| |  | | |  | Understanding the Connection between Palestine and Christmas By Wendy Díaz Tears flow as the heavy Israeli bombardment claims the lives of more than 20,000 Palestinians and destroys the country’s infrastructure, including whole neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, mosques, and churches. Although most of the violence is taking place in Gaza, there are continuing hostilities in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, which houses some of Christendom’s holiest sites. In solidarity with their brethren in Gaza, Palestinian Christian clergy from every denomination in the region have canceled all holiday festivities. Learn more about the connection between Palestine and Christmas. | | | | | | Parenting Tip Winter break is approaching and provides an opportunity for Muslim parents and children alike. With Christmas paraphernalia abounding, it is important to increase family time and to be mindful of Islamic guidance, teachable moments, and the connections we have with non-Muslims around us. | | | |  | Teaching Muslim Children about Christmas By Wendy Díaz The holiday season can be a confusing time for Muslim children. Many of them are in public schools, where classrooms are decorated with Christmas, Hanukkah, and/or Kwanzaa décor, and they may be hearing some buzz about Santa Claus “coming to town” from their friends and classmates. Curious children are bound to ask questions and parents must be prepared to answer them with caution, care, compassion, and respect for our non-Muslim family and neighbors. | | | | | | Inspiration “The best approach in talking to children about Christmas is through story-telling enveloped in respect, compassion, and understanding of other religions.” Eman Ahmed, writer and author of How to Talk with Young Children about Christmas | | | |  | 10 Great Ways to Enjoy Your Winter Break By Hernán Guadalupe The winter break is upon us and it’s a great opportunity for families to unwind from a year full of the hustle and bustle with work and school. Some families may have planned winter getaways and trips. Others may simply stay warm in the comfort of their own homes. That makes the winter break a great time to strengthen the family unit and enjoy each other’s company. As a parent of six, Hernán Guadalupe provides ten creative ways to make this staycation the best one yet! | | | | | | | | Islamic Guidance “When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every supplicant when he calls on me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186) | | | |  | I Wish I Had Handled the Holiday Season Differently as a New Convert By Laura El Alam When writer Laura El Alam embraced Islam more than 20 years ago, it was a source of surprise and confusion for her Catholic family. Their knowledge of Islam was based mostly on stereotypes and misinformation from the media. While most of her family members tried to be understanding and supportive, one of the changes that upset them the most was her decision not to join them for holiday celebrations. Read her reflections on those challenges and learn how she might have handled things differently. | | | | | | Sound Advice When the holidays roll around, Muslims need to focus on what we CAN do rather than feeling alienated. Here are some great suggestions: - Be a friend to youth, new immigrants, or new converts. Muslims in these three groups may struggle during Christmastime with feelings of being overwhelmed or isolated. In Surah Tawbah, Allah instructs us that Muslims are protecting friends to each other – let’s take that to heart.
- Learn more about Prophet Isa, peace be upon him. Muslims, Christians, and Jews all revere Jesus. Now is a perfect time to educate yourself and your children on the important similarities and differences. Check out this article for details. LINK here to Wendy’s article Understanding the connection between Palestine and Christmas.
- Reduce the Christmas hype in your home. Instead of bombarding your family with Christmas television shows or repeated holiday commercial jingles that get stuck in your head, take a time out and focus on Islamic content. There are a number of great Islamic lectures, podcasts, and programs online and on cable TV. Be sure to also check out Muslim Network TV.
- Leave the negativity. Allah instructs us in Surah Al-Anam that we are not to insult those who do not believe as we do. Stay away from harsh criticisms of Christmas that make those around you focus on it even more than they would naturally.
- Increase worship. This is a perfect time to increase Ibadah by: making daily Salah in your local masjid; engaging in voluntary fasting; performing Tahajjud or night prayers; and making duaa for us all.
Read the full article at No Need to feel Alienated. What The Muslim Community Can Do Collectively and Individually at Christmastime. | | | |  | Taking a Time Out to Reflect By Zahirah Lynn Eppard As we draw to the end of a calendar year, there is time for reflection on what has been accomplished or achieved and what has also brought challenges and tests. Islamically, there is no “best” time to engage in this type of exercise. In case reflection is on your to-do list in the coming weeks, here is a 30-point checklist to ensure you are on a well-rounded course physically, emotionally, and spiritually. | | | | | | | | | |  | Adam's World Video: Adam and the Blessings of Winter On a very cold winter day, Adam and Aneesah decide to organize a winter coat drive at the masjid. Mama and Dad teach Adam about how Muslims can earn good deeds in the wintertime. The Arabic letter “seen” and the English letter “S” for Suhoor are featured. (6:34) | | | | | | | | Our children feel for the children in Gaza. And they are traumatized further when their support for a Free Palestines are deemed “anti-Semitic” and shut down in their U.S. schools. Join Sound Vision for a Town Hall meeting on this important topic. Saturday, Dec. 23 at 2pm EST, 1pm CST, 11am PCT Let’s come together to create solutions: - Share your experiences!
- Learn about how parents and students are fighting back with success!
- Identify resources to create opportunities for lasting change!
Register today! SoundVision.com/TownHall | | | | | | Fill your winter break with courses that teach your children about Islam in a fun and engaging way! | |  | | | | | | | | |  | The Sound Vision Foundation has been a trusted source of Islamic knowledge for more than 30 years. Our work with the world-renowned puppets Adam and Aneesah pioneered creative programming for Muslim children, encouraging them to learn about and love their religion. We continue to bring sound content and engaging programs that stimulate minds, touch hearts, and strive to fulfill our mission of raising better Muslims, better neighbors, and better citizens. This latest effort is designed to support and empower Muslim parents to do the same. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
