Assignments

Lesson 2 Assignment (4 marks each) Root-Word Analysis: Perform a root-word analysis on three terms from Sūrah al-Fātiḥah: Al-Ḥamdu, Al-ʿĀlamīn, and Mustaqīm. Identify their roots and primary meanings. Synonym Study: In Balāghah, no two words are exactly the same. Why does the Qur’an use Insaān in some places and Bashar in others to describe “Man”? Sūrah Context: Explain how the tone of a “Warning” in a Makkan Sūrah might differ from a “Legal Ruling” in a Madinan Sūrah, even if similar words are used. The Eloquence of Brevity: Find an example of a very short verse that carries a massive meaning. How would you explain this depth to someone who doesn’t speak Arabic? Translating Emotion: Discuss why “fear of Allah” is an incomplete translation for terms like Khashyah or Taqwā.

Lesson 1 Assignment (4 marks each) The DNA of Words: Define a “Root Word” and explain why knowing the root helps a student understand multiple related words at once. Ṣarf in Action: Take the root R-Ḥ-M (Mercy). List three different words derived from this root found in the Qur’an (e.g., Raḥmān, Raḥīm). The Power of Vowels: Explain why the final vowel on a word in the Qur’an is not just for pronunciation, but for defining the meaning of the sentence. Identifying Over-Simplification: Find a verse where a single Arabic word is translated into a long English sentence. Why do you think the translator had to use so many words? Naḥw vs. Ṣarf: Briefly distinguish between the “science of word shapes” and the “science of sentence structure”.

Lesson 2 Assignment (4 marks each) The Hierarchy of Sources: Why do we prioritize “Qur’an by Qur’an” over “Qur’an by Opinion”? Classical vs. Contemporary: Name one classical Tafsīr and describe how it differs in focus from a modern interpretation. The Danger of Bias: What are the consequences of interpreting the Qur’an based purely on personal or political trends? Mufassir Qualifications: List three essential linguistic or spiritual qualifications an individual must have to perform Tafsīr. Chain of Knowledge: Explain how the Ṣaḥābah (companions) played a bridge role between the Prophet ﷺ and the classical books of Tafsīr.

Lesson 1 Assignment (4 marks each) Limitation Analysis: Select a common English translation of a verse. Identify one word that feels “narrow” and explain how a full Tafsīr might expand its meaning. Defining Guidance: In your own words, what is the difference between reading for “information” and reading for “guidance”? The Heart’s Role: Why is Khushūʿ considered a prerequisite for deep understanding? Translation Ethics: Is it permissible to call an English translation “The Qur’an”? Why or why not? Reflective Essay: Write a 300-word essay on how “Translation” alone can sometimes miss the “Divine Intent.” Use a specific example if possible.

Lesson 2 Assignment (4 marks each) Sunnah Implementation Plan: Create a 6-month roadmap. Identify one Sunnah for each month (e.g., Month 1: Morning/Evening Adhkar; Month 2: Improving speech; Month 3: Voluntary fasting). Detail how you will track your progress. Refinement of Speech: For 24 hours, commit to saying only “good or remaining silent.” What was the most difficult part of this challenge? The Sunnah of Environment: Research the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings on planting trees and avoiding waste. How does following the Sunnah make you a better environmentalist? Prioritizing the Heart: Explain the difference between following a Sunnah as a “habit” versus following it as a “worship” with conscious intention (Niyyah). Community Impact: Identify one social problem in your neighborhood (e.g., loneliness of the elderly, litter). How would the Prophet ﷺ address this, and what can you do to start the solution?

Lesson 1 Assignment (4 marks each) Service at Home: Identify one household chore you usually avoid. Perform it for three days following the Sunnah of helping family, and reflect on how it changed the atmosphere at home. Digital Akhlaq: Apply the Prophet’s ﷺ prohibition on backbiting and mockery to social media. Draft three “rules of engagement” for your online presence based on his character. The Merchant’s Trust: If you were running an online store, how would you apply the Prophet’s ﷺ honesty (e.g., disclosing a defect in a product) even if it meant a lower profit? The Power of a Smile: Research the Hadith regarding “smiling in the face of your brother.” How does this simple act affect social cohesion? Dealing with Criticism: Analyze the Prophet’s ﷺ response to the woman who used to throw trash in his path. How can this patience be applied to modern-day “trolls” or negativity?

Lesson 2 Assignment (4 marks each) Human Rights Extraction: Extract 5 key “Human Rights” mentioned in the Farewell Sermon. Apply each one to a specific modern-day issue (e.g., racism, economic exploitation). The Legacy of Equality: How does the Prophet’s ﷺ statement on race in the Farewell Sermon serve as a solution for modern societal divisions? The Perfection of Religion: Why is it significant that the religion was “perfected” during a moment of peace and large-scale gathering? The Final Instructions: Reflect on the Prophet’s ﷺ final words. Why do you think he chose to emphasize Salah (prayer) at the very end? The Successors: Briefly describe the reaction of Abu Bakr (RA) to the Prophet’s ﷺ passing and how he stabilized the shocked community.

Lesson 1 Assignment (4 marks each) Defining Humility: Describe the Prophet’s ﷺ physical posture as he entered Makkah. How does this contrast with traditional historical conquerors? The Power of Forgiveness: Analyze the psychological impact of the “General Amnesty.” How did this act lead to the mass conversion of the Makkans? The Key of the Ka’bah: Research what happened to the key of the Ka’bah after the conquest. To whom did the Prophet ﷺ return it, and what lesson does this teach about trust? Abu Sufyan’s Security: Why did the Prophet ﷺ grant special status to the house of Abu Sufyan during the conquest? Truth vs. Falsehood: Explain the significance of destroying the idols physically while granting mercy to the people who worshipped them.

Lesson 2 Assignment (4 marks each) Decision-Making Analysis: Analyze the Prophet’s ﷺ decision to accept Salman al-Farisi’s (RA) suggestion. What does this tell us about his style of leadership and the value of Shura? The Terms of Hudaybiyyah: List the four main terms of the treaty. Why did many Sahaba, including Umar (RA), initially find these terms difficult to accept? The Transformation of Peace: Research how many people accepted Islam during the two years of peace following Hudaybiyyah compared to the previous 15 years. The Diplomacy of Umm Salama (RA): Describe how the Prophet’s ﷺ wife, Umm Salama, provided critical advice to help the Sahaba overcome their grief after the treaty was signed. Suraqah’s Promise Revisited: How did the peace of Hudaybiyyah allow the Prophet ﷺ to send letters to global kings (Heraclius, Chosroes, etc.)?

Lesson 1 Assignment (4 marks each) Tawakkul vs. Preparation: Define Tawakkul based on the Prophet’s ﷺ actions at Badr. Did he rely solely on prayer, or did he also employ military strategy? The Archer’s Hill: Write a reflection on why the archers left their position at Uhud and how “shifting focus” can affect a modern-day team project or goal. Resilience in Defeat: How did the Prophet ﷺ respond to the rumors of his death during the Battle of Uhud to regroup the Sahaba? The Martyrdom of Hamza (RA): Research the impact of the loss of the Prophet’s ﷺ uncle at Uhud and the Prophet’s ﷺ subsequent display of Sabr. Divine Intervention: Identify the verses in the Qur’an (specifically in Surah Ali ‘Imran) that discuss the lessons of Uhud.