As-salaamu alaikum.  Alhamdulillah, I attended my first tajweed class yesterday evening at Masjid Al-Ansar.  The first lesson was an introduction to the tajweed and manners of reciting the Qur’an.  There were about 11 of us in the beginners class and we were all tested by the sheikh and practiced reciting Surah al-Fatihah.  Next week we’ll be going over the last six surahs of the Qur’an, inshaAllah.

See link to Masjid Al-Ansar for more information.

Resources: Quran Explorer

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 the 10 years with my current employer (alhamdulillah), I know that these events are non-mandatory.  All you need to do is something very simple: talk to your manager and / or to the colleague who is organising the social event and if you wish, any other colleague that may be interested.  Tell them why: e.g. 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 normally 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 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 and 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.

Eid ul Adha

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), put up an ‘Eid Mubarak’ banner, get kids involved in colouring and making some decorations
• buy gifts [wrap them up] for each other (“Give gifts to each other, as this will make you love one another.” [Sahih Muslim])
• 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.  Every one can bring their own dish to the party.
• make Eid goodie bags for all the kids
• bake an ‘Eid Mubarak’ cake or order one from your local bakery
• send out cards
• make an effort to put disputes behind you and try to mend relations with kin.
• find out about local events and join in with any local Eid parties organised by your local masjid or community (in the masjid, community centre or local park).  Get to know your Muslim neighbours.

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

As-salaamu alaikum.  I hope that all my brothers & sisters have had a wonderful Eid.  May Allah subhana wa ta ‘ala accept all our efforts from this Ramadan. Ameen.

For me personally, it was a challenging Ramadan – with a 6-month baby and with the added stress of trying to sell my house and look for a rented property.  Alhamdulillah, I managed to find a buyer and also last Friday managed to find a property to rent in Ilford! Alhamdulillah.

The sales process is well underway, and I have given the deposit for the rental property.  InshaAllah, the plan is to move on 19th October.  The whole process of selling and renting is scary and the waswas from Shaytan is occasionally there, a’oodhubillah.  It’s going to be difficult, especially financially, but may He, azza wa jal, to Whom we shall all return one day without any doubt whatsoever, accept it from me and make it easy for me.  Ameen.

So lose not heart
Nor fall in despair,
For you are bound to rise
If you are true in faith
Al-Qur’an 3:139

A reminder for myself and others as to why I’m doing this:

a) to get rid of the riba-based (interest) mortgage for good and move to a rented property

b) to relocate to a town where I have easy access to mosques, madarassas, community, halal groceries etc.

I have spent about 3 years researching into the topic of “halal mortgages/home finance” and twice I came close to moving my existing mortgage to what is termed as “shariah-compliant” home finance, but I have never been able to remove the doubt inside my heart, and I feel Allah swt has saved me from making such a move.  I know there are many opinions and options out there and issues of “necessity” and choosing the “most halal option available” etc, but no one can deny that the following are genuinely 100% halal options:

1) buying a property with 100% cash (all or part-buy, e.g. shared equity)

2) renting

3) council property (where you pay rent)

Since I can’t afford to buy something with outright, and I don’t qualify for any benefits or council properties, so the only option I have is to rent privately.  And Allah knows best.

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

• Islamic Crescents’ Observation Project (ICOP)
• CrescentMoonWatch
• Moonsighting.com