A message from Ustaz Izhar, our beloved ex-YDO. Go Arrijal GO!

Assalamualaikum Arrijalians,

Yesterday, the Mosque Awards 2008-2009 was held and Masjid Al-Istiqamah was awarded with DISTINCTION in Youth-Friendly & Community-Friendly Awards and MERIT in Family-Friendly Awards. Thus on a general note, I would like to say congratulations to Masjid Al-Istiqamah and specifically Arrijal Exco, Arrijal members & also to the WRITE Club for the excellent achievement!

The Youth-Friendly Distinction Award is achievement that's based on your documented programs from Jan 2008 - Sep 2009 and I believe, eventhough you consider ourselves as babies due to your first year of exco-ship, you have given our best and strived to the max to get to where you are. Each and everyone of you deserves a pat in the back.

The award is a testimony of hardwork and resilience but most importantly, it symbolizes the ukhuwwah and tolerancy amongst you all. You might come from different backgrounds and harbor different expectancies and thoughts, but when it comes to the crunch, you manage to unite and gave your best for the youths of Al-Istiqamah and the Ummah in general. Hamdan lillah. Congrats too to Hj Saat, MIQ staff, volunteers and whoever had directly or indirectly motivated and propelled Arrijal & WRITE Club towards betterment.

I am deeply honored to have worked with you all for a period of two years and I'll not trade that for anything else. I believe Ustaz Khairani, the Arrijalians & WRITE Club will continue to guide this legacy towards greater success. Amin

Once again, alf mabruk! And keep up the good work.

A message from our beloved ex-YDO.
Ustaz Md Izhar Bin Mohamed Roslan Executive Youth Engagement SU

The W.R.I.T.E. Club Storytelling Spectacular: HAVE YOU SIGNED UP?

ASSALAMUALAIKUM

School is starting, but already there is a GREAT competition for all of you! This competition is for 7 to 13 year olds, and GREAT prizes await! (plse see flyer).
It's a storytelling competition, but first you'll be guided in a half-day camp by GREAT facilitators! It all occurs this 16th January (Saturday), at An-Nahdhah Mosque (our national Harmony Centre).

We call it the:
Storytelling Spectacular - Developing Future Ambassadors of Islam.
See the flyer attached for the details.

Basically, you attend a half-day camp in the morning, where you'll be groomed from 9 am to Zuhur to become the next Storytelling Idol :) by telling a story from the annals of islamic history. Don't worry, the stories are all ready for you to choose from!

Then, from 2 pm to 5 pm, you'll get the chance to practise what you've learned in the storytelling competition. The GREAT thing is, you can either compete as an individual or in your own team!

The cost of it all? JUST $5 (FIVE DOLLARS) Food is included!

Compare this price with the storytelling workshops listed below - you literally save hundreds!

So, hurry and sign up - DEADLINE IS THIS SATURDAY (8th JANUARY)

P.S: Those who wish to learn how to groom your siblings or children into storytellers can sign up as co-facilitators FOR FREE.
All you need to do is attend a short meeting (1.45 - 3 pm) this Sunday, and then the actual event itself.
DON'T LOSE OUT ON THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

Qiyam Appreciation.

Click here for more pictures

To
Ustaz Khairani, Bro Imran, Sis Syazwani, Bro Khai, Bro Basitd, Sis Jannah, Bro Muhaimin, Sis Nurhaniza, Sis Salsabila, Sis Filzah, Sis Fathimah, Sis Syafiqah Basiran, Bro Ziyad

"Thanks alot 4 coming. hope that whateva that hv been discussed can b carried
out with ease. let us doa 4 each other ya."

a sms by Firdaus; Arrijal Chairman.

Event: Qiyam 2010.

Qiyam & 2010 Planning
next up, qiyam and 2010 planning. tentative details as follow:
venue: klasroom MIQ
time & date: 1800HRS 1st jan - 1200HRS 2nd jan
agenda ianya adalah:
1) settle COE
2) settle planning for 2010
3) settle planning for Jan-Mar programs.

Should be thats all for now. so sesiapa yang boleh datang do tell me n do come dwn k. we need everybody available to help achieve and make our goals...

Ustaz Khairani

Report: Pembukaan Bilik Belia Di An-Nahdhah (07 Nov 2009)

Assalaamu'alaikum~

Apa khabar semua? I'm still reeling from so many activities in the last few days haha :) Ok here's a report of the event:

Alhamdulillah, Bros Zaidi, Faisal, Amirul and Sisters Fathimah, Ain (adik Alang), Salsabila and Filzah and myself attended the Voicebox opening @ An Nahdhah on Saturday, 7th November 2009. This event was to officially open An-Nahdhah Youth's (NADY) Voicebox and to present its newly formed committee.

Upon arrival and registration, we were given some door gifts. These were a small box filled with sweets and a solat reminder bookmark, and a aL.I.V.E file containing An-Nahdhah's mosque newsletter and a NADY poster showcasing their events. Good stuff.

We toured NADY's very own youth hub, or room. The Voicebox, as it is known, is located on the fourth floor of An-Nahdhah mosque. It will be used as a meeting and 'chill-out' place. About the size of a small classroom, the Voicebox was recently renovated at a cost of $1K (donated by a kind insan). It is furnished with a chairs, cupboards, a sofa, dart board and even a soccer table! To top it off, colourful graffiti adorn the walls...cool!

We were then treated to some awesome food outside . Fried beehoon, bubor chacha (no, not our Chacha), delectable fruit tarts and other kuih-muih filled our stomachs and washed down with either tea or juice. There was also delicious chicken, sausages and fish balls barbequed by NADY's youths.

A mishap happened in the barbeque though. Glowing hot coals burned through the thin aluminium tray that contained them and resulted in an explosion, breaking the tile underneath. Lesson learnt: Elevate the coals off the ground when you're barbequeing.

As we ate, NADY's youths entertained us with a silat performance, jokes, music, and performances by Bros Zaky (the emcee) and Syahril, backed up by drums and electric guitar. Bro Zaky then introduced the NADY's newly-formed committee. Headed by Ustaz Effendi Suparde, NADY's Youth Development Officer (YDO), the committee comprises of specialist departments, namely Islamic, Creative, Development and Outdoor. Youth leaders from various mosque youth organisations were also invited to give some words of wisdom and well-wishes.

The event closed with a touching tadzkirah by Ustaz Effendi, about the 7 factions who will be under Allah's Protection; one of which is the youth who grows up in worship of Allah. May Allah Includes us among them too, Insya Allah.

All in all, I felt it was rather thoughtful of NADY to invite us for this event. In this way, they are opening to us, sharing with us who they are, and what they do. This in turn will open opportunities for us to network and to collaborate, and to learn from each other. By opening this bridge with us, we are constantly reminded of our work and struggle, and that there are others in the same fight as well; no 'us and them' mentality.

May Allah Bless us all, and our efforts, big and small.

Wassalaam.
Bro Imran
Arrijal Vice-Chairman

SuperFriday 2.10 : "Ink N' Islam"

Assalamualaikum wr.wb
This Month's SuperFriday discusses on the growing trend of INKing! (or tattooing, depending on your preferred reference)
Among the things that you YOUTHS will discuss on are : The growing trend of INKing (Why and what cause some others to ink emselves? friends? idolised rockstars? your brother?)

What complications does it come with? e.g the future. medical aspects etc
The INK in the eyes of Islam (Yes we know its Haram. But exactly WHY? we will give you the reasons). What if you already have it? (we'll present u a way forward of course!)
"Ink & Islam" is not to discriminate. We are here to voice opinions and discuss on them. This is a platform for you youths to voice out ur youthy issues. So join Us !

Contact Ustaz Khairani at 62814287 or email at muhd.khairani@alistiqamah.mosque.org.sg

Follow us on facebook: (Username: Arrijal Al-Istiqamah) and twitter : (Username: @Alistiqamah)

See you soon!

Selamat Hari Raya + Arrijal BBQ.

Assalamualaikum wr.wb Arrijalians,

Terutama sekali, sebelum terlewat, Ustaz ingin mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri Maaf Zahir & Batin. Mohon maaf kalau Ustaz ada terkasar bahasa dan tersalah
layan. Hope everyone is doing fine and living life to the fullest.

Firstly, Ustaz nak inform that Arrijal's Chairman, will be going through surgery on his torn knee ligament this coming Friday, 16 October. Marilah kita
ramai-rami mendoakan beliau agar semuanya berjalan baik dan lancar. And hopefully he will recover soon and meet up with us once again! Amin.

Secondly, Ustaz nak ucapkan selamat maju jaya kepada smua yang dah duduk for N' Levels dan yang bakal menghadapi O'Levels kelak. Remember this,
study hard but do not forget to seek help from Allah S.A.W. We plan but HE decides thus i am confident that you all will do well, Insya Allah.

Thirdly, i would like to welcome the new Youth Development Officer, Ustaz Khairani Basiran to Arrijal. He is a graduate of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
and he majors in Islamic Finance. Insya Allah he will be taking over my position and will continue our legacy! Marhaban Ustaz Khairani. Insya Allah Ustaz
will still be at MIQ for another month.

Akhir sekali, we will be having a BBQ and reunion for everyone. EVERY member of Arrijal dijemput hadir! Tentatively, the event will be:


Arrijal BBQ
Saturday, 14th November 2009
12 - 6pm
Changi Beach

We will keep u updated on this k? Hear from you soon ! Wassalam
Ustaz Md Izhar.

Arrijal's New Youth Development Officer (YDO)

A graduate of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Ustaz Khairani holds an Honours degree in Syariah with a major in Islamic finance. After graduation, he worked in the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) at the Office of Mufti for 2 months, answering Fiqh quiries among other tasks. Ustaz Khairani will also hold another appointment as Mosque Religious Officer (MRO) at Al-Istiqamah Mosque.

Ustaz Khairani shared his vision with the attendees for Al-Istiqamah Mosque: to shape it to be a centre of learning for Islamic finance, in particular Islamic inheritance, as he felt that such knowledge is crucial for the Islamic community.

In his vision for Muslim youth activism, Ustaz Khairani aspires to create programmes with Arrijal Istiqamah that reach out to ‘astray’ youth, and sustain them in those activities. He also mentioned that there is a need to market ourselves to stand out among the other youth organisations.

Arrijal Istiqamah welcomes Ustaz Khairani onboard!

Event Report : NEMC Ramadan Youth Camp 2009.

Arrijal Al-Istiqamah collaborates with 6 NEMC youth wings to make RYCamp ’09 a success. This national event was run collaboratively in other clusters as well. The theme set for this year is “The Call To Remember” which aims to instill values like compassion and resilience in our youths.
Overall, 140 youths attended NEMC’s RYCamp. There were also 40-strong Youth Leaders running the camp. In total, there were 180+ individuals that were involved in the Camp. On a micro level, there were 15 Arrijal participants and 10 Youth Leaders involved.
The event was kickstarted with a mass-cheer, meant to break the intangible barrier among the participants. They then sat through a Ramadan aL.I.V.E presentation by Ustaz Khairil and Ustaz Hanafi on the fundamentals of praying and fasting. The workshop was followed by a spiritual jamming session which challenged the participants to search for verses of Al-Qur’an related to vicegerency and responsibilities as human beings.
The camp focused as much on outdoor activities. As a symbol of appreciation, the participants were challenged to distribute porridge to pedestrians at Tampines Interchange, and were treated to a modified game of dog-and-bone afterwards. After Iftar, Maghrib, Isyak and Tarawih, they headed to Pasir Ris Park for the much awaited Need4Deen (ala Amazing Race).
The groups were divided into 15 groups for the race and they had to complete 15 checkpoints; each checkpoint had games they had to go through. At exactly 4am, the race finished and they had Nasi Lemak as Sahur before praying Subuh in congregation.
After reading the doa and a bit of Tazkirah, we made our way back to Darul Ghufran Mosque before saying our goodbyes. It was indeed a great experience for the participants and the Youth Leaders as well. The YDOs are immensely impressed by the work ethics of the leaders. There is a sign of progress and an indication that since the ITQAN camps, our Youth Leaders are progressing well.

Enjoy the shuttertreats :

Event Report : Do Good Feel Good '09

As what the event name suggests, the Social Development Unit of Al-Istiqamah Mosque embarked on another (yes we are already in e 3rd yr!) DGFG project which aims at contributing and appreciating the community, our neighbours specifically. Another main objective is to manifest the ihsan/compassion in us towards others.

The event was organized by various departments of the mosque; Arrijal, Muslimin and Muslimah volunteers, and Al-Istiqamah staffs. It was heavily supported by various organizations namely Hwi Yoh Court RC, MAEC Braddell Heights, Serangoon Moral Family Service Centre, Qaryah Kejiranan Masyarakat Islam Serangoon Ave 2/3, Singapore Nurses Association and St. Gabriel Secondary School.

In total, there were 140 participants in this community service project. The event was further graced by the MP of Marine Parade GRC, Mr. Seah Kian Peng who stayed over for iftar afterwards.

The participants sent items such as Nasi Briyani, canned food, fruits, oil and food vouchers. The recipients of these items consist of three groups:
- 51 Families listed under Al-Istiqamah’s FA list
- 65 Families listed under Serangoon Comcare and Moral Family Service Centre
- 200 Families of two neighborhood blocks

Thus there are 316 recipients in total. Interestingly, some of the participants sent these Ramadan gifts by foot, and some voluntarily send by driving their vehicles to the selected homes making the project even more colorful.

The objectives of the project were met and we got positive feedbacks from the recipients. The event bonded the participants and renew ties between the multi-religious and multi-racial organizations. The spirit of Ramadan relives and Do Good Feel Good looks forward to 2010! Congrats all!

Next Up : Ramadan Youth Camp, 5 - 6 September

Ramadan Youth Camp :: The Call To Remember

Assalamualaikum wr.wb,

Ramadan Youth Challenge invites you to:

Ramadan Youth Camp '09
:: The Call To Remember ::
Sat-Sun, 5 - 6th September 2009
Masjid Darul Ghufran

$10 ONLY !
For Youths Aged 13-21 Years Old

This Ramadan, be on board the RYCamp bandwagon as we aim to recharge our spiritual batteries! Events include SPIRITUAL JAMMIN', NEED4DEEN, AMAZING RACE,aL.I.V.E Workshop and much much more.

What am i blabbering about? Join us to find out and experience these life-changing events!

You will receive a goodie bag which contains t-shirt and buttonbadges ! To register, please fill in the attached form and send it to muhd_izhar@alistiqamah.mosque.org.sg
or alternatively you can pass it to the counter of either Masjid Al-Istiqamah or Masjid Darul Ghufran. For enquiries contact Hidayah at 81004636.

This is THE CALL TO REMEMBER. It is your choice to answer.

Wassalam.

Ramadan Youth Challenge Is Back!

UNITY. VIRTUE. HARMONY. COMPASSION. RESILIENCE

Up Next : Do Good Feel Good !

Assalamualaikum wr. wb.

In the spirit of Ramadan, the month of blessing and compassion, the Social Development Unit of Al-Istiqamah Mosque will be organizing :

Do Good Feel Good !

Saturday, 29th August 2009

2 - 6 pm

Al-Istiqamah Mosque

Do Good Feel Good is open to ANYONE who are willing to serve the community by giving out can food, porridge and other necessities to families-in-need. Ramadan is a month of blessing and compassion thus this is YOUR chance to do a good deed and feel good about it !

To register, fill in a form at the mosque's counter and return it to our staff or email at muhd_izhar@alistiqamah.mosque.org.sg your particulars.

Contact Shahruddin or Ustaz Izhar at 62814287 for more details.

Hope to see you all soon! Wassalam.

SuperFriday 2.7 : X-Rated Encore

Assalamualaikum wr.wb

Arrijal Al-Istiqamah Presents You:

SuperFriday 2.7 - "X-Rated" Encore
Friday, 31st July 2009
2-3pm
Level 2, Masjid Al-Istiqamah

This month's Superfriday edition will discuss youth issues that are X-RATED in nature. Issues such as love, relationships and sexuality (things u wont discuss wif ur parents most of the time!) such as questions like :

AM I IN LOVE OR IS ITJUST A CRUSH?

WHY DON'T I HAVE A "BEAU" YETT?

WHY DOES ISLAM SEE BEING 'IN A RELATIONSHIP' AS UNHEALTHY? IM NOT GONA DO ZINA WHAT??

Okay okay stop beating urself over these questions. Come to SuperFriday and lets dig and talk about these things that have been giving u goose pimples, heart throbs & heartbreaks !

We are open to GIRLS & BOYS OF ALL AGES. SuperFriday is a program from youths for youths. A place for you to vent suppressed issues of the heart.

See you when i see you. Wassalam.

Xoxo,
Arrijal.

Stay Tune: X3 2009 Archives.

stay tune for X-Cube 2009 video compilation.

Official X-Cube photos uploaded, check it out at

http://archives.arrijal.org

SuperFriday 2.5: X-Rated.

Assalamualaikum wr.wb

Arrijal Al-Istiqamah Presents You:

SuperFriday 2.5 - "X-Rated"
Friday, 29th May 2009
2-3pm
Level 2, Masjid Al-Istiqamah

This month's Superfriday edition will discuss youth issues that are X-RATED in nature. Issues such as love, relationships and sexuality (things u wont discuss wif ur parents most of the time!) such as questions like :

AM I IN LOVE OR IS ITJUST A CRUSH?

WHY DON'T I HAVE A "BEAU" YETT?

WHY DOES ISLAM SEE BEING 'IN A RELATIONSHIP' AS UNHEALTHY? IM NOT GONA DO ZINA WHAT??

Okay okay stop beating urself over these questions. Come to SuperFriday and lets dig and talk about these things that have been giving u goose pimples, heart throbs & heartbreaks !

We are open to GIRLS & BOYS OF ALL AGES. SuperFriday is a program from youths for youths. A place for you to vent suppressed issues of the heart.

See you when i see you. Wassalam.

Xoxo,
Arrijal.

X3 2009: Xplore. Xperience. Xchange. (Dateline for Registration Extended!)

Closing date for registration
extended to 20th May 2009.

Have you ever had the experience of being in an Amazing Race around KL? or experience abseiling, flying fox & jungletrekking subsequently? Or have u ever tot how KL youths live their everyday lives?

Well, here's your CHANCE to experience it.

Arrijal Al-Istiqamah, will be organising an overseas trip to Malaysia from 5th June 2009 to 8th June 2009. This programme is a platform for Singapore youths to seek new horizons by experiencing and exploring cultures and values of youths in other countries.

The main highlight of this trip would be KL Pursuit(Amazing Race) in Kuala Lumpur and outdoor adventure at Rebutia ! You will also be given a chance to engage with the students of Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) and other Youth Wings in KL.

The total cost per person would only be $150(inclusive of transport, food and lodging). However, should we be able to fund-raise, the price per person would be lowered as low as $40!!

Closing date for registration extended to 20th May 2009. There are limited spaces so act now!

Join Us! To register, simply contact
Ustaz Muhd Izhar at 811 59205(hp) 6281 4287 (office)
Drop an email to Firdaus Khan: fir1987@hotmail.com

Get the Forms from Majid Al-Istiqamah!

SuperFriday 2.4 - "De-Stress!"

SuperFriday 2.4: "De-Stress!"
Friday, 24th April 2009
2-3pm
Level 2, Masjid Al-Istiqamah

Assalamualaikum luvly youths..

ok, so exam is around the corner and everyone is going through the same old same old thing..study, get stressed, some cry, some hafta get their hands on their PSPs or Xboxs, some have to play football, some have to shop.everyone has their own unique way of destressing..rite? but have it ever hit you or have u ever asked urself..

IS STRESS ALL THAT BAD?

HOW CAN FOOTBALLERS PERFORM IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE? OR HOW CAN SAY,DAVID COOK SING SO WELL IN FRONT OF SIMON COWELL?

HOW CAN YOU OVERCOME AND MANAGE STRESS?

WHY DO YOU PRAY FIVE TIMES A DAY BUT STILL DON'T FEEL LESS STRESSED?

of course it did cross ur mind! so here's the deal. SuperFriday 2.4 this time around will explain how stress can make u a better student and person. we will give u the necessary tools to become SUPERRR during examinations. amacam? mcm bedek kan?

all u have to do is attend SuperFriday 2.4 and be empowered! as easy as that. far more easy than reading a chapter of ur textbook, rite? free lunch will be provided as usual. i'll see u on the 24th April :D

till then, enjoy e shuttertreats from last months' SuperFriday. salam

Event Report: Arrijal Soccer Camp '09

Arrijal Soccer Camp '09 "Healthy Mind=Healthy Mind" was a 2-days soccer camp held at Masjid Al-Istiqamah and Yio Chu Kang Pri Sch Soccer Field (awesome field!).
First day: Participants from various schools registered aand were divided into groups accordingly. (We ensured they weren't in the same group as their friends :P)They were put through an ice-breaking regime of juggling sepaktakraw balls & the more challenging capteh @ rooftop. the record was 27 juggles! weewit. some even got 'punished' with push ups. hehe

The troops gelled and settled in quite well with their new team-mates. They made flags and came up with unique names for emselves such as Ultimatum FC & Kelong Gila FC. They then headed to the much-anticipated training session with Hj Tohari Paijan & Patrick (their all time-fav Nigerian coach) at YCK Primary. They are taught shooting, passing, defending and even starjumps! They then had a short two a-side session to prepare for the match-ups the next day.

After Maghrib, the mode of the camp changed to a more serious one. Ustaz emphasized on the importance of knowing their identity as a Muslim youth and to be proud of themselves. "Beauty is subjective and the best is for u to be what u really are n not sumone else" they then performed skits based on different themes.some were quite funny and sent out gd messages through their talents in acting.We then discussed on the dangers of smoking and what is Islam's stand on it. Chun Teik (the only chinese troop) commented: "Smokers are usually pressured by their peers, thus it's quite hard for them to overcome this"

After a video session, they slept and prepared themselves mentally for a fun second day.

Second Day: The regime started at 5am and the troops did Qiyamulail led by Arrijal's chairman,Firdaus.Before going off for the carnival, they were taught on another important ethic and value, which is respect "if u seriously want to be respected,u hafta start respecting others first!" everyone made a pact to show mutual respect on and off the field.


The teams hustled, huffed and puffed on a scorching sunday noon. Goals were scored and conceded.Alas one team emerged as champions in the juior and senior category respectively.(we would like to take this opportunity to thank Milo & Newater for sponsoring the drinks!it hydrate the troops well :D)

Back to the mosque, medals and prizes were given to the winning teams & to the respected coaches.congrats to the champions! and also to the best camper, Mohd Isa Bin Saman (ey kal him sabun. wot?)

After a round of selawat n salam. the troops dispersed with lessons and values at heart, and jello legs.

Healthy Mind = Healthy Body !..keep that in mind and legs, troops! till then..

Report By: Nursyahirah Bte Mohd Roslan
Arrijal Exco Committee

Soccer Clinic Phototreats!