MODUL PERKULIAHAN

BAHASA INGGRIS
PROGRAM STUDI IQT

Pengampu : Latifah Dwi Ariyani, S.S., M.Hum

UNIVERSITAS SAINS AL-QUR’AN

JAWA TENGAH DI WONOSOBO
1st Meeting: INTRODUCTION
How to Introduce Yourself in English - Tips and Tricks

Learning how to introduce yourself in English will guarantee that you start off on
the right foot in every situation. While there are different ways to introduce
yourself in different situations, there are tips and tricks that you can learn to
introduce yourself in both professional and social situations. In this blog, we’ll
take you through the best ways to introduce yourself in English.

Unfortunately, textbooks and language classes often fail us. They teach us how
to introduce ourselves in forced and unnatural ways. There are only a few
scenarios where you’ll need to ramble off as much information about yourself as
possible in a few short minutes. Keep reading to learn some new and interesting
ideas and sound like a native English speaker when you introduce yourself in
different scenarios.

What is Self Introduction

Self-introduction is when you introduce yourself to another person or a group of
people in a formal interview or a casual meetup at a party. If someone asks you for
a self-introduction, they are asking you to summarise the most relevant
information about yourself and your life. A self-introduction should include
important information that is relevant to the context you’re introducing yourself
in. In a job interview, your focus will be on your work
achievements, however, at a party, you’re more likely to talk about your
hobbies, what you do, and where you live.

Tips For Self Introduction in English

The way you introduce yourself will vary from situation to situation - but the secret
is always confidence. Confidence is key. The more confident you feel when you
give a self-introduction, the better you will introduce yourself. Follow these tips to
nail your next self-introduction and to exude confidence - even when you might
not feel very confident.

Understand The Context

The situation will determine the type of introduction you will use. Don’t make
the mistake of preparing a one-size-fits-all self-introduction. Instead, think
about the different situations where you commonly introduce yourself and try
to come up with a unique introduction for each situation.
Keep It Short And Sweet
Whether you’re introducing yourself to a new friend or at a job interview, it’s
important to get to the point quickly. Avoid beating around the bush or talking
in circles. The people you are speaking to want a summary of your life and not
your whole life story.

Speak Slowly
Don’t rush through your self-introduction. You can speak slower and expand on
different points if you keep your introduction short and sweet. No one wants
to hear you rush through every single detail of your life. Rather, they will be
interested in listening to you speak well about the most interesting facts about your
life.

Only Include Relevant Information

It’s easy to go off-topic and overshare about areas of your life that are perhaps not
appropriate for the specific situation you’re in, so make sure that you stay on topic
when introducing yourself.

If you’re in a job interview, it’s important to only share relevant information that
the interviewer would want to hear. You can talk about yourself and your
interests, but be sure to also include your achievements, qualifications, and other
relevant information about yourself that makes you suitable for the job position.

The same rule applies to casual introductions. Don’t go on and on about

yourself. Introduce yourself and what you think is most interesting about you and
then allow the other person to ask more questions.

Practice Self Introductions

Job interview self-introduction can become second nature if you practice it over
and over again. Practice the introduction in front of a mirror or record yourself
until you are completely comfortable with the self-introduction.

You can also practice self-introductions for social situations if you know that
you’ll be meeting new people at an event. It’s common for people to want to know
a little bit about your life when they meet you and pre-planning what you say
will guarantee that you express yourself well in a short space of time.
Use Correct Grammar
If you’re talking about yourself and the things you do regularly then you must use
the present simple tense. If you’re talking about your experiences then use the
present perfect tense. If you’re talking about the duration you’ve been doing
something then use the present perfect or present perfect continuous with
FOR/SINCE.

How Can I Start My Self Introduction

in English?
A great way to start a self-introduction in English is by starting with your name
and occupation or field of study. “Hello, my name is Harry, and I’m an
English teacher.” This short and sweet introduction allows you to follow with
more information about yourself and your career. If you’re casually introducing
yourself, then starting with your name and occupation will give the other person
the opportunity to ask you more about it.

If you’re completing a self-introduction for an interview, it’s a great idea to talk

about your profession and qualifications first and then move on to your
hobbies, interests, and ideas you can offer the company.

How Can I Introduce Myself in 10 lines

in English?
You can introduce yourself in 10 lines in English by including your name,
where you live, and a few important facts about your professional and social
life.

“Hello and nice to meet you. My name is Harry. I am 35 years old and I’m an
English teacher. I have been teaching English for over 10 years. I studied English
at Oxford University and I graduated in 2003. I am from the UK, however, I’m
currently living and teaching in China. My hobbies include cooking and watching
movies. I enjoy reading and spending time with my friends in my free time.”

Follow these guidelines to introduce yourself in 10 lines:

Start with a standard greeting: Hello, nice to meet you

1. Introduce yourself by name: I’m.../my name is…

2. Introduce your age (if you want to): I’m … years old
 3. Include your profession: I am an…(English teacher/student/stay-at-home
parent)
4. Include how long you have done your job: I’ve been teaching/studying for…
5. Include the university or school you studied at: I studied at…
6. Include where you’re from: I’m from…
7. Include where you live now: I live in…
8. Include your hobbies: my hobbies are/my hobbies include…
9. Include other interests: I enjoy running/sleeping/eating/playing football.

What is English Everyday

English Everyday is an English course with 24/7 live speaking lessons for
English learners who want unlimited speaking practice with native speakers,
professional teachers, and students from around the world.

You have live speaking lessons where you can join an unlimited amount of
lessons every day. There's a lesson almost every hour and you can join all of them
and also, you can review all record lessons. English Everyday contains a lot
of conversation practice for each level of English (A2, B1-B2, C1), and also you
have a calendar of scheduled lessons so you can see when lessons are and at what
time you can join and start speaking.

In English Everyday program, you have 24/7 support and also you have student
chat where you can speak with other students from all around the world. You
can look at our feedback page so that you can know from which countries our
students are. Before you join our program, we strongly recommend you sign up for
our free seminar with Kris Amerikos, where you can learn:

What goals you need to have to get better results

 How to become fluent in English very quickly

 What you need to do to have perfect pronunciation
 The 3 biggest mistakes you need to avoid
 Which free resources will help you learn English
 The best resource to use to improve your speaking

Examples of Introducing Yourself in

English
Introducing yourself in a foreign language can be extremely nerve-wracking. If
introducing yourself in English is challenging for you, stick with the basics and
keep your sentences short. The best thing you can do when introducing yourself
in English is to be clear and concise. Don’t try to overdo the introduction or
dress it up with too much fancy vocabulary and phrasal verbs - you want to be
understood clearly so keep your sentences concise and specific to the situation.

We must also always assess the situation in which we are introducing ourselves.
If it’s a job interview introduction, then we mustn’t expect to have a two-way
conversation. We are expected to share as much relevant information about
ourselves as possible in no longer than 3 to 5 minutes. If we’re introducing
ourselves in a casual setting, then we must use a two-way conversation to
introduce ourselves. If the person we’re speaking to is interested in hearing more
then they will ask follow-up questions. It’s also a great opportunity to return the
questions and find out more about the person we are speaking to.

In A Casual Situation:

“Hello. It’s great to meet you. My name is Sarah. What’s your name?”

“Morning. I’m Tom. Good to meet you. How’s it going?”

“Hi. I’m Matt. What’s your name?”

In A Job Interview:

“Hello. My name is Sally. Firstly, thank you for your time this morning. I
appreciate this opportunity. I am an IT specialist. In terms of my qualifications, I
studied at Stanford University. I graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree
in information technology. Once I finished my degree, I started working at XYZ
company. So far, I have over 10 years’ experience in the IT field. I have worked
with some of the top names in the IT field such as... I’ve learned a lot through my
experience and I would like to keep challenging myself and growing my skills.”

Tips To Introduce Yourself in a Casual

Meetings in English
It’s common to introduce yourself in casual meetings in English. Casual meetings
are different from very formal greetings like a job interview because they are two-
way conversations. There is no need to ramble off all of your achievements in
life when casually introducing yourself. It’s also good to express interest in the
other person you’re speaking to. Every so often, you should take a moment to
ask a question to find out more about the other person.

Example:

Sarah: “Hi. I’m Sarah. What’s your name?”

Peter: “Morning. My name is Peter. Where are you from?”
Sarah: “I’m from America. What about you?”

Peter: “I’m from the UK.”

Sarah: “That’s cool. What do you do?”

Peter: “I’m a teacher. And you?”

Sarah: “I work as a real estate agent.”

Peter: “How long have you been a real estate agent?”

Sarah: “For about 2 years. How long have you been teaching?”

Peter: “I’ve been teaching for 5 years.”

This is an example of how a casual introduction develops through a

conversation instead of one person talking about themselves for 5 minutes
straight.

Learn The Phrases To Start a Conversation

It can be difficult to start a conversation with a stranger. We can use lead-in words
(well or so) before we start speaking to introduce the fact that we’re starting a
conversation. It is common to start a conversation with a question rather than
jumping in with an introduction.

The way we start a conversation will depend on who we are speaking to. If we’re
speaking to a stranger, we usually use an introductory question to find out more
about them like ‘hi, what's your name?’ If we’re starting a conversation with a
friend or acquaintance, we can ask questions like ‘how have you been?’

Examples of introductory questions:

“So, what’s your name?”

“I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Jessica. What’s your name?”

“Hi! It’s nice to meet you. Where are you from?”

“What are you doing here today?”

“What did you think of the performance?”

“Long time no see! How have you been?”

“How’s your family doing?”

“So, are you still working at XYZ company?”

Be Ready To Answer for Questions About Yourself

There are a limited number of questions people can ask you about your life - so
why not practice your answers to be ready to answer them? If you practice the
answers to personal questions about your life then you will never be caught off-
guard.

We know that people will ask us questions when they meet us for the first time, so
run the questions through your head a few times to be sure that you are ready to
answer them. The more you practice, the more natural the sentences will sound
and they will come to your mind a lot faster.

Examples of common questions:

“Where are you from?” “I’m from the UK.”

“Where do you live?” “I live in New York”

“How long have you lived in New York?” “I’ve lived in New York for 5 years.”

“How old are you?” “I’m 26 years old.”

“What do you do?” “I’m an accountant.”

Ask Some Questions to Continue Conversation

It’s important to show interest and sound polite when you’re introducing yourself
in English. If you want the conversation to flow naturally then you must ask
follow-on questions. The conversation can fall flat and die very quickly if you
don’t keep asking questions. The person you’re speaking to might lose interest if
you only speak about yourself without asking them any questions. If there is a
moment of silence then it’s a great opportunity to throw in another question
to keep the ball rolling. You can change the topic or the focus on the question to
keep it interesting.

For example:

Person 1: “Hello. Where are you from?”

Person 2: “I’m from Turkey and you?”

Person 1: “I’m from China.”

Person 2: “So what brings you to America?”

The above conversation could have died after “I’m from China,” but the follow-on
question “so what brings you to America?” gives you something else to talk about.
Hopefully, the other speaker will return the question and another topic of
conversation will arise. Keep asking questions to keep the conversation
flowing.

Be Nice and Confident

Confidence is key in every situation in life. We must show our confidence
through the way we hold ourselves and the way we speak. We will naturally
make other people feel more comfortable when we feel confident. The next time
you introduce yourself, focus on the way that you hold your body and make sure
you have a smile on your face - and don’t forget to make eye contact.

Most people go blank when they introduce themselves and forget everything that
they know about themselves. To prepare yourself, listen to other people’s
introductions if you can and run through some phrases in your mind before it’s
your turn to introduce yourself.

Tips To Introduce Yourself in a Formal

Meetings in English
The only time you’ll be required to introduce yourself in the way you usually learn
in English classes is in a job interview or before you give a speech. In every other
situation, it’s common to engage in an introductory conversation. However, there
are a few differences between casual greetings and formal greetings.

Use Formal Phrases to Start Introducing Yourself

Formal phrases to introduce yourself in English are never reduced and they are
not question phrases either.

Examples:

“Hello.”

“Good morning/good afternoon/good evening.”

“Hello, ladies and gentlemen.”

“Hello everyone.”

It’s also considered more formal to use ‘my name is…’ instead of ‘I’m…’

If you have spoken to the person via email and not met in person say:

“It’s a pleasure to meet you in person.”

“It’s great to officially meet you.”

Other useful formal phrases include:

“Thank you for taking the time to speak to me today.”

“I am grateful for your time and this opportunity.”

Prepare Some Information About Your Work Experience

Once you have introduced yourself and told everyone your name, you must be
prepared for questions like “what do you do?” or “where do you work?”

Introduce your profession:

“I’m a teacher/doctor/professor/electrician.”

“I work as a teacher/doctor/professor/electrician.”

“I work in the education industry/medical field”

Use the present perfect or present perfect continuous tense with

FOR/SINCE to talk about the duration of your career:

“I have been teaching for 10 years.”

“I have worked as a doctor for the last 20 years.”

Say Things That Make You Special at Your Work

There’s nothing wrong with a humble brag about your work-life - especially if
you’re in a job interview.

For example:

“I’m a doctor. I’ve been working on curing cancer for the last 10 years and we’re
finally making breakthroughs.”
Sharing this kind of information keeps the conversation flowing. The person you
are introducing yourself to can ask for more information and you can also ask
questions about their achievements at work.

Practice With Someone Before You Go on Formal Meet

A native English speaking partner is the best resource for learning how to
introduce yourself in English. They can help you sound fluent and natural when
you introduce yourself in English. Unfortunately, the way we usually learn to
introduce ourselves in language classes is rarely the reality. This can lead to
introductions that sound unnatural. An English speaking partner will be able to
practice with you to help you sound as natural as possible before a formal meeting.

Best Phrases To Introduce Yourself in

English
It’s important to first start with a greeting that introduces who you are.

In formal situations:

“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Good morning. My name is… Thank you for your time today.”

“Good afternoon. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. How are you today?”

In casual situations:

“Hi! I’m…”

“Morning. I’m… How’re you doing?”

“Hey. My name’s … What’s your name?”

Then you can move on to talk a little bit about your life.

In formal situations:

“I work as a…”

“I work in the … industry/field”

In casual situations:

“I’m a …”

There are also different ways to introduce your hobbies in formal and casual
situations.

In formal situations:

“My hobbies include reading, writing and exercising.”

In casual situations:

“In my free time, I like to read, write and exercise.”

How To Introduce Yourself at

Different Places
There are countless ways to introduce ourselves in English. However, each way of
introducing ourselves is limited by the situation we’re in. Where we are when
introducing ourselves will determine the way we introduce ourselves.

At School
Most teachers want students to get to know each other. So, on the first day of
school, it’s common for a teacher to ask the class to introduce themselves and tell a
bit about themselves and their hobbies or interests.

If you’re lucky, you won’t be the first person to introduce yourself so you
can listen to other people’s introductions first. This will help you construct an
introduction that includes the same information.

How To Introduce Yourself At School:

As always, start with your name before talking about your hobbies and the
subjects that you enjoy at school. School introductions don’t need to be long
introductions. You can also end it with a ‘thank you’ to show that you’re finished
speaking instead of awkwardly trailing off.

“Hello, my name is… I enjoy reading, writing and going out with my friends. My
favourite school subjects are maths and science. I also go to dancing classes and
enjoy performing on stage. Nice to meet you. Thank you.”
At Work
You’re less likely to be put on the spot in the office but your new work colleagues
will probably want to know something about you. Answer their questions
confidently and ask some questions back. Work introductions will set the tone
for your relationship with your colleagues, so focus on being friendly and
welcoming.

How To Introduce Yourself At Work:

Start with your name and your position at the office and then start asking
questions to your colleagues.

“Hello, my name is… I’m the new salesperson. What’s your name?”

You can follow this question with others like: how long have you been working
here? How do things work around here?”

At work, it’s best to enter into a two-way introductory conversation to make

sure you’re showing as much interest in your colleagues as they show to you.

On Job Interview
You will need to be fully prepared to introduce yourself in a job
interview. This is one of the only times when you’ll be required to speak for 1 to
3 minutes about yourself, your work experience and your hobbies. The
interviewer will usually add follow-up questions, so be prepared to answer
their questions in your introduction as well.

How To Introduce Yourself In A Job Interview:

“Hello. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Firstly, thank you for your time today. I
appreciate this opportunity. My name is… and I am a … I have been working in
this field for over 10 years. I started working after I completed my Bachelor’s
Degree in ... Since then, I have worked for XYZ companies. I completed my
Master’s Degree in … while I was working at ABC company. Some of my career
highlights include… I am a team player and I love working with other people to
solve problems and come up with new and innovative solutions. Outside of work,
I love cycling, reading and spending time with my family.”

Above is an example of the points you can talk about when you introduce
yourself in a job interview. Take your time to expand on the points you speak
about. Focus on not rushing through the whole speech. Take a deep breath and
speak slowly and clearly. It’s important to remember that it’s not a race. If you
rush through the introduction, you’re at risk of missing out on important
information about yourself.

On Presentation
A presentation self-introduction is also not a two-way conversation. Before you
start a presentation, you should introduce yourself and share the relevant
information about yourself that concerns the presentation you’re about to give. If
it’s a work presentation, then introduce yourself, your position and what you
will be speaking about during the presentation.

How To Introduce Yourself Before Giving A Presentation:

“Hello, ladies and gentlemen. My name is … I work at ABC company and I am a

… Today, I’m going to share with you my research into…”

Once you have introduced yourself by name and occupation, you can also tell a
short story to introduce the topic or pose a question to your audience to get
them thinking. An introduction into a presentation should be well-thought-out,
witty and engaging. You want to capture your audience’s attention.
Presentations can be boring so let your audience know that yours will be engaging
and interesting from the beginning.

On Social Media
Social media introductions are usually a few short lines that include your name,
marital status, age, where you went to school and your current occupation.
Most people usually include where they live too. If you’re introducing yourself on
a platform like Instagram or Tiktok, you will want to come up with a short self-
introduction that summarizes who you are in a few words.

Examples:

“I’m Clara. 21. I’m from Seattle. I love the sun, the sea and relaxing with my
friends.”

At Class
To introduce yourself to your classmates, you must focus on asking as many
questions as you’re asked. First impressions count in class - so make sure you
start off on the right foot. Prepare some phrases to introduce yourself and talk
about your hobbies to make sure you’re ready for any questions you might be
asked.
Example:

“My name is Simon. I’m from the United States. I live in Germany. I’ve been
living here for 5 years. Where are you from?”

At Party
It’s common to answer questions like ‘so how do you know the host?’ or ‘what
do you do for a living?’ at a party when you’ve met someone for the first time.
These conversations are known as small talk and you could be required to speak
about anything from the weather to which high school you attended or if
you’re married or not.

An Example Of Small Talk:

Person 1: “Hi. What’s your name?”

Person 2: “I’m Chad and you?”

Person 1: “I’m Justin.”

Person 2: “Nice to meet you.”

Person 1: “You too. How do you know the host?”

Person 2: “We went to school together.”

Person 1: “That’s cool. We went to university together.”

Person 2: “Oh, you went to Harvard too? What did you study?”

Person 1: “Law. What do you do?”

Person 2: “I’m a freelance writer.”

References:
https://www.krisamerikos.com/blog/introduce-yourself
2nd and 3rd Meeting: Reading Speech in Correct Pronunciation (Practice)

Example: Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars are the core beliefs and practices of Islam:

1. Profession of Faith (shahada). The belief that "There is no god but God, and Muhammad
is the Messenger of God" is central to Islam. This phrase, written in Arabic, is often
prominently featured in architecture and a range of objects, including the Qur'an, Islam's holy
book of divine revelations. One becomes a Muslim by reciting this phrase with conviction.

2. Prayer (salat). Muslims pray facing Mecca five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-
afternoon, sunset, and after dark. Prayer includes a recitation of the opening chapter (sura) of
the Qur'an, and is sometimes performed on a small rug or mat used expressly for this purpose
(see image 24). Muslims can pray individually at any location (fig. 1) or together in a
mosque, where a leader in prayer (imam) guides the congregation. Men gather in the mosque
for the noonday prayer on Friday; women are welcome but not obliged to participate. After
the prayer, a sermon focuses on a passage from the Qur'an, followed by prayers by the imam
and a discussion of a particular religious topic.

3. Alms (zakat). In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims donate a fixed portion of their
income to community members in need. Many rulers and wealthy Muslims build mosques,
drinking fountains, hospitals, schools, and other institutions both as a religious duty and to
secure the blessings associated with charity.

4. Fasting (sawm). During the daylight hours of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar, all healthy adult Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink. Through this
temporary deprivation, they renew their awareness of and gratitude for everything God has
provided in their lives—including the Qur'an, which was first revealed during this month.
During Ramadan they share the hunger and thirst of the needy as a reminder of the religious
duty to help those less fortunate.

5. Pilgrimage (hajj). Every Muslim whose health and finances permit it must make at least
one visit to the holy city of Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia. The Ka'ba, a cubical
structure covered in black embroidered hangings, is at the center of the Haram Mosque in
Mecca (fig. 2). Muslims believe that it is the house Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic) built for
God, and face in its direction (qibla) when they pray. Since the time of the Prophet
Muhammad, believers from all over the world have gathered around the Ka'ba in Mecca on
the eighth and twelfth days of the final month of the Islamic calendar.

https://www.metmuseum.org/learn/educators/curriculum-resources/art-of-the-islamic-
world/unit-one/the-five-pillars-of-islam
Example: Text about Hajj
What Is Hajj In Islam?
The sacred pilgrimage of Hajj is comprised of a series of rites and rituals – some in order –
that provide a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge for the pilgrim. For example, a
pilgrim can expect to walk between 5km-15km per day, as Hajj requires some travel between
several locations in and around the vicinity of Makkah. Much of the pilgrimage takes place at
the Masjid al-Haram, where the Kaaba is located.

Hajj is a spiritual duty and a pillar of Islam, and for many, it is a once in a lifetime event.
Going more than once during your lifetime is permitted whilst sincerely seeking Allah’s
(SWT) (which means ‘The Most Glorified, The Most High) pleasure.
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do
any evil deed, will go back (free of sin) as his mother bore him.”

What Happens On Hajj?

Muslims who perform the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj are required to undergo a series of rites
and rituals which each offer their own unique purpose and wisdom.

Here are the 18 steps of Hajj at a glance:

The 18 Steps Of Hajj At A Glance:
1. Preparation and Intention
2. Enter state of Ihram
3. Tawaf x7
4. Safa and Marwa
5. Clip/Shave Hair (Umrah ends)
6. Resting and Praying
7. Enter state of Ihram
8. Arrive at Mina
9. Day of ‘Arafah
10. Muzdalifah (under the night sky)
11. Rami (stoning of the devil)
12. Qurbani
13. Shave Head
14. Tawaf al-Ifadha
15. Rami (stoning of the devil)
16. Spend night at Mina
17. Rami (stoning of the devil)
18. Farewell Tawaf al-Wida
Click here to view our step-by-step guide to performing Hajj, including everything you need
to know about how to perform this incredible journey. You can also download our easy-to-
follow Hajj guide here.
Why Do Muslims Go On Hajj?
Hajj is one of the fifth pillars of Islam, meaning it is obliged of every Muslim.

Here are the Five Pillars Of Islam:

1. Profession of Faith (Shahada). The belief and declaration that “There is no diety worthy
of worship except Allah, and Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬is the final Prophet sent by Allah.”
2. Prayer (Salah)
3. Alms (Zakat)
4. Fasting (Sawm)
5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Unlike prayer, Alms and Fasting, Hajj is required of every Muslim only once during their
lifetime, so long as they are physically, emotionally, and financially eligible. However,
Muslims are permitted to go more than once if they have the means.

The Hajj pilgrimage is a test of patience and temperament, and can be spiritually,
emotionally, and physically challenging. However the sanctity of this occasion provides an
experience and opportunity like no other for drawing closer to Allah (SWT), and many
Muslims around the world strive their whole lives for the opportunity to perform Hajj.
Learn more about the essentials of Hajj here.
How Many Muslims Go On Hajj?
Each year, millions of Muslims from all across the world travel by land, sea and air to
Makkah, Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. Approximately 2-3 million people attend Hajj each
year.

Here is how many people have attended Hajj in previous years:

1999: Over 1.8 Million

2009: Over 2.3 Million

2012: Over 3.1 Million

How Do You Prepare For Hajj?

While Hajj is first and foremost a spiritual duty, it is also very physically demanding and
preparing for Hajj is greatly encouraged for Muslims around the world.

As pilgrims walk on average between 5km-15km per day, it is encouraged for Muslims to
physically prepare for Hajj weeks in advance, so that the travel that is required between
locations across the five-six-day pilgrimage is not a shock to the system. Being physically
prepared provides an aide to the emotionally and spiritually demanding aspects of Hajj.
Read our step-by-step guide to performing Hajj, including everything you need to know
about how to prepare for it here.

Difference Between Hajj And Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are both sacred pilgrimages in Islam and share many of the same qualities,
rites, and rituals. However, there are some main differences, one of the biggest being that
 Hajj is a fifth pillar of Islam and required of every Muslim so long as they have the capacity,
whereas Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage.

Here are some more differences between Hajj and Umrah:

 Hajj can only take place between the 8th and 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah each year, whereas
Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.
 Hajj lasts approximately five to six days (depending on the sighting of the crescent moon),
whereas Umrah can be performed within a much shorter period – even a day!
 There are 18 steps to perform in Hajj, whereas there are far fewer in Umrah.
https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/resources/knowledge-base/five-pillars-of-
islam/hajj/what-is-hajj/

4th and 5th Meeting: Reading Al-Qur’an Translation in Correct Pronunciation

1. Surah Al-Fatihah

1. In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

2. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind,
jinns and all that exists).

3. The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

4. The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense
(i.e. the Day of Resurrection)

5. You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and
everything).

6. Guide us to the Straight Way

7. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the
way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who
went astray (such as the Christians).

https://www.noblequran.com/translation/surah1.html
 96. Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot)

1. Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists),

2. Has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood).

3. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous,

4. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen [the first person to write was
Prophet Idrees (Enoch)],

5. Has taught man that which he knew not.

6. Nay! Verily, man does transgress all bounds (in disbelief and evil deed,
etc.).

7. Because he considers himself self-sufficient.

8. Surely! Unto your Lord is the return.

9. Have you (O Muhammad ( )) seen him (i.e. Abu Jahl) who prevents,

10. A slave (Muhammad ( )) when he prays?

11. Tell me, if he (Muhammad ( )) is on the guidance (of Allah)?

12. Or enjoins piety?

13. Tell me if he (the disbeliever, Abu Jahl) denies (the truth, i.e. this
Qur'an), and turns away?

14. Knows he not that Allah does see (what he does)?

15. Nay! If he (Abu Jahl) ceases not, We will catch him by the forelock,

16. A lying, sinful forelock!

17. Then, let him call upon his council (of helpers),

18. We will call the guards of Hell (to deal with him)!
19. Nay! (O Muhammad ( ))! Do not obey him (Abu Jahl). Fall prostrate
and draw near to Allah!

https://www.noblequran.com/translation/surah96.html

6th and 7th Meeting: Writing Speechw to Write a Speech: A Guide to Enhance Your
Writing Skills

Speech is a medium to convey a message to the world. It is a way of expressing

your views on a topic or a way to showcase your strong opposition to a particular
idea. To deliver an effective speech, you need a strong and commanding voice, but
more important than that is what you say. Spending time in preparing a speech is as
vital as presenting it well to your audience.

Read the article to learn what all you need to include in a speech and how to
structure it.

Table of Contents
 How to Write a Speech?

 Self-Introduction
 The Opening Statement
 Structuring the Speech
 Choice of Words
 Authenticity
 Writing in 1st Person
 Tips to Write a Speech
 Frequently Asked Questions on Speech

How to Write a Speech?

Writing a speech on any particular topic requires a lot of research. It also has to be
structured well in order to properly get the message across to the target audience. If
you have ever listened to famous orators, you would have noticed the kind of details
they include when speaking about a particular topic, how they present it and how
their speeches motivate and instill courage in people to work towards an individual or
shared goal. Learning how to write such effective speeches can be done with a little
guidance. So, here are a few points you can keep in mind when writing a speech on
your own. Go through each of them carefully and follow them meticulously.
Self Introduction
When you are writing or delivering a speech, the very first thing you need to do is
introduce yourself. When you are delivering a speech for a particular occasion, there
might be a master of ceremony who might introduce you and invite you to share your
thoughts. Whatever be the case, always remember to say one or two sentences
about who you are and what you intend to do.

Introductions can change according to the nature of your target audience. It can be
either formal or informal based on the audience you are addressing. Here are a few
examples.

Addressing Friends/Classmates/Peers

 Hello everyone! I am ________. I am here to share my views on _________.

 Good morning friends. I, _________, am here to talk to you about _________.

Addressing Teachers/Higher Authorities

 Good morning/afternoon/evening. Before I start, I would like to thank _______ for giving
me an opportunity to share my thoughts about ________ here today.
 A good day to all. I, __________, on behalf of _________, am standing here today to
voice out my thoughts on _________.

The Opening Statement

It is said that the first seven seconds is all that a human brain requires to decide
whether or not to focus on something. So, it is evident that a catchy opening
statement is the factor that will impact your audience. Writing a speech does require
a lot of research, and structuring it in an interesting, informative and coherent
manner is something that should be done with utmost care.

When given a topic to speak on, the first thing you can do is brainstorm ideas and
pen down all that comes to your mind. This will help you understand what aspect of
the topic you want to focus on. With that in mind, you can start drafting your speech.

An opening statement can be anything that is relevant to the topic. Use words
smartly to create an impression and grab the attention of your audience. A few ideas
on framing opening statements are given below. Take a look.

 Asking an Engaging Question

Starting your speech by asking the audience a question can get their attention. It
creates an interest and curiosity in the audience and makes them think about the
question. This way, you would have already got their minds ready to listen and think.
  Fact or a Surprising Statement

Surprising the audience with an interesting fact or a statement can draw the attention
of the audience. It can even be a joke; just make sure it is relevant. A good laugh
would wake up their minds and they would want to listen to what you are going to
say next.

 Adding a Quote

After you have found your topic to work on, look for a quote that best suits your topic.
The quote can be one said by some famous personality or even from stories, movies
or series. As long as it suits your topic and is appropriate to the target audience, use
them confidently. Again, finding a quote that is well-known or has scope for deep
thought will be your success factor.

Structuring the Speech

To structure your speech easily, it is advisable to break it into three parts or three
sections – an introduction, body and conclusion.

 Introduction: Introduce the topic and your views on the topic briefly.
 Body: Give a detailed explanation of your topic. Your focus should be to inform and
educate your audience on the said topic.
 Conclusion: Voice out your thoughts/suggestions. Your intention here should be to
make them think/act.

Choice of Words
While delivering or writing a speech, it is essential to keep an eye on the language
you are using. Choose the right kind of words. The person has the liberty to express
their views in support or against the topic; just be sure to provide enough evidence to
prove the discussed points. See to it that you use short and precise sentences. Your
choice of words and what you emphasise on will decide the effect of the speech on
the audience.

When writing a speech, make sure to,

 Avoid long, confusing sentences.

 Check the spelling, sentence structure and grammar.
 Not use contradictory words or statements that might cause any sort of issues.

Authenticity
Anything authentic will appeal to the audience, so including anecdotes, personal
experiences and thoughts will help you build a good rapport with your audience. The
only thing you need to take care is to not let yourself be carried away in the moment.
Speak only what is necessary.

Writing in 1st Person

Using the 1st person point of view in a speech is believed to be more effective than a
third person point of view. Just be careful not to make it too subjective and sway
away from the topic.

Tips to Write a Speech

 Understand the purpose of your speech: Before writing the speech, you must
understand the topic and the purpose behind it. Reason out and evaluate if the speech
has to be inspiring, entertaining or purely informative.
 Identify your audience: When writing or delivering a speech, your audience play the
major role. Unless you know who your target audience is, you will not be able to draft a
good and appropriate speech.
 Decide the length of the speech: Whatever be the topic, make sure you keep it short
and to the point. Making a speech longer than it needs to be will only make it
monotonous and boring.
 Revising and practicing the speech: After writing, it is essential to revise and recheck
as there might be minor errors which you might have missed. Edit and revise until you
are sure you have it right. Practise as much as required so you do not stammer in front of
your audience.
 Mention your takeaways at the end of the speech: Takeaways are the points which
have been majorly emphasised on and can bring a change. Be sure to always have a
thought or idea that your audience can reflect upon at the end of your speech.

Frequently Asked Questions on Speech

Q1

How to write a speech?

Writing a speech is basically about collecting, summarising and structuring your
points on a given topic. Do a proper research, prepare multiple drafts, edit and revise
until you are sure of the content.
Q2

Why is it important to introduce ourselves?

It is essential to introduce yourself while writing a speech, so that your audience or
the readers know who the speaker is and understand where you come from. This
will, in turn, help them connect with you and your thoughts.

tRhttps://byjus.com/english/how-to-write-a-speech/
8th and 9th Meeting: Mid Test

1. Make a short speech in English

2. Choose Islamic Topic

3. Include Al-Qur’an or Hadits to strengthen your speech and give the

translation of the quotations you take.

4. Read in front of the class.