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  Makkah International Institute

Modesty as a Method

12/31/2020

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Greetings of Peace and Prosperity! My name is Bellamy and I am a personal wardrobe
stylist and professional organizer. I will be sharing my insight on a concept of modesty that
is often missed or over looked, in my opinion. First up, understanding what modesty really
means. The dictionary defines modesty as follows:
1. The quality of being modest; freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.
2. Regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
3. Simplicity; moderation
As a community we are very familiar with the first 2 entries. Many controversies across
the globe stem from how modesty is primarily practiced in the form of hijab by Muslim
women. While the concept of hijab isn’t fully captured by a head-scarf (as most media
platforms have inferred) neither is the concept of modesty fully captured in hijab alone.
These two concepts extend beyond applying to women only; they apply to men as well in
Islam. 

​The Beloved Prophet (SAWS) said: “Every religion has a distinctive characteristic

and the characteristic of Islam is modesty.” (Ibn Majah)

While the focus of modesty has primarily been on the outer appearance of women,
the inner characteristics have been mentioned but not nearly as much. We’re instructed to
be modest and to wear hijab but “the how to do that” isn’t discussed in depth as often. Yes,
we are told to wear certain types of clothes that don’t draw attention. Yes we’re told to
speak kind words and to do good deeds. Don’t brag or boast and definitely don’t use
profanity. These are great actions to get started but they do not engage the heart and the
mind. They don’t give us the bigger picture.
As our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) succinctly stated, the characteristic of Islam is modesty.Let that statement marinate with your heart and mind for a moment while I share a brief story.
When I first began practicing Islam, I was super excited and overwhelmed about
implementing Islam as my way of life. Initially, what attracted me to Islam was that it is a
complete way of life. I was tired of trying to figure out if I was living “right”. I was relieved
that all I had to do was follow Islam like everyone else and I could possibly earn paradise. It
was a no brainer. I just dove right in and started praying, covering, fasting and even got
married within my first year. SubhanAllah! I truly underestimated how my choice to practice
Islam would truly impact me (mentally, spiritually, emotionally), my identity, my family (I’m
the only Muslim for now...smile insha’Allah), my friends and my livelihood. Now on top of all
of that, I had the audacity to become a wife and a mother before I really had a real clue
about just being Muslim. I was doing WAY TOO MUCH in a very short period of just 2 years.
Being raised as a Christian I basically had the Cliff’s Notes idea about Islam. Because
of this, I sort of glossed over the 5 pillars like a checklist and assumed that I got this! I mean,
I was already a good hearted and kind person. I strived for excellence and was known for
my character. I didn’t use any forms of intoxicants. I naturally dressed “modestly” so that
wasn’t an issue. I believed in Allah as the one and only G-d, His Angels, His Books and all the
Messengers sent before and including Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). I was like, BOOM! I am
practically a Muslim already! WRONG! As I began to study Islam more I learned that
guidance is deeper than externalities. In my first marriage alone, I learned even more about
myself. How I understood and practiced Islam. I was so overwhelmed by everything, I began
to lose hope and sink into despair. I began to question, if I was really living Islam because I
was so miserable. I knew I must be doing something wrong because this deen is perfect.
A few years later, after reading that quote again. It resonated with me differently.
The characteristic of Islam is MODESTY. It prompted me to look up the word modesty
again. This time I noticed the 3rd entry: Simplicity; Moderation. I was amazed by the clarity
and relief I experienced.
I thought THIS IS IT! This is how I can actually implement Islam in my life without being so overwhelmed.Alhamdulilah! Allah (SWT) is so merciful and so kind.
Islam is truly for all of humanity. There is no part of it that a human being cannot benefit
from. I thought about how the Quran was revealed in stages and how Allah’s (SWT) infinite
wisdom of sharing the foundation of the Shahadah (how to worship Him alone with no
partners) took years before the rules of halal and haram were given. Islam was revealed
simply and in moderation as a progressive path so the companions had time to engage and
internalize the concepts with their hearts and their minds.
If it took years for the best of humanity to implement Islam into their lives, why do
we think we are any different? The characteristic of Islam is Modesty. This means to me
that every aspect of our faith can be implemented simply and with moderation. Even the
concepts of hijab and modesty for men have some relevancy. Looking back on how I began
my journey in Islam, I realize that I didn’t approach it with modesty. Now when I look at
different areas (finances, health, knowledge, relationships, etc.) of my life that I want to
improve, I use modesty as my method of approach. I filter my intentions, actions, desires
and habits by asking myself two initial questions: 1) what is the simplest way to handle or
implement this? 2) How can this be broken down into moderate steps?
The Modesty Method | Simplicity + Moderation = ModestyI sincerely hope this little gem of insight, I was blessed to discover and share with you has
been of some benefit on your life’s journey. It is my hope to continue this dialogue about
how modesty as a method can help us practice and implement Islam in our daily lives,
insha’Allah. Give it a try. I would love to hear about your experience. Share it with me on
social media @iStyleModesty & #LiveLifeModest

L. Jehaan "Bellamy"

Bellamy has a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from Florida State University and over 15 years of fashion experience.  NYC is where she cultivated her true talent to curate all things stylish by working with brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Tommy Hilfiger and IslamicDesignHouse.com. Currently she resides in Atlanta, making motherhood look stylish and teaching her signature online courses Hijabology: Wardrobe As Worship and The Hijab Style Lab at iStyleModesty.Com/Learn

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Breast Cancer Awareness

11/25/2020

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and while most people know about breast cancer, with many showing support by wearing pink ribbons, it's less known that it’s the most common cancer in American women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women globally. Educating ourselves on this disease is an important aspect of breast cancer awareness.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the risk of an American woman developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 12%, or a 1 in 8 chance. Further, the chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is about 2.6%, or a 1 in 38 chance. There are about 230,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in women in the U.S. each year, and about 2,300 new cases diagnosed in men.
The following are four key points to educate ourselves on reducing our risk for breast cancer:
  1. Know your breasts
It is extremely important to know your breasts, what they look like, and know how they feel. Have your healthcare provider teach you how to give a proper self-exam and recognize changes that need to be examined.
 
  1. Know the risk factors
The main risk factors are being a woman and getting older. Other risk factors that are out of our control are family history and inherited changes to certain genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Individuals can reduce their risk by controlling their weight, staying physically active, and having a balanced diet.
 
  1. Get a mammogram
Mammograms save lives. Mammograms can detect breast cancer at early stages when it’s most treatable. To stay on top of your health, women should have a baseline mammogram at age 40 and then screen annually. If you have family history of breast cancer, an annual mammogram starting no later than ten years before the age of the earliest diagnosis, but not earlier than 25 or later than 40.
 
  1. Breast cancer can happen to men
Even though it’s not that common, men can be affected by this disease as well. 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men. If caught early enough, there’s an increased chance of survival.  However, men often delay going to see a doctor even if they have noticed a breast lump. Since men don’t get mammograms, it’s important for men to be aware of their bodies and see a doctor if they discover a lump or nipple discharge such as blood. 

Naila Abdul-Hakeem, MPH 

Naila Abdul-Hakeem, MPH is a Public Health Educator that has a YouTube channel called Accessing Care with Naila where she provides resources and information on ways to access health services without breaking the bank. She lives in Chicago with her husband and six-year-old cat

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Supporting a Down Syndrome Diagnosis

11/25/2020

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A little over twelve years ago I welcomed my fifth child into the world who happens to have Down Syndrome. It became apparent to me very early on that I would have to do more and be more to meet my son’s needs that were unique to him. If I were state side during his birth, I would have had many more options early on. There is the First Steps program that is available in each state that help children with disabilities and developmental delays. The program starts at birth to 3 yrs. and includes help with physical and developmental needs of a child.
 
Not having access to First Steps I depended a lot on books and my own creativity to help his physical development. Some of the books I depended on early on were “Gross Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals by Patricia C. Winders”  . “Fine Motor Skills for Children with Down Syndrome by Maryann Bruni” and “Babies with Down Syndrome a New Parents Guide by Susan J. Skallerup”. These were my go-to books that were well used. I was able to learn not just what to expect from my child but also how to help and support him in his development. Some of the help required my own creativity and using some simple objects for both fine motor skills as well as gross motor.
 
At a point in his development I saw that language would be his bigger hurdle. Physically he developed about the same rate as peers his age, but the ability to speak was a struggle. The understanding of language was there but getting it out and able to express it was the problem. He would be latter diagnosed with apraxia and the tools to help him greatly changed as he grew. Early one we focused on sign language which is a great resource for any young child to express their needs and wants.  Signing Time was the best resource for the whole family. There are many videos of various themes that can help a child easily communicate their needs to those around them. The downside of this is that whoever they are communicating with also needs to know sign language.
 
As he got older, we received a communication device from his school district. There are a number of dedicated devices just for communicating. Some of these devices are in the thousands of dollars but there are programs available to help aid with the cost.  But thanks to technology advancing it's much easier to buy an iPad and download an app to help a child communicate with everyone around them. There are many to choose from and much of it depends on what the child is most comfortable and what will grow with their age and ability.
 
One of the things I decided early on is that my child will determine his capabilities. I would never limit him due to the preconceived notions of what he should be able to do. While he was younger and very active, I signed him up for sports with his typical peers.  I found that most parents and other children were very accepting because, although different in some ways, he was still very much a child of their own age. As he grew and the competitive nature of his peers kicked in that is when we sought programs by special needs groups. Locally we have several such as Special Olympics, Special needs soccer association, TASK and horseback riding programs. There are many ways to get a child who happens to have special needs moving.
 
Through the years it was vital that I also learned how my child learned. Even as the fifth child I was very much surprised how my child's diagnosis would impact the way in which he actually learned. A huge help for us was The Maren Fund. Which is an awesome program that not only assists children with Down Syndrome to learn but also teaches parents, and those who are involved with their learning, how the children actually learned. There is much research out there that shows that it is much different than their typical peers so the best manner to teach them is to teach ourselves a different approach.
 
There are many resources out there to help aid parents with the raising of their child with special needs. Even as they age support will need to be given to them. So, it is imperative that parents seek out all that is available and be their foundation of learning and development. I cannot stress enough the importance of that foundation and the willingness to help your child to continue to grow and reach all of their capabilities. It truly starts from day one and will continue for as long as they require it. This path has been quite the blessing I will say. I have learned so much from my son in this short 12 years and I look forward to the growth of what we will both continue on. 


Ann Tamimi

Ann Tamimi wife and mother to five. Avid reader, scrapbooker and has large diy fantasies.

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Lampost Education Initiative

11/25/2020

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​The Lamppost Education Initiative (Lamppost) is a non-profit 501c3 charitable dedicated to Islamic education for English-speaking Muslims. Lamppost provides a window into the rich Islamic tradition through the eyes of contemporary American Muslim scholars, intellectuals, activists, and leaders.
We offer to the public: live and pre-recorded webinars, classes, books, essays, and onsite enrichment programs dealing with the topics of Islam, Muslims, and the socio-cultural dynamics of American society. Our contributors offer expert analysis of current events that affect Muslims in the West and offerings in the classical Islamic disciplines. Lamppost features some of the foremost scholars of Islam in America. Scholars like Dr. Sherman Jackson, Imam Zaid Shakir, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, Dr. Khalid Yayha Blankinship, and a host of other scholars and teachers.
 
  Covid-19 increases the importance of our online learning efforts. The pandemic forced us to cancel our annual Conference-The Black American Muslim Conference-as a live event. Many masajid where Islamic classes and teaching occur are now closed and restricted due to this life-altering pandemic. This year we are conducting our Conference as an online event. Once again, Lamppost is featuring some of the most prominent Muslim-American scholars at this virtual event including, Imam Zaid Shakir, Imam Siraaj Wahaaj, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, Dr. Jamillah Karim, Imam Fode Drame, Shaykh Khalil Abdur-Rashid, and many others.  This Conference took place on October 16th, 17th, and 18th. More than ever, the Lamppost Education Initiative needs your financial support to provide more online sessions, events, and classes for Muslims in America.

Khalil Muhsin

Managing Director, Lamppost Education Initiative
https://lamppostedu.org

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What Will You Leave Behind

9/19/2020

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Covid-19 has us all thinking about our own mortality, families are thinking about what happens to my family if I die too soon. Unfortunately, most families only own life insurance through their employer, yet we cannot depend on life insurance on our jobs because our jobs are not guaranteed and, usually they will not provide enough life insurance coverage to: leave your family the ability to pay all the expenses that you were covering for them while alive and leave them a legacy. In the Holy Quran, Surah Baqarah 2:240 states that, “husbands that die with a wife left behind to bequest maintenance for at least 1 year”. We must make sure our family can sustain whether we are living or returned back to Allah, it’s our duty.
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 Life insurance is the best way to do that because it provides an instant estate for your heirs, think about it, when most people want to leave their families houses, why not leave them MONEY, which will pay for the homes and other items. Term life insurance is the best way to accomplish this, it’s low cost which makes it easier to purchase larger amounts to be able to leave generational wealth, it’s pure insurance and works like your car/home insurance because you’re only paying for protection. I always say, “Death is the only Guarantee in life and Life insurance is the cheapest insurance you can buy, because you get to name your own price”. Let’s make sure we are gifting from the grave as our family is gifting us with dua’a from earth. My Salaams

Helena Clemons

Helena Clemons is a native of Brooklyn, NY; where she has resided in Atlanta, GA for the past 15 years; and has been state licensed in Life & Health insurance and a Financial Coach for 20 years. She’s been happily married for 25 years and has 4 adult children. Helena and her family also run a family business MBGW GLOBAL LLC of which she is the CEO/CFO: their focus is business development, real estate, health initiatives and novelties that make a statement. She dedicates her time educating families about business, wealth generation and credit repair, as she truly believes in group economics and community empowerment.

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Maintaining a Healthy Relationship During a Pandemic

9/19/2020

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Its important to recognize  that this pandemic has been a trial that Allah has placed on us during this time. As such marriages will be tested. Tests can make a relationship stronger or no longer.  The quality of the pre-pandemic relationship can be the determining  factor of how a marriage will sustain itself while we shelter in place. The couples who have a healthy loving relationship during normal times will not have any difficulty spending quality time with their mates during these times.  

Many who marry take the ayat from Allah to heart where he stated
"They (your wives) are a clothing (covering) for you and you too are a clothing (covering) for them." (Surah 2, Verse187)
I view this ayat from the perspective that  clothing serves as a protection for us against the elements,  similarly marriage serves as a protection from many  psychological, physical, and spiritual elements.

We must be protective of one another in normal times, and especially so during this pandemic.  We do not know how long the world will be in this present state of pandemia.  
Just as sickness is a means of expiation of sins we have to view the sickness that has enveloped the planet as a means of purification for the planet.

With this in mind we have to practice patience with ourselves and with each other.  How does the pandemic impact marriages? If we don’t manage our stress and anger it can cause toxicity to be present in the household. 

"And one of His signs is that He has created for you, spouses from amongst yourselves so that you might take comfort in them and He has placed between you, love and mercy. In this there is surely evidence (of the truth) for the people who carefully think." (Surah 30, Verse 21)

We must work to dwell with our mates as Allah ordained in these ayats.  We must work to identify means of maintaining tranquility during these times.  Here are some suggestions that make weathering this pandemic bearable, and more pleasant:
-    Pray and fast, and study  together more often.
-    Daily Communications with your spouse that includes active listening.
-    Allow the relationship to breathe.  Take time for yourself, and spend time together.
-    Establish an exercise regiment individually or as a couple. (Ex. walks, meditation, working out.)
-    Date safely( Drive-In or movie night @ home, dining out at restaurants that observe pandemic protocols, board games, etc. 

Above all remember the five love languages as you interact with each other, and know each other’s love language. ( http://www.5lovelanguages.com).
The pandemic can be an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your mate.  Use the time that Allah has given us wisely; so that when it is lifted our love cups will be overflowing. 
 “ The Best Of You Are Those Who Are Best To Their Women.”
 Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Imam Nadim Sulaiman Ali, LPC,MAC
Nadimali.com
01/05/1442 A.H.- 08/24/2020 C.E.


Nadim Ali LPC, MAC

Born in Chester, Pa.  Married father of 5. Imam of the Community Masjid of Atlanta since 2005.  Former convener for the Majlis Ash-Shura of Atlanta. Founding member of  MANA(Muslim Alliance Of North America) & current member of the MANA Diwan. Co- Founder of the Da’wah Ensemble Spoken Word Acappella  Group. MA in Counseling Psychology, Georgia School Of Professional Psychology. Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC) & Master Addiction Counselor in private practice.                      

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The Global Homesteaders

9/19/2020

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Bismillah

Twenty plus years ago, when we first got married, we sat down to write out our goals. Knowledge and experience was a thread all our goals had in common. We wanted to learn from and experience life, and we wanted the same for our children. Farming and homesteading wasn't forefront in our minds but we both came from families where farming/gardening/homestead type activities were just a part of living (even in the city).

We’ve had a garden wherever we’ve lived (California, Sudan, Kuwait, Qatar, & Mexico). We’ve always educated our children at home and this allowed us to try and teach them some practical life skills/Sunnah along the way, while encouraging them to pursue and practice their own interest (woodworking, horseback riding, fiber arts, leatherworking, animal husbandry, mechanics, cooking, etc). We currently live in Oregon and moved here so that we could live on a larger property where our seven children could have space to grow, meet our needs via the land, and have enough to share with the community.

We’ve yet to find that balance where we can have land and community. We are the only Muslims in our town. We realize as our children mature that being near a Muslim community is very important. We cannot teach them everything. It’s not easy to have a full time job and try and homestead. We do most things here by hand (milking the cow, harvesting hay, digging ponds, building, etc.) which we enjoy but also know that it’s labor intensive. It’s helped us all appreciate hard work and not take things for granted. When we slaughter our own meat, it’s an animal we’ve raised from birth and loved. It brings an  appreciation for that meat that we’d never get from buying it, and it means that we eat a lot less meat! 

As a Black and Mexican family we are blessed to  own our own property and have the opportunity and knowledge to farm and homeschool our children. We get to see a lot of things come full circle here. Even with all our trial and error it’s nice to  know how much grass we need to scythe to have enough hay for the winter. It is comforting to know that the hard work of  canning and dehydrating in the summer can feed us through the cold months. We feel that, through this lifestyle, we continue to gain knowledge and experience that keep us grounded.

Homesteading has included a lot of trail and error, and we learned an immense amount from that. We’ve built, torn down, and moved many gardens, fences and structures. We’ve learned to be a lot more flexible with our vision and timetable. Sometimes we’ve had to slow down or stop when major things happen (like births or moving). We’ve also tried to decolonize our homesteading practices,  which includes studying the knowledge of our ancestors who were caretakers of the earth. We want to revitalize the earth, not deplete it.

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Roots 'n Earth Family Farm

Roots n Earth is our family farm. We’re a big Mexican-Jamaican Muslim family living in Oregon. We practice sustainable, ancestral gardening and love doing things with our hands like crafting and woodworking.

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A Muslimah for Tuskegee Politics

9/19/2020

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​I am Muti’ah Lennora Joyce Pierrot, as a native of St. Lucia with an ambitious mother coupled with an innovative father. I have always seen opportunity and have always been surrounded by service at an early age. I was, raised in a rural area of St. Lucia, in the town of Bexon. My grandparents were farmers and business owners, which instilled in me a hard work ethic.
Becoming Muslim at the age of nineteen was my introduction to the vastness of Africa as a continent. I studied Midwifery in the countries of Senegal and South Africa, specifically in the cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria. During the completion of Hajj, the pilgrimage at the Kaaba in Madina, Saudia Arabia, was the catalyst to assist me in understanding my purpose.
My current role as Founder and CEO of BABI-BIBS AND BLANKETS INTERNATIONAL along with Manager of the Special Collections at The Ford Motor Company Library/LRC at Tuskegee University, helped catalyze me stepping in the political race for the position of The City Tuskegee District 1 Council member.
 
The life-long learning skills and knowledge that I have gained throughout my didactic progression continues to be the motivating factor for me to become proficient in the field of preserving the history and the legacy of the Global Village. As an educator and business owner who looks at life experience as the building block to empathy. Starting at the grass-root, local level within my district for councilperson was what came to my soul.
 
I stepped out on faith and ran alongside two respected elder candidates who both are rooted in the community, the message that there are younger candidates that needs mentorship as our Village is growing into a new future of constant uncertain changes. I offered myself for service to my community and asked for endorsements on behalf of being the youngest political candidates for my district and the need to support our youth in all areas. My platform was based on the fundamental needs of our community
  • Representation with Trusted Integrity 
  • Informing the Citizens 
  • Substantial Employment Opportunities
  • Educational Economic Development
  • Quality of Life
 
 
“The Win is in The Ability to Run”, is the foundation of my life. “Youth Guided & Elder Led” is the message of my campaign along with the message for our community. “A Change You Can See” is what we work on daily as a message of collaborative framework within our community. As I am fortunate enough to have a family that is active in supporting me, our work is getting done daily. Thank you to everyone who is a part of the growth in my Village and in all other communities.

Mu'tiah Lennora Pierrot

A native of St. Lucia, Mu'tiah Lennora Pierrot also prides herself as being an educator and business women with a passion for History.  She is the mother of nine children and a devoted wife who is currently running for office in Tuskegee Alabama.

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Self Care is Essential

8/22/2020

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​During these past few months, there has been so many different emotions that we have been experiencing. Some of us are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and fear while others may be feeling higher levels of intuitiveness, reflectiveness and mindfulness. Our personal feelings are susceptible to change depending on our individual experiences, spirituality, and outlook on life.  As we go through making adjustments in our daily lives whether that is with our jobs, family, social interactions, or simply going into public spaces.  It is imperative that we take out moments for our personal self-reflections in order to find balance and take care of our health holistically.
              One of the ways that we can do this is by implementing a self-care routine into our daily lifestyles. The term has become more popular in the last few years as we find our selves being more conscious of our mental states and understanding more how mental health is a vital key to our wellness. Self-care encourages us to maintain a healthy relationships with ourselves so that you may transmit the good energy to others. Indeed self-care as is far from selfish, but rather self-care is a necessity that allows us to become the best version of ourselves for  our well-being and the people around us.  Paying attention to our well-being, is necessary for reinvigorating, restoring and rejuvenating ourselves. Everyone around us also benefits from the renewed energy, peacefulness, and joy that we exhibit internally.
There are so many ways to engage in self-care routines some in which include meditation, reading a book, stretching, taking a nature walk,  or simply soaking in the tub.  I personally try to alternate in which self-care techniques that I engage in. Whichever self-care technique that we choose to engage in allow it is be an intentional catalyst for personal healing and reflection. More than ever we have to engage in these positive acts of self-love.                         


​

Mecca East MPH

Mecca N. East is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Salaam Clinic, a free clinic located in Cleveland, OH. She is the Founder and CEO of Imani Wellness Institute.  She is also a certified doula and community health advocate and dedicates her time promoting health education and wellness to the community. She recieved her Bachelor's degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine in 2004 from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. In 2017, she received her Master's degree in Public Health from The George Washington University in D.C. Mecca is committed to uplifting the community in which she serves by improving health outcomes through empowering individuals and families to embrace healthy lifestyles. ​

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Ready, Set, Homeschool

8/22/2020

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“According to a 2009 study of standardized testing, homeschoolers scored in the 86th percentile. The results held true even when controlling for parents' income level, amount of education, teaching credentials, and level of state regulation. Research also suggests that homeschooled kids get into college more often and do better once they're enrolled.”(Weller, 2016)

If no one has told you, you are the best teacher for your child.  You are their role model, superhero, and confidant.  As you raise your protege, you always want to be their biggest influence.  I am here to tell you that homeschooling is one of the best decisions you can make for your family if these are your goals.  Your children will only be children for a small portion of their lives, so every moment matters.  Making the decision to homeschool is an investment, that if done right will have a lasting positive impact.  It will give you the flexibility to have that positive influence you are seeking.

Making the Decision:
As a former public and private school educator, I know firsthand the impact parents have on their children's education.  It tends to look something like, the more involved the more likely it is the student will be successful in school  Now how would that look if the parents were the school?  As a matter of fact, Chris Weller of Business Insider stated “According to leading pedagogical research, at-home instruction may just be the most relevant, responsible, and effective way to educate children in the 21st century.”(2016).  This sums up exactly why YOU should be teaching YOUR child.  

Curriculum:
One of the most intimidating things about home school is often what to teach.  Tons of highly educated gurus have already laid out a map of what each student in America should be learning from birth to 12th grade.  You as the purveyor of your child’s school have the authority to choose from the thousands of options available.  Kaylene of Autisticmama.com recommends you consider the following when selecting a curriculum:

  • “Consider your child’s learning style
  • Consider your teaching style
  • Consider your priorities
  • Consider your child’s interest
  • Consider your realistic time
  • Consider your budget
  • Check out reviews” (Kaylene, 2017) 

Don’t make this a daunting decision, you know your child better than anyone.  You also know what is most important to teach and not teach your student.  Choose a curriculum that best reflects your spiritual, academic, and social beliefs.  This isn’t rocket science, but it could be.

Our Network:
Makkah International Institute would like to give you peace of mind.  Homeschooling can be overwhelming, and we are here to walk you through every step of the journey.  We offer mentorship to parents who are in need of guidance from professionally trained teachers and experienced homeschoolers.  Additionally we have a preselected curriculum that has been tried and tested.  Families that join the Makkah International Institute Homeschool Network will be able to join us for monthly outings that support the learning goals.  For those parents who do not believe that they have the time or experience to research and vet homeschool curriculum, we are offering online virtual learning that families can access from the safety of their homes.  Whatever it is that you are looking for in a homeschool, we are here to assist.  

Feel Comforted in Your Choice:
When your child is grown, successful, and content, know that you did your best.  You chose what was best for them and would have the best outcomes. In actuality, you only have about a solid 13-14 years to have an impactful impression on your child, afterwards they are typically set in a mold that is who they will be for a lifetime.  Increased positive interactions with parents along with decreased interactions with deviant peers are main factors that predict whether children will engage in problem behaviors such as academic failure, risky sexual behavior, and substance use (Ary, Duncan, Duncan, & Hops, 1999).  If this is not enough evidence to homeschool them then know that your positive modeling will instill good manners in your child.  Furthermore, the Prophet (SAW) stated that the best of us is the one with the best manners (Al Bukhari).  If your child does not learn a single letter sound (which they should), it is OK because what matters most is their deeds which you can influence as their first teacher.  

If you are interested in homeschooling, you are personally invited to join our homeschool network which gives you the option to enroll your child in virtual classes during the pandemic with highly qualified teachers.  Visit http://www.makkahinstitute.org/homeschool-network.html


Ary, D., Duncan, T., Duncan, S., & Hops, H. (1999, March). Adolescent problem behavior: The influence of parents and peers. Retrieved August 22, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10087640

Kaylene. (2017, June 13). 7 Simple Steps to Choosing Homeschool Curriculum. Retrieved August 19, 2020, from https://autisticmama.com/how-to-choose-the-right-homeschool-curriculum/]poiuolp;[‘

​Weller, C. (2016, August 20). Homeschooling is the smartest way to teach kids in the 21st century. Retrieved August 19, 2020, from https://www.businessinsider.com/why-kids-should-get-homeschooled-2016-8


​

Reshelle Abdul-Malik M.A.T.

Reshelle is the editor of A Message from Makkah.  She is also the administrator for Makkah International Institute.  Reshelle is a masters degreed educator with with over ten years experience teaching domestically and abroad.

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