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What Our Families are Saying

AH the Halaqah sessions are very beneficial, they keep me connected to my Deen, enhance my knowledge and allow me to implement this knowledge into my daily life and network with other sister.

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How it all began?

 

On the breezy but mild autumn morning of Tuesday 13th November 2012 approximately 15 sisters sat in a circle in a cozy classroom on the ground floor at Quwwat. Many had just dropped their children off to school and popped in out of curiosity or after having been invited along. They started with the recitation of Surah Fatihah and exchanged names;none of them knowing really what to expect or why exactly they were there.

From that day on the same classroom still welcomes sisters every Tuesday morning, they still sit in a circle (albeit a funny shaped one) and they still start with the Fatihahbut you can be guaranteed more than 15 sisters. And the uneasy silence that was there in the first few months, the one that looms over a group of strangers when they are brought together (you know what I mean – like the one in a lift when it’s full) no longer exists. Instead it’s a place of happy voices, laughter and smiles, where toddlers play and where friendships are made – all for the sake of Allah.

The literal meaning of a halaqah (plural halaqaat) in Arabic is a ‘circle’. Often it refers to a religious gathering or an Islamic study circle. In such gatherings people generally sit in a circle. Our Halaqah is an informal study circle in which the Most Merciful is remembered with zeal to learn more about Him and our beautiful religion.The Halaqah Sisters at Quwwat have gone from strength to strength, supporting each other emotionally and spiritually and practising the knowledge they have acquired by imparting it into the local community. Qualified aalimahs and loving sisters are always around to answer questions, offer advice and give a supporting hand or simply a smile. By the grace of the Almighty and with the support of Quwwat Education Centre, apart from meeting up every week and spiritually nourishing ourselves we have been able to carry out a number of activities and projects to benefit us and the community around.

We humbly ask you to remember us in your duas and to pray for our continued success, the strength to constantly strive in His path, for the acceptance of our actions and most of all that our Lord is pleased with us and we are pleased with Him.

Our Aims

If you are a Muslim sister then we hope by attending the Halaqah you can:

  • Increase your knowledge of the deen & actively engage in the remembrance of God.
  • Make time for your spiritual and personal development in an otherwise busy life.
  • Help you make friends with like-minded sisters.
  • Encourage you to increase and improve your ibadah to God.
  • Enhance your mental wellbeing by keeping you in a healthy and focussed state of mind.
  • Have a platform from which you can make a positive contribution to the community around you.

FAQ’s

How do I join the Halaqah?

It’s easy. Just turn up one Tuesday morning at Quwwat Education Centre for 9.30 and make your way to room 5 on the ground floor. Soon enough that day will become the first of many trips to Quwwat on a Tuesday morning IA.

Do I have to pay anything to attend?

When the famous red purse goes round sisters drop a voluntary contribution of 50p in to it which makes up our kitty with which we buy our snacks, presents for special occasions and subsidise many of our events. You’ll be amazed at the barakah of how far those 50p’s go. Just a reminder though that the 50p is not compulsory and a voluntary contribution.

Who runs the halaqah?

The Halaqah is managed by a Muslim sister and supported by a number of qualified Islamic scholars and dedicated talented local women. She is a qualified teacher with decades of experience in working with children and teenagers; having been involved in tarbiyyah and religious classes both in Islamic institutions and community based initiatives – such as Mosque Councils, Women’s forums, voluntary Halaqahs, and interfaith community outreach programmes as well as teaching in schools. Whilst the Halaqah has a large degree of autonomy, it is overseen by Maulana Khalid Ibrahim. Should you have any concerns, queries, advice or recommendations please put them in writing or email (info@quwwatulislam.org.uk) to him.

Do we have to dress in a particular manner?

We ask sisters to respect the gathering and ask that they dress in accordance with Islamic etiquette covering their hair and wearing modest clothing. This is not something we can’t enforce on individuals and it is up to each individual how they dress and we ask all other sisters to respect that at all times.

Can non-Muslims attend the halaqah?

Yes. Non-Muslim ladies are more than welcome to come and join us. We simply ask that they respect the premises they are in and dress modestly.

Can we bring children along with us?

Yes. In fact we pride ourselves in trying to follow the beautiful prophetic way of our beloved messenger (peace be upon him) who never stopped children from playing around him when he was teaching the companions and even during his salah. It is advisable to bring quiet toys that toddlers can play with and should your child be unsettled or cries loudly to take them outside for a while to console them.

What language is the halaqah in?

The halaqah is in English only. Occasionally we have special programmes that may be in Urdu or both English and Urdu.

Do I have to come regularly every Tuesday?

No. The Halaqah is an informal study circle and as it is not structured like a course. You can come as and when you please.

I can’t make it on a Tuesday morning but I would love to be a part of the Halaqah Sisters.

If you can’t make it on Tuesday mornings you can still get involved in our projects or attend our other classes. There are many sisters who never join us on a Tuesday but are still very much a part of our family. They are kept informed about our events by other sisters and sometimes volunteer at our weekend events or join us at our meals, picnics or other programmes.

We have a seerah class on Wednesday morning where you can meet and catch up with many of our sisters. There are also some evening classes which you can attend and IA who knows there may be more classes in the future. These sisters are also on our WhatsApp groups and our email distribution list and kept updated on the latest news and events at the halaqah.

Do you run tajweed classes?

We don’t hold tajweed classes but there are many other classes which take place in the afternoons at Quwwat in Urdu and English and these include tajweed.

Does the halaqah accept donations?

Yes we do take donations, and Alhumdul’ we have some very generous donors. However all donations must be LILLAH ONLY and given with the knowledge that the money will be used in one of our many exciting projects. In the case of any fundraising we do all monies collected for a particular charity or project will only be donated as specified when collected.