Inculcating the ardency to connect with the Imam Mahdi (atf) at all times was the objective of the Areeza station. The students were given a novel sound and vision introduction (available on our website) to understand the meaning and purpose of an Areeza. The students went further and presented in groups on these following four topics:

“Why should we write an Areeza?” “How can we use Areezas to self-progress?”, “Who was Hussein Bin Rooh and why is he mentioned in the Areeza du’a?”, and “Different ways of communicating with our Imam (atf)”

The students filled the classroom with thought provoking and truly inspirational quotes in their presentations, and some of these were:

“I have learnt that no matter how serious a situation or grave a problem, rest assured that our Imam (atf) can intercede on our behalf”

“Imam Mahdi (atf) would like us to fight injustices and support charitable causes”

“I will pray on time and try to go on Hajj so that I can meet the Imam (atf)”

“The Quran teaches us that role models like Hussein bin Rooh (3rd representative of the Imam (atf) during the minor occultation) is still alive today. We should learn from his example!”

When the Areezas are penned on the 15th Sha’ban this year, our Madressa students will be utilising an Areeza with an English translation (please click here).

Coupled with the fantastic work they put in at the Areeza station on Imam al-Mahdi (atf) Day, the students will InshaAllah have a deeper understanding on what and why they are asking Allah (s.w.t) through His Hujjat (atf).

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Click on the image below to view more images from the Areeza Station

Click on the image below to view more images from the Treasure Hunt Station

Click on the image below to view the 'Signs' that were posted for the Treasure Hunt Station

A treasure hunt was arranged outside in the respective Gents and Ladies Car parks with the aim for the students to familiarize themselves with the various signs of the reappearance on the Awaited Imam (atf).

Six signs were hidden within the car park, and the students were provided with clues in their Al-Mahdi (atf) booklets (please click here).  The students were expected to find the sign and then answer a question placed at each sign to receive a secret letter.  They had to collect all six letters and then unscramble them to form the title of the Imam (atf) – Al Qaim. The winning teams received small prizes while all the other students received a token of participation.

Through this exercise, our students had a chance to learn beyond the basic signs of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (atf) when they curiously asked how certain signs would occur, and discussed amongst themselves how 'scary' the thought of a 'one-eyed monster' sounded.

The younger classes became familiar with the obvious physical signs of the Imam’s (atf) reappearance, and whilst they may not have understood the intricacies behind all the signs, their curiosity led them to ask questions to help them gain a better understanding. Many of the older students have heard of some of the signs from lectures or through their syllabus, however in answering the questions in the Treasure Hunt, they were able to learn more details about the nature of the signs.

View the Hadith used in this station by clicking here | PowerPoint Version

At this station, we had displayed some of the Hadith of our Imam (atf) (please click here) around the classrooms. We asked our students to read each of the Hadith and then undertake a small presentation in order to explain to their fellow students about that particular Hadith. The aim was to teach our students about some of the words of our Imam (atf) through a method that would allow them to relate to the Hadith.

There were several different Hadiths covering a variety of topics including, the Imam’s (atf) connection with us; our duty towards the Imam (atf), things we should be doing during Ghaybat as taught by the Imam (atf) etc.

Different methods were used by the students to present their ideas ranging from roleplays, freeze frames, poster making, speech bubbles etc. The children came up with some really great and innovative ideas. For example, one group acted out Shaitan rubbing his nose in the earth when he sees a person praying. Another group acted as stars telling the sleeping person to wake up and pray before they disappear.

Through these practical learning methods, the students will hopefully remember these Hadiths and apply in their lives to keep this bond with the Imam (atf) which was after all the main purpose of the Al- Mahdi (atf) day.

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Click on the image below to view more images from the Hadith Station

Click on the image below to view more images from the Movie Theatre Station

At this station the students were provided with all the amenities of a modern cinema, to be precise popcorn and soft drinks, and were presented with a short film on some of the events preceding the reappearance of our Imam (atf) as well as the events post the reappearance of our Imam (atf).

The aim behind showing the presentation aside from teaching our students about the particular events mentioned above, was to also demonstrate the wealth of resources available online in video format.

All too often the negative aspects of the Internet are spoken about and discussed, and very little attention is given to some of the excellent material available online, particularly about our Imam (atf).

Once the film was over, there were a series of questions provided to the children (please click here) about the clip that they had just watched to gauge their understanding of the content of the film. However, the real value of this session was that we were able to break the students into smaller groups and discuss the questions in detail with them, and thereby enrich the understanding of our children relating to the above events.

The project was intended to educate the students of the Madressa to appreciate the plight of 1 billion human beings of lack access to clean water and who walk great distances of up to 10 km every day to fetch water.

The children were invited to reflect on the central role water plays in Allah's creation, as a purifier of najasat, and in its use to prepare for ibaadat at least 3 times a day.

But whilst we are blessed with water in abundance here in the West, and we typically use up to 150 litres a day, the equivalent in number of Hujjat Jamaat's membership (approx. 6,000) die each and every day due to diseases related to unclean water.

The reality of what the needy go through on a daily basis quickly dawned on the participants who appreciated the value of their load and how it would wear them down having to carry it daily for longer distances. By the end as the students sat to drink some of the water that they had carried, they reflected on how they could conserve their own use of water.

As we splash out less on our water bills at home and at the mosque and bring water closer to those that need it, it must be a win, win situation for all.

The campaign continues during Ramadhan, InshaAllah and we request you all to donate at:  www.justgiving.com/teams/simwow or alternatively text SIMC72 £10 to 70070 to donate £12.50 (with GiftAid) to the appeal.

In summary, the eagerness of our students to learn about the Imam (atf) was an eye opener. Our students are all thirsty for knowledge, and if quenched and nurtured in the right way by those around them, then these children will truly grow to be great leaders of a future generation with the true love and preparation to serve His representative on earth.

Students answered questions after their WoW Appeal Experience that can be found by clicking here.

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Click on the image below to view more images from the Walk for Water Station

Click on the image below to view more images from the Class 1-4 Experience