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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Patience Is The Tower of Light 1
Ongoing Events at ICA 2
Hajj Pilgrimage 2
Thank You To Community 3
Patience (Continued) 3
From Our Readers 6
Test Your Islamic Knowledge 7
Classifieds 10
Eid Al-Adha Information 11
October Prayer Schedule 12
VOLUME 3, ISSUE NO. 1 OCTOBER 2014
PATIENCE IS THE TOWER OF LIGHT
SHAHADAH TIMES
UPCOMING EVENTS
EID AL-ADHA SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014 SEE MORE INFORMATION, PAGE 11 NEXT FAMILY NIGHT NOVEMBER 1, 2014
Dear brother and sister Muslims: The
wisdom is that the coming of trials
and hardships should be awaited with
patience, peace and conviction. Allah
(SWT) has stressed this point
repeatedly so that no man can escape
tests and trials. So that man may be
alert and ready at the time when these
hardships and difficulties descend on
him, and he should not be frightened
by these heavenly and earthly
tribulations and need not be
disappointed and disheartened.
As said in his Holy Book in Surah
Muhammad (31): “And verily we shall
try you till we know those of you who
strive hard (in the Allah’s cause) and
the steadfast and still we test your
record.” In this ayah, Allah (SWT) is
telling us to be prepared and that he is
going to test us so he can know those
who strive on his path.
Being patient is a sign of striving
towards Allah (SWT).
One of the poets has expressed the
same idea in these words: “We had
anticipated the hardships of the night
before their coming. So when they
descended, there was no addition to
our knowledge.”
“Patience” Continued on Page 3
This article addresses “Patience.”
“Patience is a light.” In the intricate
paths of life, when difficulties and
hardships confront a man, and the
darkness of adversities and suffering
becomes long, it is “patience” only that
acts like a light for a Muslim. It keeps him
safe from wandering here and there and
saves him from the muddy mire of
disappointment, desperation and
frustration. Patience is such a basic
quality that a Muslim needs it to shape
his life in this world and in the next. On
this basis only, he should attend to all his
work and make it a torch light for guiding
his way or else he will be defeated in the
field of life. He should prepare himself to
tolerate the hardships and difficulties and
should not holler or raise hell. He should
sit with patience and wait for the results,
however late they may take. He should
not run away from responsibilities,
whatever they may be.
No doubt and misgivings, no hardship of
trouble should prompt his intellect to
indulge in impatience. He should have
plenty of self-confidence. He should not
be frightened by the dark clouds
appearing on the horizon of life, even if
they may be appearing continually. No,
he should be fully sure that these clouds
of adversities and hardships will
disappear, and the clear and bright
atmosphere of success and glory will
appear again one day.
PAGE 2 SHAHADAH TIMES
And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on
foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep and distant
(wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj). (Quran: 22/27)
DHUL AL-HIJJAH The name of Dhul Al-Hijjah comes from the word Hajj or pilgrimage, which the Arabs would make to Makkah even before Islam. For Muslims, Dhul Al-Hijjah is the last of the three consecutive sacred months and the last month of the Islamic calendar. It was in this month in which Allah (SWT) revealed the following ayah: “… This day those who disbelieve have despaired of (defeating) your religion: so fear them not, but fear me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed my favor upon you and have approved for your Islam as religion …” Ayah 3, Surah Al-Ma’idah).
Ongoing events
at the ICA
Ongoing Events
at The ICA →
Weekday Madrassa (Monday – Thursday) – 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Weekend Madrassa (Sunday) 10:00 am – 1:30 pm Family Night - First Saturday of The Month, ICA Community Center 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Arabic For Beginners Class (Saturdays) 9:00 am to 11:00 am Advanced Arabic Class (Saturdays) 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Food 4 The Needy Program - Every Third Saturday of the Month - 12 Noon Masjid International Wahadah The Sealed Nectar, Biography of the Noble Prophet (SAW) by Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri - Thursday Evenings, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (Book Reading)
Imam’s Class, Every Saturday, ICA Community Center, Alameda, CA 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sister’s Deen Class, Every Sunday, ICA Community Center, Alameda, CA 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
PAGE 3 SHAHADAH TIMES
PATIENCE IS THE TOWER OF LIGHT (Continued)
Undoubtedly if accidents and obstacles are faced with a
clear sight and full preparation, it will prove advantageous
for Muslims and this will help in stabilizing and
consolidating his position.
Dear Muslims: We understand that patience relies on two
important realities:
The first reality is concerned with the nature of this
worldly life. Allah (SWT) has not made the world a house
of peace and satisfaction, or of rewards and recompense,
but he made it a house of trials. The time we spend in the
world is really a time for unending experiences. We come
out of one trial in order to undergo another trial which is
harder and different from the ones we have experienced;
that is, man is tested once by one thing and again its
opposite, as iron is first heated in the fire and then it is put
in the water. Similarly man is tested by favorable as well
as its opposing means. When Allah (SWT) blessed
Sulaiman (AS) with a great and magnificent Kingdom, he
knew about these natural laws of the world. Allah (SWT)
informs us in the Holy Quran, Surah: Nahl: 40. what
Sulaiman said, “This is of the bounty of my Lord that he
may try me whether I give thanks or I am ungrateful.
Whoever gives thanks, he only gives thanks for the good
of his own soul; and whoever is ungrateful is ungrateful
only to his soul’s hurt. For surely my Lord is absolute in
independence and bountiful.”
The history of life on this earth teaches us from the first
day until the present, is very sorrowful. The right thing to
do is that man should himself make his own way in this life
and he should be sure that the way to his destination is full
of thorns, trials and filth.
THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY
The community at Masjid International Wahadah would like to thank everyone who came
out to support the opening of our new masjid, MASJID INTERNATIONAL WAHADAH on
Saturday, September 13, 2014.
We, Insha Allah, expected a large group and were overwhelmed by the support of not
only the Oakland Muslim Community, and those "Not Yet Muslims" near and far, who
attended the Grand Opening.
Within the word WAHADAH, you will see "Ahad" meaning ONE and that's what we're
striving for: To turn to the One, the Only, ALLAH (SWT), who supplies all our needs and
answers all our prayers. Allah u Akbar!!!
So again, Thank You for your support. We look forward to the further development of our
community in Oakland and continued support for the Islamic Center of Alameda in the City
of Alameda.
Imam Musa Balde'
PAGE 4 SHAHADAH TIMES
PATIENCE IS THE TOWER OF LIGHT (Continued)
The second reality is concerned with the nature and
temperament of faith. As in the relationship of men, true
friendship and sincerity can only be judged when it is
confronted with unfavorable and bitter conditions, when
they have to deal with the hardships brought about by the
vagaries of time, and when they are surrounded by
various kinds of problems. At such a time a man’s real
worth and sincerity is known. Exactly similar is the case of
faith. To find out the truth and sincerity about faith, it is
necessary that a Muslim be tested, he should be put in the
crucible of fire to see whether he will be burn away with
the impurities. That is why Allah (SWT) said in Surah;
(Ankabut 2,3): “Do men imagine that they will be left at
ease because they say, we believe, and will not be tested
with affliction?” Verily, we tested those who were before
you. Thus Allah (SWT) knows those who are sincere and
knows those who feign.”
Undoubtedly, Allah (SWT) has knowledge of everything
manifested and concealed and from the above ayah this
examination will be no addition to Allah’s (SWT)
knowledge because he knows all the conditions from the
beginning to the end. It simply teaches us that divine
knowledge cannot be made a basis for man’s reckoning.
His reckoning will be on the basis of his own personal
deeds. For example, if some criminals deny their crimes in
this world, then on the Day of Judgment, the proof can be
bought against them by making their own body parts as
evidence against them. Their efforts and striving to create
corruption and mischief among others and all their
misdeeds will be repeated before them.
On these two bases, the foundation of patience has been
kept. And for this reason Islam demands it, but he who
shuts his eyes from realities by force of his nature is
dumbfounded when he has to face hardships and his
hands and feet become inactive when he has to fight
difficulties. His rashness dislikes waiting and patience and
he is unable to tolerate it. Therefore, when anything bad
happens or he has suffered some kind of failure or when
he meets with an accident, the earth with all its great
vastness becomes narrow for him. The condition becomes
exasperating for him and he wants to come out of these
conditions in the twinkling of an eye, but it is obvious that
in this effort he will not be successful for it is against the
temperament of the world and the deen of Islam.
Brothers and Sisters: It is expected of a Muslim to earn
the virtues of patience by learning to wait and to wait for a
long time. Only through waiting and trusting in Allah
(SWT) that patience is acquired. Allah (SWT) wants us to
learn to wait; that’s why he mentioned in Surah Al
Ambiyah: 37 “Man is made of haste. I shall show you my
signs, but ask not to hasten.”
It is written in a hadith the Prophet (SAW) said, “He who
will adopt the policy of patience, Allah (SWT) will give him
patience, and no man has been given a greater and better
gift than patience.” Bukhari
Patience is a symbol of greatness, glory and perfection. It
is a means of security against the environmental
conditions and losses. That is why ‘Sabur’ is one of the
beautiful names of Allah (SWT), because he gives respite
to his sinning slave and does not hasten to punish them. If
they are quick in committing crimes, He enforces His
destined decisions and verdicts in centuries. He gives
respite to people for a long time. He does not catch them
immediately on their wrong action. That’s why he stated
in surah Hajj: 47: “And they will bid you hasten to the
doom, and Allah (SWT) fails not in his promise, and surely,
a day with Allah (SWT) is as a thousand years of what you
reckon.”
My dear Brothers and Sisters: Patience is included in the
factors of manliness, heroism, bravery and courage
because the burden of life cannot be borne by the owners
of weak and puny bodies. When one has a load to be
carried from place to place, he does not employ infants,
sick persons or cowards, but he engages strong shoulders
and powerful arms. The same is true of life. The burden of
this great responsibility can be lifted and shifted from one
place to another place by only that person who is lion-
hearted and is a mountain of patience and determination.
For this reason the leaders, rulers and the great
men/women of the nation have to face hardship and
troubles in accordance with their capabilities and qualities.
Allah’s (SWT) Messenger (SAW) was asked: “Which
people have to face the hardest trial?” He replied: “The
Prophets, and then the people of the lower rank, and then
lower and still lower. The people are tested in accordance
with their religiousness. The man whose relationship with
the religion will be strong and firm, but his trial will be
PAGE 5 SHAHADAH TIMES
PATIENCE IS THE TOWER OF LIGHT (Continued)
hard. The man whose religiousness will be weak, his trial
will also be lenient. A man’s test goes on until he is
successful in his tests and then he walks on the ground and
there is then no sin on him.” Islam has honored those who
have been involved in the trial and tribulations of the
worldly problems and it has comforted the tired and
fatigued people, in order that they may get relief in their
sorrow and their burden of adversities may be lightened.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “A Momin is like a soft and
delicate plant, which is moved by the wind. Sometimes it
bends it and sometimes it raises it up, till he completes his
span of life. But the example of an infidel is like that of a
hard plant, whose roots are not deep. One blow of the
wind uproots it.” “Whom Allah wants to bless with virtue,
He inflicts on him wound.”
A man who fights with the hardship of life, sometimes he
defeats them and many times he is defeated by them. The
value of such a man before Allah (SWT) is much higher
than the man who sees the fun from a distance, neither he
has to fear any danger nor is any other thing afraid of him.
The reward that the patient and hard-working fighters in
the field of life will get on the Day of Judgment, the prizes
and the honors that they will receive will be much more
that what the other persons who were performing other
compulsory duties (worships) will be getting.
Dear Muslims: There are many varieties of patience. One
is that patience which manifests itself as steadfastness in
obedience. Another variety is the name of keeping ways
from trouble to stand firmly in adversities and display
courage in difficulties is also a kind of patience. The basis
of the first kind of patience, that is to be steadfast in
obedience, is the performance of the basic items of Islamic
worship correctly and r remaining constant on it, requires
patience and perseverance. For example, salat (prayer) is
a worship and compulsory duty of life which requires to be
performed repeatedly. About this Allah (SWT) says: “And
enjoin upon your people prayers, and be constant
therein.”
In the Holy Qur’an, the mention of exhorting one another
to patience is made. The Almighty Allah has sworn that
the human welfare is equally dependent on both these:
“By time indeed, man is in the state of loss, except those
who believe and do good deeds, and exhort one another
to patience.” (Al-Asr: 1-3).
Opposed of the sins, it is only patience and steadfastness
which counter the pleasures and temptations which
glamorize the crimes. Allah’s Messenger has said:
“Paradise has been surrounded by the unliked things,
while the hell is surrounded by carnal desires.”
In another hadith, he said “O ummul U’la! Be happy that a
Muslim’s sickness removes his faults, as fire cleans the dirt
of iron and silver.”
O Allah! grant us to act upon your book and the sunnah of
your beloved Prophet (SAW), and grant us patience, love
and understanding of this deen. And may Allah (SWT) give
us all Jannatul Fardous....... Ameen... Sincerely, Imam
Musa Balde’
Behold! We gave the site to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House, (Saying): “Associate not anything (in worship)
with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves
therein in prayer. “And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and mounted on
every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways; “That they may
witness the benefits provided for them, and celebrate the name of God, through the Days Appointed, over the
cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want.
“Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them; perform their vows, and again circumambulate the
Ancient House.” Such is the Pilgrimage: whoever honors the sacred rites of God, for him it is good in the sight of
his Lord. Lawful to you (for food in Pilgrimage) are cattle, except those mentioned to you (as exceptions: but
shun the abomination of idols, and shun the word that is false, --- (Holy Quran: 22:26-30).
PAGE 6 SHAHADAH TIMES
Maximizing the New Masjid: To the Heart of Dawah, Contributed by Muhammad Saadiq
In establishing a Masjid for Dawah and change in the Belly
of the Beast here in Oakland, we are poised to embark on a
path that certainly leads to success: A reward that only
Allah (SWT) can give and one that provides benefits without
measure. The Quran instructs us to do Dawah. In Surah Al-
Nahl 16:125 it states: “Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord
with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them
in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord
knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who
receive guidance.” In understanding this, there are a couple
of points that sometimes get lost in translation.
The first part of the order is to invite with wisdom and
beautiful teaching. In order to do this with any great
success, it is highly encouraged for one to study. Study both
the demographics of the community involved and a study of
the psychological aspects of the community that is to be
targeted. Whenever a commercial company decides a
product-launch, whether it is the latest iPhone or Galaxy
Note or whatever fancy gizmo, they perform extensive
market research. Before the Prophet (SAW) entered into
Medina, he sent before him Sahabas to instruct and provide
a comprehensive psychological landscape of what was to be
expected. When he entered, he knew the leaders from the
followers and friends from the enemies and he was well
prepared to deal with them all. In our community, there are
ongoing classes that will help you understand your Deen.
Please attend the Imam classes even if you don’t plan to be
an Imam. There are those whom you will have to lead that
will benefit from that knowledge. Please attend our
lectures and events held at the masjid, for learning this
Deen is paramount.
The next thing that stands out for Dawah is the packaging of
the message the “beautiful teaching” part. How do you
present Islam to those who do not yet believe? Learning
how to present the message is almost important as the
message itself. Presenting this Deen in the most palatable
way without compromising this awesome message takes
wisdom, practice and patience. Wisdom to know how to
phrase the argument and patience to withstand the level of
ignorance many people are involved in. The last piece is
how to argue with them or how do you face opposition.
Every salesman, politician, presenter and businessman has
to first know how he is going to handle questions and
objections. You must study how you are going to answer
the questions that are presented by people in a way that is
real and tangible to them. It is very important that success
comes from this masjid, at this time in history.
In this area, the population is primarily Christian or Catholic.
In Surah Al-Ankaboot 29:46, it states: “And dispute ye not
with the People of the Book, except with means better
(than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them
who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, “We Believe in the
revelation which has come down to us and in that which
came down to you; Our Allah (SWT) and your Allah (SWT) is
one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam).” Disputation with
the People of the Book for the sake of disputation is not
accomplishing anyone anything. In all cases, convey the
message as smoothly and easily as possible. We have a
simple message, God is One and He has no partners or
equals. However, if you must argue, you should seek to do
it in a public place where a third party can hear the
argument of both sides. So that if the person you’re arguing
with receives no guidance, at least the person hearing the
argument can evaluate the truth for himself. Allah (SWT)
states in this verse and in multiple other verses, how to end
talks with Christians and that is come to an understanding
that we only Worship Allah (SWT) and leave it at that.
Out of all Dawah, there is one quality that is irresistible
when reading the Quran where Allah (SWT) describes the
condition of our Prophet. In Surah Al-Kahf 18:6 it states:
“Thou wouldst only, perchance, fret thyself to death,
following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this
Message.” The worry of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) of
those he was sent to deliver the message. He worried after
every soul. Each person was precious, each soul was
valuable and was addressed as if they were running swiftly
to a ledge looking backwards. His concern was real and
when you make a connection with someone, many times it
is predominately how they feel. Christians will often talk
about having a Church-home. This is the congregation that
they most feel comfortable with, in that that they will pass
several churches week after week to go across town to their
Church-home. If you can make someone feel welcomed and
loved, chances are your Dawah efforts will be more
successful. As we embark on this incredible work, let us
share and invite all who will listen to the flock of the
faithful. Every soul within the vicinity of our Masjids is
sacred, it is our duty to reach out to them and welcome
them into the fold of Islam.
PAGE 7 SHAHADAH TIMES
Take A Short Quiz, Test Your Islamic Knowledge!
1. What does Iqamat-as-salat mean?
(a) Prayer at home. (b) Late night prayer (tahajjud). (c) Five Daily Prayers in the Mosque. (d) Eid prayer.
2. What position is the best position to make supplication during salat?
(a) After Al Fatiha in Ruku (bowing) position. (b) The position of prostration, sujuud (sajdah). (c) The sitting position after salat. (d) After completing the standing position, qiyyaam.
3. What are the names of four of the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) companions?
(a) Abu Bakr (b) Abu Musa (c) Abu Huraira (d) Uthman (e) Umar (f) Ali
4. During congregational prayer, which two are correct?
(a) Fill each row with the person next to you. (b) Fill the last rows first. (c) Fill each row beginning with the first row and stand close together. (d) Fill the front row. Then the one next to it, if there is any deficiency, it should be the last row.
5. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “You will go to paradise if you learn by memory” which one of these?
(a) The shariat (Islamic law) (b) Dua’s from the Quran after salat. (c) Rituals for performing umrah. (d) 99 names of Allah (SWT).
6. What are names of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) two grandsons?
(a) Zaid (b) Hasan (c) Abdul Rahman (d) Husain
(Answers to questions on bottom of Page 11).
WHAT DOES HAJJ MEAN?
What does Hajj mean? Hajj literally means, “To continuously strive to reach one’s goal.” The Hajj, or Pilgrimage to Mecca, is an once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey. The Hajj is essentially a re-enactment of the rituals of the great prophets and teachers of faith. Pilgrims (those who embark on the hajj, symbolically relive the experience of exile and atonement undergone by Adam and Eve after they were expelled from Heaven, wandered the earth, met again and sought forgiveness in the valley of Mecca. They also retrace the frantic footsteps of the wife of Ibrahim (Abraham) (AS), Hagar, as she ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa searching for water for her thirsty baby, Ismael (which Allah (SWT) answered with the well of Zam Zam). Lastly, the pilgrims also commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son for the sake of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) later substituted a ram in place of his son.
PAGE 8 SHAHADAH TIMES
WHAT DOES HAJJ MEAN? (Continued)
As the pilgrim makes his supplications to Allah (SWT), he realizes that he is asking of the same Allah (SWT) that answered the prayers of those before him or her. These reminders are an important part of strengthening one’s faith, trust and dependence on Allah (SWT). Islam teaches us that we are more than mere physical creatures in that we possess an essence beyond the material world. Indeed, this is why all great religions have a tradition of pilgrimage. In the Islamic tradition, Hajj encapsulates this spiritual journey toward this essence. Hajj teaches one to show sincerity and humility in one’s relationship with Allah. The result of a successful Hajj is a rich inner peace, which is manifested outwardly in the values of justice, honesty, respect, generosity, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and empathy.
What does the City of Mecca in Saudi Arabia look like?
Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, is situated at an elevation of 909 feet (277 metres) above sea level in the dry beds of the Wadi Ibrāhīm (Valley of Ibrahim) and several of its short tributaries. It is surrounded by the Ṣirāt Mountains, the peaks of which include Mount (Jabal) Ajyad, which rises to 1,332 feet, and Mount Abū Qubays, which attains 1,220 feet, to the east and Mount Quʿayqʿān, which reaches 1,401 feet, to the west. Mount Hirāʾ rises to 2,080 feet on the northeast and contains a cave in which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) sought isolation and visions before he became a Prophet. It was also in this cave that he received the first verse (āyah) of the Holy Qurʾān. South of the city, Mount Thawr, (2,490 feet) contains the cave in which the Prophet
MECCA MINA
(SAW) secreted (secluded) himself from his Meccan enemies during the Hijrah to Medina, the event that
marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. Entrance to the city is gained through four gaps in the
surrounding mountains. The passes lead from the northeast to Minā, ʿArafāt, and Al-Ṭāʾif; from the northwest
to Medina; from the west to Jiddah; and from the south to Yemen.
PAGE 9 SHAHADAH TIMES
The Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) – (Short Account) The Father of the Prophets, Birth of a Great Prophet (Reprint) Ibrahim (AS) was born in a house of idolaters, in the
Kingdom of Babylon. (Babylon was the capital of a small
city state of Mesopotamia, named Babylonia, located in
what is now Iraq). Ibrahim’s (AS) father, Azar, was a well
known idol sculptor that his people worshipped. As a
young child, Ibrahim used to watch his father sculpting
these idols from stones or wood. When his father was
done with them, Ibrahim would use them as toys, riding on
their backs and kicking them at times. Then, after a while,
he would see these same statues in the temple and people
prostrating in front of them! Ibrahim asked his father:
“Why do you take toys to the temple?” His father said,
“They are statues that represent our gods. We worship
them, we ask favors from them, and we offer them
presents.” Ibrahim’s mind rejected this idea and he felt
repulsed towards the idols. He started feeling angry
towards his people, who refused to believe that these
“toys” were only stones that could neither benefit nor
harm them. They could not be gods, they have no power.
Allah (SWT) is Greater than what his people were
worshipping. No human being could not find Allah, the
Merciful, the Mercy Giving, sitting on a table in a temple!
Ibrahim (AS) began to search for the truth. One night, he
went up to a mountain, leaned against a rock and looked
up to the sky. He saw a shining star and told his people:
“Could this be my Lord?” But when it set, he said, “I don’t
like those that set.” The star disappeared, it could not be
Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) is always present. Then he saw
the moon rising in splendor and told them, “Could this be
my Lord?” But it also set. At daybreak, he saw the sun
rising and said, “Could this be my Lord, this is bigger? But
when the sun set he said: Oh my people, I am free from all
that you join as partners with Allah (SWT)! I have turned
my face towards Him who created the heavens and the
earth and never shall I give partners to Allah (SWT).” Our
Lord is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and
everything. He has the power to make the stars rise and
set. Ibrahim (AS) then heard Allah (SWT) calling him: “Oh
Ibrahim!” Ibrahim said trembling, “Here I am O my Lord!”
“Submit to Me! Be a Muslim!” Ibrahim fell on the ground,
prostrating and crying, he said: “I submit to the Lord of
the Universe!” Ibrahim kept prostrating until night came
again. He got and went back to his home, in peace, full of
conviction that Allah (SWT) had guided him to the Truth.
Where Do I Start? By Abu Muhammad Yusuf (Reprint), Contributed by Sister Zehra Fatima Imagine waking up one morning to find everyone smiling, just peace, harmony, tranquility, mutual love, respect, serenity… Wouldn’t it be divine? We all desire to change the world for the better, but where do we start? A wise man once said: When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town, so I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I know the only thing I can change is myself. And suddenly I realized that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world. So what is really the secret to changing world? Actually it's not such a big secret! Allah Ta’ala gives us the perfect and most wise solution: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Quran-Surah Rad, 13:11). If we desire change, then let us change what is within ourselves first and have high hopes and good expectations about gaining help from our Creator. The Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that Allah (SWT) says: "I treat my servant according to his expectations from Me and I am with him when he remembers Me…if he takes one step towards Me, I will take ten steps towards him. If he walks towards Me, I will run unto him.” (Hadith: Bukhari & Muslim). Often we fear and resist change. Boldness, courage and determination are essential components of change. The secret of change is not to fight the old, but to refocus and build the new. We need to take it one step at a time. Rome was not built in a day and a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. Sometimes it's the smallest decisions we make that can change our life forever. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will, Insha Allah, change. Allah, The Most Wise, is always there to Help and Guide us. So let us not delay and try to be the change that we wish to see in the world. Allah U Akbar!!!
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CLASSIFIEDS
Large Single Room Available for Rent, Oakland, California
A large single room, with a walk-in closet, is available for rent, with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities The
room rental is $600.00 a month and is located in Oakland, California. Rental includes utilities, internet and
private parking. The $600.00 rental is available with a six (6) month lease. Potential renter must have current
positive employment and provide previous work and residential references.
You will be sharing our beautiful home with a family of three (3). The picture of the room is room is shown here.
We are close to public transportation, if you do not have a car. You can contact us at [email protected]
or 510-306-1843, mention Room for Rent in the e-mail or if you call.
LET’S SHIFT GEARS,
”GOING ON HAJJ”!
“Going on Hajj”, for me, was one of the most important events of my Islamic life. When we changed planes in Jeddah for Mecca, we began chanting Labbaik Allah humma labbaik, Labbaik la sharika laka labbaik, Innal hamda, Wan-ni'mata, Laka walmulk Laa sharika lak. Meaning: O my Lord, here I am at Your service, here I am. There is no partner with You, here I am. Truly the praise and the provisions are Yours, and so is the dominion and sovereignty. There is no partner with You! as we neared our goal: The circumambulation of the Kabah. And, later, when we (hajj group) found ourselves at the top of the Mountain, we could not believe where we were! Allah U Akbar!!!
Muzdalifah Mt. Arafat
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The Islamic Center of Alameda & Masjid International Wahadah Invites You to Come and Celebrate Eid-ul-Adha
Food, Fun, Children Games, Barbeque All Day
and Much More
DIRECTIONS: Traveling Oakland South 880, exit Hegenberger Road, make a right on Doolittle Drive. Keep straight until you see the sign “Martin Luther King Shoreline Park,” turn right into parking lot.
From Alameda, take Otis Drive which will curve over the short bridge; stay in left hand lane which will turn into Doolittle Drive. Proceed until you see, on the left side of the street, Martin Luther King Shoreline Park. Parking lot on left side of the street (Doolittle Drive).
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