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Islamic Heritage: Eid ul-Fitr
Imam Jafar Ibn Mohammad As-Sadiq (A.S.)
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The Committee of Domestic Harmony would like to wish you a blessed Eid ul-Fitr. A day of joy and thanksgiving. A day where we show our joy for the health, strength and opportunities of life, which Allah (SWT) has given us to fulfill our obligations of fasting and other good deeds during the month of Ramadhan.
As we’re celebrating this blessed day, DHC would like to share some of the recent activities: the computer classes for sisters are well underway, and the classroom is setup with computers thanks to the generous donation of brothers and sisters from ICLI. Registration forms and flyers are available in the DHC’s office. DHC is grateful for the endless effort of Srs. Abby and Shaida for their time and commitment toward this project. The classes will start Dec 12, 2003. The first Session will start with Microsoft Windows, followed by Word, PowerPoint and Excel classes. Babysitting is available.
DHC took part in a taping session of a short video with The National Association of Mothers’ Centers (NAMC)
how to make your house toxin safe, switch to a more chemical free lifestyle and get rid of asthma and allergies. There will also be a video shown in this regard. Everyone is welcome to join this session.
Women from racial and ethnic communities often experience economic barriers thatimpact their ability to end the violence in their lives. Dr. Kaushal Jayakar and Sarah Khan will be representing the Domestic Harmony Committee at the Women of Color Network Economic Development Conference “Moving Beyond Emergency Services: Increasing Economic Security for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence” in Miami, Florida November 17-19, 2003.
NEWS from DHC !!!!!
Computer classes starts Dec, 12, 2003 , Space is limited, seats are filled on a first come first served basis. For information and Registration: Contact Srs. Shaida or Abby at ICLI office, Tele: 516- 333-3495. Babysitting is available.
Mother’s support Group meets every other Friday, from 7:00 Pm to 8:30 Pm. If you have any suggestion or a topic you want to discuss please contact Sr. Laura Maqsood or Shaida Khan.
DHC with collaboration of interfaith, interracial, intergenerational women’s support group will be starting Love & Dinner at the Islamic Center of Long Island in January 2004 !!! At the same time there will be a children’s Art Therapy group starting. The day and time will be announced.
For information about ongoing groups, volunteering to cook, or assist in childcare, please contact Amal Wahab at 516884-6077.
By Homaira Mamoor
geared to giving the very basics of facilitating a peer discussion group for use with groups of mothers in places like libraries, youth centers, community centers and in other agencies that might want to offer a Mothers’ Center peer discussion group. A portion of the video was filmed on Monday Oct. 27th at the Westbury Mothers’ Center where a mock discussion group on “Motherhood & Guilt” was held. Participating in the mock discussion group were several members of the Westbury Mothers’ Center, staff of the NAMC (including Executive Director, Linda Juergens posing as one of the group facilitators) and our own Dr. Kushalata Jayakar-Ahmed from DHC. The video is scheduled for release in January of 2004.
On Dec. 5th, DHC along with mother’s support group has scheduled an educational session with a wellness company that offers a toxin free life style. The topic will include on
Eid ul-Fitr follows the blessed month of Ramadhan (in which the Qur’an was revealed and is the month of fasting) and falls on the 1st day of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Hijra calendar. As with all months in the Hijra calendar, it begins with the sighting of the new moon.
Eid is an Arabic word derived from `aada that means a recurring event. In Islam it denotes the festivals of Islam.
Anas (RA) reported that upon arriving in Madina, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) found its people celebrating two days whose significance was held over from the non-believers. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "When I came upon you, you had two days that you continued to celebrate from the Jaahiliyyah; indeed Allah has substituted them for you with what is better: the day of Sacrifice and the day of Fitr (breaking the fast)”. (Ahmad and Abu Dawood)
mah." (Muslim)
Muslims should eat before going to Eid prayer. This is Sunnah and will also help to circumvent the assumption that one must continue to fast until the Eid prayer is over.
Anas (RA) narrated: "Allah's Messenger would not leave (his house) on the day of Fitr until he ate some dates." (al-Bukhari)
Buraydah Bin al-Haseeb (RU) narrated: "The Prophet would not leave (his house) on the day of Fitr until he ate. On the day of Nahr (slaughtering) he would not eat until he returned - so that he would eat from his sacrifice." (at-Tirmidhee)
Fasting is forbidden on this day, as it marks the end of the month long fast of Ramadan. Abu ‘Abaid (the slave of Ibn Azhar) said: "I witnessed the Eid with 'Umar bin Al-Khattab who said, "Allah's Apostle (PBUH) has forbidden people to fast on the day on which you break fasting (the fasts of Ramadan - Eid ulFitr) and the day on which you eat the meat of your sacrifices (Eid ul-Adha)." (al-Bukhari)
No sunnah prayer may precede or follow the Eid
Fitr means to break and Eid ul-Fitr marks the breaking of the fasting period. Muslims see this happy day as a sign of gratefulness on the accomplishment of Ramadhan and as an immediate reward by Allah (SWT) for those who spent the month of Ramadhan in fasting and performing other forms of worship.
The Prophet (PBUH) told Abu Bakr (RA): "For every people there is a feast and this is our feast." (al-Bukhari) The following acts are prescribed as Sunnah at the beginning of the day of Eid ul-Fitr before proceeding to the Eid prayer:
Muslims should put on their best available clothes. Ibn Al-Qayyim said: "The Prophet, (PBUH), used to wear his best clothes for the Eid prayers and he had clothes that he reserved for the two Eids and Jum-
prayer - except if it is performed in a masjid instead of the musallaa (open area), in which case one must pray two Rak`aat before sitting down. Ibn `Abbaas narrated: "The Prophet (PBUH) went out (of his house) on the day of Fitr, prayed two Rak`aat, and did not pray before or after it." (al-Bukhari)
People sometimes spend extravagantly during Eid ul-Fitr. Allah (SWT) says: "Do not waste your wealth senselessly. Those who spend wastefully are the brothers of the Shaytan; and the Shaytan is ever ungrateful to his Lord." (Al-Isra Verses 26-27)
It is Sunnah to take different routes to and from the Eid prayer. It was narrated by Jaber: "On the days of Eid, the Prophet (PBUH), would go to the prayer area by one route and come back by another route." (alBukhari)
It is Sunnah to pray in the open (known as the musallaa). Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree (RA) said: "The Prophet used to go on the day of Fitr and the day of Adha to the musallaa (open area); and the first thing he did when he reached there was perform the prayer." (alBukhari)
The Eid prayer is waajib (obligatory) for every male Muslim. The Prophet (PBUH) performed it consistently and commanded all the people to go out for it. He even specifically commanded all of the women to attend. Ash-Shawkaanee (RA) said: "Note that the
Prophet consistently performed this prayer on every Eid, never neglecting it. He commanded the people to go out for it; he even commanded the free women, the virgins, and the menstruating women to go out, instructing the latter to refrain from praying, in order for all of them to witness this good and the Muslims' supplications. He further commanded the woman who did not own a jilbaab (outer overall garment for women) to borrow her friend's.” (al-Bukhari)
Abu Hurairah narrated that one time Eid fell on a Friday. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said : "Two Eids have come together on this day of yours; so whoever wishes, he is excused from the Jummah (Friday) prayer. But as for us, we shall gather for the Jummah." (Abu Dawood and Ibn Rajah)
The Eid prayer can be performed any time between sunrise and noon. Abu Bakr (RA) said: "The time of the two Eid prayers is after the sun has reached the height of a spear, and until noon. However, it is best to pray al-Adha at the earliest time, to enable the people to slaughter their sacrifices; and is recommended to delay al-Fitr prayer, to enable the people to give out their Salaam (sachet ul-Fitr)." (Muslim)
The Eid prayer is not preceded with Adman or Iqaamah. Ibn `Abbaas and Jaabir said: "Adman was never given (for the Eid prayer) on the day of Fitr, nor the day of Adha." (al-Bukhari)
The Eid prayer consists of two Rak`aat. `Umar reported: "The travelers' prayer is two Rak`aat; the Adha prayer is two Rak`aat; the Fitr prayer is two Rak`aat; and the Jummah prayer is two Rak`aat; this is their full length as came upon the tongue of Muhammad." (Ahmad)
The sunnah for the khutbah (speech) is to follow the Eid prayer. Ibn `Abbaas said: "I attended the Eid with Allah's Messenger, Abu Bakr, `Umar, and `Uthman all of them would pray before the khutbah” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Ahmad)
Attending the khutbah is not obligatory, as is the case for attending the prayer. Abdullaah Bin as-Saa'ib reported that he attended the Eid with the Prophet (PBUH) and when he finished the prayer, he said: "We shall have a khutbah; so let whoever wishes to sit for the khutbah do so, and whoever wishes to leave leave" (Abu Dawood, anNasaa`ee, Ibn Rajah).
Eid means recurring happiness or festivity. The Eid prayer is very important for all Muslims. It has the merits of the weekly convention (Jummah) and the characteristics of annual reunions between Muslims.
There are two such Eids.
The first is called Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Fast Breaking). It falls on the first day of Shawwaal, the tenth month of the Muslim year, following the month of Ramadhan in which the Qur’an was revealed and which is the month of fasting.
The second is called Eid-ul-Adh'haa (the Festival of sacrifice). It falls on the tenth day of Zil-Hijjah, the last month of the Muslim year.
The Islamic Eids are unique in every way. To them there can be nothing similar in any other religion or any other socio-political system. Besides their highly spiritual and moral characteristics, they have matchless qualities:
Each Eid is a wholesome celebration of a remarkable achievement of the individual Muslim in the service of Allah
The firstEid comes after an entire month of "absolute" fasting during the days of the month.
The secondEid marks the completion of Hajj to Makkah, a course in which the Muslim handsomely demonstrates his renouncement of the mundane concerns and hearkens only to the Eternal voice of Allah
Each Eid is a Thanksgiving Day where the Muslims assemble in a brotherly and joyful atmosphere to offer their gratitude to Allah for helping them to fulfill their spiritual obligations prior to the Eid
The Muslims who have completed the fasting of Ramadan, express their thanks to Allah by means of distributing alms among the poor and needy on the first Eid.
Similarly, the Muslims who have completed the course of Hajj at Makkah, as well as those who are at home, offer their sacrifices by slaughtering oblations to be distributed among the poor and needy. The distribution of alms and oblations constitutes a major part of the Eids highlights.
This Islamic form of thanksgiving is a wholesome combination of spiritual devotion and humanitarian benevolence, a combination of which cannot be found except in Islam.
Each Eid is a Day of remembrance. Even in their most joyful times the Muslims make a point to worship Allah They pray to Him and glorify His name to demonstrate their remembrance of His favors. Also, they remember the deceased by prayer for their souls, the needy by extending a hand of help, the grieved by showing them sympathy and consolation, the sick by cheerful visits and utterances of
good wishes, the absentees by cordial greetings and sincere consideration.
The individual who succeeds in securing his spiritual rights and growth receives the Eid with a victorious spirit. The individual who faithfully observes the duties, which are associated with the Eid, is a triumphant one. He proves that he holds a strong command over his desires, exercises a sound self-control and enjoys the taste of disciplinary life. Once a person acquires these qualities he has achieved his greatest victory.
All the good workers in the service of Allah, all the faithful believers reap the fruits of their good deeds on the Day, as Allah grants His mercy and blessings abundantly. The Islamic society, on the other hand, collect the due subscriptions to religious brotherhood and social responsibility, in which subscriptions are paid in the form of mutual love, sympathy and concern. Every member of the Islamic society will be reaping some fruits or collecting some revenue in one way or another.
When Muslims assemble in the congregation of the Day, they all whole-heartedly pray for forgiveness and strength in faith. And Allah has assured those who approach Him with sincerity of His mercy and forgiveness. In that pure assembly and highly spiritual congregation any true Muslim would feel ashamed of himself before Allah to hold any enmity or ill feelings toward his brethren.
When a Muslim establishes peace within his heart by obeying the Law of Allah and leading a disciplinary life, he has certainly concluded a most inviolable treaty of peace with Allah. Once a person is at peace with Allah, he is at peace with himself and, consequently, with the rest of the universe.
That is the proper meaning of an “IslamicEid”: a Day of Peace and Thanksgiving, a Day of forgiveness and moral victory, A Day of Good Harvest and remarkable achievements, and a Day of Festive Remembrance. An IslamicEid is all this and is much more, because it is a Day of ISLAM, a Day of Allah.
What Allah said to the Rose
And caused it to laugh in full blown beauty, He said to my heart And made it a hundred times more beautiful.
-Jalaluddin RumiThe great Muslim Scientist, Philosopher and religious scholar.
Part 1 - By Dr. Safdar Chadda
” If you do not know, ask the men of wisdom.” Sura No. 21 Verse 7.
This holy verse enjoins the believers to refer to the people of Dhikr i.e. the people of wisdom and the scholars of Ummah when the believers encounter any difficulty in recognizing right from wrong.
The prophet (PBUH) said ‘” The parable of my progeny is similar to that of Noah’s Ark. Whosoever embarks it certainly will get rescued, but who opposes the boarding of it, surely gets drowned”.
It is reported on the authority of Abu-Huraira, a famous companion of the Prophet (SAW), that the Prophet (SAW) had said about Jafar as –Sadiq (A.S.) that one of his descendants would become very famous as Sadiq (truthful). Imam Jafar as –Sadiq was the great grand son of Imam Hussain bin Ali (A.S.). His grand mother was the daughter of Yezdagird III, king of Iran.
The main information in this article has been obtained from a thesis on the life of Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (A.S), published by the research committee at Strasbourg, France.
Imam Jafar (A.S.) was the founder of Jafaria school of thought and all other schools of thought originated from it. Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal took from Imam Shafi and Imam Shafi took from Imam Malik and Imam Malik took from Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Hanifa studied under Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.).
Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (A.S.) was born in Medina on the 17th day of Rabi ul Awwal in the year 82or 83 of Hijra (701 or 702 C.E.).
His father and mother started teaching him when he was 2 years old .His father Imam Mohammad Al-Baqar was a great scholar and he used to teach at the prophet’s mosque in Medina. Imam Jafar as-Sadiq started to attend his father’s classes when he was 10 years of age.
His father had just started teaching Geography of Ptolemy. Ptolemy wrote in Almagest, the book on Geography and Astronomy, that earth was the center of the universe and the sun and the planets go around it. Ptolemy was born in Alexandria, Egypt in the 2nd century B.C. He had borrowed from Euclid, the great Greek mathematician, the idea that the sun rotated round the earth. From 2nd century B.C. to the beginning of the 8th century, thousands of scholars in the east and west had read that theory but none of them could discover that it
was wrong.
Jafar as-Sadiq was 11 years old when a representation of the Solar system was brought to Medina from Egypt by one of his father’s students. The day he saw the globe he rejected the theory of Ptolemy. He said that when the sun, during its course round the earth, passes through the 12 constellations in one year and remains in each constellation for thirty days why does it disappear from the sight during the night time. It should remain visible in each constellation for thirty days. In the middle of 15th century C.E., Copernicus had said the same thing what Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) had said in the 8th century C.E. but no one accepted his views. The church considered it blasphemy and had forced Galileo to repent and beg for mercy for having said the earth rotates round the sun.
Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) believed science and literature were pivotal in enriching and strengthening the Muslim world. When asked if one kind of knowledge was more important than another, he said, “We cannot give preference to one kind of knowledge over the other. All of them are important, but they differ in their usefulness. In our times the two most important and useful branches of knowledge are medicine and religion.”
Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) was well versed in many other sciences.
Theory of four elements: Jafar as-Sadiq (A.S.) had learnt physics from his father. When he was 11 years old, he had
attacked the theory of the rotation of the sun around the earth. At the age of 12 he rejected the theory of four elements of Aristotle and proved that it was wrong. Aristotle had said that in the world there are four elements- Earth, Water, Fire and Air. Jafar as –Sadiq (A.S.) discovered that Air is not an element, but a mixture of many elements and they essential for breathing.
In 18th century it was Lavoisier who confirmed the discovery of Jafar as Sadiq (A.S.), when he separated Oxygen from air and demonstrated that this is the element in the air, which supports life.
Composition of Human body: Imam Jafar as –Sadiq (A.S.) said whatever is in the earth is also in the human body, but all the elements are not in the same proportion. Four elements are in very large quantities; eight are in small quantities and eight elements in minute quantities.
Henry Bergson, the French philosopher, had said that every atom, which exists from the time of the creation of the world or the universe, has knowledge of every thing that exists on the surface of earth. Just like the atoms, every cell of human body knows what is in the world. He has called gaining access to the boundless field of subconscious mind as “The leap of life”. He said the leap of life of the genius is much higher than that of an ordinary person. He can make use of the knowledge, which lies in the human cells. Jafar as Sadiq (A.S.) was either endowed with Divine Knowledge (Ilm Ladunni) as Shia’s believe or his
subconscious mind was linked to his conscious mind, as some people think.
Twelve and a half centuries after his death his theory is confirmed today by science. There are 102 elements in the earth and all of them are present in the body.
The Imam said that light reflected from different objects comes to us but only a fraction of it enters our eyes. That is why we do not see distant objects clearly. It was Roger Bacon of England who first endorsed this theory and this helped Lippershey of Flanders to make his first field glasses or binoculars in 1608. Galileo made use of these binoculars and invented his telescope. Imam also expounded that a powerful beam of light could move heavy objects. The light which Moses (PBUH) saw at Mount Sinai was kind of powerful light, which Allah (SWT) manifested in response to Moses (PBUH) request to see Him.
Imam said that everything except Allah (SWT), has its opposite, but this does not result in conflict, otherwise the whole universe will be destroyed. This actually is the theory of matter and anti-matter. The difference between matter and anti-matter is that in matter the electrons are negatively charged and protons are positively charged. But in anti-matter the electrons are positively charged and protons are negatively charged. Professor Hannes Olof Costa of Sweden says that 50 kilograms of matter and an equal amount of anti-matter are quite sufficient to supply energy needs of the entire world for one year. The question is how to harness such tremendous amount of heat and use it. How human beings shorten their lives; Imam said that human beings were borne to live long, but they shorten their lives themselves. If a man follows the dictates of Islam, abstains from things proscribed under Islamic Law and does not indulge in excessive eating and drinking, which is condemned in Al Quran, he is sure to enjoy a long and healthy life. Imam said we should not pollute the environment, or else it would become impossible to live on the planet. Pollution was not a problem in his time. No factories existed until 18th century when European countries started making iron and steel and began emitting smoke in the air.
Theory of perpetual motion: Imam said every thing in the universe; even inanimate objects are always in motion, though it is not seen. He added that we feel the passing of time, because of our internal movement.
Jafar as Sadiq (A.S.) was a religious leader, a scientist, a philosopher and a man of letters. He was the first scholar, who separated science from philosophy. Philosophers of ancient Greece considered every kind of knowledge as a branch of philosophy. To day science
and philosophy are two different subjects.
As a Muslim and a Unitarian he believed that Allah (SWT) should be recognized through the guidance of religion and not by the help of philosophy.
I have given a very short synopsis of Imam Jafar As –Sadiq’s (A.S.) contributions to Islamic civilization because it is not within the scope of this article to cover many more contributions he made in the field of religion, science, philosophy, literature and Gnosticism. Members of the Research Committee of Strasbourg, France deserve our thanks and gratitude for bringing out this treasure of information about the contribution of Imam Jafar As –Sadiq (A.S.).
The late Ahmed Mohamedali, known tomembers of ICLI as Ahmedbhai,began hisdawawork in the late 1990's.
He strongly believed in the verse of the Qur’an which says “Islam is the religion of Ibrahim (PBUH), tell it to the Jews and Christian”, your job to is pass this message. For Islam to spread in North America we must make availableto non-Muslims the true words of Allah andfor them to know whatIslam is all about.
He often said "Give them the Qur’an and let them read it and they will find the way ". Another famous quote of his was"Ihdi nasiratal mustaquim" meaning “guide us along the straight path”.With this in hand and a through a support of a good brother he embarked on this mission.
He provided Qur'an and other Dawabooks to ICLI which then distributed them tovarious individuals and groups. To continue the work he did, thefamily decided to open a not for profitfoundation - Mohamedali Foundation, which will distribute Dawa materials to whomever requests them.
Every Friday we sell books & Qur'an and the proceeds go towards Dawa. Any inquiries call sis. Saida Kapdi at (516) 384 8326 or sis. Zubeida Lunat at (516) 333 3495 at ICLI.
The blessings of Ramadhan are countless. On November 16th, the ICLI PTO hosted the 2nd Annual Sunday School Iftar. We used this occasion to provide a festive and relaxed event that highlighted the joys of being a Muslim. The days activities started with performing Zuhr prayer together, we then assembled to hear a presentation on the benefits of Ramadhan. Afterwards, students of all levels had the opportunity to make and learn about the benefits of using mesbah or mesbaha or subah ~ prayer beads.
In addition, each student created artwork, which will be assembled into an upcoming mural highlighting his or her favorite Islamic phrase in Arabic. Also, younger levels made Eid cards and Ramadhan decorations, while older classes had the opportunity to play a spirited, sisters vs. brothers, game of Islamic Jeopardy.
The final activity was a presentation given by our dedicated Class F students, the most senior of our levels. Stories were read and the younger students had an opportunity to answer questions. All of the students received a goody bag of sweets at the conclusion of the presentation.
Perhaps the most joyous part of the day was when over 200 children and adults broke the fast, prayed Salat Maghrib and shared dinner together. Thanks and appreciation must be offered to each and every teacher and adult who volunteered their time and dedication to the planning stages, the day’s activities, the dinner set up, and clean up. Subhana Allah, this event showed how a community working together can make memories happen.
Don’t forget, all parents are always welcome to join the PTO. Meetings Schedule through January is as follows:
From 10:00-10:45 in the Education Office.
Dec 7th, Dec 21st, Jan 11th and Jan 25th.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County has been a long time supporter of ICLI. Ms. Joyce Wagner, Director, Community Services, Ms. Yvonne Mowatt, Community Service Coordinator and Ms. Vivian Itchon Gupta, Community Initiatives Consultant have consistently invited ICLI to participate in outreach initiatives. The most recent initiative we were involved is an ongoing effort labeled the Asian Task Force; its purpose is to insure that Girl Scout programs are appropriate for and accessible to the growing and important Asian community in Nassau County.
We were blessed to have members of our ICLI community join this fact-finding group. On October 8th a meeting was held at Akbar Restaurant in Garden City. Representing not only cultural interests particular to the Asian community, but our Islamic ideals and concerns within our Ummah at large were, Dr’s Aneela and Fazal Hussain. Br. Fazal and Sr. Aneela’s outgoing and bright daughters Sahar and Samra are Girl Scouts at ICLI. These parents are active participants in insuring that opportunities for growth exist for our children both within and outside of our religious community. Also, in attendance was Ms. Shireen Khan, M.Ed. Counselor Therapist and an ICLI Domestic Harmony Committee Member. Sr. Shireen has consistently lent her voice and expertise in the area of advocacy and outreach efforts on behalf of women and children within our Ummah. Inshallah, the efforts of these ICLI community members along with those of G.S.N.C will result in a bright future for our Ummah. We have troop openings for girls and leader ship opportunities for women. Girl Scout Meetings are held every other Friday Evening. Please e-mail Peggy Iamunno at margaretaiamunno@msn.com for details.
Al-Hamdu-lillah on November 14th the Girl Scout Troops 1595, 1597 and 3098 of ICLI shared Iftar together in an evening dedicated to their love of Allah (SWT) and their interest in Girl Scouting.
Families of the Scouts gathered together to share an evening of prayer, food, fun and a special Girl Scouts Court of Awards and Investiture/Rededication Ceremony. The evening was held to celebrate the accomplishments of our Girl Scouts to date.
Khutbahs on the dates below will be performed by the following brothers
Dec 5th Muzaffar Partowmah
Dec 12th Dr Hasan Hito
Dec 19th Dr Mamnoun Najjar
Dec 26th Al-Haaj Ghazi Khankan
Jan 2nd Dr Mohammad Sameen
Jan 9th Syed Zafruddin Syeed
Jan 16th Dr Faiz Khan
By Sarah Khan (Age 13) Class E
Classes are offered from beginners to Hifz level and are held weekdays (Monday to Friday) from 4pm till 8pm.
Jan 23rd Imam Siraj Wahaj
Jan 30th Dr Faroque Khan
For more information, please contact Dr. Samina Qureshi on (516) 364 9082 Schedule For ICLI Sunday Adult Sessions:
Time: 10:00 - 13:00
1. Tafseer Qur’an by Dr. Mozaffar Partowmah
2. Discussion of current and contemporary topics by Br. Syed Zafuddin Syeed and guest speakers
Eid is upon us once more. With food, family, friends and festive fun, its not hard to see why it’s one of the most lookedforward to days of the year. I’ll be the first to admit though, I couldn’t wait for the end of Ramadan; I couldn’t wait for the end of those thirty days of waking up early, fasting all day, and not going out with friends on Friday night. What a relief it is to get back to normal life.
But wait. What is my normal life? What should my normal life be like? These are the questions I found myself to be asking as Eid was approaching ever closer. Was Ramadan meant by Allah (swt) to be a month of lifestyle change; a month of torture, and agonizing self-restraint? Or was it supposed to be a model, a model for a lifestyle to be followed the rest of the year? I believe it was the latter.
Year after year we all hear the same thing. Fasting is about feeling what the poor people feel, it is about putting things into perspective, it is about being humble and servile in the face of Allah (swt). These are all true, but there must be more. There must be a deeper meaning to something that is so important that it was prescribed as one of the five pillars of Islam. But what is it?
To find the answer I began thinking about Islam in the holistic sense. What is Islam really? What was the Qur'an, the Sunnah, the Hadith, the five pillars? Simply put, they are a lifestyle. They are guidelines, they
A culture shock by Mohsen Malik are instructions given to man and woman by their creator in the understanding that these spiritual, but pragmatic principles, would lead one to a cleaner, healthier, purer existence. Islam, most would agree, is not something done on Sundays and then forgotten about during the six other days of the week. Likewise then, should spiritual and lifestyle cleansing done by fasting during the month of Ramadan then be forgotten about during the rest of the 335 days of the year? Obviously not. The values instilled within us during this past holy month should be kept with us throughout the year, just like we keep the knowledge we learn during our school years for the rest of our lives. This disciplined--but not necessarily stoic-lifestyle certainly should not be our goal in life (otherwise we’d all be fanatically religious kooks), but it certainly should be our means of achieving that goal.
The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once said, “There are some who fast and all they gain is hunger”. I for one, am proud to say that this Ramadan I achieved more than hunger. I will go back to school after Eid no changed kid; I will be just the same as I was before. That is what Ramadan is all about. It is a time that asks us to change (we all know that), but it is also a time begging us not to change back.
-Emraan S. KhanManaging Editor of Youth Section eKhan17@hotmail.com
Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian campaigner for human rights, won the Noble Peace Prize. She has been known for her steps towards promoting the rights of women and children in Iran. She is 11th woman to win the Noble Peace Prize. Ms. Ebadi is a well known lawyer throughout Iran. She was also the first female judge in Iran.
Q-Tip was a popular rapper in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. His conversion to Islam has changed his character greatly; becoming an active Muslim in the Muslim community. He took a big stand after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Along with Mos Def, he wanted to clear the misconception people had about Muslims promoting terrorism. Both rappers said, “What happened has nothing to do with Islam. This is the work of terrorists and Islam is not about that."
Shabana Rehman, a stand-up comic, is both Muslim and Norwegian. She entertains and educates both Muslims and non-Muslims alike with her often comical appearances (dressed in a black burka and doing a jig) and religious satire. "As Europe becomes more multicultural, it's important to have an open debate about how Islam fits into the West," said Ms. Rehman, 27, driving through the starry night after her show. Her comedy and social criticism, both on stage and in her widely read newspaper columns, have excited passions in the country. In fact, the discussion of how Norway's Muslim population should behave has become known as the "Shabana debate."
A reflection by Anbia Gul Awan Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to give charity to the poor /needy people and in Ramadan he used to give Fortuna. Fortuna is an obligatory act. It is when every affording Muslim Family gives money to the poor/needy people so they can celebrate Eid. We as Muslims fast
Abdullah ibn al- Abbas reported that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)made alms-giving on Eidul-Fitr an obligatory act. As well as providing food for the poor, it was meant to atone for any absurdity or immodesty that may have been committed during fasting in the month of Ramadan.
during the Holy month of Ramadan so we can feel what the poor people feel, which enables us to appreciate food and be thankful with what Allah (SWT) has provided us. Fortuna is also a way of asking for Allah's forgiveness for any impure acts conducted during our fasting in Ramadan.
A poem of Inspiration by Saba Malik
A month gone by Filled with patience and peace Now we search Throughout the abyss of the sky For the moon shining bright ~
Let us all begin our morning, Dressed with smiles, Getting ready for prayer, To stand as one next to our brothers and sisters
The night awaits with laughter and joy, Family and Friends all gather ‘round, Let us all celebrate, For all the treasures given by Allah. Let us all rejoice, For its our day. Eid.
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Here is something to think about.
As an ornament do they adorn me, Yet they keep me and sometimes kiss me. In their celebrations they recite me, In disputes they swear by me, On shelves do they securely keep me Till another celebration or dispute, When they need me.
Yes, they read me and memorize me, Yet only an ornament am I. My message lies neglected, My treasure untouched, The field lies bare, where blossomed once true glory.
Wrong is the treatment that I receive; So much to give have I, but none is there to perceive.
Marriage/Nikah - Performance of Marriage/Nikah ceremony and Matrimonial Service Funeral Arrangements for Islamic Burial
Hall Rental - For family and community functions
Qur’anic Discussion - Sundays Interfaith Meeting and Seminars - To promote better understanding of Islam as a complete way of life
Distribution of literature on Islam and Muslims
Public Lectures on Contemporary Topics Every Sunday 10AM - 1PM. September to June
Visits to ICLI - First hand introduction to Islam and Muslims offered to groups or individuals
Media Consultation - On Issues relating to Al-Islam and Muslims
Letter Writing Campaign - Every Friday during Salaat-ul-Jummah and Sunday 12 noon on human rights or other issues of concern to Muslims, (MAKING OUR VOICE HEARD).
Library - Has a large selection of books Prison Support Group for Muslim Inmates
Youth Programs - Organized by Muslim youth of ICLI throughout the year
Planning for College Seminar - An Annual event for High School students and their parents in November
Al – Sachet - Collection and Distribution
Community Iftar - Every Saturday evening during Ramadhan
Domestic Harmony Committee (DHC) Hotline (516) 942 2081 Free and strictly confidential counseling
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