VP Training and HR - July-September 2010

Salaamu Alaikum all!

Amal, VP training and human resources here.

September, alhamdulilah has been a great month for THR!

Following the induction weekend in July, and the introductory trainings given to FOSIS in August, September saw the rolling out of a much more ambitious, larger, and more comprehensive training programme for all of FOSIS: The FOSIS Fenomena Fortnight (see the wicked poster below!). This consisted of over 10 online training sessions for specific roles and committees within FOSIS, including gensecs, speaker tour officers, treasurers, and so on. In addition, we had a webinar with Dr Imad Bayoun from the USA, which insha’Allah will be the first of many webinars specifically for team FOSIS.

These trainings have received great feedback so far...they have moved towards creating a stronger online community of brothers and sisters who believe in one cause..."

These trainings have received great feedback so far, although feedback still needs to be devised and collected. Attendance has been varied- some great, some not too good. However, they have been the first step in providing specific training for team FOSIS, and making FOSIS more accessible to its members. In addition, they have moved towards creating a stronger online community of brothers and sisters who believe in one cause- the virtual and geographical challenge always being something difficult to tackle and deal with within the federation.

Next step: To look at enhancing and strengthening that online FOSIS community through videos and other means, as well as rolling out more advanced and specific training courses such as public speaking, marketing, and other exciting stuff. Let me know if you’re interested in helping out :D

Wasalaam

P.S. A clarification for those still confused: The VP Training and HR role does not deal with training ISocs, but rather only the volunteers of FOSIS. It is a role that focuses on internal development of the federation. VP Islamic societies is your stop for ISoc training.

 

VP Training and HR Blog- January & February 2010

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah

Assalamulaikum my dear brothers and sisters in Islam

I begin in the name of Allah (swt) the most merciful the beneficent.

The end of December has been a particular difficult personal time for me and it has led to me taking less of a lead role within the NEC committee. Yet to rectify this I have appointed sr Rayan Aldouri (May Allah swt reward you sis) to help in the running and the daily functioning of the Training and HR committee. This has nee done in consultation with the NEC committee so that everyone is aware of the changes in regards to the committee. Once again we have been busy with numerous aspects and these ranges from events to organising ideas for our Governance review.

Last week the Scotland region and I presented the training module that have been devised in FOSIS. The day was received well and the ISOCs were able to take from the presentations and also learn from their regional Committee chair Br Ammad who provided an insight to some of the issues specifically relating to ISOCs in Scotland.

This month our focus is on working with some external training organisations who are willing to work in conjunction with FOSIS on some specific training projects. The first is Power of 5 workshops devised by the sound heart clinic which will be taking place across the UK. They require some support and assistance for organising some venues etc and also have offered FOSIS members a special discount if they choose to attend. This is an excellent course and will be delivered by professional trainers focussing on the spiritual and practical aspect of attaining various skill sets.  The second is working with br Tafzal which sr Rayan will be holding a meeting with him to have a set of modules prepared to teach team FOSIS for September inshAllah. The other is br Hisham who has devised a personal development programme in which he will be focussing on training Team FOSIS and also ISOCS across the country. So inshAllah we have many things lined up.

Recruitment and Governance have been steadily developing and we will be reviewing both by the end of this month inshAllah. We are also recruiting for the Training and HR committee so we have some strong members on board to help formulate the next committee for the next academic year inshAllah.

Last semester I was absolute awe of the dedication and commitment of team FOSIS across the country. The effort of FOSIS personnel has been vast so JazakAllah khairn for all of your hardwork and immense dedication to the organisation, I pray that Allah (swt) elevates your statuses in paradise and blesses you with the best of dunya and the hereafter...our organisation continues to blossom into a mature and unique organisation through all of your hardwork....may the FOSIS force be with you all!

Wasalam

Your sister in Islam (in great need of duas)

Abida Malik

 

Reminder to myself first and foremost:

(O Allaah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your female slave, my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every Name belonging to You which You named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Qur'aan the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety)' - but Allaah will take away his sorrow and grief, and give him in their stead joy."

(Ahmad 1/391 and Al-Albaanee declared it sahih.)

VP Training and HR- December 2009

Assalamulaikum my dear brothers and sisters in Islam

I begin in the name of Allah (swt) the most merciful the beneficent.

THR worked in conjunction with the brothers and sisters from MST (Muslim student trust) and FEMYSO to deliver a Leadership development programme. This included lectures delivered by Prof. Rafik Beekun and br Rani Al Kateeb. The events was focussed upon developing the skills and teamwork abilities of active youth within the frame of dawah organisations. These skills were taught with the intention to instil long term skills to ultimately benefit the attendees and encourage them to develop some skills for a future in community dawah work also. The event was a success with an excellent turnout alhumdulillah in which the accommodation, food and venue were all amazing which contributed to making the events a huge success. I would like to thank the following people who made this event possible, jazakAllah Khairn to all of you may Allah (swt) bless you with the nest of this world and the hereafter ameen:

• Prof. Rafik Beekun et al: all made excellent contributions in equipping us with leadership knowledge from a Prophetic tradition
• Br Othman Moqbel: main coordinator for the event who had a vision to do this event and made it possible to do both through finance and sheer motivation in training the Muslim youth to become active members of their societies.
• Sr Safoora Teli: Arranged accommodation, venue, transport and making all the sisters feel welcomed. Your hard work was immense sis may Allah preserve you for working for His sake ameen.
• Br Ahmed Sawalem/Br Mohammed Adel: coordinators from the FEMYSO side who helped in various tasks including picking people up and making sure the event ran successfully overall.
• Br Obada: helped with registering and taking care of the money (it was only apt he dealt with the money as treasurer)
• Br Usama Sapru, br Waseem Ahmed, br Majid: organised and provided high standard quality food in line with our ‘healthy food' motion in the past. The food for lunches and dinner was to a high standard. JazakAllah khairn brothers FOSIS always can rely on my Nottingham ISOC people.
• Lastly to all those who attended (these include people from France, Germany and Italy who brave the winter weather to attend from abroad), contributed and added to the overall success of the event. We pray it was of benefit to you all.

During the LDP residential course we were also contacted by the various European organisations who attended showed an interest in working together and possible links with FOSIS this is to be brought up on the next NEC meeting and the possible outcomes of working with the varying organisations. In relation to the course br Othman Moqbel set up a egroup specifically with the teachers and students of the Leadership Development Course who can exchange thoughts, ideas and good practice. This has also been set up so that the all those attended can be contacted to attend the second part of the course which is intended to take place at the end of August 2010. We hope that more of our FOSIS personnel can partake in the course inshAllah.

Other members of the training and HR team have been focussed on their relevant tasks which includes br Adham and Asif working on the Governance Review strategy which is hoped to be proposed to the NEC and Sr Sabeen has been training sr Sadia to take over the role of recruitment officer in which sr Sadia Anwar has been training to give presentations on FOSIS in order to gain recruits.

Future work: we hope to devise a training course with br Tafzal from Muslim Youth Skills and in addition a possibility has come up in which Muhammad Al Shareef may deliver a few training course for FOSIS personnel this semester. Please contact THR with any specific ideas, thoughts, criticisms to improve the committee and if you are interested to join the committee.

Wasalam

Your sister in Islam

Abida Malik

From the Glorious Qur'an:

"Say: "Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds: (162) No partner hath He: this am I commanded, and I am the first of those who bow to His Will. (163)"

VP Training and HR- October 2009

Assalamulaikum my dear brothers and sisters in Islam

I begin in the name of Allah (swt) the most merciful the beneficent.
The training and HR committee this month were focussed on the preparation and deliverance of the Team FOSIS away weekend. The camp was hosted by FOSIS for the first time. The intention of the camp was for all of team FOSIS to gather and increase brotherhood and sisterhood through various events and activities and all personnel were encouraged to attend to help bring together the large collective teams across the country. However attendance was low to the event and this was followed up through a report complied by br Abdul Rahman which stated some of the strengths and weaknesses of the event. This report is available on request inshAllah. I would like to take the opportunity to say JazakAllah khairn to br Abdul Rahman (who had also recently taken up his post of head of campaigns) so was very busy and also jazakAllah khairn to all those who contributed towards the camp may Allah (swt) bless your efforts and grant you success in everything you do inshAllah.

In this month we also were involved in the ISOC 101 which took place in Dundee the event had a very good turnout alhumdulillah and required some of us to present on various topics at hand in order to provide some advice and pointers to ISOCs to make their organisations even more successful.

Some members on the training and HR team have dealt with some unforeseen circumstances which has largely impacted the committees work and goals. This includes myself in which I have been unwell and due to this it has impacted my contributions towards the committee InshAllah I hope to rectify this in the near future duas please!

Other members have continued to contribute consistently these include br Adham who is working upon developing the Governance project and is in consultation with various executive members in relation to this. Sr Sabeen has been working on the database for volunteers (a continuation of the database put together last year). She has also formulated the banners and working thoroughly on the recruitment drive mashAllah. Finally, Asif has been developing an internal IT project for FOSIS in conjunction with br Obadah and has been getting interns to fill positions for this project to develop further. So jazakAllah khairn all of you may Allah (swt) shower His (swt) infinite mercy and blessings upon you.

Wasalam
Your sister in Islam
Abida Malik
Below is an article which covers the Dhul-Hijjah may it be of use and interest to you.

What to do if your NOT going for Hajj?

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the most beloved to Allah.

The Prophet testified to that. He said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." (Bukhaari)

WHAT ACTIVITIES IN THESE 10 DAYS WILL BRING THE REWARD OF JANNAH?

Obviously, Hajj is one of the best deeds that one can do during these ten days. However for those of us who were not invited to His House this year, there are still many, good deeds that one can do and earn the Pleasure of Allah.

Some of these are:

1) Fast all nine days and especially fast the Day of Arafah

The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Anyone who fasts for one day for Allah's pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years." (Bukhari, Muslim)

The Prophet (PBUH) used to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah and he said: "Fasting the Day of Arafah (ninth Dhul-hijjah) is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and an expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year." (Muslim)

2) Do a LOT of Dhikr and Takbeer

The Prophet (PBUH) said: "There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allah than on these ten days", so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah), Takbeer (saying Allahu akbar) and Tahmeed (saying al-hamdu Lillaah)." (Ahmad -Saheeh)

Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. (Bukhaari)

Takbeer at this time is a Sunnah. So recite it in the masjid, in your home, on the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah.

Revive the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten and earn great rewards for doing so.

The Prophet said: "Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward." (Tirmidhi- a hasan hadeeth)

Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.

3) Stand in Night Prayers: (Tahajud, Qiyam al Layl)

Remember the virtues of spending the night in prayer, and its sweetness in Ramadan?

Why not revive this beautiful act of worship during these nights as well?

Remember, how in the last third of every night, Allah Almighty calls out to us, His servants:Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him? (Bukhaari, Muslim)

Why do we miss this golden opportunity? So, seize the chance NOW and expose yourself to His Divine Generosity and Mercy, ask Him to forgive you and guide you and set things aright. He will surely listen.

4) Make Sincere Repentance.

One of the most important action during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin right away because we do not know when we will die and thus become unable to repent, and also because one evil deed leads to another.

But what does repentance mean?

It means that you come back to Allah and give up all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes.... that you regret whatever you did in the past, giving it up immediately and be determined never ever, to return to it, and resolve to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing whatever Allah loves.

"But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful." [Al-Qasas 28:67]

5) Come back to the Quraan

It is time now to dust off your copy of the Quraan and return to its refuge. Make it a daily habit, using these 10 days the beginning of a strong and beautiful relationship with it. Read it with meaning, reflect on it, understand it, and then implement it in your daily life.Remember that reading one letter of the Quraan earns you ten rewards.

In this way, reading Surat Al-Fatihah, which doesn't take more than two minutes, will give you more than one thousand rewards!

This is on ordinary days, so what about these magnificent days! Certainly the reward will be far greater, Insha Allah.

6) Increase ALL the types of good deeds.

If we are unable to go to Hajj this year, we should occupy ourselves in the worship of Allah; pray extra prayers (Nafilah) recite the Quraan. Make Dhikr of Allah, send Salaams on the Prophet, make dua, give charity, honor our parents, uphold ties of kinship, enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, and add other good deeds and acts of worship during these days.

"So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it; And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it."

[Al-Zalzalah 99:7-8]

7) Get the reward of Hajj wherever you are:

You may be unable to do Hajj this year, and you may feel sad. However, you can get the reward of it right where you are.The Prophet said: "Whoever prays Fajr Prayer in congregation, and then sits and remembers Allah until the sun rises, then (after a while) prays two rakas, he will gain a reward equal to that of making perfect Hajj and Umrah." [He repeated the word "perfect" thrice.] (At-Tirmidhi)

8. Slaughter an animal and distribute the meat.

Ibn Umar said: The Prophet lived in Madeenah for 10 years and every year he slaughtered an animal." (Ahmad-Saheeh by al-Albaani)

9) Attend Eid prayers

But remember that Eid prayer is a form of worship and we should avoid unislamic behavior (especially) in dress and in etiquette during these times.

10) Thank Allah.

One of the best forms of worshipping Allah Subhaanahu wa Taala is to thank Him, deeply, sincerely and continuously.

Alhamdulillah, there is much to be gained in these coming days. Hasten to do good deeds and striving hard in worship .

"And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (death)."

[Al-Hijr 15:99]