Despite our attempt, our pre Ramadan planning didn't fully materialize as far as activities are concerned Qadrallahu ma sha fa'al. We ended up just diving into Ramadan as LIFE continues to happen. We entered in a little sloppily but I want to catch up and make it up as much as I can.... Beidhnillah
Sharing an adorable coloring page for learning the Dua for Sighting the Moon be Iman's Homeschool. So adorable Mashallah! May Allah reward the sister for sharing.
I found this interesting Moon phases Unit Study which I hope to take inspiration from for our this years Lunar Calendar study.
Every year before Ramadanwe try and do a review of Moon Phases with respect to the Islamic Lunar Calendar.... The excitement of looking for the new moon for Ramadan and Eid are just priceless........As exciting these special occasions are the homeschool mom in me cant help but help my kids appreciate the design and mathematics in Allah's creation. Subhanallah....!
Every year as the kids grow they are able to absorb more and more details, which is great!!!
This Lunar Eclipse was a unique event in more than one ways
A sign from Allah
Occurred on the Winter Solstice (shortest day of the year)
The last time it occurred on Winter Solstice was 1638 and the next will be in 2094
Best seen in USA, Canada and Iceland: due to the Northern Hemisphere being tilted farther from the sun than at any other point during the year. As a result, the sun follows its lowest arc of the year across the sky. (National Geographic)
The sun and moon are two of the signs of Allah. By means of lunar and solar eclipses, Allah reminds His slaves of the Day of Resurrection, the Day on which their light will disappear. Allah says:
( فَإِذَا بَرِقَ ٱلۡبَصَرُ (٧)
وَخَسَفَ ٱلۡقَمَرُ (٨)
( وَجُمِعَ ٱلشَّمۡسُ وَٱلۡقَمَرُ (٩
(interpretation of the meaning):
7“So, when the sight shall be dazed.
8. And the moon will be eclipsed.
9. And the sun and moon will be joined together (by going one into the other or folded up or deprived of their light)”
Waking up at 2 am to watch it, was truly an opportunity to reflect upon the Majesty of Allah. It was chilly outside -8 C but Alhumdolillah it wasn't not one the very cold windy nights. The sky was clear and by Allah's grace Lil Muallim # 1 and I witnessed Allah's wonder, a very humbling moment SUBHANALLAH!!
During the whole time we kept pooping outside for a few minutes and then back in again as, it was chilly outside -8 C. But Alhumdolillah it wasn't one the very cold windy nights.
This lead us to Reflect, Realise and do SHUKR....................
"The thought that millions of people in the world live in extremely difficult and unsuitable conditions while has blessed us with a strong roof over our heads, and heated homes, where we can just walk in and be warm and comfortable Alhumdolillah."
While we looked in awe we made lots of Istaghfar and supplications to Allah, Al Qadir. It took almost 40 minutes for the moon to be completely eclipsed. Lil Muallim # 1, who had insisted on staying up all ight to see the eclipse had been forced to go to sleep. At 2:45 a.m. he was understandably very sleepy went back to bed. I stayed up....
Our Pictures of theLunar Eclipse of December 21st 2010
I'm no photographer, but I tried to get some glimpses through our regular camera. These pictures do NOT do any justice to the real experience... Subhanallah!
When we started looking we could see half the moon well lit and the other half in a dull copper glow....as time passed the whole moon seemed to be a dull copper orange.... My camera could not capture it (frankly I couldn't figure out the settings and didn't want to bother too much with that).......We watched and did our adhkar and supplications........Al praises are to Allah for enabling us to ......finally after almost 3 hours the sun started appearing again and the illumination as it grew was very bright There were streaks of light spreading around the moon.....SUBHANALLAH...............
Lunar Eclipse February 20th 2008 Video (waiting for this years one to come up)
Glory be to Allah, all praise to Allah, there is no God but Allah, all Power and Might belongs to Allah. the Most High the Great!
Lil Muallim # 1's Reflections
Lil Muallim # 1 while witnessing the eclipse...he went to sleep at total eclipse and did not see the moon appear again.........."So that means that during the eclipse you see the moon waning and waxing in one night" referring to the shapes of the moon during Lunar phases. (to better understand the phases of the moon see post on Muharram/Hijri Calendar/Lunar Phases)
"It is He Who made the sun a shining thing and the moon as a light and measured out for it stages, that you might know the number of years and the reckoning. Allâh did not create this but in truth. He explains the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail for people who have knowledge. (Yunus:10:5)"
I am overwhelmed and there are no words to describe tonight's experience....
I am truly humbled
There is no limit to the thoughts that went through my mind tonight. The following is a list of topics I would like t o discuss and share with my Lil Muallims tomorrow Beidhnillah!
Attributes of Allah
He is The Creator: Al Khaliq...He who brings from non-being into being, creating all things in such a way that He determines their existence and the conditions and events they are to experience.
He is All Knowing: Al Aleem....He who has full knowledge of all things.
The Power of Allah: Al Qadir...He who is Able to do what He wills as He wills (Providence).
The Majestic: Al Mutakabbir...He who demonstrates His greatness in all things and in all ways.
He is All Aware: Al Khabir...He who has the knowledge of inner & most secret aspects of all things.
Al Majid, The Owner of All: Malikul Mulk...The King of the Kingdom.
"When the sun was eclipsed at the time of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), he commanded someone to call out “al-salaatu jaami’ah (prayer is about to begin)”, and he led the people in prayer. Then he addressed them and explained to them the reason for the eclipse, and declared their jaahili beliefs to be null and void. He explained to them what they should do, such as praying and making du’aa’ and giving in charity. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah; they do not become eclipsed for the death or life of anyone. If you see that then call upon Allah and magnify Him, and pray, and give in charity.” The Muslims did not know when an eclipse would happen, but when it did happen, they would hasten to do what Allah had prescribed, such as praying etc.
'A'isha reported that there was a solar eclipse during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him) and he sent the announcer (to summon them) for congregational prayer. The people gathered together and he pronounced takbir and he observed four rak'ahs, in the form of two rak'ahs (i. e. he observed two qiyams and two ruku's in one rak'ah) and four prostrations.
'A'isha reported that there was a solar eclipse in the time of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). He stood up to pray and prolonged his stand very much. He then bowed and prolonged very much his bowing. He then raised his head and prolonged his stand much, but it was less than the (duration) of the first stand. He then bowed and prolonged bowing much, but it was less than the duration of his first bowing. He then prostrated and then stood up and prolonged the stand, but it was less than the first stand. He then bowed and prolonged his bowing, but it was less than the first bowing. He then lifted his head and then stood up and prolonged his stand, but it was less than the first stand. He then bowed and prolonged bowing and it was less than the first bowing. He then prostrated himself; then he turned about, and the sun had become bright, and he addressed the people. He praised Allah and landed Him and said: The sun and the moon are two signs of Allah; they are not eclipsed on account of anyones death or on account of anyone's birth. So when you see them, glorify and supplicate Allah, observe prayer, give alms. O Ummah of Muhammad, none is more indignant than Allah When His servant or maid commits fornication. O people of Muhammad, by Allah, if you knew what I know, you would weep much and laugh little.
Sahih Muslim: Book 004, Number 1966
The Scientific Facts in the Lunar Eclipse of December 21st 2010
Finally the time that I had been waiting for is here. With Muharram I hope to start Islamic Months Journal with my kids. This journal will Inshallah contain:
History and significance of the Hijri Calendar (Islamic History)
Studying the phases and movement of the moon with reference to Quran. (Tadabbur on Quranic Ayahs)
A lunar movement chart in relation to the Gregorian calendar for each Lunar Month. (Science)
Historic events of each Islamic Month
Quranic Ayah and Ahadith related to the month
related crafts, word searches and coloring pages
I will attempt to work on 3 different levels from hard (Secondary) to (Pre -k). Will share the material as I make it Inshallah.
I truly contemplated about this the first time I was teaching the phases of the moon to Lil Muallim #1, 5 years ago. Subhanallah!
The difference in the appearance of the moon in Northern and Southern Hemisphere, and the Smiley Crescent near the equator! The kids noticed it themselves on their visit to Los Angeles. Subhanallah!!
Phases of the moon as seen in the Northern Hemisphere
Phases of the moon as seen in the Southern Hemisphere
