21 minute read
What’s Cooking
What’s Cooking EZ Chili
1 lb ground beef or chicken 2 can fat free chili beans 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 cup salsa ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cumin powder ¼ cup chopped cilantro ½ cup pickles jalapeño slices Mix the ground meat, garlic powder, onion powder, vinegar, salt, and cumin powder in a skillet and cook on medium heat for 20-25 minutes. Add Salsa and beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and jalapeño slices on top. Serve with Tortilla chips.
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Fatemah Amir, Chicago, IL
THE BLESSED CHILD THE BLESSED CHILD
BY Asiya Bhatti & Fatima Bhatti, Ages 11 & 9, Murphy, TX
Thousands of years ago, in the desert of Makkah, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) made dua to Allah (SWT) to bless his future generations with a Prophet who would recite and teach Allah’s book and teach people wisdom, and purify them. This beautiful dua was answered centuries later with the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S).
He was born in the noble family of Bani Hashim from the tribe of Quraysh in Arabia. His grandfather, Abdul Mutallib, had been blessed with 10 sons. The youngest, Abdullah, was dearest to him. When Abdullah reached maturity, Abdul Mutallib arranged his marriage with the noblest young lady in Makkah whose name was Aaminah. Soon Allah blessed them with a baby. Sadly, just two months before this baby was born, Abdullah passed away due to an illness. Abdul Mutallib, who was very grief-stricken after Abdullah’s death, became very happy when Aaminah informed him about the birth of her baby. Allah inspired him to name this baby Muhammad, a name that was never given to anyone before.
It was a custom among the Arabs at that time to send newborn babies to the wet-nurses in the village for taking care of them, but no one wanted to take the orphan child of Aaminah because it meant not getting enough money in return. A kind lady named Halimah agreed to take care of him. Because of his presence Halimah was very blessed and she loved baby Muhammad (S) dearly. After two years, he returned home to his mother and she took care of him with the help of woman Umm Aiman. The young child Muhammad (S) was only 6 years old when his mother passed away. His grandfather, Abdul Mutallib, took him in his care but he too passed away.
Abdullah’s older brother, Abu Talib, loved his little nephew Muhammad (S) very much. He was extremely sad to see how this young child had lost both parents and a loving grandfather at a tender age. He and his wife, Fatima bint Asad, decided to make him a part of their family like a son and loved him and took care of him for the rest of their lives. It is very sad but also inspiring that an orphan child who went through so many hardships, struggles, and sorrows in his childhood, grew up to be the greatest person and was given the title of “Mercy to the Worlds”.
The tongue is the most important part of our body because we can talk and read with it. If we didn’t have the tongue, we wouldn’t be able to talk, taste or even read without it. This part of our body is a big blessing of Allah (SWT). People who don’t have this blessing of Allah (SWT) can’t read duas aloud, recite Quran or books.
People can also say bad words from their tongue but Allah (SWT) told us in the Quran that we should not lie and say bad words. If we listen to Allah (SWT), then He promises that He will give us big reward for it. There is also a saying of Prophet Muhammad (S) that if we only control our tongue then we can easily enter the paradise.
Let me ask you this, do you really want to enter Jannah? If you really do, then listen to Allah (SWT) by not using your tongue to say bad words, or rude things that hurt people’s feelings. Instead do Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and read Quran as much as you can to make your Lord happy and enter His paradise.
Some examples of dhikr:
1. Quran:The best dhikr is reading the Quran. Reward: You will be rewarded 10 rewards for every letter you read
2. SubhanAllah or SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi
Reward: Whoever says this 100 times a day, his/her sins will be forgiven even if they were as much as the foam of the sea [Bukhari].
3. Alhamdulillah
Reward: Your scales will be full on the Day of Judgment.
4. SubhanAllah wal hamdulillah, wa la ilahaillAllah wa Allahu akbar
Reward:This dhikr is the one most beloved by Allah (SWT).
5. La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah 6. SubhanAllah (x33), Alhamdulillah (x33), Allahu akbar (x34) 7. Astaghfirullah
Reward:You will get protection from Allah’s punishment
8. Ayahtul-Kursi [2:255]
Reward:When you recite this verse before you go to sleep, Allah sends a guardian to you and no shaytan will come to you until morning. Those who read this after each salah shall enter Paradise.
CALLING ALL BRAINIACS
Riddles By Jowairia Khalid, Age15,Cape Girardeau, MO 1.As night they came, without being fetched. By day they are lost, without being stolen.
2.I am always hungry, I must always be fed. The finger that I lick, will soon turn red.
3.Three lives I have. Gentle enough to soothe the skin. Light enough to caress the sky. Hard enough to crack rocks.
Answers: 1. Stars; 2. Fire; 3. Water
Chocolate cheese pie
By Ayesha Naseer, Age 8, Plain City, OH
Ingredients: 2 oz Unsweetened Chocolate (broken into small pieces)
1/4 cup butter 3 oz Cream Cheese, softened 3/4 cup Sugar 1 tsp Milk 2 Cups Whipped Cream 1 Crumb Crust (store bought)• •
Whipped Cream for decoration Method:
1. Place chocolate in a small bowl. Microwave on high for 1-1.5 Minutes. Stir with spoon or spatula. Microwave again for small intervals if not completely melted, stirring well each time. 2. Beat butter, cream cheese, sugar and milk in a bowl until well blended and smooth, then fold in the melted chocolate. 3. Fold in 2 cups of whipped cream. Spoon into the crust. Cover and refrigerate until rm, about 3 hours. Decorate with additional whipping cream and chocolate curls. 28
By: Simra Nadeem, Age 11, Farmington Hills, MI Prophet (S) BFF Mystery Men
First BFF Mystery Man: This person is Prophet Muhammad (S)’s best and closest companion. He (R) was very close to Muhammad (S) even before he converted to Islam. He (R) was full of truthfulness, integrity, and faith. This companion led prayer when the Prophet (S) was sick, weak, or traveling. In one hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) he asked his companions to tell him (R) on his behalf to offer salat to people, in the absence of the Prophet Muhammad(S). Muhammad (S) gave him (R) a very special title. This man helped Muhammad (S) when he was in danger. An example is that whenever the Quraysh threw objects at the Prophet Muhammad (S), he (R) used to go in front of him to protect him so he wouldn’t get hurt. He (R) is the first man to embrace Islam.
Second BFF Mystery Man: This man was also a close companion to Muhammad (S). This man’s parents are from 2 different tribes. This man (R) was one of the slaves of the Prophet (S) that was sent in childhood. Even when the Prophet Muhammad (S) freed him, he didn’t want to leave him. Muhammad (S) sent him (R) to many battles (at least 10). The greatest battles he (R) participated in was the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Uhud. Rasulullah (S) loved him (R) very dearly because of his loyalty, greatness of spirit, honesty, truth worthiness, etc. The Prophet (S) used to hold a distinguished part for him (R) in his heart. Aishah (RA) said, “Rasulullah ﷺ never sent him (RA) on an expedition but as a commander and if his life had not been so short, he would have made him his successor.” He is the only sahabi whose name has been mentioned in the Quran.
·Abu Bakr (RA) ·Zayd Ibn Harith (RA)
Yusra & Yahya Qadir,Ages 11,Westlake, Ohio
One day I was visiting the science museum and I saw something interesting. It looked like a photo booth. I went in and started pushing all the buttons trying to figure out how to take my picture and suddenly, the door shut and I realized this was not a photo booth. Scared, I started pushing everything and suddenly the door opened. To my surprise, I was not at the museum anymore. I was in the middle of a hot desert and dying of thirst. I needed some water soon! I started to walk towards some distant sounds. As I entered a town I passed through mud homes, people buying and selling in a bazaar. As I kept walking in search of water, suddenly my eyes saw something that made my jaw drop. Behold, I was standing in front of the Kabah! But it looked different…
I realized I must have been in Makkah and hurriedly found the well of Zam Zam. My heart and mind pounding in complete shock. As I drank Zam Zam, I made dua as so many thoughts came into my mind. I did not know what exact time period I was in. I wondered if I would get to meet the Prophet (S) and his companions. I walked around Makkah and I noticed that the Kabah had idols surrounding it. So I realized that I must be in the time of the Prophet Muhammad's (S) adulthood.
While I was here I thought I might as well find somewhere to stay. I asked some people and all of them told me to go to Khadija, a generous and honorable lady. As we approached Khadija's house, he told me his name was Abu Bakr and If I ever need anything I can ask him. I couldn't believe it! Abu Bakr (R)? THE ABU BAKR (R)? The best friend of Prophet Muhammad (saw) just walked with me to Khadija's house? O-M-G!
As we approached the house of Khadija (R), Abu Bakr (R) left and I knocked on her door.A woman opened the door and she said her name was Khadija (R). I tried to keep my excitement inside and told her I was a traveler and needed a place to stay. She told me I could stay with her and I thanked her. I was so excited I was staying in the home of the Prophet Muhammad (S). I looked 30
around and their home was very simple. I looked around anxiously wondering where my beloved Prophet (S) was. I wanted to ask Khadija (R) but I couldn't. I asked her if anyone else lives with her and then she told me about her husband and told me that he goes to the mountain to search for the truth. I smiled. I knew that already. Suddenly someone came inside and had the most scared face. Khadija (R) quickly ushered me into the next room so I don't get scared but I could still hear them. He was shivering and asked Khadija to cover him up with a blanket. My heart started pounding in my chest as I realized that not only did I see Prophet Muhammad (S), but I was witnessing a day that changed history. He said something was really wrong with him, that though he was imagining things because he had seen someone on the mountain, someone that told him to READ. My lips shivered as I quietly recited the ayahs of surah Alaq, “Read, In the name of your Lord who has created you."
Indeed, these are words from the Quran. I KNEW these verses and many more. I wanted to say, “Ya Rasullulah, you are the last true Prophet chosen by ALLAH and that you will be victorious. A time would come when there would be millions of Muslims who would be reciting these verses”. But I couldn't. I COULDN’T say anything. At that point I realized that as much as I wanted to stay and witness the amazing journey of Islam it was too dangerous for me to stay. Khadija (R) comforted the Prophet (S) and assured him that he had not gone crazy.
So, the next day, Khadija (R) was taking the Prophet (S) to see her cousin, Waraqa bin Nawfil, who could explain this miraculous event. I told them that I had to leave and thanked them for their hospitality. Khadija (R) nodded her head and Prophet Muhammad (S) smiled. I went to the time machine and pressed all the buttons and suddenly I was back in that science museum and no time had passed. Although I was back in my life, I had left my heart with my dear Prophet Muhammad (S).
Mercy to the Worlds
By:Zaria Hossain,Richardson, TX
Those were the words of Zaid bin Sa’nah, a Medinan Rabi, about the Prophet Muhammad (S). Zaid had sought out the Prophet to collect a debt owed to him. It was a few days before the debt was due and the Prophet was then attending a funeral. According to the narration mentioned in Sahih Ibn Hibban, Zaid had made a show of grabbing the Prophet by his cloak, and harshly demanding, “Oh, Muhammad, will you not pay me back my loan?” The Prophet (S) was surrounded by his Companions, and amongst them were Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (RA). Umar (RA), eyes swollen in anger, strictly reprimanded the Rabi. In Umar’s defense, the Zaid’s behavior towards the Prophet wasn’t exactly pleasant. But the Messenger of God calmly looked at Umar (RA) and advised that Umar would have done better to give sincere counsel than to become angry. Furthermore, he ordered that not only should the loan be repaid then and there, but that an additional measurement be given to Zaid because Umar had scared him!
It was when Umar (RA) took him to repay the debt that the Rabi revealed who he was. Curious, Umar asked why a Rabi would pull something like that. Zaid bin Sa’nah’s mission it seemed wasn’t to collect a debt; he’d gone to the Messenger of God to test his signs of prophethood, specifically testing his patience. Aſter this encounter, Zaid was thoroughly satisfied. He returned to Prophet Muhammad and the Companions bearing two forms of wealth: the first, his loan in his hands which he distributed to the Muslims, and the second, his Shahadah on his tongue which he witnessed in front of the Prophet(S). Zaid’s strong faith in the deen saw him through many battles until he became a Shaheed in the Battle of Tabook.
Mercy to the Worlds
Zaid bin Sa’nah’s (RA) story is just one of many. How many lives were completely transformed by a single kind gesture done by the Prophet (S)? Popular anecdotes, such that some of us are fortunate to hear oſten, detail these acts and serve as lessons for us to learn from. One of the greatest lessons was that of Fath-ul Makkah. It’d been nearly a decade since the Prophet(S)and his family, friends, and supporters were forced to leave their homes, and yet when the keys of Makkah were handed to them, the Messenger of God wasted no time in declaring his mercy to the people of Makkah, absolving them of years of abuse and cruelty.
We have in Muhammad (S) a role model of unparalleled virtue. Infinite accounts testify to his beautiful character: that he smiled more than anyone, that his tone carried mercy, and that his eyes showed when he saw a person, he saw the possibility of goodness in them. May Allah assist us in acquiring gentle natures like our beloved Prophet(S) whose radiance continues to touch the hearts and minds of humankind. Aameen.
Sources: B. Abdul-Kareem al-Sheha, Abdurrahmaan. “Some of the Prophet's Manners & Characteristics.” Muhammad(S), The Messenger of God, edited by M. M. Abdus-Salaam and Abu Ayoub Jerome Boulter. translated by Abdurrahmaan Murad, 2nd ed., The Islamic Propagation Office in Rabwah, 2006, www.messengerofgod.info/prophet-muhammad-characteristics.htm.
He entered the city with a heart filled with love and concern for the one he loved most. He was hoping his beloved was now better since the break of dawn had indicated signs of improvement. But… something was not right. Something in the air had filled the entire city with sorrow. Everything seemed gloomy. Abu Bakr (RA) rushed to the house of his beloved Prophet (S) only to receive the news of the death of the Messenger (S).
With a heavy heart, Abu Bakr (RA) raised the corner of the sheet covering the blessed face and kissed the Prophet’s (S) forehead saying, “O God’s Messenger! You were beautiful while alive and are beautiful in your death”. He then went outside to attend to the chaos. He saw people weeping profusely as Umar (RA) stood armed with his sword declaring to kill anyone who said that Rasulullah (S) had passed away. Abu Bakr (RA) addressed the Muslims, “O people, if any among you worshipped Muhammad, then let them know that Muhammad is dead, but whosoever worshipped God, God is alive and will never die.” Then he recited the following Qur’anic verse from Surah Aal-e-Imran, “Muhammad is but a Messenger, and Messengers passed away before him. If, then, he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heels? Whoever turns back on his heels can in no way harm God. But God will (abundantly) reward the thankful ones”. Upon hearing this the Muslims realized that their mission was not over. They still had to spread the beauty of Islam to those who were unaware in order to fulfill the trust that the Messenger (S) had given them.
For about two weeks before his death, Prophet (S) suffered from severe headaches and high fever. In the beginning he tried to lead the prayers 35
Alhamdulillah we had a very successful Interfaith event at the ICNA VA masjid 2913 Woodlawn Trail, Alexandria VA.
We had Boy Scouts come to the masjid and we had tables for them to view and learn:
Kindness to Animals In Islam Prophets In Islam Jesus and Mary In Islam Activity Table: Arabic Alphabets they could see and write and volunteers wrote their names in Arabic and put them in mini frames for them to take home
●Halal and Haram Food In Islam: they got to try meat and fruits & vegetables mentioned in the Quran
They watched a short video ‘Allah is known through reason‛ Then a short presentation was given on ‘What is Islam‛ Then we had a Q&A session with them
The VA MCNA YMj kids were the hosts and were manning all the stations and answering the questions from the visitors. The teachers and masjid administrators did the presentations. 36
in his Masjid. One day, he climbed to the pulpit and said: “A servant has been allowed to choose this world or his Lord. He chose his Lord.” Immediately understanding that the Prophet was referring to himself, Abu Bakr (RA) began to cry, exclaiming, “My mother and father be sacrificed for you, O God's Messenger!” Others in the gathering only understood this after his death. The last seventeen prayers in Rasulullah’s (S) life were led by Abu Bakr (RA).
The Prophet’s last will to his daughter Fatima (RA) and his aunt Safiya (RA) bears an important message for us all. He said, “Perform acts of goodness valuable in the eyes of God. Otherwise, I cannot save you from God’s holding you to account in the Hereafter in matters of the permissible and the prohibited.” The last advice that the Prophet (S) gave or the Ummah included treating those for whom they are responsible for with kindness, being diligent in their preparations for the Aakhirah with a sense of accountability, receiving foreign representatives in the best way.
Just before Prophet (S) passed away, he used the miswak with the help of A’isha (RA). Then he said softly, “There is no God but Allah, death is full of agonies!” (Sahih Al Bukhari) and passed away in her arms, with the words, “To the Highest Companion!” May Allah grant us the tawfiq to follow the sunnah of our beloved Prophet (S) and continue his legacy of spreading the light of Islam, Aameen.
The Humorous side of the Beloved (S) of Allah
Huda Bhatti, Age17, Murphy, TX
""There is indeed a good model for you in the Messenger of Allah - for the one who has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah profusely.." [Al Quran, Surah Al Ahzaab Ayah 21]. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran that He sent for us the best example to follow in Rasulullah (S). This is true for all matters of life, in worship, in business dealings, in family life, in friendships, and even in humor. But Rasulullah (S) had some principles that he followed even when he joked. He never lied in his jokes. He never said anything hurtful and nor did he mock any person, language, race, or nationality when he was being humorous.
Once a man came to the Prophet (S) with a request to give him an animal to ride. Rasulullah (S) jokingly told him, "I will give you the child of a she-camel to ride." He said, "O Messenger of Allah (S), what will I do with the child of a she-camel?" The Prophet smiled and said: "Aren’t riding-camels born from she-camels?”
A man from the people of the desert, by the name of Zahir, used to bring gifts from the desert to Rasulullah (S), and in return Rasulullah (S) would give him whatever he needed. Zahir was not a good-looking person and thought very less of himself. Rasulullah (S) loved him very much and would fondly say, "Zahir is our man of the desert, and we are his town-dwellers.". One day Zahir was selling some merchandise in the city when Rasulullah (S) jokingly hugged him from behind. Since Zahir was unable to see him, he said, "Let me go! Who is this?" When he found out it was Rasulullah (S), he tried to make the Prophet (S) hug him even more. Seeing this Rasulullah (S) started asking the people humorously, "Who will buy this slave?" But Zahir responded that who would buy a person like him. Rasulullah (S) made him happy by telling him, “But in the sight of Allah (SWT) you are valuable."
These stories from the life of Rasulullah (S) show us how he used to have a very good sense of humor and how he used to make people smile without hurting anyone’s feelings. So even in joking, Rasulullah (S) is an excellent example for us to follow. 38
As part of Muslim Children of North America, Companion is always in need of high-quality stories, articles, and activities with Islam in focus. We accept humorous, playful, and educational stories and articles that kids like you would love to read! When submitting an entry, please follow the guidelines below: 1.Writers should present their material in a way that is appropriate for kids. Our subscribers are Muslim girls and boys located across the United State (ages 5-14) 2.All entries must be typed. It is preferred to have entries proofread by an adult. Please look for spelling, grammar and format mistakes. 3.All entries must include: author’s name, contact information, and title of entry. Recurring Sections FICTION: Short stories. These should be positive and thought-provoking. We welcome material that deals with kindness, love, good manners, family, and friendship MUSLIM HEROES: Real stories from Islamic History leaving a valuable lesson for kids. OMA Moments: Share some embarrassing, surprising, interesting moments which left you thinking, “Oh My Allah!” NONFICTION: We accept short articles of 300 words or less on science and nature, as well as age-appropriate other topics. THE AMAZING BODY: Share a part of the body, with its purpose and interesting facts. AROUND THE WORLD: Share about a country of the world with its interesting facts. (Muslim countries are preferred) JOKES- Share a funny, halal joke, riddle, or short story. (75 words max) POETRY: We accept poems 4-12 line poems. CRAFTS/DIY projects: We accept fun crafts that young children can make with a bit of adult help. Materials should be inexpensive and easy to obtain. Include easy-to-understand steps and directions and, if possible, include a photo of the finished craft. OR RECIPES: Easy DIY recipes for kids with step by step instructions and pics. Please note: MUST be original Pictures, anything taken from online will not be accepted. Special MCNA events pictures/ brief description: Camps, Eid, Six Flags, local competitions, conventions etc. CURRENT EVENTS: Share any current events. How does it relate to you and our readers? TECH CORNER: Share some tech tips. What’s hot online? ARTWORK: Drawing or painting. (Must be submitted via email) Authenticity: ALL Articles must not be plagiarized and must be in writer’s own words. Any factual information should be provided with a source. Submissions without an authentic source will not be published.
Plagiarized entries are strictly prohibited. All entries received are not guaranteed to be published. All entries must be submitted to: mcna@icna.us
