The Source of Tingz | April Newsletter
This Month’s Highlights:
Ayat Reflection & Hadith Tingz
Sister Tingz & Admin Tingz
Female Figure Tingz
Islamic Vocab
Previous Halaqah Wrap Up
Ayat Reflection | Ayatul Kursi & “The Throne”
Ayatul-Kursi is also known as the “Verse of the Chair” due to the derivative of the word Kursi (Chair) appearing at the end of the verse. It alludes to the authority of Allah (swt) over everything else. The verse consists of several accounts of the perfection and dominion of Allah (swt) and the concept of monotheism in Islam. The verse importantly refutes some common misconceptions that people from other belief systems may have about their Creator.
The “Chair” of Allah signifies His authority and dominion who preserves the universe, and how He shall hold everyone accountable for their deeds. “Chair” may be synonymous with “Throne” as it is referred to elsewhere in the Quran. Perhaps the “Throne” signifies a higher degree of rule. Perhaps “Chair” and “Throne” are be physical objects or merely metaphors for the supreme authority of Allah. Whatever you decide to conclude, it is sufficient for us to know that Allah (swt) alone sustains this universe; therefore, calling upon anyone else is pointless.
Hadith Tingz
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
Bismillahil-lazi la yadhurru ma’asmiHi syai’un fil ardhi wa la fis-sama’i wa Huwas-Sami’ul 'Aleem
In the Name of Allah with Whose Name there is protection against every kind of harm in the earth or in heaven, and He is All-Hearing and All-Knowing
(Sunan Abi Daud)
Sister Tingz | “Liyah”
Born and raised in Washington, DC, Aliyah (Aliatou) Smith, a DCPS Graduate, attended Penn State where she studied Civil Engineering & Construction Management. She now serves as a Stormwater Capital Improvement Manager for the City of Falls Church Government. She is active in the Muslim DMV community: member of Halaqah Tingz, Hijabi Baddies, and the FPU (Fullah Progressive Union - a non-profit organization for Fulani people in the DMV). She strives to create healthy and healing spaces for Black Muslim Women in her community, through supporting those in her community.
Female Tingz | “Nusayba b. Ka‘b al-Anṣārīyya”
What do you know about Nusayba aka Umm ‘Ammara? She was one of the earliest reverts to Islam in Medina. Known as a companion of the Prophet (ﷺ), she took part in the Battle of Uhud (625) fighting against the Meccans. During the war, she shielded the Prophet (ﷺ) and sustained serval wounds in effort to protect him. After falling unconscious, upon awaking she asked if the Prophet (ﷺ) survived. A true testament to her new faith!
Meet the Team Behind Halaqah Tingz!
From left to right: Asha, Asizat, Sarai, and Safiat
Asha K.
Born in Bowie, MD, Asha’s paternal roots are of Jamaican and Asian descent and her maternal roots are Cameroonian (Fula and Hausa). Interestingly, she married into her tribe without initially knowing. As a married mother of 5 beautiful children, Asha has many interests in the Biological and Islamic fields of studies. She’s also an artist with no medium; she paints, draws, designs, rug tufts, etc. Asha founded Halaqah Tingz as a response to increasing the Islamic Community in the DMV that’s down to earth and relatable to newer generations. She’s excited to continue to grow with Halaqah Tingz and the members of the community while increasing Islamic Knowledge.
Asizat K.
Asizat here (pronounced A-zee-za…..Long story for another day lol). She was born in MD and lived most of her preadolescent years in Lagos, Nigeria before returning to the States. Asizat is a Physical Therapist Assistant with a specialization in Pelvic Health and a budding Floral/Event Designer under the apprenticeship of Ariko Events. Stated a Muslim by birth, Asizat has within the last 2.5 years become a Muslim by active practice. She loves community and seeking knowledge especially when it pertains to Islam and her professions, so it was a no brainer getting involved with Halaqah Tingz. She is excited to be here to get to know and grow with you all inshallah.
Sara A.
Saraouniyya Maiga, is a Cultural Anthropologist, Preservationist, and Historian. She is both a scholar and educator in African Studies & Philosophy with the mission to elevate African narratives by teaching our-true-stories absent of colonial embellishment. Saraouniyya is the founder of Peace Crown’d (line of satin hair accessories) and Afri-Identity LLC (African centered genealogy). She is also a certified Women's Reproductive Health & wellness advocate continuing in the legacy of her grandmothers. Sara reverted to Islam through the proud reclamation of her ancestral spirituality. She had been a scholar of Sufi Islamic Studies for 6 years prior to officiating her shahada in 2022 and committing wholeheartedly to her tariqa.
Safiat M.
A New Jersey native, Safiat graduated from Rutgers University’s School of Communications and Information with a specialization in Journalism and Media Studies. Her Nigerian culture and home base has given her the determination and drive to pursue community development and enrichment through various sadaqah projects and initiatives. Her love for art has evolved her in a myriad of creative avenues and expression, some of which include poetry, photography, audio engineering, and fashion design. Safiat aims to use her multi-disciplinary talents as a means of contribution to provide aid and build societal solutions across the motherland, In shaa Allah. A true philanthropic spirit, she is.
Halaqah Wrap-Up | “Honoring Prophethood by Demonstrating Benevolence in the Face of Insult”
Presented by: Ustadha Asha K.
Summary
Belief in prophethood explains why it’s not enough to "just be a good person", without also having faith as defined by Allah (swt) through the messengers. Being good on your own measure of what you think is good, may be faulty. The Messengers instead, have brought full-proof guidance from Allah (swt), without fault.
The extreme violence, misogyny, oppression, and idolatry were all very common Pre-Islam. Allah (swt) being the all merciful, almighty God that he is... he wouldn't just leave mankind in this condition. Sending the Prophet Muhammad (saw), was a message that would echo throughout time.
The relationships that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) had prior to prophethood changed. Most of those relationships changed for the better, and some for the worse.
When dealing with insult, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) faced them with benevolence and mercy. We can apply this by: remembering these are tests from Allah (swt), there is more reward in being patient, and freeing yourself from grudges allows more room for goodness in your life.
These are keys to unlocking your higher self, when dealing with someone’s lower self. This can allow you to see virtue within yourself when you respond better.
There’s a reason why the prophet (saw) said to stay silent, seek refuge, or do wudu when you’re upset… and that’s because rage is from Shaytan. Shaytan is from fire and can lead someone and others around them to burn instead of rising to a place of peace and tranquility.
Arabic Index Tingz
حلقة Halaqah: Circle/Circling
حديث Hadith: A report or account of an event
آية Ayat: Verse
أمّ Umm: Mother
عمارة Ammara: Tribe
الأنصار Ansar: Helpers
