Weekly Discussion Circle: purpose and structure

The purpose of the discussion circle is to provide a venue for us to present and share ideas and concerns which affect us on an individual level or as a society as a whole.

The structure of the sessions is a 15 min introduction of the topic by one of the members followed by 45-60min group discussion.

Last semester the discussion circle was characterized by having an open, respectful, non-judgmental and comfortable environment. Topics discussed last semester included: Problems faced by international and first-year students, culture shock, religious diversity, how Islam guides our relationship with our Lord and with people, backbiting, double standards among Muslims, gender interactions, handling stress, and dealing with different opinions.

Please spread this to those who you think will benefit.

If you have any questions please email me.

Salams
Bassem

ps. Below are some topic suggestions that we will be discussing this semester. Please respond to this message by selecting the one that most interests you or suggest a topic that you would like to be discussed and send it to bghamian@gmail.com

Balancing our lives: stories from the sahaba
Session about how to balance our spiritual lives with our professional lives.

The place of culture in Islam
A session explaining how Islam dealt with the different cultures of different nations and how it applies today.

Forgotten Manners
A session on Islam's emphasis on manners and the role of manners in an Islamic revival.

Dawah- two understandings
A session about the two different perceptions of what dawah is.

Islam as a core: a three part series
Part 1: A day in the life of the Prophet peace be upon him.
A session detailing how the Prophet divided his day and carried out his activities, a lifestyle which is followed till this day by the most productive individuals in society, both Muslim and non-Muslim.
Part 2: The components of good deeds: Action, Intention, and the Sunnah
Explaining the essentials of good deeds focusing on intentions and defining the sunnah.

Part 3: Remembering remembrance.
A session on remembrance as a worship and how to implement it in our every living second.