30 Years of English-Speaking Women’s Sunday Class
As one of the longest-running programs at the Mosque Foundation, the English Speaking Women’s Class on Sundays has been going on for nearly 30 years. The Mosque Foundation welcomes women, especially those with English as their native language, to attend this free Sunday afternoon class on the second floor of the Masjid, from 11:30 until the Dhuhr prayer.
Attendees spend the first part of the class reading 10 verses from the Quran, then learning the Tafseer of those verses from Sister Nour A. Idrees. The second part of the class is spent listening to a guest speaker who presents a topic that is relevant to current times or discusses various issues ranging from the basics of Islam and extending to more complex issues such as Islamic ethics, or the Seerah of the Prophet.
Although the lessons include important and related issues, attendees can expect to learn and discuss the issues in a relaxed atmosphere as a group. Ages of the attendees range from college-aged young adults, mothers with their young children and teenagers, all the way to immigrant older women. We also have African American women, Hispanic, Arab, American born converts, curious non-Muslims, and others. All are welcome and invited to join the discussion with their unique points of view.
Sister Jeanean Othman, who started out as a student of the class, now serves as the coordinator, and sometimes a guest speaker. For those interested in the program or have questions, you may contact her at: jeanean_othman@yahoo.com.
Join the 30 Year Sisterhood Every Wednesday
Every Wednesday evening at 5:00 pm, women of all ages are welcome to join a free, one hour class with Um al-Bara. The class is conducted in Arabic in the women’s section of the Masjid.
As one of the longest-running programs, this class has been taking place year-round for over 30 years to benefit women and build a strong sisterhood in a respectful and caring learning environment based on the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Some of the benefits of the class include attaining the blessings of the circles of knowledge, learning akhlaq (Islamic manners), self-discipline, enjoining good and forbidding evil, and forging a sense of sisterhood.
Sister Um al-Bara reminds us that seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim. This weekly class is offered as a regular space for women to learn at a steady pace so they can apply this knowledge in their daily lives and immediately share it with their families.
For those interested in the program or have questions, you may contact Sister Um al-Bara at: aishehsaid@gmail.com.
5 Before 5
By: Salem Abuammer
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) loves his followers so much that he gave us many pieces of advice to make our lives more fulfilling and devoted to Allah. From among his advice to us is to get the benefit of five before five:
Youth before old age. When we are young, we have a lot of energy to worship Allah (SWT), perform our daily responsibilities, and enjoy our lives. Unfortunately, it is easy to waste our youth on distractions that do not benefit us; so taking advantage of our youth with meaningful tasks is important.
Health before sickness. When we are healthy, we are able to perform our acts of worship to Allah (SWT) with ease. For example, fasting all day then praying Taraweeh at night during Ramadan are more easily accomplished when we are in full health. It’s only when our health declines or is compromised that we realize what a blessing it truly is. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain our health and not take it for granted.
Wealth before poverty. Wealth in this context isn’t only referring to the amount of money we own, but includes the blessings we have in our day to day lives, like our homes, cars, food, clothing, etc. It is necessary to thank Allah for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us and to share with those who are less fortunate. Sharing even a small amount of our wealth can go a long way for those with little.
Free time before preoccupation. This goes hand in hand with taking advantage of our youth before old age. Time is a valuable resource that we often take for granted. While we casually breathe at this very moment, someone else is taking their last breath. We only have a limited time in this life, so it is crucial that we make the most of every day by worshipping Allah (SWT) to the fullest and performing actions that please Him so that we may be showered with His mercy in this life and the next.
Life before death. One of the most important points that we should always be aware of is the fleeting nature of life. No one has a guarantee of how long they will live, so it is important to always behave in a manner that pleases Allah with the mindset that we may pass away at any time. This idea is summarized nicely in a hadith on the authority of Abdullah ibn Umar (RA), who said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) took me by the shoulder and said, “Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a wayfarer.” And Ibn Umar (RA) used to say, “In the evening do not expect [to live until] the morning, and in the morning do not expect [to live until] the evening. Take [advantage of] your health before times of sickness, and [take advantage of] your life before your death” (Sahih al-Bukhari Book 81, Hadith 5).
Salem Abuammer is a third-year computer science student at the Ilinois Institute of Technology.
Seeking Guidance Through Quranic Prayers
“Guide us unto the straight path. The path of those You have blessed. Not of those with whom there is displeasure. Not of those who went astray” (Quran 1:6-7).
If you are consistent with your five daily prayers, you will offer this prayer at least 17 times a day. It is an essentially established part of the Muslim prayer; thereby, I like to call it “the mandatory prayer.” The essentiality of this prayer in our spiritual journey alerts our minds to the importance of approaching Allah with a sincere heart, expressing our inward desire for guidance and our outward readiness for commitment. This prayerful act of the heart is the first step in our walk toward Allah and the first ingredient in nurturing our faith in Allah. In his Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil, Philips Zimbardo highlights how external situations, not merely genes and character, could lead many to unthinkable misbehavior settings. Our constant expression of seeking guidance keeps us alert and leads to receiving continuous divine help.
The prayer starts with asking Allah for genuine guidance as indicated by the phrase, “the straight path.” Then it moves on to define the desired path, not by theorizing its principles, but by highlighting the importance of following the footsteps of the blessed and associating ourselves with the masters of the path of guidance: the prophets, the pious and those who follow them. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim remarkably notes that this initial part of the prayer alerts our minds to the importance of spiritual companionship which guards against feelings of spiritual loneliness that could be aroused by the many distractions around us. As we associate ourselves with spiritually like-minded leaders and friends, we start generating a new zest for spiritual living more frequently. The Quran clearly teaches: “O you who believe, be mindful of Allah and be with the honest” (Quran 9: 119). Accordingly, being mindful is not enough. We need to complement our mindfulness of Allah with spiritual companionship.
Lastly, the prayer lists two barriers to real guidance: arrogance and ignorance. Some commentators on this prayer agree that one earns God’s displeasure when one knows the truth but fails to follow it whereas one goes astray when one takes the wrong path due to lack of knowledge. The Quran warns against arrogance as an obstacle to reaching divine guidance: “I will keep distracted from My signs those who behave arrogantly on Earth without any right, and who, even if they see every sign, will not believe in them; they will not take the way of right guidance if they see it, but will take the way of error if they see that. This is because they denied Our signs and paid them no heed” (Quran 7:146).
By Sh. Ahmed Arafat
Seeking Shade
Seeking Shade Program
Seeking Shade: A program on the first Saturday of each month at the Mosque Foundation for young men and women, ages 18-25.
Seeking Shade is a monthly program aimed for young adults and English-speakers in the community. The program is held on the first Saturday of every month at the Mosque Foundation and takes place for an hour before or after the ‘Isha prayer, depending on the season. Seeking Shade offers a platform for young adults to form a strong connection with the Masjid, participate in congregational prayers and form supportive relationships, thereby promoting a healthier, more spiritually connected community.
Seeking Shade attendees gain exposure to renowned and local scholars and speakers on a variety of topics including:
Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans on Spiritual Activism in the Social Space: The Legacy of Malcolm X
Dr. Mazen Atassi on Living the Sunnah A discussion on a holistic approach to health and wellness
Dr. Kamran Riaz on The Legacy of Hajar (A) The Ultimate Sacrifice & Power of Nothingness
The program continues to attract 100 or more attendees since its inception in the spring of 2013. Do not miss the next installment of Seeking Shade which holds the promise of shade, good company, and engaging discourse.
If you would like to receive texts from the SS team, text the number (567)-226-4639 with the message @h7272e and remember to Like our Facebook page: MFSeekingShade, for updates.
CALLING ON YOUNG WRITERS!
The Mosque Foundation Community Pulse newsletter wants to hear from YOU. We are re-launching our e-newsletter and accepting writing entries from talented writers 12-28 years of age who would like to creatively express themselves and be featured in the newsletter.
What topic would you like to present in your Masjid’s newsletter? Do you have a poem or short story that you’d like to share?
Here are the submission guidelines:
- Each entry should not exceed 400 words, including the title.
- Must be an original piece.
- Pieces are selected for relevant and creative content.
- The editor may adjust pieces due to space limitations, grammar/spelling errors, etc.
- Include your name, age, school, major (if applicable), and a photo.
- Selected authors will be highlighted in the newsletter.
- Submit your entries to: mc@mosquefoundation.org
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to showcase your words to the world, hone your craft, and connect with others.
Thank you for your interest in The Mosque Foundation Community Pulse newsletter. We look forward to reading your submissions!
Mosque Foundation Community Appreciates Support
The Mosque Foundation community would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who reached out to us in the wake of the New Zealand massacre in which 50 Muslim worshippers were killed and 50 more were injured. The victims ranged from as young as three-year-old Mucad Ibrahim dressed in his white thobe and matching hat attending Friday prayer, Husna Ahmad who was busy making sure everyone else was safe without tending to her own safety, to Haji Daoud al-Nabi, a central figure in the small Afghan society of New Zealand’s Christchurch. Each victim was a beloved member of their family and the Muslim community. Together, we mourn their loss and ask God to grant solace to their families.
Despite our heavy hearts, the encouragement we received has uplifted our spirits and proven that there is more goodness in this world than evil. We join people of all backgrounds and walks of life to demonstrate this truth. Today, we stand together not only to reject and condemn Islamophobia, but all forms of hatred and extremism whether it is spewed from evildoers scattered in corners of the world or from the highest office of the land; bullying, racism, bigotry, and violence have no place in any civilized society.
We are grateful for all the expressions of sympathy for the loss of our dear Brothers and Sisters who perished on that dark day in Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre. Words can never fully express our appreciation for the outpouring of love and support we received from countless people who have rallied to our side; from neighbors, peers, co-workers, local politicians to many more across the nation and the globe. We would also like to thank the first responders, police officers, medical workers– who serve with honor to protect and preserve life.
Mosque Foundation President, Oussama Jammal, traveled to Christchurch for the funerals and witnessed firsthand the hospitality and kindness of New Zealanders. He says, “Events like this can only strengthen our bonds and affirm our resolve to unite against hate and bigotry.”
General Assembly Elects New Board Members at the Mosque Foundation
On Saturday, March 9, 2019, the Mosque Foundation General Assembly held a meeting to present the Annual Report, convey updates, address concerns, and elect board members.
After the meeting was opened with a recitation from the Quran by Ibrahim Salah, President Oussama Jammal presented the 2018 Annual Report and responded to multiple inquiries from the community.
Elections were held to fill 4 vacancies on the Board of Directors. Secretary, Jehad Matariyeh reported that the process ran smoothly. Out of 73 ballots handed out, 72 were collected. Those elected to the board are: Abdullah Shuabi, Muin Abusharara, Jehad Matariyeh, and Ahmed Kamni. Oussama Jammal faced no opposition and was re-elected as President for another term.
Seeking Shade Welcomes You
Seeking Shade is a monthly program aimed for young adults and English-speakers in the community. The program is held on the first Saturday of every month at the Mosque Foundation and takes place for an hour before or after the ‘Isha prayer, depending on the season. Seeking Shade offers a platform for young adults to form a strong connection with the Masjid, participate in congregational prayers and form supportive relationships, thereby promoting a healthier, more spiritually connected community.
Seeking Shade attendees gain exposure to renowned and local scholars and speakers on a variety of topics including:
Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans on Spiritual Activism in the Social Space: The Legacy of Malcolm X
Dr. Mazen Atassi on Living the Sunnah A discussion on a holistic approach to health and wellness
Dr. Kamran Riaz on The Legacy of Hajar (A) The Ultimate Sacrifice & Power of Nothingness
The program continues to attract 100 or more attendees since its inception in the spring of 2013. Do not miss the next installment of Seeking Shade which holds the promise of shade, good company, and engaging discourse.
If you would like to receive texts from the SS team, text the number (567)-226-4639 with the message @h7272e and remember to Like our Facebook page: MFSeekingShade, for updates.