MASJID UMAR BIN KHATTAB I Masjid Umar Bin Khattab ... AUGUST...Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August...

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Address: 18105 Racho Road, Brownstown, MI, 48193 // Phone: 734-281-8050 Website: http://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org // Email: [email protected]. M ASJID U MAR BIN K HATTAB - I SLAMIC A SSOCIATION OF MI N EWSLETTER Assalamu Alaikum, As the holy month of Ramadhan approaches, we pray that all of us have the opportunity to take advantage of the special blessings found only in this month with good health, patience and strength. Ameen. This is a month of patience, a month of forgiveness, and a month to gain Allah‟s pleasure through increasing our devotion/sincerity in prayers, Quran recitations, Zikr and remembrance of Allah, restraining ourselves from sinful and wasteful activities, and increasing our charitable actions and service to human-kind. You may have heard the exciting news concerning the land adjacent to the Masjid. The large parcel of land that extends to the highway recently became available and the Masjid‟s bid was accepted. Insha‟Allah, the Masjid will be closing on the land on Friday, July 29 th and needs quick infusion of funds to close without external financing. This is a golden opportunity to share in the blessings of acquiring this land which will be used for Masjid activities (expansion, teaching & learning, Hifz, children education, community center, etc.) for a very long time insha‟Allah. Please don‟t let this chance pass your by, and donate to your ability as we approach Ramadhan. Insha‟Allah, the Masjid will hold special events throughout the month and we ask that the community joins in these activities. If you are planning to sleep or eat in the Masjid, please take every precaution to not disturb your fellow Muslim, and ensure that the Masjid remains clean. The next one dish community dinner will be held on July 31, 2011 after Asr salat. Insha‟Allah, our Masjid is considering starting a Hifz Program and Home School for children. We request community members to be involved in this project. Please contact Mufti Patel or Br.Shakeel to assist with this project by being on the Masjid education committee. We would like to thank all the volunteers and community members that take part and assist with the various Masjid activities. Your efforts are very much appreciated and Insha‟Allah you will gain the blessings in this life and here-after. AMEEN. We are always looking for volunteers to ensure these programs are effective, valuable, and brings the community together with the Masjid being the centerpiece, Insha‟Allah. Questions or comments can be placed in the suggestion box or e-mailed to [email protected]. If a response is desired, please indicate that in the suggestion letter, along with contact information. Our website and e-mail list are easy ways to find out about events at the Masjid. Website: http://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org Jazak Allah Khair. Board of Directors, Masjid Umar bin Khattab/Islamic Association of Michigan. Message from the Masjid board Ayat of the month: O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things) Surah Al-Hujraat: 12, 13 Hadiths of the month: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (saws) said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)" Sahih Bukhari INSIDE THIS ISSUE Board Message I Imam‟s Corner 2 Land/Expansion Update 3 Masjid Website 4 Youth‟s Perspective 5 Community News 6 Kids Page 7 Islamic article 8-9 Ramadan articles 10-11 Masjid Contact Info 14 August Prayer Schedule 15 Ramadan 1432 -- August 2011 - Volume 1 Issue 6

Transcript of MASJID UMAR BIN KHATTAB I Masjid Umar Bin Khattab ... AUGUST...Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August...

  • Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM March 2011 Newsletter

    Address: 18105 Racho Road, Brownstown, MI, 48193 // Phone: 734-281-8050

    Website: http://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org // Email: [email protected].

    MA SJ ID UM A R B IN KH A TTA B - I S L A M I C A S S O C I A T I O N O F MI N E W S L E T T E R

    Assalamu Alaikum, As the holy month of Ramadhan approaches, we pray that all of us have the opportunity to take advantage of the special blessings found only in this month with good health, patience and strength. Ameen. This is a month of patience, a month of forgiveness, and a month to gain Allah‟s pleasure through increasing our devotion/sincerity in prayers, Quran recitations, Zikr and remembrance of Allah, restraining ourselves from sinful and wasteful activities, and increasing our charitable actions and service to human-kind. You may have heard the exciting news concerning the land adjacent to the Masjid. The large parcel of land that extends to the highway recently became available and the Masjid‟s bid was accepted. Insha‟Allah, the Masjid will be closing on the land on Friday, July 29

    th and needs quick infusion of funds to close without external financing.

    This is a golden opportunity to share in the blessings of acquiring this land which will be used for Masjid activities (expansion, teaching & learning, Hifz, children education, community center, etc.) for a very long time insha‟Allah. Please don‟t let this chance pass your by, and donate to your ability as we approach Ramadhan. Insha‟Allah, the Masjid will hold special events throughout the month and we ask that the community joins in these activities. If you are planning to sleep or eat in the Masjid, please take every precaution to not disturb your fellow Muslim, and ensure that the Masjid remains clean. The next one dish community dinner will be held on July 31, 2011 after Asr salat. Insha‟Allah, our Masjid is considering starting a Hifz Program and Home School for children. We request community members to be involved in this project. Please contact Mufti Patel or Br.Shakeel to assist with this project by being on the Masjid education committee. We would like to thank all the volunteers and community members that take part and assist with the various Masjid activities. Your efforts are very much appreciated and Insha‟Allah you will gain the blessings in this life and here-after. AMEEN. We are always looking for volunteers to ensure these programs are effective, valuable, and brings the community together with the Masjid being the centerpiece, Insha‟Allah.

    Questions or comments can be placed in the suggestion box or e-mailed to [email protected]. If a response is desired, please indicate that in the suggestion letter, along with contact information.

    Our website and e-mail list are easy ways to find out about events at the Masjid. Website: http://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org Jazak Allah Khair. Board of Directors, Masjid Umar bin Khattab/Islamic Association of Michigan.

    Message from the Masjid board

    Ayat of the month: O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things) Surah Al-Hujraat: 12, 13

    Hadiths of the month: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (saws) said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)" Sahih Bukhari

    INSIDE THIS ISSUE

    Board Message I

    Imam‟s Corner 2

    Land/Expansion Update 3

    Masjid Website 4

    Youth‟s Perspective 5

    Community News 6

    Kids Page 7

    Islamic article 8-9

    Ramadan articles 10-11

    Masjid Contact Info 14

    August Prayer Schedule 15

    Ramadan 1432 -- August 2011 - Volume 1 Issue 6

    http://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org/

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    Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Imam‟s Corner: by Mufti Nayef Patel - Commonly asked Ramadan Question In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

    Q: Is taking a meal before commencing a fast (suhur) necessary in order for a fast to be valid? A: No, Suhur is not necessary. However, it is a virtuous act of Sunnah that should not be missed unnecessarily. Q: What time does Suhur begin? A: One can take Suhur any time after midnight, but it is more advisable to take it in the latter hours of the night, preferably just before the break of true dawn (al-Fajr al-Sadiq). Q: Is an intention for fasting necessary and when should one make the intention (niyyah) for the fast of Ramadhan? A: The intention for fasting is necessary but very simple: It is to know in your heart that you will fast that day. It is valid to have this intention any time from Maghrib the night before up to the Islamic midday of the actual day of fasting, for current Ramadhan fasts and voluntary fasts. The Islamic midday is half way between the beginning of Fajr and Maghrib times. (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya) Q: What is the difference between a Qadha and Kaffara? A: Qadha (makeup) means to keep another fast in order to make up for the fast which was invalidated, whilst Kaffara (expiation) means to perform an act to expatiate the sin of having broken a fast. Q: In what way is a Kaffara fulfilled? A: A Kaffara may be given in the following two ways: 1) Fasting for two months consecutively without missing a single fast, 2) Feeding sixty poor people. It should be remembered that if one has the ability to fast then one cannot adopt the second method; rather, one will have to fast for sixty days continuously. Q: Does an injection invalidate one‟s fast? A: No, it does not invalidate one‟s fast, although it is better to avoid taking injections whilst fasting unnecessarily. Q: Does taking out blood or a blood test invalidate one‟s fast? A: No, a blood test does not invalidate the fast, as it is merely the taking out of blood. However, it will be disliked if it could weaken one from being able to maintain the fast. Q: Does smoking invalidate one‟s fast? A: Yes, it does invalidate one‟s fast. (Ramadhan is a good time to quit smoking). Q: Is it allowed to use an Asthma Pump during the Fast? A: If one has a genuine medical need for an asthma pump that cannot be otherwise fulfilled, then it would be permitted to use it. However, it would break the fast and require that the fast be made up later (Qadha). This is because anything that has a perceptible body breaks the fast if it enters the body through a normal channel. Q: When does vomiting break one‟s fast? A: Vomiting only breaks one‟s fast if: a) one returns and swallows the vomit down the throat, or b) one vomits a mouthful intentionally. It is not broken by non-deliberate vomiting or (deliberately) vomiting less than a mouthful. If one‟s fast is broken by vomiting, then one will only have to make up (qadha) for the fast, a Kaffara will not be necessary. Q: How does one decide when vomiting is a mouthful? A: The definition of “mouthful vomiting” is that which one cannot hold back in one‟s mouth without difficulty. Q: Can one fast whilst travelling? A: Yes, one may fast while travelling. However one should not burden oneself if the journey is long and difficult, for in such situations it is advisable not to fast. Q: Does one have to perform the Qadha fasts immediately after Ramadhan? A: No, it is not necessary. However, it is recommended to complete the missed fasts of Ramadhan as soon as possible. Q: When can a sick person break his/her fast on the opinion of a doctor? A: When a competent Muslim doctor says that if he/she continues fasting, it will bring danger to his/her life or severely affect the health, then in such a situation it will be permitted to break one‟s fast. One will not be liable for a Kaffara but will only have to make up for the fast (Qadha).

  • Page 3 Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Masjid Land Purchase

    Masjid Expansion Project

    The Board of Directors, along with the Board of

    Trustees, has approved the contract for Architectural

    Service with Chester Stempien who was the

    architect for the Farmington Hill Masjid Extension

    Project. According to his estimate, we should be

    able to get Brownstown's approval by August of this

    year.

    The Architect met with several members of the

    Extension Committee, Board of Directors and Board

    of Trustee on May 12, 2011. He then presented the

    drawings he had prepared. The members present

    were able to make suggestion and/or changes. He

    promised to incorporate those changes and submit

    the drawings to Brownstown Twp for approval.

    We are still waiting approval from Brownstown

    Township. We are in the process of getting bids from

    5 contractors.

    Phase 1 of the Masjid expansion (ground-breaking) will cost $500,000. We currently have pledges and collections of $160,000.

    Phase 1: Masjid expansion ground-breaking

    The Masjid has contracted to purchase the land adjacent to the Masjid. This large parcel of land extends to the highway and provides wonderful opportunities for various activities and programs such as future Masjid expansion, primary and Islamic education for children, Hifz School for children, community center, hall, physical activities, etc...) There is so much that can be accomplished with this land, but the first thing is to purchase the land. Insha‟Allah, the Masjid will be closing on the land on Friday, July 29th and needs quick infusion of funds to close without external financing or incurring large amounts of debts. This is another great opportunity and chance as we approach Ramadhan. Please help the Masjid (and in-turn yourself) with your generous donations. Donate for the Masjid land purchse and expansion: The Masjid needs a regular inflow of funds for daily operations, maintenance, and expansion. Please contact the Masjid board or Br.Safdar (Treasurer) at [email protected] or sign up for check-o-matic to make

    regular donations to the Masjid. If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to Islamic Association of Michigan and mail it to 18105 Racho Road, Brownstown, MI: 48193. Jazak Allah.

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    Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    We request the community to donate generously for the project.

    Highlights from the Masjid Website - http://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org/

    Please visit the Masjid website regularly to stay informed on Masjid activities, plus:

    Prayer Schedule, Questions for Mufti Patel, Islamic Articles and links

    Community Events, Volunteer Opportunities

    Masjid Services: Nikaah & Funeral, Visitations for sick, Hajj preparation, Family Services

    Kids/Youth Programs: Sunday School

    Donation Opportunities

    The following are recent updates to our Masjid website.

    An article 'Fatawa on the subject of following Saudi moon sighting' provided by Mufti Patel is added to our Masjid website under the link: http://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org/Moon%20Sighting.html The following AUDIO files have been added:

    Speech on Zakat by Mufti Patel on 07/17/11.

    Speech on 'Virtues of Ramadan' by Maulana Tameem Ahmedi on 07/22/11.

    Speech on 'Virtues of Fasting' by Maulana Tameem Ahmedi on 07/23/11.

    Speech on 'Rights of Husband and Wife' by Maulana Tameem Ahmedi on 07/23/11. The above audio files can be found under the link: http://masjidumarbinkhattab.org/Masjid%20Services.html

    http://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org/http://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org/Moon%20Sighting.htmlhttp://masjidumarbinkhattab.org/Masjid%20Services.html

  • Page 5 Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Youth‟s Perspective The Sunnah as our Make-Up and Fashion We live in a society where physical appearances and physical beauty are of great importance and highly stressed upon. People from all walks of life want to be „GQ‟d,‟ they want to look good. In this desire and aspiration of wanting to look good, we have turned to clothing, cosmetics and even plastic surgery in an attempt to stay caught up with man-made fashion that is very transient and fruitless. As a society, we are obsessed with our physical appearances. Just as we try to hide our so called physical deficiencies with make-up, certain hairstyles and through other cosmetic and superficial means, we in reality should try to hide our spiritual imperfections with the Sunnah. Just as we spend time and energy in physically make ourselves up, we should rather busy ourselves with making up our souls by following both the external and internal Sunnahs of our beloved Prophet (SAW). It behooves us to be obsessed with our imaan and deen rather than our physical appearances. We should dress our anger with the kindness of the Prophet (SAW). We should treat our greed by spending in sadaqah. We should accessorize our tongues with truthfulness and honesty. We should apply honesty and sincerity to our hearts. Rather than turning to Loreal and Ralph Lauren, we should in reality be turning to our blessed Prophet (SAW) to see and understand true beauty. Just as we may spend hours browsing through magazines such as Details and Glamour, we should rather delve into the books of hadith such as the Sahih of Imam Bukhari (RA) and compilation of Imam Tirmidhi (RA) to read characteristics and attitudes our beloved Prophet (SAW) was in vogue with. The Sunnah is the magnet that attracts the special attention and love of Allah (SWT) to our deficient selves and lives and the Sunnah of our nobel Prophet (SAW) is the mechanism by which we prosper and succeed as human beings. As a result, the Sunnah should be our make-up and the Sunnah should be our fashion.

    KIDS ARE US By Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Mehboob As indicated in the important Hadeeth narrated by Kaab bin Ujrah (R.A), we are told that the Prophet Mohammad (SAW) told an Asahab to come close to the pulpit. The Asahab followed the orders. When the Prophet ascended the first step, he said “Ameen.”, when he ascended the second step, he said “Ameen”, when he ascended the third step, he said “Ameen.” The Asahab stated that we have never heard anything like this before. Prophet Mohammad (SAW) told them (Sahih -Al Bukhari and Tirmizi) when he was on the first step, Jibrail came to him and said…Despair upon him who found the blessed month of Ramadan and did not find forgiveness. Upon that, the Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said “Ameen.” When he was on the second step, Jibrail said…Despair upon him who does not say Durood upon hearing your (Prophet Mohammad) name. Again, the Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said “Ameen.” When he was on the third step, Jibrail said…Despair upon him whose parents obtain old age and (due to failure to serve them), he is unable to enter Jannah. Again, the Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said, “Ameen.” We should take this valuable lesson and teach our children that the month of Ramadan is for forgiveness and prayers. During this month, we should do everything possible to fulfill our prayers and seek forgiveness. We should recite the name of Prophet Mohammad, just like Allah (SWT) and his angels do. Finally, if you are lucky to have living parents, respect, honor and love them and teach your children to do the same.

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    Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Daily Schedule: After Fajr prayer: Imam reads Hadith After Magrib prayer: Taleem (10-15 minutes) After Isha prayer: Imam reads Hadith

    Weekly Schedule: Monday-Thursday: 2pm-4pm: Kid Quran Classes Tuesday‟s after Asr: Muslim visitations (Joula) Tuesday‟s after Magrib: Weekly Speech (Bayyan) Saturday: 10:45am-1:30pm, Soup Kitchen-Muslim Center, need volunteers, contact Imam or board Sunday Summer School: 11am-2pm Sunday‟s after Zhur: Quran Tafsir by Mufti Patel

    Upcoming Special Events: July 30, 2011: Every Saturday: 10:45am-1:30pm, Soup Kitchen-Muslim Center, need volunteers July 31, 2011: One dish community dinner in the Masjid after Asr salat. July 31, 2011: Mufti Patel Speaks on `Masail of Ramadan' after Maghrib salat. Sept 30, 2011: Deadline to become a member of the Masjid, in-order to vote in upcoming elections. Oct 1, 2011: Ramadhan EID Dinner @ Brownstown Hall

    All community members are requested to participate in these events. Please pass on this information to others.

    If you would like to inform the community of any special news or events, such as matrimonial, births, condolences, achievements, degrees, promotions, etc… Please send an email to: [email protected]

    *** To advertise in the newsletter or questions about ads, please email: [email protected] ***

    *** To advertise in the newsletter or questions about ads, please email: [email protected] ***

    Bulletin Board / Community News Support our Advertisers – Let them know you seen the ad in the Masjid newsletter.

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

  • Page 7 Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Cross-word puzzle

    Newsletter – Youth Quiz & Prizes The first three individuals to get the correct answers on the word-search, 1 question and cross-word puzzle will each receive a 10.00 dollar gift card. The winner will be announced on our website and in the next newsletter. Rules for the newsletter prize: 1. No one is allowed to ask the Imam for answers. 2. Age group: less than 15 3. Restrict to one winner per family/year. 4. Send answers to:

    [email protected].

    KIDS Page

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    Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Message of the Life of the Prophet to Present-Day Muslims By Shaykh Abu „l-Hasan „Ali al-Nadwi

    Obviously, the world was not a deserted place at the time of the upbringing of the Holy Prophet (upon him blessings and peace). It was not a graveyard. The wheels of life were moving at that time too with very little difference from what they are now. Business was carried on almost in the same manner, and the people, generally, were satisfied with the things around them and did not feel the need for change

    But the Almighty did not like the state of the world. As it is mentioned in a prophetic tradition: “The Lord cast a glance at the dwellers of the earth, and felt highly displeased with them, whether Arabs or non-Arabs. He was angry with all except for a few who believed in the revealed religions. He, thereupon, sent down the Prophet Mohammad, and along with him, made provision for giving rise to a whole community. This community had evidently been created for a definite purpose which was not being fulfilled by others. There could be no need to raise a new community for something that was already being done or to produce the storm in the placid ocean of life that followed the emergence of the new Ummah.

    When the Lord created Adam, the Angels asked: Were they not enough for His glorification? Why should this creature of clay be brought into being? The Lord replied: I know what ye know not (Quran 2: 30). He, thereby, indicated that Adam had not been created to fulfill the function of the Angels, but He intended to take some other work from him.

    If the Muslims were being raised merely for trade, the merchants of Mecca who took their caravans to Syria and Yemen, and the Jews of Medina who had established large business houses had the right to ask whether they were not good enough that a new community was called for. And if it was agriculture, the farmers of Medina, Khyber, Najd, Syria, Yemen and Iraq could have complained why they were being overlooked. And so on.

    But Muslims were being created for a new task which no one in the world was performing or could perform. A new community was required for it. Hence, it was said:

    You are the best community that hath been raised up for mankind. Ye enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency; and ye believe in Allah. (Quran 3:110)

    It was for this sake that people left their home for good, suffered loss in trade and agriculture, and shut their eyes to the comforts of the world. They shed their blood like water, preferred widowhood for their women, and the state of an orphan for their children. Was all this strife, this struggle and sacrifice, aimed simply for the ends and activities with which the Muslims appear to be so contented today? The way to their attainment was safe and even. There was no opposition from the contemporary world over it. Progress along it was not the bone of contention between the Arabs and the other people. They had repeatedly been offered the things the Muslims are hankering after now, but each time, the preacher of Islam, the Prophet had firmly rejected all the proposals of power, wealth and luxury.

    Now, were the Muslims to come down to the level of all the pagan communities subsisted at the time of the childhood of the Holy Prophet, and come down to the level the entire non-Muslim population of the world is finding itself today, and plunge recklessly into worldly affairs and interests like the Arabs, Romans and Persians of those days, and then make the high aim of their existence the ends and advantages the sacred Prophet had turned down with disdain, what could it denote save the repudiation and betrayal of the early history of Islam? Would it not show that the blood that was shed at Badr, Hunain, Ahzab, Qadsia and Yarmouk had been in vain?

    Continues on next page

  • Page 9 Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Continues from previous page ‘Message of the Life of the Prophet to Present-Day Muslims’ If the leaders of the Quraish were able to speak today, they could rightfully tell the Muslims that the things they were craving for were exactly what they had offered to their Prophet. All these could be obtained without shedding a drop of blood. Was the net result of the whole struggle and the worth of all the sacrifices the way of life they had chosen and the moral standards that were so pleasing to them? What answer would we have then?

    The chief anxiety of the Holy Prophet about the Muslims was that they would fall prey to the allurements of the world and forgot their mission. He had addressed this warning to them in the sermon he delivered during the last days of his life:

    “It is not poverty that I fear for you, but what I really fear is that the earth should be spread for you, as it had spread for those who came before you, so that you could covet it as they had coveted, and, then, it destroyed you as it had destroyed them.”

    As we learn from Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, when it was felt by the Ansar of Medina that they withdrew, for some time, from struggle in the path of Allah and paid attention to trade and agriculture which were suffering through neglect, they could not even think of exempting themselves from the principal duties like Salat, Fasting and Zakat, but had only expressed the intention of taking leave for a time from participation in the active endeavor for the glory of Faith–, this temporary withdrawal, too, was held to be nothing short of suicide, and the following verse of Surah Baqara was revealed:

    “Spend your wealth for the cause of Allah, and be not cast by your own hands to fitting destruction; and do good as it ought to be and carry it on. Lo! Allah loveth those who do good deeds.” (2:195)

    The particular mould of a Muslim‟s life is such that he should either be engaged in the preaching and propagation of Faith and other practical endeavors in its path or lending help and support to those who are so engaged, and also, wishing, genuinely, to join in the task himself.

    The life of a contented citizen or businessman is not the life of a Muslim. It can never be his aim and ideal. Legitimate concerns of life and lawful economic activity, of course, are not forbidden. On the contrary, these are a form of worship and a means to the gaining of the propinquity of the Lord provided that the intention is pure and the eye is on the reward of the hereafter and such an occupation is carried on within the limits prescribed by Islam.

    This is the chief message of the life of the sacred Prophet for Muslims. To remain indifferent to it is to allow its purpose to be wasted and turn a blind eye to the fundamental reality the life of the Prophet presents to us.

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    Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    3 Grades for Fasting – excerpt from Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship by Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali

    It should be known that there are three grades of Fasting: ordinary, special and extra-special.

    Ordinary Fasting means abstaining from food and drink.

    Special Fasting means keeping one's ears, eyes, tongue, hands and feet, + all other organs, free from sin.

    Extra-special Fasting means fasting of the heart from unworthy concerns and worldly thoughts, in total disregard of everything but God, Great and Glorious is He. To this third degree belong the Prophets, the true awliya and the intimates of God

    As for Special Fasting, this is the kind practiced by the righteous. It means keeping all one's organs free from sin and six things are required for its accomplishment:

    1. SEE NOT WHAT DISPLEASES GOD: A chaste regard, restrained from viewing anything that is blameworthy or reprehensible, or that distracts the heart and diverts it from the remembrance of God, Great and Glorious is He. Said the Prophet, on him be peace: 'The furtive glance is one of the poisoned arrows of Satan, on him be God's curse. Whoever forsakes it for fear of God will receive from Him, Great and Glorious is He, a faith the sweetness of which he will find within his heart.' Jabir relates from Anas that God's Messenger, on him be peace, said: 'five things break a man's Fast: lying, backbiting, gossiping, perjury and a lustful gaze.'

    2. SPEAK NOT...: Guarding one's tongue from idle chatter, lying, gossiping, obscenity, rudeness, arguing and controversy; making it observe silence and occupying it with remembrance of God, Great and Glorious is He, and with recitation of Quran. This is the fasting of the tongue. The Prophet, on him be peace, said: 'Fasting is a shield; so when one of you is Fasting he should not use foul or foolish talk. If someone attacks him or insults him, let him say: "I am Fasting, I am Fasting!"'

    3. HEAR NOT...: Closing one's ears to everything reprehensible; for everything unlawful to utter is likewise unlawful to listen to. That is why the Prophet, on him be peace, said: 'The backbiter and his listener are copartners in sin.'

    4. DO NOT...Keeping all other limbs and organs away from sin: the hands and feet from reprehensible deeds, and the stomach from questionable food at the time for breaking Fast. It is meaningless to Fast -- to abstain from lawful food - only to break one's Fast on what is unlawful. The object of Fasting is to induce moderation. Said the Prophet, on him be peace: 'How many of those who Fast get nothing from it but hunger and thirst!' This has been taken to mean those who break their Fast on unlawful food. Some say it refers to those who abstain from lawful food, but break their Fast on human flesh through backbiting, which is unlawful.

    5. AVOID OVEREATING: Not to over-indulge in lawful food at the time of breaking Fast, to the point of stuffing one's belly. The spirit and secret nature of Fasting is to weaken the forces which are Satan's means of leading us back to evil. It is therefore essential to cut down one's intake to what one would consume on a normal night, when not Fasting. No benefit is derived from the Fast if one consumes as much as one would usually take during the day and night combined

    6. LOOK TO GOD WITH FEAR AND HOPE: After the Fast has been broken, the heart should swing like a pendulum between fear and hope. For one does not know if one's Fast will be accepted, so that one will find favor with God, or whether it will be rejected, leaving one among those He abhors. This is how one should be at the end of any act of worship one performs.

  • Page 11 Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Ramadhan and its Virtues

    Allah Ta‟ala says in the Holy Quran, “Ramadan is the month in which we revealed the Quran as a guide to mankind. (Al Baqarah) The Prophet (SAW) said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyaan and those who observe fasting will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it”. (Bukhari) The Prophet (SAW) said, “If someone draws near to Allah Ta‟ala during Ramadan with some good act he will be like one who fulfils an obligatory duty in another month and he who fulfils an obligatory duty in it will be like one who fulfils seventy obligatory duties in another month”. (Tirmidhi) The Prophet (SAW) said that Allah the Majestic and the Exalted said “All actions a human being does are for himself except fasting. It is done for my sake so I will give a reward for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied 10 times”. (Bukhari & Muslim) The Prophet (SAW) said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of mercy are opened and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained”. (Muslim) The Prophet (SAW) said, “Every servant of Allah who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah, for every day that he kept a fast Allah will distance his face the Fire of Hell to the extent of seventy years”. (Muslim) The Prophet (SAW) said, “"Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)" (Bukhari) The Prophet (SAW) said, "If somebody eats something forgetfully while he is fasting, then he should complete his fast, for Allah has made him eat and drink." (Bukhari) The Prophet (SAW) said: "Whoever observes night prayer in Ramadan as an expression of his faith and to seek reward from Allah, his previous sins will be blotted out”. (Bukhari) It is reported that “The Prophet (SAW) was naturally the most generous of people and he used to be more generous than ever in the month of Ramadan”. (Bukhari) The Prophet (SAW) said “This is the month of charity in which a believer‟s sustenance is increased. Whosoever feeds a fasting person or gives a fasting person a single date or a sip of water, to break the fast, for him there shall be forgiveness of his sins and he will be saved from the fire of hell, and for him shall be the same reward as the fasting person”. (Tirmidhi) The Prophet (SAW) said, “Eat a little before dawn (Sehri) as there is blessings in taking meal at that time.”(Muslim) The Prophet (SAW) said, “The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten in breaking the fast (Iftaar). (Bukhari & Muslim) The Prophet (SAW) said, “When one of you is fasting, he should break his fast with dates, but if he cannot get any, then with water, for water is purifying”. (Abu Dawud) The Prophet (SAW) said, “The breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah (SWT) than the fragrance of musk”. (Bukhari & Muslim) The Prophet (SAW) said, “There are three whose supplication is not rejected, one who has just ended a fast, a just imam, and one who has been wronged whose supplication is raised by Allah above the clouds and for which the gates of Heaven are opened. Allah says, 'I swear by my might that I shall certainly help you, though it be after some time.'" (Tirmidhi) Allah Ta‟ala says in the Holy Qur‟an, “The night of power is better than a thousand months". (Al-Qur‟an 97:3)

  • Page 12

    Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Eye Surgeons Associates, P.C.

    M. Hanif Peracha, M.D. Meiraj A. Siddiqui, M.D.

    Comprehensive Eye Care Center of Excellence

    (734) 242-2727

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    (734) 242-2726

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    *** To advertise in the newsletter or questions about ads, please email: [email protected] ***

    Shish Garden

    Downriver's Premier Halal

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    Phone: 734-362-6600

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    *** To advertise in the newsletter or questions about ads, please email: [email protected] ***

    Support our Advertisers – Let them know you seen the ad in the Masjid newsletter.

    mailto:[email protected]://www.shishgarden.com/mailto:[email protected]

  • Page 13 Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Answers to the jig-saw puzzle

    Answers to the cross-word puzzle

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    Support our Advertisers – Let them know you seen the ad in the Masjid newsletter.

    *** To advertise in the newsletter or questions about ads, please email: [email protected] ***

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

  • Page 14

    Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Masjid Board Member’s Contact Info

    President Br.Shakeel

    734-664-6524

    Vice President Br. Mobeen

    734-778-5910

    Secretary Br. Nazir

    734-306-5436

    Treasurer Br. Safdar

    734- 250-3677

    Imam Mufti Patel

    480-385-8240

    Masjid Director’s Contact info

    Br. Asif 734-925-4140

    Br. Khurshid 734-673-8817

    Dr. Mehboob 734- 283-6408

    Br. Nizam 734-250-1103

    Br. Tariq 734-250-3427

    Masjid Trustee’s

    Br. Iftikhar Iqbal

    Dr. Mussani

    Br. Muzammil Malik

    Dr. Mustafa Hachem

    Dr. Peracha

    Masjid Committees

    Zakat Committee Dr. Anwar, Iftakar Iqbal, Dr. Mehboob, Mufti Patel, Br.Shakeel

    Youth Committee Br.Asif, Br.Mobeen, Mufti Patel

    Religious Affairs Committee

    Br.Mateen, Hafiz Osama, Mufti Patel, Br.Shakeel

    Newsletter committee

    Br. Nazir, Hafiz Osama, Mufti Patel, Br.Tahir, Br.Tariq

    Maintenance Committee

    Br.Khurshid, Br.Nizam, Br.Nazir, Br.Safdar

    Community Outreach

    Ubaidullah Ahmed, Dr. Mehboob, Muhammad Nizam-Muddin, Ibrahim Shareef

    Newsletter & Advertisement Contacts: Br. Nazir: 734-306-5436 or [email protected] Subscription: Free Submit request for new subscription, cancellations and/or address changes to Br. Nazir: 734-306-5436 or [email protected] Advertisement Rates 1/4 Page: $ 50 / issue, 1/2 Page: $ 100 / issue, Full Page: $ 200 / issue Make check payable to (Mail or drop-off at): Islamic Association of Michigan 18105 Racho Road, Brownstown, MI: 48193.

    Advertisement Disclaimer: Masjid Umar bin Khattab (MUBK)/Islamic Association of Michigan (IAM), its Board of Directors, members and its designees do not accept any responsibility for the content of the ads or its accuracy. While every effort will be made to publish the ads as accepted by MUBK/IAM, changes may be made to make the ad conform to the newsletter/ web page. The advertiser agrees to this condition as part of publishing their ad with MUBK/IAM newsletter. No guarantees, expressed or implied are made to the advertiser, about favorable outcomes due to the publication of their ad in the MUBK/IAM newsletter.

    Masjid Policies: The Masjid website has information on privacy policy, announcement policy, guest khutbah policy,volunteer use policy and table tennis table usage policy. Community members are requested to review and become familiar with these policies that have been developed for the smooth operation of the Masjid. The Islamic Association of Michigan (IAM) constitution is also available on the Masjid website. This information is available under the 'Masjid' link of our website www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org.

    Masjid’s Contact Info

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org/

  • Page 15 Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM August 2011 Newsletter

    Masjid Umar bin Khattab - August 2011 Prayer Schedule

    Ramadan Day Aug-2011 Fajr/ Sehri

    Sunrise Zuhr Asr Maghrib/Iftar

    Isha

    1 Mon 1 4:52 6:26 1:38 6:42 8:53 10:25

    2 Tue 2 4:54 6:27 1:38 6:42 8:52 10:23

    3 Wed 3 4:55 6:28 1:38 6:41 8:51 10:21

    4 Thu 4 4:56 6:29 1:38 6:40 8:50 10:20

    5 Fri 5 4:58 6:30 1:38 6:39 8:48 10:18

    6 Sat 6 4:59 6:31 1:38 6:39 8:47 10:16

    7 Sun 7 5:01 6:32 1:38 6:38 8:46 10:15

    8 Mon 8 5:02 6:33 1:38 6:37 8:44 10:13

    9 Tue 9 5:04 6:34 1:38 6:36 8:43 10:11

    10 Wed 10 5:05 6:35 1:38 6:35 8:42 10:09

    11 Thu 11 5:07 6:36 1:37 6:34 8:40 10:08

    12 Fri 12 5:08 6:37 1:37 6:33 8:39 10:06

    13 Sat 13 5:10 6:38 1:37 6:32 8:38 10:04

    14 Sun 14 5:11 6:39 1:37 6:32 8:36 10:02

    15 Mon 15 5:12 6:40 1:37 6:30 8:35 10:00

    16 Tue 16 5:14 6:41 1:36 6:29 8:33 9:59

    17 Wed 17 5:15 6:42 1:36 6:28 8:32 9:57

    18 Thu 18 5:17 6:43 1:36 6:27 8:30 9:55

    19 Fri 19 5:18 6:45 1:36 6:26 8:29 9:53

    20 Sat 20 5:20 6:46 1:36 6:25 8:27 9:51

    21 Sun 21 5:21 6:47 1:35 6:24 8:26 9:49

    22 Mon 22 5:22 6:48 1:35 6:23 8:24 9:47

    23 Tue 23 5:24 6:49 1:35 6:22 8:22 9:45

    24 Wed 24 5:25 6:50 1:35 6:21 8:21 9:43

    25 Thu 25 5:26 6:51 1:34 6:19 8:19 9:41

    26 Fri 26 5:28 6:52 1:34 6:18 8:18 9:40

    27 Sat 27 5:29 6:53 1:34 6:17 8:16 9:38

    28 Sun 28 5:31 6:54 1:33 6:16 8:15 9:36

    29 Mon 29 5:32 6:55 1:33 6:15 8:13 9:34

    30 Tue 30 5:33 6:56 1:33 6:13 8:11 9:32

    Shawwal 1 Wed 31 5:33 6:56 1:33 6:13 8:11 9:31

    Ramadan Special Instructions: Stop Eating 5 minutes before Suhoor/Fajr Fajr Iqamat will be 15 minutes after suhoor

    Maghrib Iqamat will be 15 minutes after Iftar

    Madina Academy Conducting: Iqamah Time 1. Quraan Class Hifz & Nazra Mon-Thu Classes Days Fajr Zuhr Asr Maghrib Isha

    1st:4:30-5:45, 2nd:5:45-7:00 1-5 0:00 2:00 6:50 0:00 10:35

    6-11 0:00 2:00 6:50 0:00 10:25

    2. Quraan Tafseer every Sunday after Zuhr, 2:15 pm 12-17 0:00 2:00 6:40 0:00 10:15

    18-22 0:00 2:00 6:40 0:00 10:05

    23-26 0:00 2:00 6:30 0:00 9:55

    27-31 0:00 2:00 6:30 0:00 9:45

    DONATE GENEROUSLY TO THE MASJID /MASJID EXPANSION PROJECT.

  • Page 16

    Masjid Umar Bin Khattab-IAM March 2011 Newsletter

    We’re on the Web!

    Visit us at:

    Website: http://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org

    Email: [email protected]

    Islamic Association of Michigan / Masjid Umar bin Khattab 18105 Racho Road, Brownstown, MI, 48193

    Name

    Street Address City, ST ZIP Code

    Non Profit org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit number 121 Wyandotte, MI.

    http://www.masjidumarbinkhattab.org/../../../../Downloads/[email protected]