ICRA Comprehensive School: Building Renovations (Youth Job Creation and skills development under the mentorship of a Skilled Craftsman)

ICS's Principal has successfully negotiated with an all-round skilled Craftsman, Mr Soeker, to take ICS students under his mentorship - for practical technology and design assessments. ICS will thus also be preparing ICS students for the building industry early in their school career, but also ensuring that ICS students are academically sound.

ICS thus serves as a free negotiating agent for Mr Soeker's Building Renovation business, because it will serve ICS students - male and female - in job-creating opportunities in the building industry.

ICS, through this partnership, hopes to reignite the long lost Craftsmenship that the Muslim Community of Cape Town was so well known for.

We herewith encourage readers to employ ICS: Building Renovations for their home-improvement projects they wish to tackle.

Mr Soeker or The ICS Principal are contactable at 0833586089 or 0833945701 - Mr Soeker can also include building plans if the client needs complete new buildings or additions to existing buildings.

All jobs are carefully planned and professionally executed with precision care.

Shuk'ran
It is our hope that you will call on ICS to help you grow your home comforts.

Posters ICS to View

ICRA Comprehensive School - Maths-Focus School

786

We, at ICS, have been working towards our main aim for our school - to become a Maths-Focus School.

Having done - Alghamdu lillaah - all the groundwork over the past years, we feel ready - due to our enormous resources available to our learners in all subjects -  to tackle this awesome task - looking into the Mathematics of all discipline/subjects - in shaa Allah. In this way we hope to holistically allow our students to become excited about Maths and all subjects and have an appreciation for the value of every aspect of life - as miracles (Aayaat) of balance in the universe  - and in so doing offer them the opportunity to appreciate the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah. Through this effort we hope that they will  LOVE ALLAH (SWT) through deep understanding of His Niymaat (Blessings Granted to us) and Aayaat (Marvels) He left for us to reflect upon - in shaa Allah -Aameen.

We are presently closely working with Dr. Faiz Gierdien from Stellenbosch University Maths Teacher Training Centre, who enthusiastically provides ICS with all the necessary Maths challenges.

This aim has been formulated and based on:

1. The Qur'anic statement That Allah SWT has Created everything with QADR (measure, number, ratio, proportion, value, power, scale scope, quantity, rank, worth, divine decree, extent, sum, grade, rate, destiny, calculation)

2 .It is also motivated by the historical facts that the world uses Arabic Numerals, Algebra, Logarithms , Chemistry, Optics, the Scientific methodology - which have all been accredited, as having been invented/ founded by  Our Muslim Scholars of the Golden Islamic Era (May Allah SWT Reward them Greatly - in shaa Allah - Aameen)

3. The Arts in Islam is mathematically unique - We have thus also started the first Children's Arts in Islam Gallery in Cape Town at the school's activity centre in Tanabaru Street, Bo-Kaap .

Islam - The Experience

In The Name of Allah, The Compassion (in His Essence), The Merciful (to His Creations)

"Islam" has been called a religion, a way of life, submission to the Will of God, and many other definitions. What is very interesting is that, the sign (AYAH) to the definition of "Islam" lies in the root of the word - SA-LI-MA (to be safe, to be peaceful, to be sound). If The Qur'an relates that The Creator has sent down an Arabic Qur'an so that mankind may use their intellect, then it becomes evident that the Arabic of the Qur'an is a hidden treasure for thought and action. One can thus define - as a beginning - Islam as the strive / work towards inner and out peace, through sound decisions to ensure one's own and other people's safety in this world and the next. This then can translate into the understanding that "Islam" is an "Experience Action" not a subject/ discipline to be studied, rather an experience to be lived.

The historical dissecting (secularisation) of knowledge from the Prophets (because Allah SWT sent prophets to all peoples) into various subjects: religion, culture, philosophy, psychology, science, maths, geography, economics, politics, Fiqh, Arabic, Seerah. Tareeqah, Shariah,  etc. has left individuals and communities in confusion. Faith in The One God, Allah, The Exalted,  (Imaan) calls mankind to soundness (Islam), harmony/ peace (Islam) and safety (Islam) and Unity (Tauheed). It does this through an unchanging, everlasting, unadulterated, Holistic, Integrative Text (The Qur'an), and a perfect human example the Prophet Mughammad (Pbuh) - the highest example in creation (gu-lu-qil-'a-them).

Allah (SWT) calls Islam DEEN, in the Qur'an. The basic root of DEEN is DAA-NA, which means to be "indebted /to owe". Thus when one realises and experiences the Granted Blessing from Allah SWT, then one feels indebted to Allah SWT and then becomes grateful to Him. Gratefulness is a deep feelings of thanks for all the favours from Allah SWT. Now the IBAADAH (the expressions of true love for Allah SWT, commonly translated as "worship") has been shown by the Prophet Mughammad (SAW) who was the one who truly experienced the value of GOD's Gifts to him and mankind. Worship is thus an expression of gratefulness and devotion(deep love) to The One Who Created us.

The opposite of Gratefulness is ungratefulness (KUFR). KUFR which has the root KA-FA-RA, basically means to be ungrateful, to cover up, to disbelieve. This thus explains the process of disbelief - first the person is ungrateful for all the Blessings from Allah SWT, then he/she covers up the truth, thereafter the person disbelieves. Thus DEEN means the path (SI-RAAT) to gratefulness - DEEN also  means "to bow" or "subject oneself, voluntarily, to the One Who Gives". Allah SWT created us and has subjected (SAG-GA-RA) whatever is in the heavens and earth to serve us as Gifts from Him therefore He is the Only One who has a Claim on us to be be worshiped/ to show gratitude to. Worship. "Islam" thus gets a deeper meaning as "a commitment to real gratefulness". You now experience that the word "Islam" cannot be easily translated into one definition, but that it unfolds into a wide, holistic experience.

When the KAAFIR enters the hereafter and sees the realty of his ungratefulness to, and rejection of, Allah SWT's Gifts, he/ she will say "Why did I not use my intellect". Thus DEEM requires of us to think deeply - to Reflect (TA-FAK-KUR). Reflection is a conscious, open appreciative thinking mode that sees the multi-dimentional value of every existent thing. It is thus understandable that every effort by man to fractionalise things takes one away from the innate reality of something. It can then be understood why there will exist factions/ sects/ various religions that disunite the hearts of people. We are all aware that divide and rule is a common aim of oppressors. We now experience the feeling that GOD is not an oppressor, because He wants us to see ourselves as one community in unison with the universe. We also understand now that any attempt to disunite a people is as act against the unity and leads to disbelief (KUFR). From this we know that because GOD is the Possessor of LOVE, we should love each other, because He created us all. We also learn from the GHA-DEETH - that the Prophet Mughammad (Pbuh) dearly loved his enemies and cried because they did not want to save themselves from the punishment of Hell, by believing in the Message he brought - We also know that Allah SWT told him in the Qur'an that he should not grieve over them - because it is their choice.

Allah SWT calls to all people in the Qur'an, as a reminder and witness, that they should reflect on the Blessings He Granted, of birth, sight, hearing, thought, rain, produce etc. and conclude from all those that HE, Allah SWT, is the only ONE GOD and that He is the only One to Whom Praise and Thanks is due. HE warns the KAAFIR (the ungrateful) that His Punishment is Sever and also tells them that they inherently bring it upon themselves with their own hands. The core message from Allah SWT , in the Qur'an, is His guidance towards success in this world and the hereafter. The integrated value of the Qur'an, where man, nature, universe and intellect are holistically experienced,  can only be felt when one reads the Qur'an - in English/ Arabic - with the intention to make connection with Allah SWT. Allah SWT will then open the heart and allow His Grace and Guidance to descend upon such a genuine seeker for His Nearness, Love and Mercy.

The Prophet Mughammad (Pbuh) was sent as the human possibility on man's full potential. He (pbuh) was Granted full potential, where body, soul and spirit becomes one again - and then was Granted spaceless and timelessness in the Mi'raag - the ascension through the seven heavens and being able to experience the closeness to the Creator - an arrow lengths distance ( where The Creator revealed the Salaah for the believer in Him). The Salaah is thus the Mi'raag of the Mu'mi-neen ( Those who truly entrust their endeavour in Hands of God. The Salaah this opens the near communication with God - in which He ensures the believer that He will make the believer's ( entrusted in Him) what he/she wishes. The Ghadeeth Qudsi - sayings of the Prophet (AS) that is narrated that "God Said" - relates that the one who adores God (I-baad) draws closer to Allah SWT by doing what is needed/ advised to do to save  him/herself from destruction (fa-raa-ied) and what is optional for betterment which the Prophet Mughammad (pbuh) did (sunnah). Such a person God promises - that He will become the eyes, ears, foot and hand of such a person - meaning that the person will have divine awareness of things and will be guided in very way. Such a person's requests will be answered and will never be disappointed.  God also promises such a person His Protection, when he/she asks Him.God even goes so far as stating that God does not want to disappoint him/her when He takes such a believer's soul at death. Such a person thus experiences God's nearness and truly then becomes divine. The Prophet (Pbuh) was that perfect human example for everyone to emulate. The Prophet (pbuh) is the human proof of God's Promise to mankind - That He Loves those who Loves Him, and when He loves a person, the universe will love that person, pray for him/her and provide him/her his/her needs by the order of God. Such a person will truly feel safe and sound at all times because he/she knows God is with him/her - that God is closer to a person than his/her jugular vein. Such a person finds it difficult to do evil and easy to do good. Such a person is a benefit to others and in so being,is a benefit to him/herself by the Grace of God.

The above leads us to feel the experience of a true, practicing believer/ an adorer of God. Islam thus offers a human divine experience -which translates into being the vehicle through which divine blessings comes for the world. 

Holistic Leisure Learning (HLL) in a nutshell

Holistic Leisure Learning (HLL) finds its origin in a saying (hadeeth) of the Prophet Mughammad Pbuh - to supply one another with their needs and Allah (SWT) will supply you with your needs -. Thus HLL is Resource-based, after my research discovered that conventional school's period-structures and planning, fractionalise knowledge and in so doing retards the holistic progress of children. HLL Facilitators develop resources that serve the needs of children and in so doing allow them to develop self-discipline, self-esteem and self-worth, the core needed values for personal and social progress.

The Holy Qur'an gave HLL the reason for learning the unity of knowledge - i.e. "to find out how everything inherently and integratively serve mankind, as a Gift from Allah (SWT)"- Knowing that everything in the heavens and on Earth have been ordered to serve mankind as a Gift from God (Q45:13), makes learning purposeful and an ever-growing endeavour.  The student becomes empowered in order to serve others. The learning act then results in Gratefulness to God and appreciation of the self, nature and humanity - the core reason for living.

ICRA Comprehensive School (ICS)is the first school in the world to apply HLL. -ICS has been working hard at this since 1989 (when it started out as a home school) and in 2009 registered as an independent school with WCED, in a community premises). Now - Alghamdu lillah, ICS sees the fruits of HLL in the type of students that attend -  Those with holistic-open minds, who reflect and challenge themselves to achieve and serve others, even though they are surrounded by predominantly individualistic, competitive western societies. Our First Matric 100 % pass, with University Bachelors in 2014 was a milestone for ICRA and a statement for a world education solution In shaa Allah - Aameen

We wish every student, parent and facilitator of ICS well for the future and pray that Allah SWT will Bless all their efforts - in shaa Allah.

The endeavour of ICS is to establish Ma'ruuf (universally accepted good) in the learning environment for the development of communities, the country and the world - in shaa Allah - Aameen.

The Human Challenge

Section B (Summary)(10 marks)

Question 2

Summarise the article below in 90 words in paragraph form (write down the number of words at the bottom)

The Human Challenge

Materialists lose their full potentials. They focus on the now. Satisfaction, competition and ego drive all their thoughts and actions. Everything around them is seen as threats to their goals. Fears rule their lives and physically “arming” the self becomes paramount. Insurance companies and business advertising appeal to the fears and greed  of materialists, because they know that trust in the Unseen is absent among materialists and they will pay for anything that will give them “security” – life insurance, car insurance, medical insurance, house insurance, loans, etc. They often find that when they need the “insurance” it evades them, often charging them more to get their own “investment” back. Materialists who trust in the “seen” are haunted by the inability to secure peace of mind – an unseen joy – they are often trapped in debt to secure their materialistic lifestyle and fears.

Fanatical “spiritualists” put their trust in the Unseen, but also fail to make proper provision for daily and future planning. They live for the day, but their physical, mental, social, familial and professional selves suffer. Their “trust” in the unseen, without due preparation and planning for the worldly existence, is just an escape from responsibilities. Their lives are often also riddled with financial, familial, social and professional problems. They spend most of their time putting out fires, having less time to live.

Sincere humans strike a middle road between material and spiritual needs. They do not focus on wants. They allow their spiritual insights to guide their material needs and use part of their material gains to support others.  They are realistic. They tie their camel and then put their trust in the Unseen. They do not shirk responsibilities, in fact they thrive on it, because of their faith in the Unseen. They know they are not angels nor animals, so they do not expect the impossible and neither do they allow themselves to be trapped by earthly greed. They are the intelligent ones. They leave legacies in their past, live in the moment (through appreciation), and plan for the worldly and other worldly realities. They are the truly free ones, because they have no fears and nor do they grieve about losses. They are secure in the thought that from God everything comes and everything must return to Him. They do not worry, because they have a Strong Handhold – Trust in God while following His Guidance. Through this they aim for eternal success.

Source: Article by M.F.Arnold September 2014

(part of Grade 12 English Paper Sept Prelim Exam: ICRA Comprehensive School)

Development of Self

786 ICRA Comprehensive School:  Life Orientation (6-12) :Development of The Self

1. Mankind has been Divinely programmed to seek happiness and peace through asking the questions:” Who am I, What must I do and Where am I going?”.

2. This challenges man to use his/her intellect to make informed decisions.

3. Informed decisions are made after reflecting on what influences are around us (signs/symbols/aa-yaat)

4. The Holy Qur’an reminds us of all good signs and answers these questions (in no.1 above) clearly.

5. We are creations of Allah (SWT), who must adore(deeply love and serve) Him (‘i-baa-da) to reach back to Him in Heaven, where we originally were created  and stayed for a long time, before our Earthly existence.

6. This journey/path (Ta-ree-qah) is the effort (A-mal) of developing the Self from the Naf-sul-am-maa-ra (lower/base/material Self), through the Naf-sul-low-waa-ma (the Questioning/ intellectual self) to the Nuf-sul-moet-ma-in-na ( the Self at Peace and Onenness with Allah (SWT) – The Successful Self)

7. To make our task of self-discovery and success easy, Allah (SWT) cleansed prophets (‘AS) to receive His Sent Guidance guided them to deliver it to each individual, in every nation and tribe.

8. Everyone thus has an equal chance to succeed, according to his or her circumstances, opportunities and awareness of nearness to Allah (SWT)

9. To attain nearness to Allah (SWT) we Remember and Praise Him (Thikr), due to our Gratefulness to Him.

10.In Thikr, we  use our thought, breath and sound (unseen elements), elements of Spirit (Ruugh) that Allah (SWT) Blew into us (through the first human being, the clay Nabie Adam  ‘AS), to stimulate our Naf-sul-mut-ma-in-na to become active.

11. The clay-self (the nuf-sul-am-maa-ra) naturally draws us to the love for itself , the earthly/ material things (gold, food, jewelry , cars, sex/ procreation, self-glory) which all have short-lived(limited)  happiness and which tires the body and mind, if we become obsessed with it.

12. The Prophet Mughammad (SAW) was Guided by Allah (SWT), through the Sent Book, The Holy Qur’an, to show people that it is humanly possible to attain divine strengths, power and wisdom and achieve nearness to Allah SWT and receive absolute happiness and success, if one has constant Taq-wa (Awareness of Allah SWT).

13. The Qur’an contains the Sha-ree-‘a ( The Code for Success – personally and for nations and tribes) which gives mankind the shortest method of attaining fearlessness, strength, happiness and success.

14. The Sha-ree-‘a is a water-hole/ code that constantly refreshes our bodies, intentions, thoughts and actions

15. When the Naf-sul-am-maa-ra (lower/ desirous/ earthly/material Self) is placed under the advice (hi-daa-yah) of the Sha-ree-‘ah, then the person reaches a balance between heavenly and earthly matters – this is ‘ILM –Distinguished Awareness)

16. Intellect (‘Aqal) is the active use of the Naf-sul-low-waa-ma to reach lasting happiness in the Presence of Allah (SWT) – restraining/controlling  the lower-self (‘Aqal) with regular ‘i-baa-dah (devotions:Solaah,Fasting,)

17. When the person has focused his/her full attention and love towards Allah SWT, while he/she does good deeds, then he/she is a Muslim (one who feels Safe and Sound in the Hands of Allah SWT)

18. The Muslim, who continuously shows Thankfulness and Love for Allah SWT, through good work, becomes a Friend of Allah (SWT) - Aw-li-yaa  ( those whose wishes come true because Allah SWT Loves them).

19. When the person allows his/her Naf-sul-am-maa-rah to over-power him/her, then he/she loses the inner Light (Nuur), Happiness and Peace of connection with the Divine Spirit (Rugh), and the body (Jism) and Soul (Nafs) become dark, tired and depressed, due to ungratefulness (Kufr) towards Allah SWT.

20. When the person’s efforts are towards the Naf-sul-mut-ma-in-na, his/her body, mind and soul are under the command of the Ruugh (Divine Spirit) and the body and soul then have Light (Nuur), Ghikma (Wisdom) and motivational energy that drive him/her towards lasting happiness, contentment and peace (Islam), which the Self really yearns for.

21. The development of the Self is the journey towards love and service to Allah SWT through the control of the lower self, to attain the Higher-Self in order to receive unending Baraka (Blessings) from Allah SWT.

22. The greatest Blessing from Allah SWT is the feeling of total entrustment (Ta-wak-kul) of all matters in the Hands and Allah (SWT), thus feeling confident and satisfied that all is well and there is  nothing to worry or stress about, after we have done the good work.

23. The Naf-sul-mut-ma-in-na’s effect on the self is a feeling of divine inner strength and to have no fears nor to grieve about any loses – this state is true Freedom – total submission to the Guidance of Allah SWT  - because with this state is the Knowledge that everything comes from Allah SWT and everything must go back to Allah SWT –in-naa lil-laa-hi wa in-na i-lay-hi raa-ji-‘uun. We hear His Guidance and we obey Him, because we know He Speaks the Truth – Sa-da-qal-laa-hul-‘a-theem.................and Allah, The Exalted, Knows Best.

Al-gham-du lil-laa-hi Rob-bil-‘Aa-la-meen (Praise be to Allah, The Sustainer/Lord of the all universes)