High school students bored, risk dropping out: survey

Wed Feb 28, 8:17 AM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - High school students in the United States say they are bored in class and many have considered dropping out, according to a new survey.

In the report conducted by Indiana University, 75 percent of the 81,000 students who participated said they were bored in class because the material wasn't interesting and 31 percent said they had no interaction with their teacher.

"I think what is happening is students are not being involved in interactive ways in the teaching and learning," Ethan Yazzie-Mintz, project director of the university's Center for Evaluation Policy, said in an interview.

Instead of providing lectures, Yazzie-Mintz said teachers should consider other methods of teaching such as discussion and debate and group projects.

Yazzie-Mintz said teaching style, rather than class size, is largely responsible for this problem.

"I think great teachers, and there are many of them across the country, have big classes and do a great job of interacting," he said.

The questionnaire, which included results from 110 public and private schools, also found that 22 percent of students said they have considered dropping out and half of the respondents said they have skipped school.

Students who miss school are far more likely to consider dropping out, said Yazzie-Mintz, adding the findings may suggest a reason for schools to reconsider how they handle discipline for students who skip.

"Given there is such a dropout problem across the country this data can help principals look at ways to address this problem," he said.

Yazzie-Mintz recommended school leaders take the opportunity to talk to students and find out why they're skipping as opposed to punishing them with suspensions or detentions.

Among the other findings, while 80 percent of students said doing homework was important, less than half reported doing an hour or less of it each week.

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What can we as teachers, parents and members of society do about this?

Pure Eloquence

A Remarkable Story!
by Anonymous

The undermentioned incident is narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak
(RA). He was a man of great learning and he lived in the era of the
Abbasids. This incident reflects the love and attachment with the Noble
Quran. It also Manifestates the comprehensiveness of the Noble Quran.

An elderly Arab lady was sitting at the trunk of a tree, on the way to
Haj. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) happened to pass that way. He was
also heading for Baitullah, for Hajj, and to the Sacred tomb of the Holy
Prophet (Sallallaahu ?layhi Wasallam). Seeing this lady very disturbed
and in a state of despair, (distressed) he spoke to her. The discussion
is recorded as follows:

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah

The lady: "The word from a merciful Lord is Peace" (Surah 36 Aayat 58).
She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, Most High, Himself.
She said further: "Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide
for them." (Surah 7 Aayat 186). She meant that she has lost her way.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Where are you coming from?

The lady: "Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the
Musjid-e-Aqsa (invioble place of worship) to the Musjid-e-Haraam" (Far
distant place of worship) (Surah17 Aayat1). She meant that she had come
from Musjid-e-Aqsa.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): How long are you in this place?

The lady: "For three nights" (Surah 19 Aayat10).

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): What arrangements are made for your
food?

The lady: "And who (Allah) feedeth me and watereth me" (Surah 26 Aayat
79). She meant that somehow or the other, her food is provided to her by
Allah.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Is there any water for Wudhu?

The lady: "And ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and (make
tayammum) rub your faces and hands." (therewith) (Surah 4 Aayat 43). She
meant that she makes tayammum, due to not finding water.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Here is some food. Partake of it.

The lady: "Strictly observe the fast till nightfall" (Surah 2 Aayat
187). She indicated that she is fasting.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): This is not the month of Ramadaan.

The lady: "And he who does good of his own accord (for him) lo! Allah is
responsive, aware". (Surah 2 Aayat158) meaning that I have observed an
optional (nafl) fast.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): It is permitted to break the fast
when in a journey.

The lady: "And that ye fast is better for you, if you did but know."
(Surah 2 Aayat 184)

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Speak like how I speak.

The lady: "He (man) uttereth no word but there is with him an observer
ready" (Surah 50 Aayat 18). She meant that since every word of a person
is observed and recorded, she is taking precaution by speaking only in
the words of the Holy Quran.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Which clan do you belong to?

The lady: "Follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The
hearing and the sight and heart of each of these it will be asked"
(Surah 17 Aayat36). She meant those things that you have no knowledge
of, nor do they concern you, you are wasting your strength (senses) by
enquiring about them.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Forgive me. I have certainly made a
mistake.

The lady: "Have no fear this day. May Allah forgive you" (Surah 12 Aayat
92)

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Would you like to travel on my camel
and meet your caravan?

The lady: "And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it" (Surah 2 Aayat
197). Meaning that if you will do this good deeds towards me, Allah will
recompense you for it.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Well, then you may mount it.
Saying this he made the camel to sit down.

The lady: "Tell the believing men (when confronted by women) to lower
their gaze". (Surah 24 Aayat 30). Hadhrat Abdullah understood and
(turned) looked away. While she was mounting, the camel jerked and her
clothes got estrangled in the saddle (dorsers) and she proclaimed:
"whatever of misfortune striketh you, it is what your hands have
earned." (Surah 42 Aayat 30). In other words she was drawing Hadhrat
Abdullah bin Mubarak's (RA) attention towards this mishap.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) understood and he tied the legs of the
camel and he straightened the straps of the saddle (or dorser). She
applauded him for his proficiency and capability by saying "And we made
Sulaiman to understand" (Surah 21 Aayat 79). When the journey was about
to begin, the lady recited the Aayats which are read when undertaking a
journey "Glorified be he who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not
capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our Lord we are returning."
(Surah 43 Aayat 13).
Hadhrat Abdullh bin Mubarak (RA) held the bridle (or nose string) of the
camel. He began to hum the (Huddi) famous Arabic song for travelling,
and he started walking very fast.

The lady: "Be modest in thy bearing and subdue thy voice" (Surah 31
Aayat 19). Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) understood. He began
walking slower and he lowered his voice.
The lady: "Recite of the Quran that which is easy for you." She meant
that instead of humming the Huddi, he should rather recite the Holy
Quran.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) began reciting the Holy Quran.

The lady became very pleased and said "but none remember (accept advice)
except men of understanding" (Surah 2 Aayat 269).

After reciting the Holy Quran for a while, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak
(RA) asked (the lady if she had a husband) (if he was alive) "O Aunt,
have have you a husband? (meaning is he living)

The lady: "O you who believe, ask not of things which if they were made
known unto you, would trouble you" (Surah 5 Aayat 101). She meant that
no questions should be asked regarding this matter which indicated that
her husband has most probably passed away. Finally they (caught up) met
the caravan.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Do you have any son or relative
(friend) in this caravan who has connection (contact) with you?

The lady: "Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world"
(Surah 18 Aayat 46). She meant that her sons were with this caravan and
he has provisions with him.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): What work are your sons doing for the
caravan? (Hadhrat Abdullah's object for asking was to make it easy for
him to recognise her son).

The lady: "And landmarks, and by the star they find a way" (Surah 16
Aayat 16). She meant that he is a guide for the caravan.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Can you tell me their name?

The lady: "Allah chose Ibrahim as (for) a friend" (Surah 4 Aayat 125).
And Allah spoke directly unto Moosa" (Surah 19 Aayat 12). By reciting
these Aayats the lady informed him that her sons names were Yahya,
Ibrahim and Moosa.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) called out these names in the caravan
and immediately three young people came forward.

The lady: (addressing her children) "Now send one of you with this your
silver coin unto the city. And let him see what food is purest there and
bring you a supply thereof" (Sura 18 Aayat 19) In other words she
instructed them to feed Hadhrat Abdullah (RA).

When the food was brought, she told Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA):
"Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in the past
days." (Surah 69 Aayat 24), and with this Aayat she recited another
Aayat, the object of which was to convey (show) her gratefulness to him
for his good conduct and courtesy. The Aayat was: "Is the reward of
goodness aught save goodness?" (Surah 55 Aayat 60).

Their conversation terminated on this Aayat. The lady's son informed
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) that his mother has been speaking in
this manner, i.e. using only the Aayats of the Holy Quran in her speech,
for the last forty years.

Absolutely sickening

Subhan'Allah. What next?

BBC News:

US soldier admits murdering girl

The house in Mahmudiya where the rape and killings took place

A second US soldier's plea of guilty to the gang rape of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and the killing of her and her family has been accepted by a judge.

Sgt Paul Cortez admitted four murders, rape and conspiracy to rape. His plea means he will avoid the death penalty.

The Reward For Good Husbands and Fathers

We always read about the virtues of good wives and mothers but hardly come across articles or Q&As that specifically speak about the virtues of good husbands and fathers. Mufti Abdurrahman sheds some light on the above. May Allah (swt) reward him and preserve him. Ameen

Assalamu alaykum

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful

Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an:

"And live with [them] in a beautiful manner. If you are then displeased with them, [then know] perhaps you like something which Allah has created abundant goodness in it (al-Qur'an 4:19).

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

"The believer with the most perfect faith is the one who has best character and the one who is kindest to his wife"
(Sahih Muslim).

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

"The believer should not harbor hatred towards his wife. If he dislikes something in her, then surely he will be pleased with another quality in her"
(Sahih Muslim).

Shaykh Asharaf Ali Thanwi said, commenting on the above verse:

"Brothers! when Allah has ordained these rights for women, then who can change them."

If a man fails to fulfill these rights, he will be guilty of not upholding the rights of the creation. Man should ponder over how Allah has interceded on behalf of women in the above verse.

While there may be many reasons for being displeased with One's wife, the main reason is usually bad character; this becomes a source of grief for the husband.

Nevertheless, Allah has promised that even this bad character can become a means of attaining goodness for He is All-wise and capable of doing anything. For example, she could bear you children who become the means of your salvation come qiyamah. Just ponder over how clearly the rights of women are emphasized in the above Qur'anic verse.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

"The best of you is the one best to his wife. I am the best among you to his wife" (Tirmidhi, Darimi).

A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) relates that a desert Arab came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and remarked:

"Do you kiss your children, for we do not"" The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) replied, "What can I do if Allah has taken mercy out of your heart""
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Anas (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

"Whoever brings up and nurtures two young girls until they reach maturity will appear on the Day of Judgment in a state that he and I will be like this (and he joined his fingers together)."
(Sahih Muslim)

It is easy to gauge from here how Islam has granted so many incentives upon actions necessary for the upkeep of society.

The Spiritual Care of One's Family

Furthermore, just as it is necessary and rewarding to see to the physical and monetary needs of One's family it is even more important and rewarding to see to their spiritual (ruhani) development.

Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an:

"O people of faith, save yourself and your families from the Hellfire."
(Al-Qur'an 66:6)

Likewise, the rewards for a women are also many if she interacts well with her husband.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said in a hadith narrated by Umm Salama (Allah be pleased with him):

"Any woman who dies with her husband pleased with her shall enter Paradise."
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said in a hadith narrated by Anas radhiyallahu anhu:

"If a women performs her five prayers, fasts the month of Ramadan, protects herself from immorality, and is obedient to her husband, she will enter into Paradise from any door she desires." (Hilya)

It is greatly rewarding to treat all the creation of Allah with gentleness and kindness. This reward (along with the responsibility) only increases when there is kinship and closeness. This makes the person into a complete believer, and he is rewarded in this life and the Hereafter.

Much of the above information was gleaned from Ashraf"s Advice on Marriage available from www.al-rashad.com and the Mishkat al-Masabih, the great hadith collection by "Allama Tabrizi" in Arabic.

This is just a sample of what rich heritage we have been left by our pious predecessors. Other marriage books and relevant chapters in hadith works like the Riyad al-Salihin (translated) and the al-Adab al-Mufrad by Imam Bukhari (translated) can be consulted for more information.

Wassalam
Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf

www.zamzamacademy.com

Advanced geometry of Islamic art

Medieval Muslims made stunning math breakthrough

A study of medieval Islamic art has shown some of its geometric
patterns use principles established centuries later by modern
mathematicians.

Researchers in the US have found 15th Century examples that use the
concept of quasicrystalline geometry. This indicates intuitive
understanding of complex mathematical formulae, even if the artisans
had not worked out the underlying theory, the study says. The
discovery is published in the journal Science.

The research shows an important breakthrough had occurred in Islamic
mathematics and design by 1200. "It's absolutely stunning," Harvard's
Peter Lu said in an interview. "They made tilings that reflect
mathematics that were so sophisticated that we didn't figure it out
until the last 20 or 30 years."

The Islamic designs echo quasicrystalline geometry in that both use
symmetrical polygonal shapes to create patterns that can be extended
indefinitely. Until now, the conventional view was that the
complicated star-and-polygon patterns of Islamic design were conceived
as zigzagging lines drafted using straightedge rulers and compasses.
"You can go through and see the evolution of increasing geometric
sophistication. So they start out with simple patterns, and they get
more complex," Mr Lu added.

He became interested in the subject while travelling in Uzbekistan,
where he noticed a 16th Century Islamic building with decagonal motif
tiling. Mr Lu, who designs physics experiments for the International
Space Station, was in the region in order to visit a space facility in
Turkmenistan. Islamic art traditionally uses a mixture of
calligraphy, geometric and floral designs because of a prohibition on
the portrayal of the human form.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/middle_east/6389157.stm

Story from Reuters:
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSN2245118920070222?src=022

Medieval Islamic artisans developed a pattern-making process for designing ornate tiled surfaces that allowed them to produce sophisticated patterns not seen in the West until centuries later, a new study suggests. Many walls of medieval Islamic buildings have ornate geometric star-and-polygon, or “girih,” patterns, often overlaid with a zig-zagging network of lines. This undated picture shows an archway from the Darb-i Imam shrine, Isfahan, Iran ( built in 1453 ) with two overlapping girih patterns. REUTERS/handout/K. Dudley and M. Elliff.

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Medieval Islamic artisans developed a pattern-making process for designing ornate tiled surfaces that allowed them to produce sophisticated patterns not seen in the West until centuries later, a new study suggests. Many walls of medieval Islamic buildings have ornate geometric star-and-polygon, or “girih,” patterns, often overlaid with a zig-zagging network of lines. This undated picture shows an archway from the Darb-i Imam shrine, Isfahan, Iran (built in 1453 ) with two overlapping girih patterns. REUTERS/handout/K. Dudley and M. Elliff.

Sargento Cheeses

Assalamualaykum wa Rahmatullah

For those of us who are cautious in regards to which cheeses we eat (due to the presence of animal derived ingredients, enzymes, rennet, etc) I was able to find out from the Sargento Cheese company (1-800-cheeses) that all of their cheeses use purely vegetable based or synthetic derivatives, except for the following four which do contain animal derived ingredients:

We should avoid these cheeses from Sargento:

1. Romano cheese
2. Provolone cheese
3. Assiago cheese (sp?)
4. Yarlsburg cheese (sp?)

May Allah (swt) increase us in Taqwa and Tawfiq. Ameen!

Was'salaam.

Letter to the Editor

A Masjid goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to Masjid.

"I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 Lectures. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the Imams are wasting theirs by giving Lectures at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher.

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to Masjid for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"

When you are DOWN to nothing... Allah is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank Allah for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

-source unknown

A Muslim Woman with her Lord (Allah)

From the Book, An IDEAL MUSLIMAH!

The True Islamic Personality of the Muslim Woman as Defined in the Qur'an and Sunnah

- Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi.

Chapter:1

She accepts the will and decree of Allah! The Muslim woman who is obedient to the command of her Lord naturally accepts His will and decree, because this is one of the greatest signs of faith, obedience, taqwa and righteousness in a person. So the Muslim woman who is guided by the teachings of Islam always accepts whatever befalls her in life, whether it is good or bad, because this attitude of acceptance is good for her in all cause this attitude of acceptance is good for her in all cases, as the Prophet (PBUH) explained: "How amazing is the affair of the Muslim! His affairs are all good. If he experiences ease, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If he experiences hardship, he faces it with patience and perseverance, and that is also good for him."

The Muslim woman is convinced that whatever befalls her in life could not have been avoided, and whatever does not befall her could not have been made to happen. Everything happens according to the will and decree of Allah (SWT), so her affairs are all good. If something good happens to her, she voices her praise to Allah (SWT), the Munificent Bestower, and she becomes one of those who are grateful, obedient and successful; if something bad happens to her, she faces it with patience and fortitude, so she becomes of those who are patient, redeemed and victorious. With this deep faith, the Muslim woman faces the upheavals and calamities of life with a calm soul that accepts the will and decree of Allah (SWT). She seeks His help with patience and prayer, and hoping for reward from Him. She voices her praise to Allah (SWT) for what He has willed and decreed, as al-Khansa' did on the day when she heard the news about her four sons and said: "Praise be to Allah (SWT) Who has honoured me by their martyrdom; I hope that Allah (SWT) will gather me with them under His Mercy."

She goes to the places where she usually prays, and seeks Allah's (SWT) help with prayer and patience, as Asma' bint `Umays used to do when disasters and tragedies stuck one after the other. She lost her first husband, Ja`far ibn Abi Talib (RAA), then she was stricken by the death of her second husband, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RAA), and of her son, Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr (RAA). There are many other examples in history of Muslim woman who had faith, hoping for reward from Allah (SWT) and facing difficulties with patience and fortitude. Allah (SWT) will reward them greatly: ( Those who patiently persevere will truly receive a reward without measure!) (Qur'an 39:10)

She turns to Allah (SWT) in repentance The Muslim woman may find herself becoming neglectful and slipping from the Straight Path, so she may fall short in her practice of Islam in a way that does not befit the believing woman. But she will soon notice her error, seek forgiveness for her mistakes or shortcomings, and return to the protection of Allah (SWT): ( Those who fear Allah, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, Bring Allah to remembrance When lo! They see [aright]!) (Qur'an 7:201)

The heart that is filled with love and fear of Allah (SWT) will not be overcome by negligence. It is those who ignore Allah's (SWT) commands and guidance who will be led astray. The heart of the sincere Muslim woman is ever eager to repent and seek forgiveness, and rejoices in obedience, guidance and the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

Become Like Flexible Water

Become Like Flexible Water

Qisas.com

The following incident took place last year when I was travelling with an elderly Muslim brother. We call him "Brother Wali". We met a Muslim family and the family told brother Wali to give them some advice. Here is what brother Wali told them: A Muslim is like water. Water is so flexible that where ever you place it, it takes the shape of that object. For example, if you put some water in a glass, it takes the shape of the glass. If you run the water through a tangled hose, it will take the shape of that also. The same way, a Muslim should be flexible to the orders of Allah. He should fit into whatever Allah wants. If we put an iron into the glass, then either the glass will break or the iron will break. The same way, if we are not flexible to the orders of Allah and become hard like iron, then either we will break or we will break the orders of Allah.

A hadith states: The believers are very obedient (to Allah), gentle, and kind, like an obedient camel which when led follows and when made to sit, even though on a rock, does so obediently. (Tirmidhi)

Allah knows best!

A story is told about a certain King in Africa who had a close friend that he grew up with. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) by remarking, "This is good, Allah Almighty knows best"

One day the King and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the King. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the King fired it and his thumb was blown off. Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, "This is good! Allah Almighty knows best." To which the King replied, "No, this is NOT good!" and ordered his soldiers to put his friend into jail.

About a year later, the King was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured the King and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to the stake.

As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the King was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone who was less than whole. So after untying the King, they chased him out of the village. When the King reached his palace, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend.

"You were right" the King said, "It was good that my thumb was blown off." And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this."

"No," his friend replied, "this is good...Allah Almighty knows best"

"What do you mean, 'this is good'! How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?"
The King's friend replied: "Remember that the Almighty knows best and if I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you on that hunting trip!"

As Muslims, we should never question the decision of Allah in anything, and we should bear our afflictions with patience. Allah says: "He knows what is before them and what is behind them: And to Allah go back all questions (for decision)" (Surah Al Hajj 22:76)

Do Not Judge Things or Events by its Immediate Outcome!

Almighty, the Most High is the All-Knowledgeable, the All-Knower. He chooses to show us things, but sometimes we are not shown the wisdom behind some things. When we are confronted by circumstances that are not very pleasing and we are quick to say: "This is not good..." but is it really? We might not know the purpose behind it. Thus, when we are faced with any situation, we should not be too quick to judge and always remember that this life is a test and there is nothing that happens for no reason.