Our Favorites #2
The month of October seems to have just flown by, and we are excited to once again be sharing with your some of our favorite finds from this month!
Umeda's October Favorites:
Can we have a mom #realtalk for a moment? Helping kids memorize surahs... (insert emotion here).
It’s hard, but I found something that helps me out a little: RepeatItAgain on IOS. You can record an audio (me reciting verse for verse of a Surah the kids are trying to memorize). Then you can set this recording to repeat however many times you need. I usually set it to repeat 20 times and play it when they go to bed. My recordings are with a soft voice and with gaps of time in between each verse so they can repeat it to themselves before the next verse comes up.
This method is not going to be enough to fully help them memorize surahs, but it definitely supports the effort. Plus, it can also help adults in memorizing new surahs.
Image: screenshot of the ReapeatItAgain app on iPhone 5.
52 Weeks With the Prophet Audio
If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you see me post my Monday evening tradition. On our long drive to music class, my kids and I listen to A Year with the Prophet audio series. I first heard about this series from Saira at Confessions of a Muslim Mom, who completed all 52 audios with her kids.
We listened to their free sample and as soon as it was finished, they started screaming for the next one. That’s when I knew I had to get the rest. It took me a few months, but I finally made the move. It costs $150 for all 52 episodes. Yes, it can take a chunk out of your budget, but I honestly think when you get this, you don’t need any other resources for your kids for the next 52 weeks. Actually, when you click on the link above, you will automatically get 20% discount!!!
The series is from the perspective of a boy living during our time and he uses a time machine to travel back to the times of Prophet Muhammad salallahu alaihi wasalaam. There are many different stories from Seerah presented from a young person’s perspective in such a captivating way. Within the stories, there are teachings and values injected here and there. And yes, some of the episodes end with cliff hangers that leave the kids pretty excited.
So far we’ve listened to 10 episodes and my kids still get so excited about our Monday tradition.
Image courtesy of thequantumchronicles.com
Ashley's October Favorites:
Prayer Gown from Serenity Scarves
I love Serenity Scarves for many reasons.
First, they are a Muslimah owned business, and I love to support my sisters doing the work they do!
Second, they are both functional and beautiful. It is a one piece gown with and open space for your face and sleeves for your arms, and it is so easy to just slip it over your head to pray. I'm tall, and it covers me perfectly from head to floor. Also, the fabric is beautiful - both in design and color and in the luxurious silky feeling.
And third, they are super durable. I've had mine since 2015, and it is still in great condition after 5 prayers a day, every day, plus wearing it to the mosque, and for everyday things like a quick cover when someone unexpectedly knocks on the door!
Image courtesy of serenity-scarves.myshopify.com.
This Etsy shop belongs to a dear friend of mine (and another convert sister) whose art I've admired for a long time, so I was so excited when she finally started putting these up for sale!
Besides the fact that these beautiful keyrings are made from her original art and make a perfect gift or treat for yourself, they also support a good cause. The proceeds go to Ummah Welfare Trust, which is a charity with a 100% donations policy, so you are sure that your money is going to help some of the neediest people in our ummah and the world.