|  | Nurturing the Next Generation
Project of Sound Vision |
| |  | 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 school, 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. Some may even have Christian relatives who celebrate and buy them holiday gifts. Others are intrigued by the captivating lights, sounds, and smells invading their senses. 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 neighbors. |
| | | Parenting Tip There is a blast of cold and excitement in the air this time of year. Schools are winding down for winter breaks, nights are filled with bright lights and decorations, and festivities abound. It is an important time to be mindful of Islamic guidance, teachable moments, and how to be sensitive to non-Muslims around us. |
| |  | 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 in the comfort of our homes. As a parent of six, Hernán Guadulupe provides ten creative ways to make this staycation the best one yet! |
| | | Inspiration “Although the history of relations between Muslims and Christians has not always been good, it is important to remember that Muslims always stood for a society where the rights of all individuals are not only tolerated, but respected and protected.” Abdul Malik Mujahid, founding president of Sound Vision |
| |  | Converts Coping with Christmas By Laura El Alam Christmastime can be a challenge for Muslims in the West who feel disconnected from most of the festivities and traditions that surround them. Many feel like outsiders in their own land during the holidays and, for Muslims who grew up celebrating Christmas but now practice Islam, the holiday season can generate especially conflicted feelings and difficult decisions. How do converts cope with the Christmas season? What strategies do they use to deal with nostalgia, family traditions, non-Muslim loved ones, and difficult decisions? |
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| | Hadith Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “Allah’s Messenger used to accept gifts and reciprocate them.” |
| |  | The Islamic Lessons and Mindset of Gifting By Candace Islaah Abd’al-Rahim Gifts are an important but often under-appreciated part of our human interactions. These acts appear to be simple expressions of affinity but may possess deeper meanings. A Muslim must ask him or herself: What is appropriate to give and to whom? Why are we giving? In what context is the gift being given? And the same questions can be raised about receiving. The answers to these questions are important for you and your children to understand during this holiday season. |
| | | Helpful Tips for Gifting As Muslim parents and caretakers, we must cultivate the true spirit of giving within our families. Here are a few lessons that deserve your attention: - Teach them the meaning of Allah’s names that deal with His generosity, blessings, and gifts to us.
- Read the many stories in the Seerah of how the early Muslims dealt with gifting.
- Model the act of gifting all through the year, not just during a “holiday.”
- Remind them that a gift does not have to be purchased from a store or even a tangible object.
- And teach children to show gratitude and humility toward gifts, no matter how small or disliked.
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| |  | 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: 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 winter time. (6:34) |
| | | Fill your winter break with courses that teach your children about Islam in a fun and engaging way! |
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| |  | 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. |
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