Ideas Needed

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Concealed Pearl

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For my Academic Research and Writing course we have to choose a topic that we will be researching from now till december, and will be doing quite a number of assignments. This includes a 12-15 page paper, and a seminar presentation which must involve the class also. Previously when I had taken the first level of this class, I had chosen Misconceptions of the Hijab as my topic for my essay and seminar which turned out to be quite successful alhumdulillah. Again, I'd like to focus on religion, since this is the perfect opportunity to expose the non-muslims to Islam. However, I am totally STUCK on what to do it about. There is soooooo many topics to talk about, but I have NO clue. It would be greatly appreciated if you all can give me some feedback on what possible topics I can research on that will be good dawah material to non-muslims as well as be interesting. Jazakallah khairun.

:w:
 
:sl:

'Islam and Gambling'?

'A Pig is a Filthy Animal: The Truth about Porky Pies in Islam' ?

'Shake it like a Polaroid Picture: Islam and the imagemakers' ?

'Dawah Dragnet: The Fatwa Police' ?

'Semtex and Surahs: an Exposition of the Falsehood of the Suicide Bomber' ?
 
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That is a good one, sis.

How about:

'When you Wish upon a Star: Disproving Fortune-Telling in Islam'
 
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thank u brother
i think if i had to do summin id do that thers loads info u cud find on that n loads researchers quotes n things so lots of secondary souces there n i think it would b eye operner to many ppl
 
all great ideas, but do u really think it would appeal to a non-muslim crowd? like would they care to listen to me talking about these stuff? how about talking about the lifestyle of the prophet? ....
 
Bint Mas`ood said:
all great ideas, but do u really think it would appeal to a non-muslim crowd? like would they care to listen to me talking about these stuff? how about talking about the lifestyle of the prophet? ....
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:sl: warahmatulahi wabarakatuh.

yeh ukhti, i was thinking the same thing but when u mentioned that it had to involve the students within the class too, then i wondered how they could get involved if you were to talk about the lifestyle of a Prophet. (and if you did have to talk about a Prophet) then the best lifestyle would be of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sal Allah-u alai hi wasalam.)


:w: warahmatulahi wabarakatuh.
 
Salamu alaykum sis.

I'm not sure if you're from Britain, but if you are, you could do something on the idea of being a British Muslim. You're essay could talk about the problems between Islam and the Western society (the booze and sex), you could do research into different peoples opinions and present them in the essay. Then when you're doing the presentation, you could involve the class by asking for opinions, or doing a quick vote and comparing them to national statistics etc...

If you're not from Britain...ignore everything I just typed.

Salamu alaykum.
 
The downfall of Islam due to the west....

Would that go so well with a western crowd???

:p

People like stories, so tell them a story...

:)
 
:sl:

Masha'Allaah some good ideas... Here are two of mine:

1. I also thought about focusing on the lifestyle of our Prophet (saw), explaining how kind, gentle and the perfect role-model he was, and thus why we try our best to imitate him as much as possible. This could be appealing to a western audience because it may clear up why Muslim men have beards, wear the loose clothes etc. and its basically just like choosing a famous person and talking about them, and there are many non-muslims who have recognised Muhammad (saw) as being the best famous person in history. See this thread for actual quotes.

2. Another idea is to explain Islam as a whole... starting from the creation of Adam, Allaah sending down Prophets, and explaining the deviation of people and thus the formation of Christianity and Judaism. By doing so, you can show that it is in fact Islam which is the oldest religion, and how the three religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) are related to each other and how the former two are deviations from the true religion. You could then explain the scriptures and whom they were revealed to, the fact that they originally carried the same message. I think this would make an excellent talk which would really explain what Islam is all about, and you could even combine this with the first idea by briefly mentioning the role of the Last Prophet (saw).

I hope this helps Insha'Allaah,

:w:
 
:sl: warahmatulahi wabarakatuh.

nice ideaz bro mash Allah! i think idea 1 might be more appealing because its focusing on one topic (our beloved prophet salallahu alai hi wasalam) and people like listening to stories, and it will also clear any misconceptions they may have had on our beloved prophet (salallahu alai hi wasalam.)


:w: warahmatulahi wabarakatuh.
 
wow, all great suggestions, but i think i would go with idea 1 also, because i'll only have 5 mins to speak and the rest has to be discussion time. how about if made this my research question:what characteristics did Muhammad contain which earned him the recognition of the people of his time as well as of those 1400 years later? what do u guys think?
 
Bint Mas`ood said:
wow, all great suggestions, but i think i would go with idea 1 also, because i'll only have 5 mins to speak and the rest has to be discussion time. how about if made this my research question:what characteristics did Muhammad contain which earned him the recognition of the
people of his time as well as of those 1400 years later? what do u guys think?
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Great idea. You could go into his excellent manners and merciful nature et cetera. :)
 
ok, guys im stuck again. my teacher says she needs something with controversy and debate. here's her words exactly:
"Finally, I would ask, "Where is the debate here?" What is the controversy? For example, I could argue that Gandhi's message of non-violence is what attracted so many followers in his time, and what makes him such an enduring figure today, but there's really no debate in that. It's too general and obvious. We want you to be able to really argue in favour of an original thesis -- a thesis that says something new."

HELPPPPPPP!!
 
:sl: warahmatulahi wabarakatuh..

wha about if u said 'Islam wasn't spread by the sword' and clear the misconceptions on that? cz most people think and get the idea of a muslim mujahid with a sword in one hand and the Qur'an in the other hand. thats how they see it in the history textbooks.. so within this you could mention the ideas and misconceptions people have.

you can get more info. and the stories especially regarding the khalifah from this link:

http://www.islamicboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

then show the true side to Islam and it condems violence and the muslims only did it to protect their own fellow muslims. you could apply this to the situations of todays times and the topic could be related to jihad - which isn't holy war but tell them how jihad means 'to struggle.'

we had a post regarding the conflict in palestine v israel earlier for a sister who had a younger sister who was doin a talk in class so you could check that out:

http://www.islamicboard.com/showthread.php?t=3600

this could raise awareness of the conflict taking place there and show the innocence of the palestinians. this could also start a debate but you could make sure u get the research and you would have more evidence to back up your points whereas the students in your class wouldn't have that so you would be in a advantage insha Allah.

theres also a show on Islam channel (channel 836 on sky digital - freeview) and a show is on specifically this week at 21:30 (9:30pm) GMT [in the UK] its on all week showing the palestine conflict. part 2 is on today and it will continue on till this friday. it will also show on the weekend insha Allah.


so theres a few topics you can choose from:

1. Misconceptions about the spread of Islam.

2. Jihad - the struggle.

3. The Palestine conflict.


if you need any info. regarding anything plz say so and insha Allah we will help you to look for it.. jazak Allah khayr.

wasalam o 'alykum warahmatulahi wabarakatuh.
 
Jazakallah khairun- i REALLY appreciate the time y'all are taking to help me out. I like the topics u suggested, but I'm not sure if my teacher will approve, cuz all the topics I've been suggesting to her have something or the other to do with Islam and I can sense a teensy bit of irritation in her voice and expressions. So, I'm thinking of talking about polygamy and why is polygamy deemed as unacceptable to our society? I think it'll be cool cuz then I can explore it from so many perspectives: Christianity, Hinduism, the Natives..why it was practiced, the need for it, etc, and of course from an Islamic perspective where I can also clear the misconception that Islam is all about 4 wives and oppression. What do y'all think? and does neone know if there are specific verses within the quran which talk about polygamy? Jazakallah khairun
 
:sl: warahmatulahi wabarakatuh..

mash Allah sis, we'll support you all the way insha Allah.


"If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans,marry women of your choice, two, or three or four; But if you fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one ..... That will be more suitable,to prevent you from doing injustice."
Surah Al-Nisa' 4:3 (translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali)

when you explain this in the class. mention to them that the Qur'an is the only holy scripture that tells man to marry one woman. the rest do not even mention how much wives you should marry - so does that mean they can marry as much as they choose?


O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dowry you have given them - except when they have become guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may be that you dislike something and Allah will bring about through it a great deal of good.
Surah Al-Nisa' (4:19)


'You are forbidden to inherit women against their will'
this used to occur at the times before Islam came. for example if a step-sons father died, the step-son would inherit the fathers wife (the sons step-mother.) this is how low the pagan arabs treated the women.

lewdness - this would refer to having been found guilty of commiting adultery.

and keep in mind that 4 reliable witnesses are needed to prove someone guilty of such a act:

surah an nisa' 004.015 If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four (reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or God ordain for them some (other) way.


The Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) said, "Women are the twin halves of men." The Qur'an emphasizes the essential unity of men and women in a most beautiful simile:

"They (your wives) are your garment and you are a garment for them." surah al baqara (2:187)

Just as a garment hides our nakedness, so do husband and wife, by entering into the relationship of marriage, secure each other's chastity. The garment gives comfort to the body; so does the husband find comfort in his wife's company and she in his. "The garment is the grace, the beauty, the embellishment of the body, so too are wives to their husbands as their husbands are to them."

our beloved Prophet (salallahu alai hi wasalam) said "When a man marries, he has completed one half of his religion." He enjoined matrimony on Muslims by saying: "Marriage is part of my way and whoever keeps away from my way is not from me (i.e. is not my follower)." The Qur'an has given the raison d'être of marriage in the following words:

And among His signs is this, that He has created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them; and He has put love and mercy between you. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect. surah ar-room(30:21)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was full of praise for virtuous and chaste women. He said:

"The world and all things in the world are precious but the most precious thing in the world is a virtuous woman. He once told the future khalif, 'Umar: "Shall I not inform you about the best treasure a man can hoard? It is a virtuous wife who pleases him whenever he looks towards her, and who guards herself when he is absent from her." (Ahmad and Muslim)

On other occasions the Prophet (salallahu alai hi wasalam) said:

"The best property a man can have is a remembering tongue (about Allah), a grateful heart and a believing wife who helps him in his faith." And again: "The world, the whole of it, is a commodity and the best of the commodities of the world is a virtuous wife."

Before the advent of Islam women were often treated worse than animals. The Prophet (salallahu alai hi wasalam) wanted to put a stop to all cruelties to women. He preached kindness towards them. He told the Muslims: "Fear Allah in respect of women." And: "The best of you are they who behave best to their wives." And: "A Muslim must not hate his wife, and if he be displeased with one bad quality in her, let him be pleased with one that is good." And:"The more civil and kind a Muslim is to his wife, the more perfect in faith he is."

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was most emphatic in enjoining upon Muslims to be kind to their women when he delivered his famous khutba on the Mount of Mercy at Arafat in the presence of one hundred and twenty-four thousand of his Companions who had gathered there for the Hajj al-Wada (Farewell Pilgrimage). In it he ordered those present, and through them all those Muslims who were to come later, to be respectful and kind towards women. He said:

"Fear Allah regarding women. Verily you have married them with the trust of Allah, and made their bodies lawful with the word of Allah. You have got (rights) over them, and they have got (rights) over you in respect of their food and clothing according to your means."

The worst calamity for a woman is when her husband passes away and, as a widow, the responsibility of maintaining the children falls upon her. In the Eastern World, where a woman does not always go out to earn her living, the problems of widowhood are indescribable. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) upheld the cause of widows. Most of his wives were widows. In an age when widows were rarely permitted to remarry, the Prophet encouraged his followers to marry them. He was always ready to help widows and exhorted his followers to do the same. Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet said: "One who makes efforts (to help) the widow or a poor person is like a mujahid (warrior) in the path of Allah, or like one who stands up for prayers in the night and fasts in the day."

Woman as mother commands great respect in Islam. The Noble Qur'an speaks of the rights of the mother in a number of verses. It enjoins Muslims to show respect to their mothers and serve them well even if they are still unbelievers. The Prophet states emphatically that the rights of the mother are paramount. Abu Hurairah reported that a man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and asked: "O Messenger of Allah, who is the person who has the greatest right on me with regards to kindness and attention?" He replied, "Your mother." "Then who?" He replied, "Your mother." "Then who?" He replied, "Your mother." "Then who?" He replied, "Your father."

the Prophet (peace be upon him) exhorted men to marry women of piety and women to be faithful to their husbands and kind to their children. He said:

"Among my followers the best of men are those who are best to their wives, and the best of women are those who are best to their husbands. To each of such women is set down a reward equivalent to the reward of a thousand martyrs. Among my followers, again, the best of women are those who assist their husbands in their work, and love them dearly for everything, save what is a transgression of Allah's laws."

Once Mu'awiyah asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), "What are the rights that a wife has over her husband?" The Prophet replied, " Feed her when you take your food, give her clothes to wear when you wear clothes, refrain from giving her a slap on the face or abusing her, and do not separate from your wife, except within the house." Once a woman came to the Prophet with a complaint against her husband. He told her: "There is no woman who removes something to replace it in its proper place, with a view to tidying her husband's house, but that Allah sets it down as a virtue for her. Nor is there a man who walks with his wife hand-in-hand, but that Allah sets it down as a virtue for him; and if he puts his arm round her shoulder in love, his virtue is increased tenfold." Once he was heard praising the women of the tribe of Quraish, "...because they are the kindest to their children while they are infants and because they keep a careful watch over the belongings of their husbands."

The Shari'ah regards women as the spiritual and intellectual equals of men. The main distinction it makes between them is in the physical realm based on the equitable principle of fair division of labor. It allots the more strenuous work to the man and makes him responsible for the maintenance of the family. It allots the work of managing the home and the upbringing and training of children to the woman, work which has the greatest importance in the task of building a healthy and prosperous society.

It is a fact, however, that sound administration within the domestic field is impossible without a unified policy. For this reason the Shari'ah requires a man, as head of the family, to consult with his family and then to have the final say in decisions concerning it. In doing so he must not abuse his prerogative to cause any injury to his wife. Any transgression of this principle involves for him the risk of losing the favor of Allah, because his wife is not his subordinate but she is, to use the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him), 'the queen of her house', and this is the position a true believer is expected to give his wife. In contrast to these enlightened teachings of Islam in respect of women, Western talk of women's liberation or emancipation is actually a disguised form of exploitation of her body, deprivation of her honor, and degradation of her soul!


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wasalam o 'alykum warahmatulahi wabarakatuh..
 
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