Fill My Eyes With Light!

Talib had packed plenty of fruit and water for his journey, as he didn’t know when he would find more supplies. His horse was strong, but heavily laden. He rode steadily, enjoying the fresh air and quiet of the track, with the vast sky reminding him how small he was in the Universe. Soon, the sun told him it was time for Zohr, as it had reached it’s highest point and started to sink again. Talib felt a little sad in the silence as he was used to praying in jamaat. He was soon comforted when he remembered that angels would join him.

He had a light snack after Zohr before re mounting his horse and setting off once again.  Suddenly, ahead of him, he saw his neighbour Abdullah, sitting in the middle of the road looking sad. Abdullah was holding his kurta scrunched up at the side and his brow was creased to match it.

"As salaamu alaikum" Talib called out. He was feeling excited to be Blessed with a companion.

" wa alaikum as salaam" replied Abdullah.

" You look ancient with all those creases on your face, what troubles you my friend?" Talib had jumped down from his saddle now, and held out his hand to Abdullah with a big smile. Abdullah looked at him hopefully, and explained that he had bought a nice new kurta for the long journey that was a stronger material than all his others, but when he mounted his horse it had caught on the saddle and ripped. Now he needed a needle and thread to fix the nice new kurta, but he didn’t have one with him.

"Alhamdulillah!" declared Talib. "Here, take this." and he handed Abdullah a needle and thread with which he quickly mended the fabric.

As he fixed the last stitch, both men jumped in fright at a loud noise in the tree next to them.
A feather floated free from the bird who had disturbed them, to land on the ground at their feet. 

They both laughed that something so delicate had given them such a fright and breathed a sigh of relief that it wasn’t serious.

"Ahhhh".

At present we home educate around the Waldorf curriculum using Christopherus resources as a guideline. I modify some teaching stories to make them personal to us, as the writer behind Christopherus publications is from a Christian / anthroposophical background, and I do not adhere to either of these philosophies, (I think they may be called philosophies without any offence - certainly none intended). I find Donna’s work helps me to tap into my more practical side rather than being the dreamer I tend to be more naturally! We did some letters earlier in the year, so this is a recap to keep to intention of having a reference for the younger children.
When I have got the hang of picture taking I will probably post some of the children’s work here - this is the biggest thing I find missing in terms of Waldorf education on the web - we need more Mamas to post how it actually looks! Unless of course one has attended a Waldorf school and is already familiar with a range of working examples. So, here was our first story:

As the crescent moon crossed the clear sky, Talib knew it was time for his journey to begin. For some years now he had kept the company of Sheikh Hudhayfa, learning from him about Allah so that he might draw close to his Creator. They shared a small hut, and the people would come to Sheikh Hudhayfa to hear his words of wisdom, as well as for their problems to be heard by him.

Sheikh Hudhayfa had knowledge of Allah, and he helped his mureeds to become better Muslims who would gain good characters and be pious. Sheikh Hudhayfa was also a traditional healer and used herbs and homeopathy to heal whoever came to him.

This traditional path Talib had been treading for years, but his new journey was to perform the pilgrimage to the Sacred House, the Ka’ba in Mecca. It would take him long weeks to travel to Mecca and the crescent of Dhul Qa’da was the sign he must set off.

Talib was a tall, truthful man who always wore a turban. He knew that on his journey there would be many tests, but he trusted that Allah would take care of him and was eager to perform his pilgrimage. So, as he sighted the crescent moon his heart felt light and full of joy. He gave his salaam to Sheikh Hudhayfa and mounted his horse. His adventure had begun…

THE CRISP CRESCENT CROSSED THE CLEAR SKY. 

HUDHAYFA HEALS WITH HERBS AND HOMEOPATHY.

TALIB IN HIS TURBAN WAS TALL AND TRUTHFUL.