and privacy of your home, a particularly important feature for children and female learners seeking a secure learning space.

Programs Offered by Online Quran Academies

Online Quran Academies cater to a wide range of learners, offering diverse courses designed for various skill levels:

1. Quran Recitation with Tajweed

Master the art of Quranic recitation with proper pronunciation and intonation, ensuring every word is recited beautifully and accurately.

2. Quran Memorization (Hifz)

Structured programs guide students through the memorization of the Quran, offering regular revision sessions to solidify retention.

3. Tafseer and Islamic Knowledge

Explore the deeper meanings of the Quran through Tafseer courses, understanding its context, wisdom, and practical application in daily life.

4. Arabic Language Mastery

Learn Quranic Arabic to connect directly with the words of Allah (SWT) and enhance your comprehension of the divine message.

5. Courses for Kids and Beginners

Who Can Benefit from Online Quran Academies?

The accessibility and versatility of online learning make it ideal for:

Children: Interactive sessions designed to engage young learners.

Adults: Flexible programs for busy individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the Quran.

Elderly: A comfortable way for seniors to reconnect with their faith.

New Muslims: Beginners can gain a strong foundation in Quranic studies and Islamic teachings.

The Benefits of Quranic Education

Studying the Quran is a transformative journey that impacts every aspect of life:

1. Strengthen Your Spiritual Connection

Regular Quranic study deepens your bond with Allah (SWT), filling your life with peace, purpose, and blessings.

2. Develop Moral Excellence

The Quran teaches values like honesty, patience, and kindness, shaping you into a better person in both private and public life.

3. Guide Your Family Spiritually

Learning the Quran helps you guide your children and loved ones on the path of righteousness.

4. Prepare for the Hereafter

The Quran is your guide to success in this world and the next, equipping you with the knowledge needed for ultimate salvation.

How to Start Your Quranic Journey Online

Getting started with an Online Quran Academy is simple and rewarding:

Research and Compare: Look for academies with good reviews, qualified teachers, and courses that suit your goals.

Take a Trial Class: Experience the teaching methods before committing.

Set Clear Objectives: Define whether you want to focus on recitation, memorization, or understanding Tafseer.

Stay Consistent: Dedicate a regular time for classes to ensure steady progress.

Your Journey Awaits

The Quran is more than a book — it’s a comprehensive guide to life, a source of healing, and a path to eternal success. With an Online Quran Academy USA , you can break free from the barriers of time and location, accessing the divine knowledge of the Quran anytime, anywhere.

Don’t let life’s challenges hold you back. Enroll in an Online Quran Academy today and embark on a journey that will not only transform your understanding of the Quran but also bring peace and enlightenment to your soul.

Start today — because the Quran is the key to your success.

[stray-lesbian]

I used to have a science and math teacher named Mrs. Douglas. Her motto was, "be good, and I'll let you play shuffle board. I'll let you go run around in the forest. Be good, and we can have a talent show in the old apitheatre!" Her and the writing and social studies teacher she worked with would frequently focus on how we could be better people rather than shoveling knowledge into unwilling fifth graders.

One day, she did something similar to this Mr. Robinson in that she had a guest speaker day. But this time, the important guest, when she walked in, was Mrs. Mohamad. Her co-teacher. Mrs. Mohamad told us about Islam, and the struggles she had faced living in a deep south state. I had never met anybody who was Muslim before, much less an immigrant from the middle east. We hadn't known, had thought the hijab was just a scarf, and a fashion choice because we were dumb white kids.

To this day, those three teachers have had the biggest impact on my life of ANY of the rest of the teachers combined.

We had a gardening day sponsored by Comcast where we reclaimed the old hiking trails and outdoor classrooms that hadn't been used in 20 years and were overgrown. She and the other two teachers encouraged me to follow my dreams, and told me I had a real gift for singing. It changed my life.

The craziest teachers are the best teachers

I just remembered one time in like sixth or seventh grade (we had the same teachers and class both years so hard to remember which) somehow we got into a debate of “who is better, boys or girls?” and instead of stepping in to stop it our teacher formalized it and egged us on by providing thoughtful prompts and counters to each side and by the end each group had built a barricade of desks on either side of the classroom and we were throwing balls of paper at each other and screaming about personal hygiene while our teacher just watched and enjoyed a Baby Ruth candy bar.