Alhamdolilah, last week with the help of a number of volunteers and the eagerness of partcipants, the teen seminar was a great success. We wish to thank all those who came out to attend the seminar and hope to Allah (SWT) that you all left by learning at least one new thing. The Prophet (SAW) told Imam Ali (AS) that if somebody learns one thing from you [Imam Ali] it will be more beneficial to them than the energy provided by the Sun. Our goal in life should be to learn as much as we can about the great religion and all that the Prophet (SAW) has left behind for us, for that is the only key to salvation. For those who missed the seminar, here's a recap of some of the issues discussed...

Adhab, Akhlaq, Hijab, and Gender Relations workshop:

1)  When Allah (swt) created the human being, he created it in two
parts. One part is like an empty car shell, used to hold something;
this is known as the body. The other part is like the engine; this is
known as the soul .Our body is such that it needs looking after. We
have to feed it and keep it warm, otherwise we will become ill and
suffer.  The soul, known as the Nafs, also needs looking after.
Otherwise it will also become ill. The way to look after this soul is
to listen, to think, to respect, and to help. When we help someone, we
feel happy, but it is not the body that feels happy. It is not the
arms, or the legs, or the head that feels happy, it is something else.
That something else is our Nafs. The Akhlaq of Islam is food for the
soul, and if we feed it regularly, it will remain healthy.

2) The infallibles avoided sin due largely to the purity of their
soul.  By avoiding haraam and/or negative environments and instead
taking care of their soul with the Akhlaq of Islam, they were able to
instinctively avoid bad language, music, and other temptations in the
same way we instinctively avoid simpler things like haraam food, etc.

3)  Is the head covering portion of Hijab mentioned specifically in Qur'an?
In Surah An Noor (24:31), the word khumur (pl. of khimar) refers to a
cloth which covers the head (including the ears), hair, neck and
bosom.  Misunderstanding of this verse may arise from a lack of
understanding and/or sufficient translation; the word khumur is
sometimes translated into veil rather than a cloth which covers the
head, neck, etc.

Ignoring Peer Pressure and Explaining Islam:
a) Concentrating on Islamic identity and accepting the unique and different personalities that make up the ummah. 
b) Remembering the ultimate goal....JANNAH (or jennah)
c) Accepting the fact that temptations exist, every soul will be tested, Promise from Allah (29:2)
d) Overcoming the temptations and test
   i)  Strengthening Eman and Deen externally factors (i.e. Friends, volunteering, coming to the masjid, Muslim events & activities)
   ii) Strengthening Eman and Deen internal factors (reading, listening, memorizing and understanding Quran, praying & fasting mostahab)