R.A 15 M 5/17/26 Week 6
I arrived to class around 9:05 AM. We started the class off by reciting the four pledges. Afterwards, we prayed two rakats recited in English. In addition to these two actions, LG requested to see my position in sujood. After verifying that I had the correct position, he told everyone in the room to perform the blue and white concept. The goal of this concepot is to essentially fall asleep while in a cross-legged position. The first step is to imagine as if the color blue is incrementally covering your body by starting from your feet all the way to your head. The second step is to envision your soul being of pure white color. Lastly, the third step is to say “Allah-hu.”
Afterwards, LG had us memorize more Quran as well as Dua’s. We did this for about fourth minutes until LG had everyone test out. Once a majority of us had tested out, LG then assigned three kids, R, S, and O, to revise and go over the previous concepts that have been taught in the class since the begging. He told them to distinguish the concepts they understand from those they are unfamiliar with. Out of the fifty four concepts that have been taught, We were only able to go over about 25. Once they finished checking over the concepts, LG went in chronological order of each concept choosing a random person to explain each individual one. If someone’s definition and presentation of the concept was not as thorough; LG had someone else explain it in their own words.
We talked about multiple principles; these principles help define you as a character if you see them for their most potential. Some of the first principles discussed in class are: Context, Common Sense, and accountability (CCA), Quran, Hadith and accountability (QHA), Universal values, Virtual Oil Jug, Phone connect, S bucks, belief in sincerity, Belief in Ritual, goats and sheep, etc.
The first Concept, Context, Common Sense and accountability essentially teaches you how to evaluate circumstances using critical thinking skills as well as methodologies. First, you use context to have a better understanding of what is conveyed. If the context is broad, you can then rely on common sense. For example, if Allah does not address whether doing something is permissible nor impressible, you can they use common sense to make a final decision. Lastly, the “A” in “CCA” stands for accountability. You are accountable for your decisions. The second concept is Quran, Hadith, and accountability (QHA.) This concept demonstrates and highlights the distinction between the Quran and the Hadith. It teaches us that the Quran overrides the Hadith. Lastly, we are accountable for our decisions.
The third Principle is “Universal Values.” Universal Values is a concept that teaches us how all different religions have similar values. For example, the Ten Commandments teaches us to not commit indecencies, to not steal, to worship, only one god, etc. A lot of these principles that derive from the Ten Commandments also apply to Islamic beliefs as well. In short, values go beyond religion meaning they are ethical morals that are pertain not only to religion, but universal human duties as well.
The fourth Concept is the Virtual Oil Jug. To visualize this concept, imagine as if you were born with Oil Jug. This Oil Jug is filled to the brim. The goal of this concept is to empty your Oil Jug before you die. The way in which you are able to empty the Oil Jug is by doing good deeds. For every good deed you do; a drop of oil is released. However, if the Oil Jug is not empty by the time you pass away, then all the lighter fluid will cause the remaining oil to explode.
The fifth Principle is the Phone Connect conceptualily. This concept uses an analogy of a phone and it’s basic and adequate needs to function properly. Firstly, in order for you to be able to call someone, your phone must have battery, and the battery must be charged to its fullest percent. Secondly, you need to have a number. Lastly, you must have a good connection. These three examples are also applicable and/or pertain to how your relationship with Allah should be. When a phone has battery life, it is good to always have it at 100%. Therefore, your connection will never run out. This could apply to your relationship with Allah as you will always do everything with your fullest intention and will never lose your up-most devotion towards Allah. Secondly, you need to have a number. This applies Islam as everyone has their own identity and their own relationship with Allah. Lastly, in order to be able to communicate with others, you must have a good connection. Similarly, by communicating more with Allah, you build up your connection with him.
The Sixth concept are Spiritual Bucks. Spiritual Bucks are not real-life currency. Spiritual Bucks are essentially points you accumulate by doing good deeds. You need these bucks to quantify your good deeds. An analogy for example is if you were making Dua. If you are making Dua, you must have enough spiritual bucks for your prayer to be accepted. If your Dua does get accepted, your bucks get deducted. You must do more good deeds and actions to re-accumulate them. However, there may come a time where you fit the requirements but your Dua is still not accepted. There could be a myriad of possibilities as to why your Dua may not be accepted. However, the common cause is a lack of sincerity. This is known as Belief in Sincerity. If you fit all the requirements for your Dua to be accepted but you are not sincere, the likelihood of your prayer being accepted is lower. An example of Dua without Sincerity is “O Allah, make me wealthy.” However, to adjust this Dua to make it sincere would be saying, “O Allah, grant me wealth so I can help people in need.” This demonstrates how you are sincere by thinking about being a beneficiary for others as well. Another analogy that is associated with the Spiritual Bucks concept are your hands utilized as a mirror that reflects what you say and sends it up. If you do bad deeds, your hand will slowly collect dirt that will essentially block the path of your Dua. Another common issue is when people turn to Allah solely when they need help. Allah knows that this will happen, but he encourages people to refrain from repeating this habit. Instead, you should always have time for Allah and have a connection with him no matter what position you are in.
The Eighth concept is belief in ritual. To simply breakdown this concept, you can either have belief in ritual, or you can perform enough ritual to have belief. An example could be performing prayer. When you pray, it is important to understand everything you say, every position, all fifteen pillars of prayer, and so on. However, if you are just praying without understanding the words you are saying, then some people could argue that you are just stretching. It is important to do everything with intentionality. Lastly, the Ninth concept highlights the distinction between being a Goat and being a Sheep. In class, LG asked one of the students about whether they would rather be a Goat or a Sheep; she replied, “I’d rather be a Sheep.” In addition to her response, LG explained the dichotomy between what it means to be a Goat and what it means to be a Sheep. Being a Goat typically stands for being a leader, while being a sheep represents a follower. Using this context, the ideal choice is the Goat. However, LG emphasized that we are not referring to the physical attributes to the goat; but more so a Goat’s mentality. However, even though there are other animals that could be leaders such as a Lion or a Kangaroo, a Goat differs as it would not harm you.
As the class was close to conclusion, H’s Mom told us about an event held in Baltimore next weekend in the Baltimore convention center. This event is called ICNA Convention Baltimore. Apparently, it is an annual event that hosts up to typically 40,000 people! One of my classmates, H, has been volunteering for the past couples of years. He spoke very highly of this event and how well it is organized and run. He father states that they have activities for everyone. This spans from young kids to senior adults. H also encouraged us to sign up as volunteers.