2025 Nov OT M 12 Week8 Nov 2, 2025
The moment I arrived at class today, I was very late. It was the 8th week, and LG has been progressively pushing the class start time back, so by the time I arrived, I had lost some 30 minutes or so. No one else seemed to realize that the time had shifted either, strangely, so I didn’t feel extremely out of place. This morning was sunny, the fall air had a crispness to it that made the walk to the masjid pleasant, even in the rush. By the time I entered the classroom, other students were presenting. Many looked just a little tired, maybe because of their early morning, and the vibe of the room was energy-calm but suppressed.
Soon after that, it was my turn to make a presentation. My topic had been the planets of the solar system and some of the spacecraft that have explored them. I had prepared so much information that in my enthusiasm to discuss as much as possible, I went overtime over the 10-minute limit but didn’t complete all that I had intended. As I reflected upon it, I realized that my pacing was pretty good-it was just that there was far too much material put together. I felt that I spoke rapidly to include information on the eight planets, the sun, and numerous satellites. For this reason, I now need to cut my presentation down to six minutes. I am also thinking of narrowing my topic toward a single subject or centerpoint since taking on the whole solar system is too hard to manage, not only for me but for my audience. This experience taught me that sometimes less is better, and focusing on one aspect allows for a deeper, clearer presentation.
Later on, we had a guest speaker come in and give a presentation about different kinds of Asabiyas. He explained that Asabiyas are groups of people working toward the same goal, helping one another, and standing up for each other. He gave concrete examples, such as political groups like Democrats and Republicans, showing how these groups function based on unity, shared goals, and collective effort. It was interesting to connect this idea to nomadic tribes, who show these qualities in their daily lives. Nomadic tribes always support each other, show strong will, and remain motivated in ways that would better their family and friends. When listening to the speaker, it really made me realize how important teamwork and unity are not just in historical societies but in today’s communities, including my own. I began thinking of ways that my peers, my family, and my neighbors rely on each other, how collaboration is essential even in small, day-to-day ways.
After some more practice and presentations, a Jewish visitor came into our classroom. He shared that his religion was not being maintained well and that he was excited to learn about Islam and its culture. He asked where and how to start learning, which was a difficult question, but the answer given was simple and meaningful: guidance always comes from Allah. This moment in class made me realize how important it is to seek knowledge with sincerity and an open heart. It also reminded me that learning isn’t just about accumulating facts, it’s about understanding principles, values, and the way they apply to daily life. I thought about how guidance from Allah is not only spiritual but can also be a source of personal direction, comfort, and clarity in challenging moments.
In the second half of class, we viewed various presentations on science fair topics such as algebra and parrots. Obviously, each student put effort into their work, but some of these presentations were too lifeless. Many students read directly off of their slides, frequently looking down, with little eye contact or engagement with the audience. The emotions and excitement behind their topics were often missing, which made even interesting subjects feel dull. LG, TJ, and the parents in attendance gave feedback; they said the content was strong, but it needed to be delivered better. They reiterated that presentations need to include emotion, emphasis, and engagement with the audience. This stuck with me because I realized a presentation is more than just the sum of its facts; it is about how you communicate and connect with others. Even a fascinating topic can feel flat if it’s delivered without energy or feeling.
The atmosphere in the classroom today was singular. On one hand, it was a warm and sunny day outside, with the bright fall light streaming through the windows; on the other hand, the students clearly felt tired and some struggled to maintain focus during presentations. The contrast between the inviting outside world and the subdued classroom environment made me more aware of the importance of personal engagement-both for myself and others. I tried to remind myself to stay attentive, not only during my own presentation but also while observing others, since even small lessons can be drawn from their successes or mistakes.
This class took so long, though it was busy, not all of it consisted of instruction from teachers. The most meaningful parts happened to come from the presentations and guest speakers because they both provided information and instigated much reflection on my part. I learned how preparation, focus, and moderation are important in presentations, and the importance of unity and guidance for personal and social life. Moments that felt like dragging or those that were less intense still provided opportunities for critical thinking and observation of human behavior, teaching me other lessons beyond the core curriculum.
Together, it was a very informative day, and I hope this essay captures the events, personal reflections, and insights satisfactorily. Assalamualaikum!