THEFURQAAN TIMES

Furqaan Academy, Bolingbrook519 E. Briarcliff Rd. Bolingbrook, IL 60440

www.furqaanacademy.orgPH: (630) 914-5015 EXT 110

Inside this issue:

• Stay warm• Study hard for Spelling Bee• Go to sleep early, our bodies need more sleep during winter• Stay active. Exercise indoors• Eat your fruits and vegetables

Page 1 The Furqaan Times

February, 2018Jumada Al-Awwal 1439Jumada Al-Thani 1439What’s going on in school? Volume 12

Theme of the Month: Black History MonthBy: Hafidh Asad, 12th Grade

By: Hana S., 10th Grade

A publication of Furqaan Academy students

tips

JUST A LITTLEReminder

REMINDERWed & Fri after schoolis Karate Clubfrom3:30 to 4:30

Vision: FABB aims to create and empower genera-tions of students who are confident of their Muslim identity in America and are able to pursue and excel in any field of study with a strong grounding in Islamic knowledge.

Mission: To provide a balanced Pre-k-12th grade education that combines both revealed and acquired knowledge by integrating a Quran centered education program with a comprehen-sive state education program that prepares our students to:

•

•

•

•

•

Develop a real love for learning to make them lifelong learners

Display exemplary Islamic morals and character

Meet the modern challenges of our diverse society without compro-mising their identity

Attain excellence in any field of study

Become contributing leaders of our ummah and the society at large

Dua’ of the month:

2

2

3

3

3

3

4

4

4

4

Support ourstudents subscribe

@furqaanacademy.org

Dark skinned individuals racistly referred to as “Blacks” are the most discriminated people on this planet. Since the beginning of time, the dark skinned population has suffered humilia-tion, degradation, dishonor, and abuse. People have been inconsiderate to the

feelings of their dark skinned brothers and sisters. For this reason, the month of February has been dedicated to the African American community. The common misconception that people have is that this month is dedicated to the sufferings of the blacks. The truth is that this month is dedicated to the achievements and persever-ance of the blacks. Despite their conditions throughout history, the blacks have persevered through adversities and fought the oppression that was forced upon them until finally, they achieved the freedom they deserve. Looking at it from an Islamic perspective, we are taught the value of all humans. What matters most in our religion is not our ethnicities, cultures, or skin colors. Rather, what matters most in the eyes of Allah (S.W.T) is the deeds we perform, and superiority/inferiority among us depends on which of us is better in actions and consciousness of Allah. If that is what really matters to Allah, then we being His creation, should also not make skin color or any kind of differences a contributing factor to our opinions of people. As a matter of fact, Allah (S.W.T.) states in the Quran the reason He created us all differently. He says: “And we have made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” [49:13]. This ayah teaches us that the reason for our differences is not for discrimina-tion and divisions among each other, rather it is for us to know different cultures, different types of people, and know each other. The world has strayed from this reality. Today people are classified as inferior or superior based on their differences. We can further learn from this ayah what truly matters and what is of significance.

Illinois Scholarship FundsInvest In Kids/ Donors Information

Bolingbrook Reminders

Bolingbrook Masjid

My Science Fair Experience

Literature Class

My Experience in Full Time Hifdh

Valentines Day

Science Fair Results

Furqaan Academy Gym Class

Furqaan Academy’s First Ever Winter Fest!

• 2/8/18: Class Spelling Bee• 2/9/18: Pizza Day organized by the Parents Committee• 2/12/18: Parents committee meeting• 2/15/18: School Spelling Bee No Bus/Parents Committee Biryani sale after school• 2/19/18: Book mobile & amp; Library Express van visits• 2/22/18: Celebration of Arabic day• 2/23/18: Teacher’s institute day. No school for Students

FABB After School Clubs:Mondays: Reading club mandatory for (kg-12th) 3:30pm-4:15pmLast Monday of the month: Arabic Reading ClubTuesdays: Gym classes at Annerino Gym 8:30am- 10:30am (For all 3rd to 12th Grade students)All Tuesdays: Homework Club and sewing club 3:35pm-4:15pm Spelling Club up to 4pmAll Wednesdays: Homework 3:30pm - 4:15pm Karate Club 3:30pm - 4:30pmAll Thursdays: No ClubsAll Fridays: Karate Club 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Page 2 The Furqaan Times

Illinois Scholarship Funds Invest In Kids/ Donors InformationBy: Furqaan Board

Dear Parents and Community Members of Furqaan Academy Asalamu Alaikum Wa Rahamatu Allahi Wa Barakatuhu!~ On behalf of the Al Furqaan Foundation Board, the Furqaan Academy Steering Committee members and staff, we would like to thank you for the continuous support you show to Furqaan Academy every year which has helped the school grow and show success and improvement Alhamdu lilah. This past August, the state of Illinois has passed a comprehensive education funding bill. The bill includes a provision for tax credit scholarships, which provide strong incentives for contributors/donors to support non-public school scholarships for low-income students in Illinois. Students, who qualify for the opportunity, may receive scholarships to attend a non-public school of their choice. We are inviting all parents and Furqaan Academy supporters to learn more about the opportunity and the new program by visiting the following link:

http://www.revenue.state.il.us/InvestInKids/ This opportunity can help reduce the Illinois state Taxes by 75% on any donations that you make towards this program. Through this program: · An individual or corporation will receive a 75 percent credit on donations to an SGO. For example, if a person donates $100,000, they will receive a state tax credit of $75,000.· Individual donors can designate their donations to Furqaan Academy.· The credit can be rolled over for five years.· Donors are prohibited from receiving a federal tax deduction for these donations.· The program is capped at $100 million in donations, resulting in $75 million in total tax credits issued.

Bolingbrook RemindersBy: Ibrahim S. 9th Grade

Citizenship Test PrepFountaindale Public Library - Meeting Room B

Day & Date: Thursday, February 01: 6:00pm - 8:00pmAge Group: ADULTSEvent Type: NEW AMERICANS,GENEALOGY/HISTORY/CUL-TURE

This 12-week course will help you prepare for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Interview. To register, call Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project at 630-296-6755.

Teen Reader VolunteeringFountaindale Public Library - Vortex

Day & Date: Saturday, February 17: 3:00pm - 5:00pmAge Group: TEENSEvent Type: READING/WRITING/PUBLISHING,COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/VOLUNTEERING

Our reason for existence on this earth is worshipping Allah alone and bettering ourselves, not judging others or their differences from ourselves. If we look into the past of Islam, we can see the insignifi-cance of skin color in any and every matter and the racial equality that our beautiful religion teaches. Perhaps one of the greatest compan-ions of the prophet (S) of all time, Bilal Ibn Rabah (R), was given one of the most exceptional titles during his time. He was called Sayyid-ul-muadhin, meaning leader of the callers to prayer. This title was given to him by the Prophet (S) and till today he is known for his position in the eyes of the Prophet and his courage and faith in Allah. He also happened to be dark skinned. Despite this he was given such high status and honor that children are named after him till today. Islam teaches racial equality for all, and unjust discrimination is not a quality of a true believer. Islam teaches that color or ethnic differenc-es are not defining factors of people's status’ or social standings. In today’s society, discrimination has become the norm and racial differ-ences have divided us. As muslims, we must accept all of our brothers and sisters as equal to us and not let society cloud our judgement. Racism is a big issue, not only in America, but across the globe and we must not let it consume us. We need to remember at all times, that it is not our skin colors and ethnic differences that define us. Rather, it is our standing in the eyes of Allah (S.W.T.) and our iman which defines us, and that is what really matters. We must also remember that our ummah is already divided enough. Ethnic, linguistic, and color differences should be the last things we further divide ourselves for. With the eradication of racism, the ummah could be united, which is just one step towards a peaceful world.

Page 3 The Furqaan Times

Become a Teen Reader Volunteer! Listen to children read for our "Pete the Cat" program. Interested teens may email foun-taindaleteen@fountaindale.org. Two volunteers per session. Grades 6–12

Intermediate Microsoft WordFountaindale Public Library - Computer Lab (large)

Date & Time: Wednesday, February 28: 6:30pm - 8:30pmAge Group: ADULTSEvent Type: Computers And Technology

In this intermediate class, you will build upon the basics covered in the beginner class. Learn additional formatting tools, layout options and how to insert objects into your Word document.

Bolingbrook Masjid

• English Tafseer : Every Tuesday after Maghrib• Toastmasters: Every 2nd and 4th saturday of the month from 12:10pm to 1:10pm• Gavel Club: Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month from 11:00am to 12:00pm• YM Youth Meet: Every Saturday from 5:30pm to Isha All activities are held at Masjid Al-Jummah

My Science Fair ExperienceBy: Haneen F. 6th Grade

We had a Science Fair on January 18th. All students were supposed to do a project, so I tried an experiment about how to color plants. I bought three plants. I watered the first one with water, the second one with food coloring, and the third one with water and food coloring. I was so scared about how I was going to talk to the judges, so I started preparing my presentation, keeping in mind the questions that the judges might ask me. I finished my board on December 13th. I had from November 1st to January 18th to work on the project. That was a long time to do my experiment. I tried my best too, to have a good experi-ment. The idea took me a long time to think about, but I love this idea, and there were so many good experiments to see.

Literature ClassBy: Mariam H. 6th Grade

In Ms. Areeg’s class we have just begun a science fiction unit in Literature. Science fiction is a genre of fiction with elements of science in the plot, like space travel. We’re reading a short story by Ray Bradbury called “Dark They Were, and Gold-en-Eyed”. It’s about how people from Earth travel to Mars to avoid atomic war and become Martians.

We’re also doing Book Talks for our book reports. We’re supposed to choose a book written by a non-American author that we haven’t read yet. Then we’re going to write a summary of the book, look at the author’s background, and talk about the book to the class. At the end, we read aloud a cliffhanger para-graph that’ll make the rest of the class interested in the book too.

My Experience in Full Time HifdhBy: Afnan K. 8th Grade

If I could use one word to describe my experience in full time hifz, it would be dedication. I’m going to be honest, if you’re not dedicated then you shouldn’t be part of it. Dedication is everything. You need dedication to memorize the pages, and you need dedication to review everyday. Most importantly, you need dedication to be patient, no matter how long it takes. I have been in full time hifz for about three months now, yet the precision, order, and perfection in the Quran and the program still amaze me.When we arrive in the morning at eight o’clock, we are expect-ed to have our minds fresh and ready for Quran. But before anything, we sit down and start with a du’aa to bless our day. Our teacher reminds us daily that review is more important than anything and urges us to keep what we know in good condition. After all, what’s the point of memorizing the Quran and then forgetting it? We all have different ajz’aa to review in the morning that we prepare for the night before, and we recite them. After reviewing, we move on to the attached lesson. Our attached lesson is the juz that we are currently memorizing. But as I said, review is very important, so first we must recite the pages that we already know in that juz. For example, let’s say I was working on juz number seven and I knew nine pages from it. I would first recite those nine pages before I began memoriz-ing a new page. After we recite what we know from our attached lesson, the rest of the day (meaning after lunch time) is for memorizing new pages. The golden rule in full time hifz is to finish all this, then memorize at least three pages a day. We try to memorize at least two pages in class and one at home, although we are encouraged to do more than that to finish a juz even faster.My favorite part of full-time hifz is watching the younger kids learn how to read and memorize and excel in Quran. Alhamdu-lillah, we have the opportunity to learn the Quran when many kids don’t. I sincerely ask you all to pray for us and Insh’allah, we will finish memorizing the Quran quickly, and know it strongly, so we can teach others and it will forever be part of our lives.

Grade 6:1. Rabia Bilal: Solar Power2. Mariam Hamdi: What Stains Your Teeth the Fastest?

Grades 7 & 8:1. Hayaa Sayeed: How Does Time Perception Changes as You Grow Older?2. Malika Syeda: Can Water Float on Water?

Grades 9 – 12: 1. Asad Sayeed: Heartburn and the Relief of Antacids2. Hana Sayeed: Analyzing Aspirin Substitutes3. Reem Alarifi: Photo App-ologyBest Project: Rayyan Sayeed Best Board: Zaara SyedaCongratulations to all of the winners!

Furqaan Academy Gym ClassBy: Reem A. 10th grade

In Furqaan Academy’s gym class, the students are taking part in multiple activities. In January, 2018, the students started by playing dodgeball and are currently playing soccer. The students have improved tremendously in their skills from when they first started. As the students enter the class, they are required to run five laps. This increases the stamina in the body, which is needed for each individual’s health. After running, students stretch for twenty minutes to get ready to play the sports!

Furqaan Academy’s First Ever Winter Fest!By: Hana S. 10th Grade

Alhamdulillah, as you all know, on January 26th, 2018, the student council of Furqaan Academy held their very first Winter Fest. The Winter Fest was an event where families came to spend time together. There were many activities such as henna, face painting, balloon twisting, slime making, and much more! The student council had a predetermined goal, which was reached Alhamdulillah, with the contributions of the attendees and donors. The money received from this event will be contributed in many ways. 15% will be donated to Zakat foundation for their Rohingya refugee project. The rest will be used to buy IPads for the school. Furqaan Academy’s Student Council would like to thank all the volunteers, donors, spon-sors, and attendees for all their hard work and contributions to making this event a success.

Page 4 The Furqaan Times

Valentines DayBy: Wafa B. 8th Grade

What is Valentine’s Day? Well, Valentine's Day is a day where people trade cards, candy, and flowers with their loved ones. It is celebrated on February 14th each year. As Muslims, we do not celebrate Valentine’s Day because it is considered shirk. Valentine’s Day is actually named Saint Valentine's Day after a Christian saint. There were two men named either Valentine or Valentinius. It is a day of remembrance for these two Christian martyrs. If you go even further back, pagans used to celebrate this day. For them, it was called Lupercalia. We are believers in the One and only Allah, and participating in Valentine's day is against our fundamental beliefs.

Science Fair ResultsBy: Malika S. 7th Grade

On January 18th, the Furqaan Academy School Science Fair was held in Masjid Al- Islam. There were many different projects that were displayed and every student did a fantastic job. Grades 1st- 12th participated. The judges were Brother Ricardo Pena, Brother Jose Alvarro, Sister Saira Rahmatullah, Sister Laila Alnashi, and Sister Aisha Bakrani. Jazakallahu Khairan to all of the judges for helping out. Here are the winners and their projects:

Grade 1:1. Hafsa Khan: Popcorn2. Ayra Reniz: Liquid DensityBest Project: Umaiza Bilal: Is It Possible to Blow a Square Bubble?Best Board: Khadija Bakrani: What Floats on Water?

Grade 2:1. Noorah Mohammad: Sink or Float?2. Mohammad Bakrani: How Do Airplanes Fly?Best Project: Asiya Hamdi: Why Doesn’t The Ocean Freeze?Best Board: Naveed Mohammad: What Causes More Decay?

Grade 3:1. Nabeel Sayeed: To Flow or Not to Flow2. Alaa Kadri: What is the Best Thermal Insulator?

Grade 4:1. Yousuf Waseem: Electromagnet2. Aiza Shehzad: Ice Matter

Grade 5:1. Rayyan Sayeed: Does Material Affects the Distance of a Rubber Band Car?2. Zaara Syeda: How Does the Temperature Affect the Glow of the Glowsticks?

Page 5 The Furqaan Times

LOMBARD2340 S. Highland AveSuite 310 Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 424-9070

Digital ScanningNo more messy impressions material. We are using a state of the art digital scanner to make a 3-D image of your teeth. We use this image to make any orthodontic appliance needed during treatment such as hidden or behind the teeth braces, retainers, expanders, or Invisalign.

All Digital X-raysWe only use digital x-rays at all of our locations. No more conventional x-rays and toxic chemicals. Digital X-rays provide many advantages over conventional X-rays. It provides up to 80% less radiation than conventional x-rays. It is more convenient to our patients with better image quality and instant viewing so no more waiting to develop X-rays.

Paperless ChartingNo more conventional paper charting. All patients data is securely digitally stored for easy access and treatment planning. Digital files makes communication with our patients and their dentists much easier and more convenient.

Contact Othman Orthodontics at our Lombard, Orland Park,or our Burbank o�ce to schedule your initial appointment.We have �exible hours that will �t your busy life.

GIVE US A CALL TODAY855-865-5413

17W731 E ROOSEVELT RD. OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL 60181

HALAL MARTUnder New Management

(Meat Provider)Fatima ZabihaFood / Halal FarmApproved HFSAA

Address: 512 W. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook IL 60440

Phone: (630) 865-3094(Jamil) (630) 890-2592(Waqar) (630) 771-0011(store)

100% Zabiha Halal Meat

REALTYHOMES

Ehteram Uddin MohammedReal Estate BrokerResidential & Commercial

mobile: 630-709-1007email: 7091007@gmail.comemail: ehteram.mohammed @guidancerealty.com

100 E. ROOSEVELT RD., STE. 44-45, VILLA PARK, IL 60181REALTOR®

EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

FU

RQ

AA

N A

CA

DE

MY

a division of Al-Furqaan Foundation

Page 6 The Furqaan Times

THE CLEAR QURANSM

A Thematic English Translation of the Message of the Final Revelation

The Best Modern English Translation

$104 for52 copiesPlus Shipping

For Dawah

The Clear Qur’an(English only)

Order at: ORDERaQURAN.com

For Non-Muslims

The Clear Qur’an(with Arabic Text)

Available for purchase at:FurqaanBookstore.com

Hard Cover$24.95

FlexI Cover $19.95

For Muslims

FURQAAN PROJECT

630-914-5015 ext 211www.furqaanproject.org

a division of Al-Furqaan Foundation

DONATE

FURQAAN PROJECT

ZAKAT & SADAQA ACCEPTED

$104 sponsors

52 englishtranslations

FU

RQ

AA

N P

RO

JEC

T

Page 7 The Furqaan Times

FU

RQ

AA

N A

CA

DE

MY

a division of Al-Furqaan Foundation

Your One Stop MEGA ONLINEISLAMIC BOOKSTORE Islamic Learning

630-914-5015 ext 250www.furqaanbookstore.com

FURQAAN BOOKSTORE

YOUR PURCHASESSUPPORTS OUR DAWAH

Order a box ofQuran today

www.orderaquran.com1-888-273-2755

www.sendaquran.com1-888-273-2755

Send a Quran For Free.Just pay shipping & handling

send A Quran Order A Quran

Muslim Funeral ServicesSuleman FirdausiLicensed Funeral Director, Muslim Funeral Services, Inc

Address: 4380 N Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60641 T: 815.549.9400F: 888.339.9449W: www.MulimFuneralServices.comE: Suleman@MuslimFuneralServices.com

Phone: (630) 915-5015 Ext: 280 Website: www.sajdamat.com

Page 8 The Furqaan Times

Des

igne

d by

Fur

qaan

stud

ios.

com

**District restrictions apply

Only Hifdh / Islamic Schoolin Chicagoland with FREE

school bus service**

519 E. Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 1(630) 914-5015 x 110fabb@furqaanacademy.org www.furqaanacademy.org@FurqaanAcademyBolingbrook FurqaanStudios

ALL-IN-ONE (Quran, Islamic & Secular) EDUCATION during regular school time.SPARE YOUR CHILD’S WEEKEND!

*Enroll your child at empowerillinois.org NOW to receive scholarship for your child for the 2018-2019 school year.

FURQAAN ACADEMYBolingbrook

A Pre-K to 12th Grade FULL-TIME ISLAMIC SCHOOL WITH INTEGRATED AND FULL-TIME HIFDHRecognized by Illinois State Board of Education

OUR FULL-TIME PROGRAMS!Full-Time Islamic School with Integrated Hifdh Program(Pre-K-7th Grade): Along with memorizing the Quran part-time, students will obtain academic excellence with a State Board of Education curriculum in Math, Science,Language Arts, and Social Studies.

Full-Time Islamic School with Integrated Junior Alim Program(8th-12th Grade): Along with a secular education, this program integrates a comprehensive Islamic education that includes,Quran, Arabic, Aqidah, Tafseer, Fiqh, Hadith, and Islamic History.

Full-Time Hifdh with Arabic (12 months program separate forboys and girls): Students will memorize the entire Quran with course work inQuranic Arabic to ensure memorization with understanding (unlike any other Hifdh program in Chicagoland!)

Extracurricular Activities: Gym, inter Islamic school competitions,after school clubs (Reading, Newsletter, Student Council, Fabb Competitions, Jalsa, Drama Club and Robotics).

Des

igne

d by

Fur

qaan

stud

ios.

com

OUR PART-TIMEPROGRAMS!• After School Maktab • After School Part-Time Hifdh• Saturday Islamic School• Summer School

Our Award WinningFull-Time Hifdh Programis unlike any in Chicagoland!• Memorization with understanding (Arabic class daily)• Long-Term retention focus (Graduation: Recite entire Quran in 1 day)• Confidence in leading (Proper training in leading salat/taraweeh & Khutbas)• A complete learning environment (Part of a Full-Time Islamic School with engagement in many extra-curricular activities)

FURQAAN ACADEMY IS A DIVISION OF AL-FURQAAN FOUNDATION,A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION FOUNDED IN 2003, IN ILLINOIS. - WWW.AL-FURQAAN.ORG

Our AccomplishmentsReceived high scores on Standardized Testing • 28% of our students performed above 90th percentile • 44% of our students performed above 80th percentile • 83% of our students performed above average

Received the Best Chicagoland Hifdh School Award • Produced over 27 Huffadh/Hafidath • Focus on Retention & Understanding (Arabic is required) • Stringent graduation requirements (recite entire Quran in one day)

Received many awards • 1st place in LEXUS ECO CHALLENGE across 12 states • 1st place/1300 in Scholastic "FLAUNT IT" NFL nationwide essay contest • 1st & 2nd place in Chicago-wide Qirat competition • 1st & 2nd place in Chicago-wide Adhan Competition• 1st place in Qirat & Adhan & Nasheed in American Muslim Icon 2017• 2nd place in National ICNA Girls Hifdh competition

OPEN HOUSE

registrationREFER A FRIEND AND RECEIVE $250 OFF

(SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS)

Saturday, March 31st, 20181:00pm - 3:00pm Join us to learn how you

can get FREE education throughscholarships at Furqaan Academy

for your child*