As-salaamu alaikum. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem.
It’s that time of year again, when my colleagues in the office start to organise this year’s Xmas parties, lunches and drinks. Without sounding anti-social, how do we avoid attending them.
Firstly, in my 10 years (alhamdulillah) with my current employer, I know that these events are non-mandatory. What you really need to do is something very simple: talk to your manager, talk to the colleague who is organising the social event and if you wish, any other colleague that may be interested. Tell them why: the event will be focused around alcohol and traditional Xmas lunches (non-halal menu), and the celebration itself is against Muslim belief. Be polite and to the point.
Alhamdulillah, my colleagues are really nice and they would go out their way to make things more accomodating for me – but I politely declined and advised them that there’s no need to water down their event for 1 person (and thus create animosity from some colleagues) and I asked them to continue with their choice of event and excused myself. I also told them that I would love to attend future team socials and they noted down my requirements (halal menu and no alcohol).
Sometimes what seems to be “harmless fun” can be a serious issue when it comes to the deen. For example, in the office they’re collecting some money for a gift to show our appreciation to our excellent team manager. I then found out that they want to buy him a bottle of whiskey – now I really like my boss, he is a genuinely nice guy, but I had to tell them that I’m not being stingy, but I will not be able to contribute to the whiskey. Instead I offered to buy him a card or chocolates.
Now with Eid just over 2 weeks away, what do we do to prepare for the big Eid – compared to the fun and excitement surrounding festivals from other faiths? I don’t think we make half as much effort, so we need to change this. Especially for our kids’ sake. We need our children to really look forward to and get excited about Eid. There’s so much we can do:
- take the day off!
- put up some decoration and lights (especially in these dark and winter months)
- buy gifts [wrap them up] for each other
- dress up with new or your best clothes
- organise fun games (pass the parcel, musical chairs [with nasheeds], Eid Mullah (variation of “secret santa”)
- invite friends and family for a lavish feast or attend one
- make Eid goodie bags for all the kids
- send out cards
- make an effort to put disputes behind you and try to mend relations with kin.
It’s my daughter’s second Eid, and my wife and I will try to build on our efforts during Eid-ul-Fitr. This time we’ll also be hosting the family dinner! So lots to do and prepare and look forward to, inshaAllah!
Some links to Eid shopping and resources below:
- Muslim Stickers – Balloons, stickers and badges
- Nasheed shop (check out Zain Bhikha’s latest 1415 album)
- Great gift ideas – I want one of those
- Islamic Impressions (London and Birmingham) – toys and games
- Preparing for Eid prayer
- The Etiquette of a Muslim on two Eids (book)
WakeUpProject Radio – Interview with Achernahr pt.6
WakeUpProject Radio – Interview with Achernahr pt.5
WakeUpProject Radio – Interview with Achernahr pt.4
WakeUpProject Radio – Interview with Achernahr pt.3
WakeUpProject Radio – Interview with Achernahr pt.2
WakeUpProject Radio – Interview with Achernahr pt.1
The Arrivals pt.50 (The Arrival of Jesus – Alternate Ending)
THE BIG DEBATE VIDEO – GOD: DELUSION OR TRUTH?
The big debate is now available on YouTube, click the link below. This debate is a must watch for all those interested in religion, philosophy and more! There is an extensive question and answer session (with lots of humour!) including post debate thoughts at the end!
Hamza Andreas Tzortzis ((iERA) vs. Rick Lewis (Editor of the Philosophy Now Magazine)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63Hr1_LB3Io
See more about Hamza’s events, articles and thoughts in his popular blog http://hamzatzortzis.blogspot.com
And dont forget the next debate “CAN WE LIVE BETTER LIVES WITHOUT RELIGION?” with Philosophy Lecturer and best selling author Peter Cave. 1st December 2009, click here to find out more http://www.hamzatzortzis.com
Link to Muslim Hands
Notes:
- You can use any other Muslim charities to pay money for the udhiya (check google or my charities page for more info).
- If you have many Qurbanis to perform, try to give udhiya in more than one country, perhaps one in your home country (where you may have family and relatives) and even one here in UK
- Don’t cut/trim your hair/nails during the first 10 days leading up to the Qurbani
As-salaamu alaikum. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem.
Alhamdulillah, I have exchanged contracts on the sale of the house yesterday and will be moving to Ilford on Monday 19th October! inshaAllah
After 3 weeks of what seems like never-ending packing, we’ll have a couple of weeks of un-packing to look forward to!
So put your trust (tawwakkul) in the one that is Ever-Living, the One who does not die (al-Furqaan, 58)
And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust (tawakkul) in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things (at-Talaaq, 3)
From Abu Hamza:
As-salaamu alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatahu
The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: He who does not thank the people does not thank Allah. (Abu Dawud Book 36, Number 4793).
Al-Noor Muslim Primary would like to take this wonderful opportunity of expressing our sincere gratitude to each and every one of you that contributed to our appeal launched last May to purchase the pub right next door to our present Primary School in Goodmayes for £650,000.
It is with enormous pleasure that we can tell you that over 80% of the monies raised, came locally, from ordinary everyday working Muslims like you and me, confirming without a shadow of a doubt the huge demand and need for a Muslim Secondary School in Redbridge. Projects like Al-noor can only thrive with the Help of Allah (swt) and the amazing Muslim community.
This is a very special moment in the short history of Al-Noor, but one that is a huge landmark, this gives everyone working behind the scenes an enormous amount of confidence to know you the local community are well and truly behind us. It is no mean task to raise £650,000 in such a short demanding period of time, especially in the present financial climate.
Even as we hit the deadline on the very last day we had some amazing calls of support from atleast 8 Brothers and Sisters who said they would make up any shortfall to reach the £650,000. Truly that is inspiring.
May Allah (swt) reward you all in abundance both in this world and the hereafter. Aameen.
Allah swt mentions in the Holy Quran:
Those who spend their wealth by night and day, in secret, and in public, shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.” [Sooratul-Baqarah (2):274]
We hope you will stay in touch with our www.650special.co.uk campaign and follow its progress & also Insha Allah encourage others within your circle of family and friends to join the campaign to and get onboard the Al-Noor 650 special. At this moment in time we have only purchased the land, now begins the hard work of putting the dream into reality. We hope you will all continue to support us both financially and politically by helping us to get the planning applications approved.
For now let’s all celebrate this wonderful achievement by thanking Allah swt, and then pause for reflection and begin the hard work ahead of all of us.
Once more Jazak Allahu Khairun
Wassallaamulaiakum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatahu
Sadiq Kothia
Trustee Al-noor Muslim Primary school
Date: Wed, Sep 23 2009 9:55 am
Assallumulaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatahu
By the Grace and Mercy of Allah swt during the month of May this year Al Noor Muslim Primary school were blessed with the wonderful opportunity of purchasing the White Hart Pub right next door to the present school site. Insha Allah with a view to realising our dream of establishing a Secondary School.
The target we had to reach by the end of September was a challenging £650,000. In order to meet this challenge we launched a special campaign called the “650special” and a website and marketing campaign on Islam Channel and other avenues.
You the Muslim community have been amazing in your support and your du’as, not to mention your words of encouragement to us.
As of this morning we have reached the grand figure of £599,225 leaving us a tantalizing £50,775 short with just under a week to go.
My dear Brother and Sisters we are so nearly there, please visit www.650special.co.uk and make your final contribution, however small or big, but know for sure that your bit will make a difference. You can also drop the money of to the school or any other means you feel comfortable with, but please DO IT!!!
Insha Allah with your help this time next week we may just make a wonderful announcement, and you will know you had a “hisa” in that wonderful news.
GO DO YOUR BIT!!! CLICK AND GIVE for the pleasure of Allah swt.
Please pass this email on to all your contacts.
Wassallaamu alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatahu
Sadiq Kothia
Trustee Al Noor Muslim Primary School
Moonsighting for Shawwal 1430 / 2009 – Eid-ul-Fitr
The next new moon occurs on 2009 September 18 at 18:44 UT/GMT.
This moon is not visible anywhere on September 18. On September 19, it will still not be visible in Asia, Europe and Canada. It can easily be seen in South Africa and South America on Sep 19. On the same day, with difficulty, it is possible to be seen in Western Australia, Central Africa, Caribbean Islands, Central America and very Southern areas of USA.
Any confirmation of sightings will be posted here as soon as possible, inshaAllah!
Please note: calculation is used only to negate a false sighting. Someone needs to sight the moon to declare the beginning of the month.
Related links
As-salaamu ‘alaikum.
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Alhamdulillah, on Saturday I accepted an offer on my house! The paperwork should begin from today inshaAllah. Please make du’a that everything goes smoothly. I now need to find a property to rent! I’ll be popping over to Ilford to view a property today and will try to arrange a few more if possible, inshaAllah.
I remind myself and my family that I am doing this to please Allah azza wa jal and to avoid His wrath and punishment in the hereafter. Not everybody understands, but I try my best. It’s been a tough decision and has taken me several years to take positive action towards the move. I got myself in this mess (i.e. the riba-based system) in the first place, so I’m having to struggle, work hard and be patient in order to get myself out.
Early days yet, but I pray everything goes well, inshaAllah. I put all my trust in Him, subhana wa ta ‘ala.
Interesting Web link: Renting vs. buying: the realities of home buying
Additional Resources (links from the above article)
Wall Street Journal: Your Home Isn’t the Nest Egg That You May Think It Is
New York Times: A Word of Advice During a Housing Slump: Rent
New York Times: Is it better to buy or rent? (graphical calculator)
The Motley Fool: The Worst Investment Ever
SmartMoney.com: Renting Makes More Financial Sense Than Homeownership
CNN Money: Stocks vs. Real Estate
Priced Out Forever: Renting vs. Purchasing
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