Some people asked me whether I was nervous about getting on stage to speak in front of 250 people last Friday, or not.
To be honest, I was. Not because of the number of people or because of the hard topic or anything like that, but because of a very heartbreaking reason.
You see, I am a mother of a newborn who had to join me to my second student's Ameen party, because I am still not ready to leave her with anyone else while she is awake. Not yet!
Selma was quiet and smiling to my students who gathered around her and when I was informed that my speech should be given in 5 minutes, Selma pooped!
I got nervous!
My student's mother was so nervous, not because she had to carry Selma while I was giving a speech but because she was not sure her daughter would read Quran properly in front of the big number of people.
Me and the girl's mother shouldn't have! Seriously!
We should have trusted our two little girls, and we should have had more faith in Allah SWT that they'll do just great.
My speech was about the importance of teaching little kids how to read Quran. Starting at an early age. I recommended the Quran that is printed in colorful letters so that reading with tajweed would become easier.
I talked about how my student's parents were determined their girl finishes the Quran at an early age so she could read it again and again and then learn the meanings of the chapters.
I talked about my admiration of the whole idea of celebrating the completion of the Quran recitation. This kind of celebration does not exist in our culture -as far as I know!-. I mentioned that I would do my best to teach my girls how to read Quran and promise them a big party like the ones I attended.
If I could give a party as big, I would love to.
But being they had more guests than my wedding it's probably not likely!
The tables center pieces were beautiful.
The outfits worn were beautiful.
The giveaways were beautiful.
The food was delicious!
and my gift was beautiful!
Again, I am so proud of my 8 year old student. I was asked to read the Quran with her again for the second time. Her mom is my girls' babysitter so I mentioned that without her help I wouldn't have been able to teach any of my 21 students.
Soon, InshaAllah, I will get back to teaching.
I wish I can squeeze the 17 students on the waiting list in my schedule, it's just impossible. I have no time!
I just hope I can attend more Ameen parties for my students and I hope we encourage our kids to learn more about the holiest book in our houses.
