News Islamic Tradition
6 September 2016
Asalamu Alaikum Dear Parents/Carers
Last week we were delighted at offering our Junior School students the opportunity to experience a Hajj simulation. Across two days, they were guided through the different aspects of Hajj with their Religion teachers and the fantastic efforts of the Year 9 students who were studying the topic about Hajj this term.
Not only did the students learn about the actions of the pilgrimage to Mecca, but also the background stories and the spiritual significance of the events and how they may relate to our lives today. It was a pleasure also to have so many parents participate alongside their children. Thank you for all your comments of support!
As for this very special month of Hajj that has begun, the first ten days are of particular spiritual significance. Just as the last ten nights of Ramadan are amongst the most blessed nights of the year, similar in status are these ten days of Dhul Hijja. Please make the most of these days by fasting as much as possible in the first nine days (especially the 9th), reading the Quran in abundance, making dhikr of Allah (swt), giving of sacrifice meat in charity, asking Allah to forgive our sins, and all other good acts of worship. For those of you or your families who have gone for Hajj, may Allah accept your Hajj and make it a source of positive transformation in your lives.
Please remember to make this Eid a time for happiness and good quality time spent with your families and friends. Like the other Eid at the end of Ramadan, this is an occasion of celebration for the ummah so make the most of it! The Eid salah will be at 8am in the Junior School building at the College and there will be separate arrangements for both men and women.
Wasalam
BEd (Macquarie), BEng (Civil) (UNSW)
Rahat started her career as a Civil Engineer. Realising the importance of education in the lives of children, she completed a degree in Teaching and embarked on a teaching career. She is dedicated to ensuring that each child can realise their potential and develop both spiritually and academically.
As co-founder and founding Principal of Al Siraat College from 2009-2017, Rahat has been passionately involved in the set up of this College right from the grassroots. With a passion for Islamic education, she teamed up with her husband to establish the first Islamic school in the City of Whittlesea.
Prior to her involvement in Al Siraat College, Rahat has had a number of years of experience in other local Islamic schools, public schools, after hours madrassas, and has also been involved in Home Schooling whilst searching for the best way of educating her own children. Being in positions of teaching, leadership, and community service for the last 15 years has helped shape her motivation for contributing to the education of the Muslim community.
Rahat was appointed as Director of Student Learning and is determined to lead the way in helping the Al Siraat Community flourish as positive Muslims and citizens of Australia.