Assignments

Lesson 2 Assignments Micro-Service Project: Design and execute a “weekend project” that benefits someone else (e.g., cleaning a local park, helping an elderly neighbor, or organizing a book drive). Write a 500-word report on the impact and the Niyyah behind it. The 12-Topic Synthesis: Choose three topics from this curriculum (e.g., Financial Ethics, Digital Etiquette, and Character). Write a 450-word essay on how these three will specifically change your life in the next 6 months. Community Proposal: Write a 400-word proposal for a new initiative at your local community center or mosque that addresses a modern challenge (e.g., a youth mental health circle or a sustainability program). Legacy Document: Write a “Letter to My Future Self” (400 words) to be read in 5 years. Remind yourself of the principles of Iḥsān and Amānah you learned in this course and where you hope to be spiritually by then. Final Reflection: In 350 words, describe which topic in this 12-part series was the most challenging for you and what specific steps you will take to master it in your daily life.

Lesson 1 Assignments The Workplace Dilemma: Scenario: You discover a colleague is cutting corners on a project that could affect client safety, but reporting them might cost them their job. Write a 500-word resolution applying the principles of Amānah (Trust) and Naṣīḥah (Sincere Advice). Community Conflict Case Study: Scenario: Two groups in your local community are arguing over how to spend a donation fund. Write a 400-word mediation plan using the concept of Shūrā (Consultation) to reach a consensus. The Digital Gray Area: Scenario: A close friend posts a rumor about another person online. You know it’s unverified. Write a 300-word plan on how you would address this privately with your friend using Hikmah (Wisdom) and Tabayyun (Verification). Financial Ethics Challenge: Scenario: You are offered a high-paying job in an industry that has questionable ethical practices (e.g., predatory lending). Write 400 words explaining your decision-making process based on the principles of Halāl sustenance and Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah). Role-Play Analysis: Find a story from the Sīrah (Prophetic Biography) where the Prophet ﷺ solved a social dispute (e.g., the placing of the Black Stone). Write 350 words on how his solution balanced the egos of different tribes with the ultimate goal of peace.

Lesson 2 Assignments Reframing Hardship: Describe a recent failure or difficult situation. Write a 450-word analysis “reframing” that event through the lens of spiritual growth. What did you learn? How did it bring you closer to Allah? Gratitude Mapping: List 10 subtle blessings in your life that you often overlook (e.g., the ability to breathe easily, a warm meal). Write 30 words for each on how that blessing is a sign of Allah’s love for you. Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: Write a 400-word essay comparing the modern concept of “Growth Mindset” with the Islamic concept of Tazkiyah (Self-purification). How are they similar, and how does faith provide a stronger foundation? The Power of Istighfār: Write 300 words on how seeking forgiveness is actually a “growth” tool. How does Istighfār help a person “get back up” after making a mistake instead of giving up? Tawakkul Plan: Identify a goal you are anxious about. Write a 350-word “Tawakkul Strategy”—detail the maximum effort you will put in, and then write a statement of surrender regarding the final outcome to Allah.

Lesson 1 Assignments Tadabbur Journaling: Choose one short Surah or a set of verses you know well. Spend 15 minutes in silence reflecting on them. Write a 450-word entry on how the themes of those verses relate to a challenge you are currently facing. The Nightly Audit: For three consecutive nights, perform a 10-minute Muḥāsabah before sleep. Document the process (not the private details) in 300 words: Was it difficult? Did it change your behavior the following morning? Bridge between Knowledge and Action: Identify one piece of religious knowledge you’ve learned recently. Write 300 words on why you haven’t implemented it yet and create a 3-step plan to turn that knowledge into a habit. Nature as a Sign: The Qur’an invites us to reflect on nature. Spend time outdoors and write 350 words on how observing the creation (the sky, trees, or rain) helped you understand a specific attribute of Allah (e.g., Al-Khāliq or Ar-Razzāq). Refuting Complacency: Write a 300-word essay on why Muḥāsabah is the “antidote” to spiritual arrogance and how it keeps a believer humble and seeking.

Lesson 2 Assignments Servant-Leader Case Study: Choose a leader from Islamic history (e.g., Umar ibn al-Khattab or Salahuddin Ayyubi) or a modern figure. Write 500 words on how they demonstrated “service” over “power.” Leadership at Home: Write 300 words reflecting on your role within your family. How can you apply the “servant-leader” mindset to your siblings, parents, or spouse this week? Shūrā Simulation: Describe a difficult decision you might face in a professional setting. Write a 350-word plan on how you would conduct a Shūrā (consultation) session to gather diverse opinions before deciding. The Ethics of Power: Write 300 words on the dangers of “Kibr” (arrogance) in leadership. How can a leader stay humble while still being decisive and confident? Empowerment Report: Leadership is about growing others. Write 300 words on how you can help one person in your life (a junior colleague, a student, or a younger family member) reach their potential this month.

Lesson 1 Assignments Legacy Vision Statement: Write 500 words describing how you want to be remembered 50 years after you have passed. What impact did you have on your family, community, and the world? Connect this to your Ākhirah goals. The “Barakah” Schedule: Redesign your ideal daily schedule based on the five prayer times and the “early morning” Prophetic habit. Write a 300-word explanation of how this alignment might reduce stress and increase output. Habit Stacking with Dhikr: Choose a small daily habit you want to build. Write 300 words on how you can “stack” this habit with a spiritual act (like reciting Dhikr while commuting) to turn a mundane task into worship. SMART Goals with Niyyah: Set three professional or personal goals for the next year. For each, write 100 words defining the goal (Specific, Measurable, etc.) and, most importantly, the Niyyah (Intention) behind it. Overcoming Procrastination: Research the concept of Muraqabah (Self-awareness of Allah). Write 300 words on how the feeling that “Allah is watching me” can be a tool to overcome laziness and procrastination.

Lesson 2 Assignments Misconception Fact-Sheet: Choose one common misconception about Islam (e.g., “Islam was spread by the sword” or “Islam is oppressive to women”). Write a 500-word clarification using historical context and Qur’anic evidence. The “I Don’t Know” Reflection: Write 300 words on why admitting a lack of knowledge is a form of Amānah (Trust) in Daʿwah. Why is a “made-up” answer more harmful than no answer? Bridge-Building Proposal: Identify a controversial topic. Write a 350-word plan on how you would start a conversation about this topic by first identifying three areas of common ground with a non-Muslim listener. Handling Hostility: Write a 400-word essay on the spiritual benefits of “responding with that which is better” (Qur’an 41:34) when faced with aggressive or rude questions about your faith. Role-Play Analysis: Find a video of a respectful interfaith dialogue or a Daʿwah conversation. Write 300 words evaluating the speaker’s body language, tone, and whether they addressed the “heart” of the questioner.

Lesson 1 Assignments The Wisdom Reflection: Think of a time you tried to explain a religious concept and it didn’t go well. Write a 400-word analysis on how you could have applied Hikmah (Wisdom) differently in that specific situation. Character as Daʿwah: List 5 specific behaviors (e.g., punctuality, honesty in business, kindness to neighbors) and write 50 words for each on how that behavior serves as a silent invitation to Islam. The “Active Listening” Journal: Have a 10-minute conversation with a friend or colleague about a deep topic (doesn’t have to be religion). Practice only listening and asking clarifying questions. Write a 300-word summary of what you learned about the other person by not interrupting. Dialogue Script: Write a 400-word dialogue between a Muslim and someone curious about Islam. The Muslim should use “Beautiful Preaching” techniques—gentleness, metaphors, and non-judgmental language. Prophetic Case Study: Research the Prophet’s ﷺ interaction with the people of Ta’if or the Bedouin who urinated in the masjid. Write 350 words on how his reaction demonstrated Hikmah.

Lesson 2 Assignments Identity Map: Create a visual map or write 450 words describing the core pillars of your identity. Which parts are “unchanging” (Faith) and which are “flexible” (Culture/Hobbies)? Global Ummah Perspective: Choose a current global challenge (e.g., climate change or a humanitarian crisis). Write a 400-word essay on how a Muslim’s faith should inform their response and empathy. Resilience Case Study: Identify a historical or contemporary figure who maintained their Islamic identity under great pressure. Write a 350-word summary of the tools they used to stay resilient. Cultural Pressure Dialogue: Write a 300-word script for a conversation where a Muslim explains their choice (e.g., not drinking alcohol or wearing hijab) to a peer in a way that is confident and respectful. Growth Mindset & Tazkiyah: Write 300 words on how the concept of continuous self-improvement (Tazkiyah) provides a healthy framework for dealing with modern “hustle culture” and mental health.

Lesson 1 Assignments Digital Audit & Cleanup: Spend 20 minutes reviewing your social media “Likes,” “Follows,” and past comments. Write a 400-word reflection on whether your digital footprint aligns with the concept of Haya and Adab. The Tabayyun Test: Find a recent “viral” news story. Research its origins and write a 300-word report on how you would verify its truth before sharing it, citing the Qur’anic principle of Tabayyun. Screen Time & Spirituality: Track your screen time for three days. Write a 350-word analysis on how this usage affects your focus during Salāh and your general mental well-being. Ethics of AI & Content: Write 300 words on the ethical implications of “Deepfakes” or AI-generated content from an Islamic perspective. How does the prohibition of lying apply to digital manipulation? Online Bridge-Building: Draft a 250-word response to a controversial post or comment that demonstrates “responding with that which is better” while upholding your principles.