ISSUE 4 | JANUARY 2019 THA BULLETIN

TORONTO HIFZ ACADEMY | 2 THORNCLIFFE PARK DRIVE, UNIT #50 | TORONTO, ON M4H 1H2, CANADA

Horseback Riding Ahmed Hatia (Age: 12)

It is said that the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) said that you should teach your kids four physical activities which are, horseback riding, archery, swimming, and wrestling. Allah also informs us in the Quran that He created horses, mules, and donkeys for us to ride. Some of the benefits of horseback riding are, it builds core strength, is good for lower back pain, builds pelvis strength, builds inner thigh strength, helps with balance, it calms the mind, lightens the mood, and is fun.

Horseback riding originated in Central Asia at around 800 BC. Horseback riding was also an excellent way to travel during wars. Horseback riding was used during business trips to get to other cities or towns faster. Horseback riding is a fun and effective way to travel without polluting the earth. Horseback riding was used by the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and many other people to travel to faraway places and to migrate and is still used in the Olympics today. Horseback riding is a physical activity that is also

THA BULLETIN is a student publication of one of the four sunnah sports and it is good for physical, mental, and spiritual health. the Toronto Hifz Academy. Articles and accompanying graphics in this issue are based on the theme “Sports and Nutrition” and were written and created by our Full- Time Hifz students.

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Swimming Dawood Rahaman (Age 13) and Obaidullah Sukhera (Age 12)

Our beloved Prophet Muhammed (saw) encouraged every Muslim to learn how to swim because it has many benefits for the mind and the body. It is also important for us to know how to swim in case of an emergency. As much as it is important to learn to swim because of safety reasons, it is also has great health benefits. Swimming makes your heart and lungs strong. While swimming you are working on your breathing, and you are making your heart and lungs work twice as hard as you would on dry earth. Swimming is one of the only sports that truly works your whole body because you use all your muscles. Swimming helps maintain a healthy weight, tones muscles, builds strength and builds endurance. Swimming is also a relaxing sport, people dealing with stress and anxiety often swim to relax the mind. There are many places in the Quran that mention exercising and respecting the body that Allah has given to you. Doing any exercise with the niyyat that you’re doing it because it is recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (saw), becomes a Sunnah and reward.

Archery

Adnaan Essak (Age 13)

Archery is a form of sport or entertainment in which you use a bow and arrow. It is used to hunt for food and for the entertainment of others. Archery is an important sport because it is one of the four sunnah sports. During the time of our Nabi (S.A.W) people used archery for hunting and fighting. The Muslims used archery for the Battle of Badr to fight against the Kuffars and won.

The first people that made a bow and arrow were Africans, about 64,000 years ago. Archery is one of the oldest sports which people still play. Archery was first made to hunt and they started to use it for fighting and now they use it for games and entertainment.

The benefits of archery are that it improves your focus and improves your upper body strength. It also helps you socialize with other people and helps you exercise. Archery trains your hands to aim based on the feedback from your eyes which make you better at aiming. The benefits of doing hifz and archery together is that it helps with your focus and helps you be patient. It also helps you relax and helps you with control. In conclusion, archery has been around for a very long time and is still a useful sport today.

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Wre s t l i n g

Yunus Baloch (Age 20)

Wrestling is a sport deeply embedded in Islam. Muslims have participated in this sunnah sport since it was introduced over 15,000 years ago. Wrestling was a way of solving disputes. People with disputes would challenge each other to a wrestling match to settle their problems. On one occasion, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) wrestled a disbeliever, which eventually resulted in the disbeliever losing and becoming Muslim. Wrestling matches would usually take place in a ring or a flat surface with enough space to roll around. Wrestling includes many physical combat moves, such as grappling, throws and joint locks. It is very beneficial as it increases one's physical strength, mental toughness and endurance.

Wrestling has also helped shape some of the best leaders in the world, including Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and Umar (R.A.). Umar (R.A.), the second Caliph of Islam, was the best wrestler of his time. He was known to have been in many wrestling matches, and even wrestled a Jin, which resulted in him winning. One of the similarities Umar (R.A.) shared with Nabi (S.A.W.) was that they “The Eagle” both loved and encouraged wrestling as a sport. Although Islam is a religion of peace, our leaders never shied away from sport or Mohammed Yusuf Khan (Age 12) and Ibrahim Kazi (Age 13) competition, and in fact, used the skills to be more effective. Khabib Nurmagomedov, also known as “The Eagle”, is a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and is the two time Sambo World Champion. (Sambo is a Russian martial arts and combat sport.)

Khabib was born on September 20, 1988 in Dagestan, Russia. At the age of eight, his father trained him in various martial arts. When he was nine he wrestled a baby bear. When Khabib was a teenager he was really strong, so people wanted to challenge him. It was a tradition in Khabib’s country to wrestle.

Khabib’s family is a huge part of his success. His father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, was an army veteran. Hs father learned judo and sambo in the military and then taught it to Khabib. His brother's name is Abubakar Magomed Nurmagomedov fights in the in the Welterweight division of professional fighters league. He is a combat sambo world champion bronze medalist. Mashallah, Khabib has a skilled family.

Khabib’s most famous quote is, “ When I'm in the ring, I feel like I represent my country and my billion Muslim fans.”

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Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.)

Shafiullah Hadi (Age 19)

Muhammad Ali, born January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, was a professional boxer. He was one of the most significant sports figures of the century. He was mentored by Malcolm-X, a Muslim human rights activist, and through him, learned about Islam and converted in 1964. He changed his name, Cassius Clay, which he called his “slave name”, to Muhammad Ali.

In 1966, Muhammad Ali refused to join the U.S. military, due to his religious beliefs. He was arrested and was stripped of his boxing titles. In 1971, his conviction was overturned . By this time he had not fought for 4 years. Muhammad Ali continued with boxing and retired in 1981.

Muhammad Ali's actions made him an icon for Muslims and African Americans throughout the country. He stayed strong with Islam when it came to joining the military. In the Quran it says to fight for the cause of Allah and not for the cause of disbelievers, because the believers fight for the cause of the devil. Muhammad Ali didn't want to fight in the U.S. military because he knew this “Boom Boom” was a fight between disbelievers and he did not want to be a part Saad Ramin (Age 8) and Abdullah Malek (Age 10) of it. As Muslims, we should follow the Quran no matter what hardships come with it. Muhammad Ali knew his career and life Shahid Afridi was born on March 1st 1980, in Khyber were on the line, but he followed what he believed and this Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Afridi played for Pakistan’s international resulted in the legacy we know today. cricket team from 1996-2012. His nickname is Mr. Boom Boom because he hits more than 6 sixes in every game. Shahid Afridi is not only good at batting, but is also really good at bowling. Shahid Afridi is known to be one of the best cricket players in cricket history. After Afridi retired, he used the time that he had to focus on his Afridi Foundation, which focuses on Pakistan. The reason why it is focused on Pakistan is so that the Afridi Foundation can make it a better country. The Afridi Foundation supports poor people, hospitals, and people that have a very severe illness. The Afridi Foundation also supports other countries that are in need. Afridi was, and still is, popular because he was a very explosive batsman during his professional career, but what he did after his career, by using his fame and money to create the Afridi Foundation is what makes him an even better Muslim athlete.

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King Khan

Yousaf Baloch (Age 15)

Amir Iqbal Khan is a Muslim boxer from Bolton, England who was raised in a Punjabi family originally from Pakistan. Amir has two sisters, Nikhat and Farhat, and a brother Haroon. Haroon “Harry” Khan in also a boxer, who is undefeated in 7 total matches. Amir Khan developed his love for boxing from a young age, fighting with his brother, as well as at his boxing school where he won many titles. Amir used to fight 5 days out of 7. Boxing is his talent, his passion and his life.

As mentioned in the hadith by Muslim, Allah loves “strong” believers. Before every fight Amir Khan visits the mosque to pray so that he can win his fight. Amir Khan also donates most of his money to his charity in Pakistan and builds schools for the Muslim kids. One of Amir Khan’s most memorable moments was when he won Gold at the 2003 Junior Olympics making him the youngest Muslim boxer to win a gold medal. To this day, Amir Khan is still representing Islam in his fights and continues to be one of the greatest Muslim boxers of the 21st century.

Hakeem “The Dream” Hamza Bobat (Age 13)

Hakeem Olajuwon is a retired Muslim basketball player, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on January 21 ,1963. Hakeem left Nigeria to play at the University of Houston under head coach Guy Lewis. While he was playing college basketball, he had no discipline and he would talk back to the referee and get technical fouls. As he became more connected to his deen, he became a better Muslim. Olajuwon said, “I read Quran everyday, even on the plane before a game. Whenever I turned each page I learned a new meaning.”

Olajuwon was the first overall pick in the 1984 draft. He is the only player to win finals MVP, League MVP, and defensive player of the year in the same season. In 1994, Olajuwon released a $35 sneaker instead of endorsing a shoe with Nike or Reebok saying, “How can a poor working mother with 3 kids buy a Nike shoe when they cost $120? She can’t…” In the same year Hakeem Olajuwon purchased a closed bank building and turned it into Houston’s first downtown mosque. The building is regarded by the Houston Muslim community as one of the nation’s premier worship centres. It also serves as an education and outreach centre to spread knowledge of Islam to Muslims and non- Muslims. Hakeem Olajuwon said, “Basketball is something unique, I immediately picked the game up and realized that basketball is life.” Whether it is a shoe or a big building, Hakeem Olajuwon’s vision is always for the community and for Islam.

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The Egyptian King

Omar Biad (Age 18)

Mohamed Salah Ghaly, also known as “The Pharaoh”, “Mo Salah” or “The Egyptian King”, is an professional footballer who currently plays for the Liverpool Football Club in the English Premier League. Mo Salah is also captain of the Egyptian national team, which he recently lead to their first World Cup in 28 years. Mo Salah is known for living a pure life, with regards to religion and deen. He is an excellent character, as well an outstanding role model for younger generations around the world. Allah (SWT) states in the Quran “know well that the worldly life is but a play and an amusement, and a show of beauty, and exchange of boastful claims between you, and a competition of increase in riches and children.” This verse relates very well to Mohamed Salah since he is a football player and as an international celebrity, his fame comes with many distractions that could lead him down the wrong path. Fortunately, Mohamed Salah manages to remain a good figure in society, and always demonstrates good character. An excellent example, is upon scoring a goal during a game, Mo Salah usually shows his gratitude by making a sajdat as his celebration. Mo Salah is not only a phenomenal athlete, but an even better Muslim in today’s world.

“The Moose” Aadil Shaikh (Age 17)

Nazem Kadri was on the ice from the age of 2, and by the time he was 6 he was already playing in elite teams. He was the first Muslim to be drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs and he said that he never experienced “trash talk” about his religion. Along with being a practicing Muslim and an amazing hockey player, Nazem Kadri founded the Kadri Foundation to raise money to help fight mental illness. James Mirtle, editor in chief of The Athletic stated, “You can tell from the way Nazem Kadri talks about their work, it has become his personal passion, one of the guiding forces in his young life.” In the 2014-15 season Kadri had a rough time since he was suspended and his team was struggling in the standings. Even during this hard time, Kadri was focused on the Kadri Foundation and raised millions in a little more than 2 years. Charity is a big part in Islam and it carries many virtues with it. In the Quran it states “Success is attained by the believers... who are active in charity” (Al- Mumin|23:1-4). Nazem Kadri founded a charitable organization and has reaped its benefits in the form of his exceptional career.

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Respect Your Body

Rayyan Khan (Age 12)

Allah loves His creations so much that He is concerned even with what we eat and put in our body.

"O mankind: Eat of what is lawful and good on earth" (Surah Al' Baqarah | 2:168)

Our muscles, bones, lungs, liver, brain and bodily fluids are made from the raw product we feed it. If we provide the body with junk raw products, it will not produce tough bones, strong muscles, good pump (heart) and clean pipes (veins).

Prophet (SAW) said: "Your body has a right on you."

Nutrition is the moderation in the lawful. Obesity is a major North American issue affecting millions of people, of all ages. Ninety- nine percent of obesity is due to overeating. Allah advises us to be moderate in quantity.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stressed the practice of eating less to prevent sickness and diseases, which is now supported by doctors today.

The Islamic practice of eating suggests your stomach should be Zam Zam filled by ⅓ of food, ⅓ liquid and ⅓ breath. In Islam, sports is Hisham Chishti (Age 10) and Ayaan Tahir (Age 9) recommended as important to gain a healthy body. Islam Zamzam is holy water that is only found in a well near Masjid encourages exercise and to be in good physical shape. We can Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Zamzam helps with health and worship Allah (SWT) much more if we are active and energetic. nutrition. Zamzam water increases the energy levels in the cells of the body. Zamzam water helps in weight gain and in weight loss, it also reduces hunger. Applying this water over your eyes helps to improve eyesight. Zamzam water reduces acidity and heartburn, the water is alkaline in nature which neutralizes the excess acid formed in the stomach, thus beneficial for hyperacidity and heartburn. The minerals that are essential for our body are present in a good amount. If those who play sports, drink Zamzam water to stay hydrated, it will quench their thirst and give them more energy so they can play longer. Zamzam water is free of bacteria. It has been studied by Dr. Yahya Koshak, an expert on Zamzam, that it does not contain any contaminants. Zamzam water helps to strengthen your bones because the bones absorb the minerals in the water. Zamzam water helps cure headaches as it is more effective than taking pills.

As students who are doing hifz, we wonder if Zamzam water would be helpful for completing hifz.

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Foods Mentioned in the Quran

Sabeeh Danish (Age 12) and Musab Omer (Age 8)

Did you know that our diet is essential in memorizing the Quran? Yes, eating healthy foods can boost your brain power, energy, memory and brain performance. Food and drinks such as: dates, almonds, pomegranates, zam zam water, milk, black seeds, melons and seafood are beneficial for your Hifdh-ul-Quran. Foods containing, artificial flavourings, preservatives and heavy foods like burgers and poutine are not recommended to be eaten on a daily basis and should be considered a treat.

There are many foods mentioned in the Holy Quran that we should incorporate into our daily lives. These foods are very nutritious and will improve the quality of our Quran.

In Surah Ash-Shu’ara, (26: 78-79) it is mentioned: “Who created me, and He (it is who) guides me. And it is me who feeds me and gives me drink.”

In Surah Yasin, (36:72) it is mentioned: “We have tamed them the cattle so that so they can ride and some they can eat.”

In Surah Nahl, (16:114) it is mentioned: “Then eat of what Allah has provided for you (which is) lawful and good. And be grateful Honey for the favor of Allah, if it is (indeed) him you worship.” Faysal Yusuf (Age 19)

The Holy Quran teaches us many lessons, and one of the lessons The Holy Qur’an is a book of guidance sent down upon humanity. we learned is that we should be grateful for the food we have and It talks about everything, from stories of Prophets, to the science not take it for granted. of giving birth, to rules and regulations about Islam, and much more. It also mentions foods and substances that are beneficial to the human body and soul. One of those is honey. Honey is a sweet, nutritious, and sticky substance produced by bees, stored in wax structures called honeycombs. This substance has been known to benefit humans in numerous ways and proven by scientists in recent centuries, but also through the revelation of the Qur’an, nearly 1400 years ago, specifically in Surah An-Nahl, which translates to ‘The Bees’ in English. The amount of things this “superfood” can be used are limitless. Honey can be used for sweetening food and beverages, and is a great substitute for sugar, while also being more nutritious. It also has medicinal benefits such as being anti-inflammatory, which can be beneficial in treating allergies, as well as its antibiotic effects, which can help treat cuts and burns. In addition, honey contains antioxidants that help prevent the loss or damage of brain cells, which, can help with the memorization of the Holy Book. All these benefits, on top of many unmentioned ones, are what makes honey such a special blessing from Allah Azzawajal.

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