By: Dr. Aisha Hamadan

Have you ever longed for that one special dish or dessert, but could not find the exact ingredient to make it quite right? Have you ever wished that you could call up your dearest friend and invite her over for tea and conversation, but knew that was impossible?

Have you ever had a new baby and wished deeply in your heart that you own mother could be there to share this wonderful experience with you and to provide you with support, comfort, and advise? Have you ever felt such deep sorrow and pain that you cried until the tears would

no longer come?

If you are one of the many people “away from home” you may have experienced some or all of these wishes and feeling. Homesickness, loneliness, and missing family and friends are all very familiar to people in this situation. With the growing number of immigration to North American, this is becoming an important issues that needs to be addressed within communities. This is particular true women who many have moved with their husbands and begin to feel isolated and lonely while their husbands work throughout the day, sometimes for long hours. It may also be more intense for women who are attempting to live as Muslimahs and truly implement Islam in their lives. With the pressure and influence of the Kufr environment, there may be a great deal of fear, uncertainty, and suspicion for new residents. Being away from a more Islamic environment can only add the psychological stress of homesickness. Struggles with maintaining Islamic dress is a common concern related to this area.

The stress and challenges experienced in a new land may be magnified if children are involved. There may be concern about being able to instill Islamic values in children in an environment where these are not the norm. The pressure upon children and youth is probably even greater than those faced by adults. In many ways the upbringing of children is likely to be more different since the major support of extended family and friends is no longer available. This would be most evident in such areas as physical care, discipline, and monitoring.

So how is a Muslimah to cope with new challenges? There are certain positive steps that she can take and there are other areas where more seasoned sisters may be of assistance. The following is a list of those suggestions:

Suggestions for the New Arrival

1. Develop a strong support system. Whenever anyone arrives in an unfamiliar land it is important to begin to develop a new support system from the very beginning. Building a supplementary family and network in the new location can best alleviate homesickness and loneliness. If there is a large Muslim community in the area, opportunity for friendships should automatically be available through the local masaajid and halaqas. Lina is a sister who recently came to America from Jordan with her new husband. She started that her transaction has been less difficult than she anticipated primarily because she already knew one sister here and has met many new people and begun to develop friendships. Many for her contacts have been made through visits to the local masaaijd. She reported that because of this and a supportive husband she has experienced very little homesickness and feels that she is coping well.

2. Focus on the positive aspects. Being “away from home” may actually turn to be wonderful experience with myriad opportunities for personal growth and achievement. Free from the tangled intricacies of familial and cultural ties, a women may begin to determine who she really is, as an individual and find ways to strengthen her character, her Emaan, and her roles as a wife mother. It may also open the door to educational opportunity both in relation to the Deen and to personal career interest. There are many programs that offer course through correspondence so that a women can study in her home and tailor this to fit her interests and schedule. Lina stated that she has been to a masijed more often in this country during her short stay than throughout her lifetime back home. She reported that few women visit the masaajid in her home country except during Ramadan, and she was not aware of any halaqas for the education of sisters. In America she has started to join halaqa for Arabic speakers and teaches Arabic for an English halaqa. She will also begin school this semester to study computer.

3. Find ways to fill time through Ibaadah. There are many to keep oneself busy, especially in worship of Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala. It is in times of needs when the hearts is likely to be softer and one may turn to Allah more often. Sincere Ibaadah, such as salah, reading Qur’an, fasting, dhikr, etc, should be increased during this time as a sign of complete reliance upon Allah. Other activities that can be considered worship include: increasing knowledge of the Deen by reading Islamic books and materials; participating in dawah activities, halaqa activities, children’s programs; adopting an Islamic cause such as charity projects, social programs , sharing knowledge with others, etc. There fare many programs already established that would definitely need the help of extra volunteers. This may be an excellent opportunity to draw nearer to Allah.

Suggestions for Natives and more Seasoned Immigrants

1. Help to make new sisters feel at home. Some elements of “home” can be recreated here and be important in alleviating homesickness. Sisters may generate discussion by inquiring about the new sister’s homeland, customs, language, foods, etc. A familiar dish, desert, or spice may be brought for the sister or she may be shown local stores that carry idea to invite her to share information about her homeland with the halaqa, such as the social, political, economic aspects. All of these steps will help to make sister feel that “home” was not completely left behind.

2. Assist in the transition. Many women may be very unfamiliar with the “American” culture so it is important to increase their understanding so that they will be better prepared to deal with it. This may involve providing information and giving advice about how to handle specific issues, particularly related to the rearing of children. Not only will this be very beneficial for the sister so that she can avoid difficult or embarrassing situations, but it will make the overall transition much smoother.

3. Break down the barriers. New immigrants may not only be suspicious and wary of American culture, but they may also feel this way about American women. This barrier may be even more complex to overcome than any language barrier that may be present. American women who have converted to Islam may share their conversion story and what the change has meant for them. Oftentimes sisters will discern the shared challenges and obstacles that transcend cultural differences. For example, wearing hijab in an unIslamic environment is just as difficult for new converts as it is for immigrants, and maybe even more so if it is a recent modification. Through social contact and sharing of lives sisters will see that the commonality of Islam is what brings them together.

We welcome all new sisters to our communities and look forwards to sharing our lives.

(A special thank you to sisters from the Circle of Faith for their wonderful ideas!!)&n

By: Dr. Aisha Hamadan

[Al Jumuah Magazine]

Wednesday : 21/08/2002

أرسلت إلينا إحدى الأخوات المقال التالي:

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

ابتدأت رحلتي الدعوية البسيطة منذ أن بدأت بمتابعة الأستاذ عمرو خالد؛ كنت أرتجف حين يقول: "ماذا ستقول لربك يوم تقف بين يديه ويسألك ماذا قدمت للإسلام؟" فأسأل نفسي مراراً وتكراراً، ولكني لا أجد جواباً!

فمنذ تلك اللحظات قررت أنا ومجموعة صديقات لي أن نبدأ رحلتنا؛ فأنشأنا مكتبة إسلامية في صفنا -فأنا أبلغ السادسة عشرة من عمري- ووضعنا فيها كل ما لدينا من كتب ونشرات وأشرطة إسلامية. استجابت لنا الفتيات حتى أنهن بدأن يلقين إلينا بأسرارهن التي لا أعتقد أنهن وجدن فتيات أكثر حفاظاً للأسرار منا؛ كنا ننصحهن ونرشدهن ولكن بما كنا نعلم.

حتى أتت إلي فتاة؛ بل أخت رائعة متفوقة أصغر مني بسنتين، أخبرتني أنها تحب شاباً وتراسله على الهاتف... الخ

حاولت ردعها بشتى الطرق، فلم تستجب. فلم أملك لها إلا أن أدعو لها في صلاتي، وفي كل وقت. أحببت أن أسمعها شريطاً إسلامياً، فصرخت في وجهي. فعندها أدركت أنه لا وسيلة لي إلا أن أدعو لها فقط، وكتبت لها رسالة طويلة كتبت لها فيهاً سؤالاً بخط عريض "ألا تحبين الله؟ لماذا تعصينه؟ هل ذلك الشاب أحب إليك من الله؟" مرت فترة قصيرة وإذا بها ترسل إلي رداً على رسالتي أخبرتني فيها أنها تائبة إلى الله...

عندها شعرت بانشراح في صدري لم أشعر به من قبل...

والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

أحببت أن أكتب لكم قصتي لعل هناك من يهتدي بها باذن الله:

بدايتي كانت مع صديقات السوء، وبالتحديد في المرحلة المتوسطة، حيث من خلالهم تعرفت على فرقة أجنبية معروفة، وأروني صورهم وأسمعوني أغانيهم ومنذ ذلك الوقت وأنا أحبهم حباً جنونياً؛ أغانيهم أسمعها ليلاً نهاراً. وبعض الأشياء التي كنت معتادة أن أفعلها تركتها كصيام الأيام البيض، واستمر الحال كذلك لمدة ثلاث سنوات. بعدها تخرجت من المتوسطة وودعتهم، وانتقلت إلى المرحلة الثانوية.

وكل الذين انتقلوا معي في نفس المدرسة يقولون لي (ها يا فلانة كيف حال الفرقة هذيك؟) وأنا أجيبهم وأقول لهم آخر الأخبار. ولكن رب العالمين يمهل ولا يهمل سبحان الله.. في العطلة الصيفية اقترح والدي أن نذهب إلى أمريكا، فوافقنا. ذهبنا إلى هناك وأنا كلي أمل أن ألتقي بهم.. ولكن سبحان مغير الأحوال؛ بعد تقريباً أسبوع أحسست بضيق وغربة. لم أعتد على نمط العيش هذا؛ اعتدت على سماع الأذان، ورؤية الرجال والصبيان يخرجون من بيوتهم إلى المسجد. بعدها أخذت أقرأ القرآن وأحسست بلذة صراحة وأنا أقرؤه. وشيئاً فشيئاً أخذت أحفظ الجزء الأول من سورة البقرة. ومع مرور الوقت أصبحت أعتز بأنني مسلمة، مع العلم أنني ولله الحمد كنت مرتدية الحجاب لم أخلعه. وبعد مرور شهر كامل قضيناه في أمريكا عدنا إلى السعودية. استمر الحال بي في حب هذه الفرقة، ولكن حينما انتقلت إلى مرحلة الصف الأول الثانوي جاءتنا مدرسة -جزاها الله خيراً- ملتزمة، وكانت في بداية الحصة دائماً تذكرنا بالله وتخوفنا من النار، وترغبنا بعمل الخير وطاعة الرحمن. ومن ضمن حديثها لنا تحدثت عن الأغاني وحرمتها، وأيضاً معلمة الآحياء ذكرت لنا عقوبة سامع الأغاني. وقتها أخذت أفكر، والحمدالله تركتها، ولكني لم أترك مشاهدة الأفلام. سبحان الله.. أبي قال لي كلمة لا يقصدها، يعني مجرد (كلمة على الطاير) مثل ما نقول، قال لي "المطاوعة ما يشوفون أفلام" سبحان الله، بعدها تركتها فترة، لكني عدت إليها صراحة ولكن بشكل قليل.

بعدها جاء شهر رمضان المبارك وأنا ولله الحمد تركت الأغاني والأفلام، وفي ليلة من الليالي المباركة كنت أنا وأختي لوحدنا في منتصف الليل. سبحان الله.. وأنا كنت جالسة جاءني ضيق شديد في صدري، فأحسست أني سأموت. أخذت أركض وأتوضأ لأصلي الوتر، وكنت أقول كما قال حبيبي المصطفى صلى الله عليه وسلم بأبي هو وأمي (لا إله إلا الله إن للموت سكرات). وكان قلبي يخفق بشدة، واستمر الحال هكذا لمدة أسبوع. وذهبت إلى مستشفيات وأخذت أدوية، وكنت إذا استلقيت على السرير مر أمامي شريط حياتي.. وقتها فقط قلت (اللهم اغفر لي وارحمني وألحقني بالرفيق الأعلى) أحسست أني سأموت.

ومضى الوقت، وجاءت العشر الأواخر. أخذت أصلي الوتر بشكل يومي وأدعو الله بقولي (اللهم اشفني من مرضي هذا أنت الشافي) سبحان الله يا أخوات.. ورب العزة والجلالة أني ثلاث ليال وراء بعض وأنا أردد هذا الدعاء وحدث أن شفاني الله.. نعم ولله الحمد؛ ففي الليلة الرابعة أحسست ببرود في عروقي كأن الروح تغادر الجسد، فتوضأت وصليت الوتر وذهبت ألقي نظرة أخيرة على أمي، وعدت إلى فراشي ونطقت الشهادتين ونمت. ولكني استيقظت ولله الحمد وقد ذهب ما بي من سقم. أحسست أني وُلدت من جديد.. أحسست أن الله سبحانه وتعالى أراد هدايتي فعلاً، ومنذ ذلك الوقت وأنا أحاول أن أقضي وقتي بطاعتة سبحانه.

هذه قصتي.. فهل من قلب يحس برحمة الله سبحانه على عباده ويعود إليه تائباً؟

أسأل الله لنا ولكم الثبات على الحق في الدنيا والآخرة..

والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

أرسلت إلينا إحدى الأخوات المقال التالي:

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم والصلاة والسلام على أشرف المرسلين سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين.

أما بعد:

سأروي عليكن أخواتي العزيزات قصة لفتاتين إحداهن مسلمة والأخرى كافرة والعياذ بالله.

كانت هاتان الفتاتين تعيشان في نفس الحي؛ فالفتاة المسلمة لا تخرج من منزلها إلا وهي ترتدي الخمار والجلباب (أي اللباس الشرعي الكامل). وقد كانت جميلة لكنها لا تظهر جمالها لأي إنسان؛ مع أنها كانت في ضيق من الحال. لكنها كانت غنية بقراءة القرآن، وصائنة لنفسها عن المحرمات والكبائر، ومحافظة على صلاتها؛ فكان ذلك كافياً لأن تكون جميلة الخلق والأخلاق. وعلى عكسها كانت الفتاة النصرانية ميسورة الحال تخرج وهي ترتدي ثياباً غالية الثمن، لكنها مبتذلة، متبرجة بأدوات التجميل، تشعر بأن هذه هي صفات المرأة العصرية.

وعند خروجها من المنزل ترى الشبان يعاكسونها، لكن بعد أن تسير يبصقون عليها. أما عند خروج الفتاة المسلمة ذات الأخلاق الرفيعة؛ فإنها تسير بخطوات رزينة، وبكل خطوة تمشيها تترك احتراماً لها وهيبة منها، فجمالها دائم ما دامت الزينة التي تتجمل بها هي الأخلاق الفاضلة.

وفي يوم من الأيام كانت الفتاة النصرانية خارجة من الجامعة؛ فإذا بسيارة تدهسها. فيتم إسعافها سريعاً ونقلها إلى المستشفى. وتسبب الحادث في تشويهها وذهاب جمالها في رمشة عين. وفي اليوم التالي إذا بالمسلمة تقوم بزيارتها محضرة لها هدية، فتقول لها تفضلي هدية.. كتاب به تصبحي أجمل الجميلات..

فإذا بالنصرانية تسأل ما هذا الكتاب الذي باستطاعته أن يرجع لي جمالي؟ فتجيبها المسلمة: كتاب الأخلاق الذي به يعود لك جمالك، وبتطبيقك إياه تصبحين جميلة دوماً، وليس لحين مؤقت. فإن كانت أخلاقك أخلاق المرأة المسلمة؛ فستشعرين بالجمال والسعادة دوماً. فإذا بها تأخذ الكتاب وتبدأ بالتطبيق تبغي عودة جمالها. ولكن بعد مرور وقت يقارب الشهر الواحد؛ إذ بغاية الحصول على الجمال تتحول إلى الحصول على مرضاة الله والاخلاق الكريمة التي بها يزداد جمالها. فقد أيقنت أن الجمال الحقيقي يكون باتباع الدين؛ لا باتباع الشهوات والهوى.

Islam is a way of life, and Shura, or mutual consultation in all affairs, is part of it.

Whether it's community affairs (42:38) or family issues (2:233), Shura is a blessing for all members of the Muslim community.

In a family setting, Shura is a beautiful tool for building family closeness and cohesion. It allows all family members to voice concerns and opinions in an open and honest manner; it teaches young and old the proper etiquette of communication, and most importantly, it allows all members to feel that they are part of a team that shares common values and goals for the sake of Allah.

But Shura doesn’t just happen. It requires time, commitment, and skill. One of these skills is good listening.

In our culture, listening tends to be devalued in the face of talking. A person who speaks well is highly regarded, but a good listener is rarely praised. Communication is clearly a two-way street, and Shura without proper listening skills cannot succeed.

Here are seven tips for better listening that can strengthen Shura in your family.

1. Remove all distractions

Busy parents, especially moms, are excellent multitaksers: doing the laundry while talking on the phone, while getting dinner ready, while preparing for a meeting. But in the case of Shura, multitasking is clearly a liability, not an asset.

When the family settles down to conduct Shura, all distractions must be removed. The television and radio must be off, the computer put in sleep mode, the answering machine on, and newspapers, games, and magazines put away.

This way, everyone's full attention can be given to paying attention to what is being discussed.

2. An attitude of respect

In some families and cultures, what women and young people have to say is ignored or devalued. This attitude is a sure way to kill good listening, and by extension, family Shura from the start.

If we remember the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, he consulted his wives and was very attentive to the needs of children. He respected all, and this is the attitude that we must adopt if we want to become good listeners who will succeed in implementing Shura in our families.

3. Make eye contact

Making eye contact with the person speaking is critical in showing that you are paying attention, which validates the speaker's need to feel you are really listening.

4. Use gestures

As with eye contact, gestures like nodding your head, smiling or frowning (depending on what's being said) also show the speaker that you are paying attention.

5. Don't interrupt

How many of us are notorious for finishing other people's sentences? This bad habit is not only rude, it is also a sure way to annoy a speaker. When you interrupt, the message you give the speaker is: 'what you have to say doesn't really matter, so let me take over the conversation'.

Wait until the speaker is finished talking, then raise your hand or start speaking if no one else is to responding.

6. Ask question

This is a great way to show that you were paying attention. By asking questions related to what the speaker was talking about, you show your interest.

Of course, questioning must be done in a respectful manner. If you disagreed with something the speaker said, express your disagreement politely, without raising your voice or becoming rude.

7. Remember, you don't have to agree to everything

Listening carefully to what someone else is saying does not mean you have to agree with everything that is being said. Rather, what you are doing is allowing the speaker to express his or her emotions so that s/he feels validated and a constructive solution can be worked out about a disagreement or issue.

So even if, during family Shura, your six-year-old says he "never" gets to do anything fun with his friends and you vehemently disagree, don't jump in and interrupt. Let him express his frustration by listening carefully, and then, consult with him about how he feels this can be changed.

<i>source: soundvision.com</i>

asslaa-u-alaikum

im 15 an i wear da scarf an i see oder gurls wearin it aswel which makes me very happy but da oder gurls ave boyfrendz an all. y do dey wear da scarf if der gnna give oder ppl who wear da scarf bu aint lyk dem a bad name aswell?????????????

i get questioned from my frendz abou dis i try 2 say 2 my frendz dat dey cud be wid der brother , husband or even farther bu den dey torment me wid da way da gurl in scarf wo acting in da guy, wot shud i do????????

Wasslaam-u-alikum

Allah hafiz 2 all!

(9)*(NEWS FROM THE DA”WAH)

Norway: More and more embracing Islam

Oslo, Rajab 20/Sep 17 (IINA) – The number of new Muslims in Norway has been gradually increasing, according to a handout from the Islamic Community Center here, which added that there were 500 new Muslims last year, and this has brought the total number to 80,000.

The statement indicated that 50,000 of them are members of either Islamic Centers or other Islamic organizations, and went to show that most the Muslims in the country are ethnic Pakistanis, followed by Turks, Moroccans, Iraqis, Somalis, and Bosnians, who number not less than 5,000.

The handout discloses that there are 69 mosques in Norway, 24 of which are to be found in the capital city, Oslo, where there is a large concentration of Muslims. Among the immediate problems facing the Muslim community here is the organization of prayer and fasting times, particularly the latter, because in certain seasons of the year when there is continuous sunshine and at certain seasons there is continuous darkness for months.

The “Islam in Norway” newsletter goes on to say that another problem is that of the second generation Muslims in the country, most of them do not even know their mother tongue, a problem that prevails in all the European countries with Muslim minorities. HI/OB/IINA

http://www.islamicnews.org/english/index.html

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(10)*(NEWS FROM THE MUSLIM WORLD)

Kazakhstan: Conference of religions to be held

Astana, Rajab 20/Sep 17 (IINA) – The Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper has disclosed that that the country is preparing to welcome various delegations who would be attending the International Conference of Religions which would be held here from September 23 – 24. It is expected that 18 delegations, representing different religious denominations, will be attending the conference. Others that are expected to attend the conference are representatives from the UN, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, UNESCO, and UNICEF. The Office of the President here announced that others who are expected to attend are delegates from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Iran. It is expected that among the prominent Muslim personalities who would attend are Dr. Abdullah Al-Turky, secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL), and the Grand Sheikh of Azhar, Dr. Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi, as well as the chairman of the Ulema Council of India, Sheikh Muhammad Rabi’ Al-Nidwi.

HI/OB/IINA

http://www.islamicnews.org/english/index.html

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The Lord of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the final Prophet, Muhammad (peace be with them all)

(What is going on around the American Muslims?)

Al-AMANA Message No. 199, week No. 143, Month No. 35 (September 19, 2003)

In this week issue:

1- AYAH OF THE WEEK (Verse from the Qur’an)

2- HADITH OF THE WEEK (Said or done by the Prophet, SAW)

3- DU’A’ OF THE WEEK (Supplication)

4- THE POST-HOSPITALIZATION CARE PROGRAM (Florida Residents)

5- THE 2003 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

6- ACHIEVING YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS ISLAMIC WAY

7- THE SOUTH FLORIDA MUSLIM CEMETERY REPORT

8- AMANA IN NEED OF YOUR SUPPORT

9- NEWS FROM THE DA”WAH

10- NEWS FROM THE MUSLIM WORLD

11- THE SITE OF THE WEEK

12- THE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

13- REGISTER TO VOTE ONLINE

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(1)*(AYAH OF THE WEEK [Verse from the Qur'an])

“O you who believe, do not prohibit the good things (all that is good as regards food, things, deeds, beliefs, persons) which Allah has made lawful to you and transgress not. Verily, Allah does not like the transgressors.” [Qur’an, Al-Ma,’idah 5:87]

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(2)*(HADITH OF THE WEEK [saying By the Prophet, SAW])

“Gabriel kept telling me to be good to the neighbors, till I thought that he was going to tell me to include them in the inheritance.” [imam Bukhari]

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(3)*(DU`A’ OF THE WEEK [supplication])

“O Allah,* forgive me, have mercy upon me, guide me and grant me sustenance.” [imam Muslim]

* Muslims believe that Allah (God) is Who created Adam, Eve, Jesus, Moses, Lot, Abraham, Ya’koub, Ishmael and many other prophets and messengers (Peace be upon them all) and Muhammad (SAW) His last Prophet.

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(4)*(THE POST-HOSPITALIZATION CARE PROGRAM)

Baptist Health South Florida (formerly Baptist Hospital) and 5-Pillar Foundation, Inc. are seeking interested parties to attend The Post-Hospitalization Spiritual Care program. This training program consists of three 6-hour workshops (Sept. 26, 27 and Oct. 4) followed by eight (8) Monday evening sessions. Those who complete the program will be certified to participate in the continuum of care referral program.

We are seeking parties who are interested in visiting the sick in their homes as part of our responsibility as Muslims and to partake in the referral program for the hospital. 5-Pillar Foundation will be covering the fees for those chosen to attend.

Applicants must contact 5-Pillar Foundation and leave a name and phone number or email address at:

Tel. 305 944-2282 (please leave message…someone will get back to you) or email: 5pillar@adelphia.net

You will be contacted, in order to complete a brief application to be forwarded to the program administrators. There is limited room. Therefore, interested applicants should return contact no later than Sun., Sept. 21 for your application to be considered.

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(5)*(THE 2003 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE)

Muslim humanitarian nominated for the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize

Dr. Syed Hasan has been nominated for the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize for

his commitment to serving and uplifting humanity. He has dedicated over sixty years of his life for the betterment of others. Dr. Hasan is the founder and director of INSAN (Arabic for "Human"), an educational and humanitarian mission based in India. For almost forty years the INSAN Institute has been promoting education and educational awareness, educational accessibility to financially disadvantaged, adult literacy, preteen/teen marriages, local economy and employment to disadvantaged and humanitarian assistance.

http://www.isna.net/news/miniheadlines.asp...ticle&artid=118

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(6)*(ACHIEVING YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS ISLAMIC WAY) /SAY NO RIBA

MSO at FAU is hosting a Financial Workshop titled, “Achieving Your Financial Goals with Shari’ah based Investing”.

This event will be held in the Life Long Learning Center of the Boca Raton Campus at FAU from 11:00am – 5:00pm.

This event is free of charge and will include free breakfast and lunch.

For further information on this event please contact:

Br. Salman at: salmanthegr8@hotmail.com

Or call: Tel 561-394-5404

www.azzadfund.com

www.msofau.com

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(7)*(THE SOUTH FLORIDA MUSLIM CEMETERY REPORT)

Al-Humdo-lillah, the Shura at Bism-Rabbik Foundation Inc. is elated to announce that the construction permit was granted for Muslim Cemetery at 17551 N.W. 137th Ave. Hialeah Gardens Florida. This project which has been in the works for last eight years was the first of its kind in the USA. The time it took to get through the regulatory process set it back to second place, nevertheless Muslims of South Florida should be very happy and thank Allah for his immense mercy and make Du’a’ for the success of this project. The completion date is set at December 15th Insha-Allah. The project still needs about $40,000 to complete, which will provide us with over 6000 burial lots, roadway and parking spaces.

If you have any questions regarding the cemetery or for financial support please contact us at: 954-680-1862

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(8)*(AMANA IN NEED OF YOUR SUPPORT)

We need you to join AMANA and be part of the efforts AMANA, the American Muslim Association of North America doing to assist our community and the non Muslim community. We need you to be part of the efforts to reach the other communities and faith groups to give them a gift of the Qur’an and Islamic books and we have to reach them with a smile. Be part of the efforts that AMANA trying to work with other communities and other faith in projects in mutual interest. All of us are living in one land and in one boat. We need to be together as one hand and no one community can survive alone whether this community is a minority or this community a majority as far we all live in the same land, the US.

We need you today to send us your support and especially all our members who have been with us for the past four years. Remember AMANA today in your prayers and in your assistance.

Keep AMANA programs active and in progress:

- AL-AMANA Food to the needy program. (Al-AMANA Gift Certificate)

- Storage and distribution of donated items.

- Mail of free Qur’an & Books for da’wah all to around the world.

- Al-AMANA online Magazine.

- AL-AMANA publications.

- Other expense to manage other programs.

Please visit AMANA web site to learn more about our activities.

http://www.al-amana.org/aboutus.php

http://www.al-amana.org/services.php

http://www.al-amana.org/contactus.php

(AMANA is non-profit organization)

FOR DONATION:

Send your check or money order to: (No cash will be accepted)

AMANA

352 North East 167 Street, Suite B

Miami, FL 33162, USA

To contact us: info@al-amana.org

Tel. 305-898-9314 (Miami-Dade), Tel. 754-234-4456 (Broward)

I came across a news article condemning a Saudi Prince for making bad statements about America after 9/11. He had donated a $10million check to the Twin Towers Fund and the city returned it. However as I read this news report I found myself AGREEING in part with the Saudi Prince! Now I feel like I might be a bad American - or even accused of terrorism for my views! (I will post the article in a minute so you can read it as well.)

One of the ways that my eyes have been opened (really wide ) about US Policy and behavior was this amazing book written by Queen Noor of Jordan. Her book is called, "Queen Noor, Memoires of an Unexpected Life" It seems like it would be some romance novel about her dream life of becoming a Queen - but instead it reads like a factual text book about the realities of how the US and other key countries have been acting "behind the scenes" when dealing with the Middle East. (The US isn't the only one doing bad stuff.) After reading her book I've been basically in shock. We Americans are not taught about the truth - the reality! of what our country is doing. So I've been so worried about, "How should I think about these things??" I want to say, "America, you are doing a BAD job!" but I'm so afraid I'll disapear into some prison for "terrorist activity". Your rights vanish when you are thus accused...

Anyway, when I read this news report and read the remarks made by the Saudi Prince I about fell out of my chair because they made so much sense! Now don't get me wrong: I do NOT agree one single bit with violence and terrorist attacks against anyone. I am not excusing the terrorists - but I didn't think that the Prince was doing this either....

Please, read the article and maybe share your thoughts and feelings with me. I'm so confused. In one year flat I have done a complete 180 degree turn in regards to what is going on in Israel and how America is acting towards the Middle East. It's scaring me.

And another thing: It seems to me as if the media is VERY biased about the Saudi Prince's comments. They spin everything so that he sounds like a criminal - but when I read the article without the biased lenses in my eyes I didn't see a criminal speaking.... (that's just my opinion)

Giuliani rejects $10 million from Saudi prince

NEW YORK (CNN) --Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Thursday the city would not accept a $10 million donation for disaster relief from Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal after the prince suggested U.S. policies in the Middle East contributed to the September 11 attacks.

"I entirely reject that statement," Giuliani said. "There is no moral equivalent for this [terrorist] act. There is no justification for it. The people who did it lost any right to ask for justification for it when they slaughtered 4,000 or 5,000 innocent people."

Prince Alwaleed gave the mayor a check after a Thursday morning memorial service at Ground Zero, the site of the World Trade Center towers destroyed in the attacks.

The prince offered his condolences to the people of New York, but after the ceremony he released a statement suggesting the United States "must address some of the issues that led to such a criminal attack."

"The check has not been deposited. The Twin Towers Fund has not accepted it," Giuliani said in a statement late Thursday.

The prince's statement said the United States "should re-examine its policies in the Middle East and adopt a more balanced stand toward the Palestinian cause.

"While the U.N. passed clear resolutions numbered 242 and 338 calling for the Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza Strip decades ago, our Palestinian brethren continue to be slaughtered at the hands of Israelis while the world turns the other cheek," the statement said.

Giuliani flatly rejected the prince's position. "To suggest that there's a justification for [the terrorist attacks] only invites this happening in the future," he said. "It is highly irresponsible and very, very dangerous.

"And one of the reasons I think this happened is because people were engaged in moral equivalency in not understanding the difference between liberal democracies like the United States, like Israel, and terrorist states and those who condone terrorism.

"So I think not only are those statements wrong, they're part of the problem," Giuliani said.

Am I wrong for believeing that US Policies in the Middle East are not good? I mean, I love my country. I even served my country in the Military! My roots go back to ancient times here. (I am a member of the Crow Indian Tribe as well as "white") There are so many wonderful things in America and I'm very thankful for everything. I am not anti-American. I just wish we could change the way we do some things.

"While the U.N. passed clear resolutions numbered 242 and 338 calling for the Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza Strip decades ago, our Palestinian brethren continue to be slaughtered at the hands of Israelis while the world turns the other cheek," the statement (by the Prince) said. <---- That's SO TRUE and why isn't America DOING something about this?? I'm so confused. I wish I could have a good long talk with that Prince. He could probably educate me on many more things that I think, as an American, I have the RIGHT to know but am being kept in the dark by my own government.

Arrrrrg! I'm not anti-American. I'm just anti-evil, you know?

~ 6.2. Rights and Responsibilities of Parenthood ~

Parents’ responsibilities for the care and upbringing of their children are mentioned in several places in the Qur’an, as well as in the Hadith:

“O you who have attained to faith! Ward off from yourselves and your families that fire (of the hereafter) whose fuel is human beings and stones.”

(Al-Qur’an: al-Tahrim 66:6)

How do we ward off that fire from our families? We need to show to them the right way and to teach them the difference between right and wrong. An excellent example of this is found in the words of Luqman to his son (Al-Qur’an Luqman 31:13-19) where he admonishes him:

*not to ascribe divine powers to anything other than Allah;

*to be good and kind to parents;

*to obey parents unless they command what is wrong;

*to understand that all our deeds however minor are recorded and will be brought to light;

*to be constant in prayer;

*to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong;

*to bear what befalls him with patience;

*to avoid pride, arrogance and boastfulness; and

*to be modest in manner and speech.

This is a model example of parental responsibility and advice. Luqman guides his own son on the path to paradise with simple but memorable words. This parental responsibility belongs not only to the father. Prophet Muhammad (sollallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) is reported to have said:

“Take care! Each of you is a shepherd and each of you shall be asked concerning his flock; a leader is a shepherd of his people, and he shall be asked concerning his flock; and a man is a shepherd of the people of his house, and he shall be asked concerning his flock; and a woman is a shepherd of the house of her husband and over their children, and she shall be asked concerning them.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Indeed the mother’s role may be even greater: while the children are young they are very close to her and dependent upon her, and they spend more time with her than with anyone else. There is an Arab saying: “The mother is the first school”. She may be a good school, an indifferent or even a bad school. She may even be unaware that she is serving as a role model in her behaviour, and her attitudes. Every mother should be conscious of her role and do her best to make it beneficial for the development of her children as they set out on the journey of life.

Parental care and guidance are fundamental to child upbringing. Some parents nowadays become so pre-occupied with their jobs or with making money or with their social lives that children are often neglected. They may be ignored or left for hours with the television or computer or they may be sent to day care centres at a very early age to be cared for in groups by other people.

The parents’ right to respect from their children is dependent upon the children’s right to loving care and guidance of their parents.

It is related that a man once came to ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the second Khalifah of Islam, complaining of his sons’ disobedience to him. ‘Umar summoned the boy and spoke of his disobedience to his father and his neglect of his rights. The boy replied:

“O Amir al-Mu’minin! Hasn’t a child rights over his father?”

“Certainly”, replied ‘Umar.

“What are they, Amir al-Mu’minin?”

“That he should choose his mother, give him a good name and teach him the Book (the Qur’an).”

“O Amir al-Mu’minin! My father did nothing of this. My mother was a Magian (fire worshipper). He gave me the name of Julalaan (meaning dung beetle or scarab) and he did not teach me a single letter of the Qur’an.”

Turning to the father, ‘Umar said:

“You have come to me to complain about the disobedience of your son. You have failed in your duty to him before he has failed in his duty to you; you have done wrong to him before he has wronged you.”

~ 6.3. Tarbiyyah in Islam ~

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“This day have I perfected your religion for you,

and have bestowed upon you the full measure of My blessings and willed that self-surrender unto Me (Islam) shall be your religion.”

(Al-Qur’an, al-Ma’idah, 5:4)

Tarbiyyah is the process by which children are nurtured as they grow up to develop the Islamic worldview and the Islamic virtues that are a part of that voluntary self-surrender to Allah.

“Tarbiyyah means to look after, to nurture, to nourish, to help grow and flourish. Tarbiyyah (from the Arabic root word, which means to own, look after and cherish) implies certain sensitivity towards the child under your care, his emotional and physical needs and capacities. It implies the ability to inspire confidence. It implies the courage to allow and promote creativity and innovation. It implies the ability to trust and not to stifle, to be firm when needed and even to impose sanctions when necessary.”

The starting point for Tarbiyyah is the example of parents. Small children take their parents as models. If parents are lazy and careless, the children will also take laziness and carelessness as normal. If they tell lies, children will regard lying as normal and acceptable. The same applies to smoking, drinking, rude manners, swearing and all other bad habits. There is no way parents can motivate their children to practise the Islamic virtues if they themselves do not respect the values and try to practise them also. As children grow up, they will only perceive the inconsistency or even hypocrisy in their parents’ approach.

It is important not to crush a child’s spirit and joy about life by terrorising him/her, whether physically or psychologically. Children must play. It is the way they learn, and is not in itself something bad. Parents should give the child opportunities to play and to experience the excitement of exploration, of learning and of growing up. There is an English proverb: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” It does not mean “don’t work” - on the contrary, work hard, but allow also for play for the development of a joyous and balanced personality.

At the same time, parents should teach children Islamic manners and etiquette (adab) in accordance with the beautiful example of the Prophet (sollallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) who said:

“Be generous, kind and noble to your children and make their habits beautiful.”

Such habits include truthfulness and honesty, gentleness, politeness, consideration for others, helpfulness, cleanliness and tidiness.

They also include:

*time management and doing things at the right time,

*physical exercise for fitness,

*mental exercise and developing an appetite for knowledge, understanding and skills,

*learning to read and recite the Qur’an from an early age when the child’s brain finds it easy,

*development of regular performance of salaah between the ages of 7 and 10,

*taking on responsibilities in the family, and

*taking on responsibilities in the wider community as children grow up.

Above all, correct Tarbiyyah should ensure that children develop a love for Islam, a love of God and His Prophet, and that they develop a feeling of pride in being Muslim and willingness to strive for the good of others. They need to realise the benefits of Islam, the foundations on which it is based and their need for Islam. They need to value Islam and live by Islamic values.

It is the responsibility of the parents to experiment with various ways of achieving those goals.

~ 6.4 Islamic Education and Muslim Schools ~

If parents are to get the best results for their children in Muslim schools, they must know what the Muslim school is trying to do. This has been outlined in chapter two (Islamic Education and Muslim Schools) of this book. Parents need to understand that while the school basically may be following a National Curriculum (which in some countries may be compulsory), the teaching approach is expected to be holistic. Therefore it is not just a matter of teaching Islamic Studies, Qur’an and Arabic under the same roof as Arts and Sciences, but of developing an integrated Islamic perspective on all forms of knowledge right across the curriculum. At the same time, the school is trying to cultivate good attitudes, behaviour and manners in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Aisha is reported to have said of the Prophet (sollallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) that: “His behaviour was the Qur’an (in practice)”. To take the Prophet as a “beautiful example” (Al-Qur’an: al-Ahzab 33:21) means not just to imitate his outward actions or practices but also to base our own motivation and actions on the Qur’an as he did, in a way that is appropriate to the place and time in which we happen to live.

The approach of a modern Muslim School, which may be located in a modern “secular” or western type of environment, cannot be like that of Islamic education of the recent past, when teaching relied much on repetition and memorization and uncritical acceptance of the teachers’ word. The Islamic teaching must relate with the society in which the pupils live, with the state of modern knowledge and with the beliefs of other people (probably the majority) in the country where the school is located. If Muslim children are to grow up as witnesses to the truth in a non-Muslim society, they need to understand that society and to develop an objective and critical approach, so that they can appreciate whatever is good in it, avoid its evils and reach out to the non-Muslims, presenting the truths of Islam in a way they can understand Islam and relate to it.

http://www.iberr.co.za/parents1.htm