Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

We hope that this message finds you good in health and strong in Imaan.

With coronavirus pandemic looming over the world, all that was once normal has drastically changed over the the past month. Schools are online, stores are empty, and masks have become an important accessory. For Muslims, we have felt the change even more - masajids are closed and this year's Ramadan will be like no other. Although we are living in a very trying time, we must choose to reflect on this test from Allah and learn from it. As Ramadan is a month of reflection, we have decided to put together a virtual event through Zoom for the Muslim youth to come together and reflect on a variety of topics relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While EPC and MYDT are specific to essay writing and debating, we wanted to expand the platform to allow the youth to showcase their talent in a multitude of ways - including poetry, story telling, paintings, and more!

Below, you will find more information about the program. We hope that you will join us virtually as  this may open door of opportunity for us to learn from our Muslim youth.
 
Students will be placed into two groups:

(Grade 2-6) Saturday, 9th May 2020 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm  EDT
(Grade 7-12) Sunday, 10th May 2020 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm  EDT

Time Limit - more presentation time on request only:
(Grade 2-6) 3 min MAX
(Grade 7-12) 5 min MAX

Guidelines:
Register for Zoom presentation and deliver your content live in the form of essays, paintings and drawings, cartoon, poetry, speeches, story telling, multimedia presentations, posters, film, comedy, or any other way you would like to showcase yourself on any or combination of the topics listed below. This is a forum where we would like our youth to vent out their pent up feelings. It's a forum to share your reflections and learn from others.

There will be three parallel sessions and the respective topics in each session are given below.  You may select any one or combination of the topics from the session you are participating.  There will be gifts for recognized participants in shaa Allah.  

*Session 1:  Ibada in isolation

I'itikaf or night programs
Fasting while home
Missing Qiyam al Layls in jamah
No jumu'ah prayers
Tarawih by yourself ---OR no prayers at masjid (this would include jumuah)  
Witr dua
Eid prayer at home.

* Session 2:  No socialization

No social iftar parties;
No masjid iftars.
No beautiful recitation, no socialization
Masjid programs
Eid festivities
Eid day fun

* Session 3:  Challenges in tough times

No fun...Moon-sighting excitement. (for those that would go out to sight the moon).
No school, home all day- staying home without eating.
Obedience to parents in Ramadan
Family relationships and respecting elders as extra good deeds
Avoiding temptations in Ramadan: Boredom and online activity
Time management: Balancing between Ibadah and other activities
Dealing with death in Ramadan.

Zoom link provided after registration.

Donation (Optional): $5, $10, or any amount to cover the expenses of the gifts.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to contact us at essays@mafiq.org.