VOL. 47 • No. 8 Ramadan – Shawwal 1433 August 2012
The Message A Publication of The Muslim Community Center, Chicago, IL
MCC offers heartfelt congratulations to all on the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan wall paper from urdubookspdf4u.blogspot.com
President’s Report In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
RAMADAN MUBARAK Through the mercy of Allah (SWT) we are blessed with another opportunity to witness and partake in this holy month. I look forward to being a part of the excitement and enthusiasm which rises in our community as we embrace the opportunities for extra worship and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. Both facilities at MEC and MCC will open their doors for iftar meals, taraweeh, and i’tikaf sessions. These are just a small portion of the long list of the acts of worship encouraged for us to Muslim Community Center 4380 North Elston Avenue Chicago, IL. 60641 www.mccchicago.org Send address corrections to: Muslim Community Center 4380 North Elston Avenue Chicago, IL. 60641 Phone: (773) 725-9047 Fax: (773) 725-1616 Membership Questions: tahirsyedali@yahoo.com
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Ayah of the Month “Ramadan is the (month) in which the Qur’an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong).” Surah Al-Baqara [2:185]
Hadith of the Month “We took the “Suhur” with the Prophet (S) and then stood up for the (morning) prayer.” I asked him how long the interval between the two (Suhur and prayer) was. He replied, ‘The interval between the two was just sufficient to recite fifty to sixty ‘Ayat.” Collected by Al-Bukhari
Five Goals for Ramadan Most of us start Ramadan with great gusto, only to see our enthusiasm dwindle to desperation by the end of the month. Setting goals that are realistic and attainable help push ourselves harder to achieve that spiritual closeness to God we seek. These five are just a few examples of a few goals you can aim for in the month of Baraka and spiritual benefit.
1. Select a Sunnah
It could be reciting specific Duas while you’re on your way to work or school; it could be reading Surah al Kahf every Friday; it could be cutting your nails before Friday prayers; it could be skipping the samosas at Iftar and breaking your fast with a few dates and a glass of water instead. This will not only be a source of blessings for you, but it will also help connect you to Prophet Muhammad (S).
2. Devote yourself to Dua
“Dua is the marrow of worship,” the Prophet (S) once said. This Ramadan, if you don’t already, devote yourself daily to making Dua for the big and small things in life, whether it’s to get to work on time, for your toddler to stop screaming in the checkout line, or for an ill relative to be blessed with good health. The point of the exercise is to turn to Allah with our needs with sincerity and focus, relying first and foremost on Him.
3. Give the Sadaqa of Seconds
Many Muslims give their largest charitable contributions in Ramadan, but don’t forget those other examples of charity that take only seconds, but can also yield greater closeness to
God. For example: pouring a glass of water for your parents, spouse, or children at Suhoor or Iftar time; leaving out a dish of water for birds during the summer heat every morning; meeting your family in the morning after waking up with a smile instead of a scowl; calling highway patrol to report something harmful on the highway that could cause an accident, etc.
4. Cut your calories and share the rest
This Ramadan, don’t just take a vow to avoid overeating. Simply eat less. Then, estimate the amount of money you saved and donate it to a cause of your choice. Also, if you are hosting an Iftar or attending one, contact a food recovery program or food shelter that takes leftover food and distributes it to the hungry.
5. Quranic quotations
Ramadan is the month of the Quran. It is when Allah (SWT) began revealing His Last Revealed Text to Prophet Muhammad (S), as well as when Muslims the world over commit to reading or reciting the book in its entirety. But that often seems impossible. This year, instead of aiming to read the whole Quran or nothing, select just a few quotations to read, recite, understand, and put into practice. It could be a short Surah, like al-Asr, which emphasizes the value of time, belief, and good works, or it could be a few verses of Surah al-Nisa, which focus on family life. If possible, post your quotations on the mirror of your bedroom and read and think about them daily, asking Allah (SWT) to guide you to the best understanding, as well as help in implementing the message. Samana Siddiqui, SoundVision’s Content Manager
http://www.soundvision.com/info/ramadan/5goals2012.asp
they will train their bodies to cope with this.”… “A Muslim might feel it would have been nice to avoid this month but life doesn’t stop for Muslims during Ramadan even though they are fasting.”
Welcome Ramadan As the blessed month of Ramadan drew near the MCC Education Committee organized a series of programs at the MCC and MEC facilities. The programs covered the significance, opportunities, and fiqh (regulations) of fasting. The programs at MEC were staged on July 8th., 13th., and 15th., whereas the one organized at MCC, on July 13th., was primarily geared toward ladies attendance.
Ramadan in Chicagoland The imams for taraweeh and Isha times MCC: 4380 N. Elston Ave., Chicago Hafiz Asif-ud-Din, 10:15 pm MEC: 8601 N. Menard Ave., Morton Grove Hafiz Yusuf Abdullah, 10:15 pm Darul Sunnah: 2045 Brown Ave., Evanston Hafiz Azam Hashmi, 10:15 pm Al-Madina Islamic Center: 1709 W. Whalen Ave., Chicago Hafiz Bashar Hujjatullah, 10:15 pm ICC Des Plaines: 480 Potter Ave., Des Plaines Hafiz Mohammed Ilyas, 10:15 pm Islamic Society of Northwest: 3890 Industrial Dr., Rolling Meadows HafizYaqoob Shareef & Hafiz Osman Shareef, 10.05 pm Masjid-Al-Huda: 1081 W. Irving Park Rd., Schaumburg Hafiz Mohammed Waheedullah Khan, 10:15 pm Al-Takaful Islamic Society (ICC): 5933 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago Hafiz Mukarram Kadri & Hafiz Abdul Hadi Yousfi, 10:00 pm
MCC Nomination Procedure Revised
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In a joint meeting of the MCC Board and the Committee Chairs, several changes in the Nomination Procedure were approved upon the recommendations of the Bylaws Committee. Apparently the revisions are geared to favor participation of the MCC electoral. The revised procedure would now allow additional time for the members to register and acquire voting rights. The changes will also lower the numbers of signatures required by petition to be on the ballot. One would now require 100 instead of 130 signatures to be on the ballot for President through petition, and 50 instead for 70 signatures for a Director. For further details you can also visit the MCC website or contact Br. Sarwar Nasir, Chairman Bylaws Committe, at (847) 927-0919.
Joanna Cooper, spokeswoman for London 2012, said, “We did know about it when we submitted our bid and we have always believed we could find ways to accommodate it.”…“We are working with the Muslim Council of Great Britain to find ways to accommodate Ramadan during the London Games.” Excerpts from article by Claudia Joseph, http://www. dailymail.co.uk/news/article-410439/
MCC Food and Fun Fair held at MEC playground.
MCC Board Update For July 2012 Br. Mohammed Kaiseruddin recited verses from Surah Al-Baqrah regarding the month of Ramadan and fasting, emphasizing the need of guidance and taqwa. President Br. Mohammed Aleemuddin welcomed with the greetings of Ramadan. He updated about the health of Treasurer Br. Basheeruddin and prayed for his recovery. Br. Aleemuddin also congratulated MCC Food & Fun Fair Committee’s workers and volunteers for a successful event. Assistant Treasurer Br. Kashif Puthawala provided the financial reports and notified about a new system which would consolidate the MCC accounts. Br. Shah Jehan Baig, Chair of MCC Rehab and Welfare Committee gave an update of the committee activities, which can use additional volunteers. The committee meets twice a month with the applicants and try to help them in a way that they become self sufficient. Br. Afsar Ali, Chair of MCC Long- Range Planning Committee, updated the Board on Committee’s task of looking into the needs of the community. The Committee is in the process of developing a survey to be sent out in September 2012. The President named Br. Feroze Mehdi Khan as a member in the MCC FTS Council for one-year term vacated by Sr. Enisa Selimbegovic effective July 1, 2012, and he was approved. Br. Rizwan Kadir, Chair Adhoc Committee to negotiate leasing a portion of a school building with Skokie School District 68, updated about the progress. The FTS Council will require the MCC General Body’s approval before signing the lease. Akhter Sadiq, Secretary MCC
Ramadan Booklet MCC is launching a booklet entitled Al-Taqwah, to commemorate the month of Ramadan. The booklet includes essentials on ibadaat, supplications, and information-tips on how to conduct oneself in the month of Ramadan. Al-Taqwah will be available at both the MCC and MEC locations, inshaAllah.
Food and Fun Fair MCC had its Annual Food and Fun Fair, Sunday July 14, 2012 at the MEC play grounds in Morton Grove. There were rides, sports, fungames (for all ages and abilities), freshly-cooked food, cold beverages- and not to mention chilled slices of water melon to quench the thirst. A multitude of people showed up on this bright yet hot afternoon. However, a timely rain shower was a welcome relief as it turned the humid ambiance into a pleasant evening. The main attraction for the ladies was a bazaar in the MEC lobby and gym that sold garments, boutiques, and handicrafts. The rush inside the gym was an indication of good business for the vendors. However, the air-conditioner there wasn’t coping with the overcrowding and caused insufficient cool for the vendors and customers alike. This year’s Food and Funfair was a welcome sign as it was staged after a lapse of few years. It was organized by a team of MCC old-timers led by Sr. Kulsum Sadiq, Br. Habib Abbasi, and Sr. Shahnaz Hussain. MCC appreciates the participation of several volunteers and particularly thanks the community for making it a successful event. Some prominent volunteers involved were Br. Ashhad Ghazi, Sr. Fikreta Ademi, Br. Faisal Abbasi, Sr. Nafeesa Mohammad, Br. Mazhar Khan, Br. Amanat Ansari, and Sr. Meher Abbasi. The security team for the event was spearheaded by Br. Eric Basir.
London Olympics Clash with Ramadan The 2012 London Olympics will clash with Ramadan. The games will be held from July 27 to August 12, while Ramadan will take place from July 21 to August 20. Claudia Joseph of the MailOnline reported that “An anticipated 3,000 Muslim competitors are expected to be affected.” According to Joseph, Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, an imam on the Muslim Council of Great Britain, said, “They are obviously going to be at a disadvantage because other competitors will be drinking and keeping up their energy levels.”...“But they are athletes and I am sure
Sheikh Arafat to give Tafseer at MCC The MCC has acquired Sheikh Ahmed Arafat, a dynamic speaker and scholar, to conduct Tafseer at MCC every Sunday from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. Sheikh Ahmed Arafat is a graduate from Al-Azher, Egypt, where he studied up to the college level. He was valedictorian in the College of Languages and Translation. He teaches Islamic Studies and Qur’an in Universal School, Bridgeview, and also gives Friday Khutbas in ISNS, Rolling Meadows. Currently, Sheikh Ahmed Arafat is pursuing his Master’s at the University of Chicago. Rasheed Khan, MCC Adult Education Committee
Rehab & Welfare Committee Seeks Volunteers MCC collects zakat throughout the year from donations. The Rehab and Welfare Committee is assigned to disburse zakat to the needy in the community. The recipients range from local individuals and families to those from out of the State. The Committee convenes bi-monthly (sometimes bi-weekly, depending on the situation) to interview individuals/families to assess their needs, and follow up with monetary assistance. Volunteers are needed to assist the Committee in this noble cause. Please contact Br. Shah Jehan Baig, the Committee Chair, for further information at (773) 771-5254 or email: shahjehan.j.baig@gmail.com.
MCC Long-Term Planning In the coming month(s), MCC is to conduct a survey to acquire feedback from the community on its long-term planning regarding the physical facility and anticipated future programs at the Elston facility. This is a part of the initiative assigned by the MCC Board to the LongTerm Planning Committee. The Committee, comprising of diverse professionals, meets
regularly to deliberate in order to develop a feasible plan that would address community’s’ needs pertinent to 10-15 years from now.
MCC Election 2012 – Nominations Sought Nominations for the prospective candidates for 2012 MCC Elections for the positions of MCC Board of Directors are being sought by the MCC Nomination Committee. The nominations are open for the general, youth, and women categories. Please respond to the flyer enclosed. For further information please contact Br. Masood Sharief, Chairman Nomination Committee at (847) 674-1382.
The Essence of Muslim Prayer – Part I
In the Quran, Allah (SWT) unequivocally says: “And aqim [perfect] your prayer; indeed, prayer guards against immorality and evil.” (29:45). The ayah promises a moral, victorious life for those who perfect, not just say, their prayers. The pressing question now is how can I perfect my prayers? Well, I think there are three main factors that affect the level of perfection in our prayers: 1) feeling the presence of Allah (SWT), 2) understanding the sayings and Athkar of Salah, and 3) recognizing the rationale beyond the movements of Salah. In this article, we will explore the spiritual benefits of Sujud, the most crucial movement of the Muslim prayer.
1. Learning Humility in Practice
By putting our foreheads on the ground, we are reminded of the origin of our creation: the dust. This position is sufficient for us to leave no room for arrogance or vanity. By putting our forehead on the ground, we admit the Holiness and Perfection of Allah (SWT). The natural response to this acknowledgement must be true humility. The more we recognize Allah (SWT)’s greatness and our human weakness, the more we are broken of pride and self-centeredness. Accordingly, Sujud has a clear message for every Muslim: all people are equal in the sight of Allah (SWT), regardless of their color, race or language. Interestingly, I heard a Muslim Preacher saying: “Look at your nose during your Sujud and you will learn the true humbleness!” In actuality, learning humility through Sujud is more practical and effective than reading or listening to plenty of lectures on the same topic.
Moreover, we are trained to practice humility five times a day as a religious obligation and as many as we can for voluntary acts of worship. That is why a practicing Muslim is not expected to be a racist or an arrogant person; otherwise, his prayer will be a witness against him. However, a Muslim is given at least five chances to fully nurture his humility and achieve moral maturity and spiritual transformation. Sheikh Ahmad Arafat, Mufassir at MEC (The remaining parts of the article will appear in the subsequent issues of The Message, inshaAllah) Continued from first page, “President’s Report.”
perform by the command of Allah (SWT) and through the sunnah of the Prophet (S). We should also do our best to increase our reading of the Holy Quran, give our obligatory zakat, and increase our acts of goodwill. Narrated Abu Huraira (R): Allah’s Apostle (S) said, “If one gives in charity what equals one date-fruit from the honestly-earned money- and Allah accepts only the honestly earned money -- Allah takes it in His right (Hand) and then enlarges its reward for that person (who has given it), as anyone of you brings up his baby horse, so much so that it becomes as big as a mountain.” (Sahih Bukhari) All praises are for Allah (SWT) who has blessed our community with an abundance of believers who are busy with His remembrance. I encourage those who are able to financially contribute to the masjid facilities to do so with generosity, especially in these few sacred weeks of Ramadan. Before we know it, the opportunity to perform good deeds in this world to receive innumerous amounts of reward in the Hereafter will be behind us once again. I urge myself and others to contribute in any way possible to continue to earn His pleasure and reward in both worlds. May Allah (SWT) keep us under His mercy and shower us with blessings upon blessings in this month of Ramadan. Ameen! Jazakallah khair Mohammad Aleemuddin, President MCC MCC Publications Committee Chair Javed Bhatty Copy Editor Tayyaba Ahmad Contributing Editor Aatifa Sadiq The Message is a monthly publication of the Muslim Community Center that provides a forum for members to engage with the administration, organization, and activities of MCC/MEC and with each other. Submit your questions and comments to: MCCpublication@ gmail.com. The opinions expressed in The Message do not necessarily represent those of MCC. The editors 3 reserve the right to edit all material.