Seerah Classes 2006/2007

[abir]

Salaam

Sorry for the delay in creating this thread as some progress has been made with the planning of this event but don't worry i will fill you guys in.

What we have decided:

-The first session will be a recap of the Makkan period that was tough last year, and the notes that where made last year will also be handed out.

-Room Booking: we have put a request in for a room and iA when we get some confirmation i will post the location.

-Day: Taking into account the regular events that are already planned through the week such as Rums Weekly meeting, UCL weekly meeting and sisters sports the only days that it would be feasible to have the Seerah Classes are Monday and Thursday.

Timing: We were hoping that the classes this year would run for approximately 1h 15mins, just that little bit longer then last year but I'm sure the people that attended last year will appreciate the extra time for some brief tafsir and namaaz.

What still needs to be done is:

Samir: As i have been informed by Rashid you are making a list of topics(major events from the seerah) that will be timetabled for each week.

I need people to volunteer so i have list of people who are willing to take a session.

Ideas for a poster, I was thinking about having a time-line in the background but thats all I have had time to think about so far any ideas would be useful.

Let me guys know what you think!

Wsalaam

Abir

[Shayan]

Salaam,

Just to confirm that I would be happy to give one of the sessions - though I'd rather it wasn't the first!

Let me know once you have topics, or just assign me a title/session.

WS,

Shayan

p.s. Contact Abdullah please Ibz to ask if he'll do one.

[samir]

Salaam guys,

Just as Abir mentioned I am bringing together the titles / major topics of the 8 or 9 on so classes for next term. They'll most likely be subject to change (as I find out more!) but I'll keep you updated on this thread. I'd also be happy to take a class preferably after the Neuro MCQ (oh but I think the classes start after?) but we can sort that stuff out a little later.

WS,
Samir

[samir]

Salaam guys,

Just wanted to ask whether anyone knows when Islamic Awareness Week is next term. If it starts the week 12.02.07 then I'd imagine we can't have a Seerah class during that week.

So if we consider that the first monday back will be a Neuro revision session we can get 8 classes in, 4 either side of IAW (12.02.07) and intermodular week(19.02.07).

Anyway will keep you updated.

WS,
Samir

[mrakhtar]

Salaam samir, i remember u showing me a list of the topics that we must cover in the sessions...

any chance of posting that list up?

that way we could start allocating the lists to people and ask them to go do their research and type up notes during the holidays whilst they are free and have no excuse! lol

I could also ask sana to dish us out a copy of the audio version of The Prophets 'Madani period' biography when she comes back so that we're more prepared...

Also ibz if u read this, we need to get on planning the first seerah class summary session of the makkan period and the hijrah -- and i was thinking we could include scences from the message like 1/2 minute segments just to make things a bit more happening...but we'd need someone with the expertise of cutting out segments from an actual movie film to do that...got any ideas?

take care everyone
wasalaam
Rashid

[Shayan]

AA,

Just for information to help us organise, the UCLU ISoc will be holding two themed weeks worth of events next term.

The first is the War on Terror week: 29/01/07-02/02/07 inclusive.

The second is the IAW: 05/02/07-09/02/07 inclusive.

These week run one after the other, the week Samir mentioned above (starting 12th January) is in fact a UCL reading week (don't think us medics get this do we?) if I'm not mistaken, hence the reason they've chosen to run these events in the forthnight preceding.

We'll have to think about how we organise the Seerah classes in light of these dates - I'm not sure we really want to miss two weeks in a row, but I guess it would be worthwhile attending the lectures the UCL ISoc are arranging.

What does everyone think?

WS,

Shayan

[Shayan]

AA,

Sorry forgot to add, it's a good idea as you mentioned Rashid that we start doing research on the Madinah period now as it would allow us to be more professional in our delivery.

I guess Samir will be heading off to Hajj any day now (I think today If I remember correctly) - so you could either wait for him to get back or devise your own list for the timebeing?, then update with him.

By the way, I asked Samir if I could do one of the later talks i.e. March as I have exams in the first week of March (& have a lot to revise till then) so it would be better for me to do one of the later weeks that month.

I guess Nihad or Jazeb might be best to ask for video editing, if not I'm sure Ibz could probably do it.

WS,

Shayan.

[abir]

Salaam

Sorry if this post is a little rushed and doesn't make much sense.

Ok well I don't think I can do the video editing simply because I don't have the software that can do it as my system has been sent off for repair, but I will see if I can do anything with the things I have at hand.

With regards to the summary session I don't have a copy of the notes from the classes nor do I have the electronic copy of the file, I was not in-charge of it of this last year I think it was Rashid or Suleman so if you guys could tell me where the electronic copy is stored. If anyone has a copy of the notes can you please contact me i can make an electronic version from that or simply just photocopy it. In terms of teaching anyone is welcome to to the session.

Rashid can you please tell me if you have any info on the room booking yet.

Is there anyone that has some time to make a poster for the event I am massively busy in the holidays with work and family stuff.



Wsalaam

Abir

[abir]

Salaam

Just forgot to mention if anyone does have time to make a poster I was thinking about having a time-line in the background covering the major events of the Sheera that we will be talking about. At the same time if anyone has any ideas about a poster that they would like to put forward please feel free. It seems an obvious point to make but this event has to have some good publicity as that is the key to getting people to come. I'm only saying it because this is acknowledged by everyone but yet it seems to be a problem we have every time.

Wsalaam

Abir

[samir]

AA everyone,

Thanks for your replies, so we should really get the ball rolling.

1) About the poster I think a timeline is a good idea. We can get one for the website of that PBS documentary they showed in the States ‘Legacy of the Final Prophet’ (Rashid knows about this). If you wanna Google it and search the website to see what it looks like, I think it looks really good. It could be adapted to the Madani period with the Makkan dates taken out and pertinent Madani dates added eg. Badr, Uhud, Battle of Trench, Treaty of Hudaibiyyah, Conquest of Makkah etc.

2) So the first session is a recap by Abir and Rashid. I have some titles, they will change if you have a better title or if the balance in terms of content for each class isn’t quite right. I have this is Word doc but this is it here:

15.01.07 The Makkan period and the Hijrah (recap) (Abir and Rashid)
22.01.07 The build up to Badr (Suleman)
29.01.07 War on Terror week so no class
05.02.07 IAW so no class
12.02.07 Peace restored to Madinah (Abdullah) – this is a reading week by the way
19.02.07 Intermodular week so no class
It would be worthwhile going to IAW and War on Terror week events,
but what does everyone think about having these gaps?
26.02.07 From victory to defeat? (Samir)
05.03.07 The battle of Khandaq (Abir)
12.03.07 Beyond Khandaq (Shayan)
19.03.07 The Final Farewell and lessons from the Seerah (Rashid)

If there’re issues with regard to dates and whether you can make it we’ll leave that to one side for the moment, until early Jan.

These are just some basic points please do refer to sources. These points aren’t meant to limit anyone, only so we can get started.

(ARAM means Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum) There are other sources of course, hard to come by anything unabridged if anyone can help would be welcome.

These parts are for Suleman


The build up to Badr
¨ Brotherhood between Ansar and Muhajirun
¨ Abdullah bin Salam embraces Islam
¨ Changing of the Qiblah - explain implications
¨ Permission to fight given [22:39], [2:190], [9:37]
¨ Expedition of Abdullah bin Jahsh to Nakhlah
-Muslims fought in the Sacred month
-Prophet (pbuh) angry
-Revelation of [2:217]
¨ Plan to intercept Abu-Sufyan's caravan at Badr
¨ The Prophet (pbuh) asks Sahabi for advice, some respond [5:24], others didn’t [8:5-8]

The Battle of Badr

¨ Muslims arrive at Badr first
¨ Prophet (pbuh) beseeches Allah (swt) - mention specific Dua
¨ Muslims set up camp, light nap - blessing from Allah (swt)
¨ Makkan scout advises peaceful settlement, Abu Jahl refuses.
¨ Makkan army marches to Muslims
¨ The Prophet (pbuh) final reminder to the Believers
¨ Describe encounters including fate of Abu Jahl - conversation between Abu Jahl and Ibn Mas'ud cf. ARAM pp. 232-233

These parts are for Abdullah

Peace restored to Madina

¨ Reaction in Makkah
¨ War spoils divided amongst Muslims [8:1]
¨ Muslims make return trip to Madina
¨ The captives of Badr - how to deal with them? [8:67-68]
¨ Zaynab’s ransom for her husband
¨ Plot to kill the Prophet (pbuh)
¨ Rumours of Makkans seeking revenge

The challenge at Uhud

¨ The Battle of Qainuqa
¨ Poets entice tribes to fight Muslims
¨ The Prophet (pbuh) holds assembly to discuss situation - Ibn Ubai (chief hypocrite) present as well
¨ Division of army into battalions
¨ Rebellion of Ibn Ubai and other hypocrites at last minute [3:122], [3:167]
¨ The Prophet (pbuh) mobilises army - incl. Abdullah bin Jubair (Head of Archers)
¨ The Prophet (pbuh) clarifies mission to Archers (Al-Bukhari 1/426)

These parts are for Samir

From victory to defeat?

The combat: -Abu Sufyan overjoyed - easy victory?
-Bravery of Abu Dujana, Talhah, Hamzah, Ali, Sa’d bin Rabee’ etc.
-Mus'ab ibn Umair martyred
-Shaytaan says, “Muhammad has been killed”
-Wahshi kills Hamzah
-Hanzalah martyred
-Muslims gain upper hand
-The Archers’ fatal mistake
-The tables turn and Muhammad (pbuh) gets injured
-Bravery of Talha and Sa’d around the Prophet (pbuh)
¨ Makkans mutilate Muslim dead
¨ Abu Sufyan “Has Muhammad (pbuh) been killed?”
¨ Makkans return to Makkah jubilant
¨ Tribes around Madinah more hostile to Muslims
¨ Lessons from Uhud cf, ARAM pp. 293-295

Double tragedy

¨ Hypocrites of Madina celebrate defeat of Muslims
¨ Abu Salamah’s mission
¨ The Event of Ar-Raji - Khubaib ready for execution, Abu Sufyan asks “…don't you wish Muhammad (pbuh) were here in your place?”
¨ The Incident of Ma’una Well - more aggression against Muslims

These parts are for Abir

Bani Nadeer expulsions

¨ The Prophet (pbuh) off to Banu Nadeer to collect blood money (based on treaty)
¨ They plan to assassinate Prophet (pbuh) with large millstone
¨ Angel Jibrael reveals details, Prophet (pbuh) leaves
¨ Message to Banu Nadeer to leave Madina as treaty broken
¨ Ibn Ubai (chief hypocrite) secretly pledges major military support to Banu Nadeer
¨ Banu Nadeer rethink situation and decide to fight
¨ Muslims march to Banu Nadeer
¨ Banu Nadeer under seige in forts and surrender
¨ Peace deal and Banu Nadeer expelled
¨ Peace restored to Madina - not for long

¨ Jews encourage surprise attack on Makkans
¨ Massive, massive army - Prophet (pbuh) calls meeting
¨ Salman Al-Farsi suggests trench dug between armies
¨ Visions and blessings told of success in future

The Battle of Khandaq (Trench)

¨ Details of combat
¨ Makkans elicit support of Bani Quraizah
¨ Incident of Safiyah (RA) attacking enemy
¨ Hypocrites abandon Muslims on the battlefield…again
¨ Na’im bin Mas’ud breaks resolve of Makkan army

These parts are for Shayan

Beyond Khandaq

¨ Slander propagated against Aishah (RA)
¨ The Treaty of Al-Hudaibiyyah
¨ The Battle of Khaibar
¨ Arrival of Ja’far bin Abi Talib etc. from Abyssinia during Khaibar campaign
¨ The Compensatory Umrah -compensation for them from Allah in place of Umrah they were prevented from performing the previous year
¨ The Battle of Mu’tah
¨ Incident of Abu Sufyan visiting his daughter Umm Habibah (RA)
¨ The Conquest of Makkah

Sorry that’s all I did (sorry Rashid lol!), sooo much Neuro on my head (rather than in my head, boy I wish!) and Rashid for you The Final Farewell and lessons from the Seerah.

WS,
Samir

ps. we’ll try get Abdul and/or Nihad to do classes as well cos it’s kinda priority over us (for next year).

[Shayan]

AA,

The complete set of notes from last years Seerah classes are saved on the 'R' drive of the UCL computers - on uczxisr. It just so happens I have a copy on my usb so I will email this to Rashid and Ibz!

Thanks a lot Samir for going to the trouble of formulating the list of topics it will certainly make our preparations a great deal easier inshAllah. I agree that it would be wise to get Abdul & Nihad giving a lecture as it will be a good experience for them both, and one they can use for next year (i.e. I am volunteering my part to the highest bidder!lol)

Wslm,

Shayan

[mrakhtar]

Salaam everyone,

- no info on room booking yet from them but have got some bad news....the rockefeller room that we put the booking form in for seems to be have been booked for the times we wanted...by some Simirian Panesar...Monty's brother no doubt...lol..

I'll chase room bookings up when they open on the 2nd i think, and what they usually do is offer u an alternative room if one is available-- which we'll probably have to take...i hve done my own research and have found some rooms which are not as nice, and not available for as long but will most probably have to do...

- now even though we havent got a room yet, we can still publicise the event as 'Coming soon' right? -- we have last years poster..not sure what people thought of that..it was a couple of camels strolling across the dessert? - if you want we could reuse that...or if anyone has any ideas of making a better poster..i wouldnt mind...

- Regarding the seerah class notes -> i think they are on the uczxisr account in uni..will have to chase that up tho...

- samir thank you for the detailed input on the ground that needs to be covered for the Seerah Class! MashAllah i think it is pretty detailed , and lets everybody know what grounds they should cover.. all they have to do now is go and do their research, so you couldn't have made it easier for them. How is everything? and When will you be flying out for Hajj to Jeddah?

- also about the GAPS, i dont think it would be too great to be loosing 2 weeks in a row - one for War on Terror week and one for Islam Awareness week....if we can arrange with the isoc to have for atleast one of the weeks a talk on the tuesday rather than on the monday, we can keep some consistency to the seerah class...

-I also agree with you samir that we should get the first and second years involved heavily with this so that they may carry it on next year...at the moment its just the 3rd years with you as a second year...if we can get more 2nd years and 1st years involved, i think it would perhaps be better if the some of the 3rd years sacrificed their class and handed it over to someone else...

~OR ! Just had an idea... how abt if we have 2 ppl to a session if we have lots of ppl wanting to give a talk? That way it will keep the listener a bit more involved into what is going on- as their attention span will be renewed with the new speaker half way thru?

--just a thought...
-- I also want to if we have time and space to pray maghreb/isha depending on what prayer time is when during or after the seerah class...I think Prayer is a fundamental way of increasing unity between the brothers and sisters, and it is not often we get to pray as a solid group with the general people who attend the seerah class...

Anyway folks thats all from me...
Take care!
Wasalaam
Rashid

[Shayan]

AA,

A quick word on the poster - I really liked last years poster as it looked quite eye-catching. The idea Ibz mentioned about having a timeline in the background would be good but unless you can find such an image (I'm not sure that will be easy?) we might have no choice.

In terms of room bookings, I guess we have no choice but to see what they can offer us as an alternative. It's good you've checked which rooms are available so you can ask Room Bookings for a specific when they contact you - which they should do asap (if not, contact them on the 2nd as you said).

It might be a good idea to have two speakers, either in weeks where there is more to cover or every week based on the number of volunteers we have in total.

Wslm,

Shayan

[samir]

AA,

1) I think it worked well with 2 people per class last year, just to renew attention spans as you said, may well ease nerves as it did for me and some of the 1st years may prefer that.

2) I totally agree with you about praying Maghreb and/or Isha during as a group for the reasons you mentioned and for what its worth if you wanna stick to last year’s poster for the classes that’s fine by me.

Well I am off for Hajj Inshallah tomorrow from here (in Saudi) to Ta’if (Jeddah is really busy with the last flights coming in) and then to Makkah by coach.

I will make lots and lots of dua for everyone.

WS,
Samir

[mrakhtar]

JazakAllahu Khairun Samir,

Will pray for your safe journey and that you return to us having cleansed yourself from all sins...

Take care,
Wasalaam
Rashid