Eid al-Adha: What it means to Muslims
By Naeem Baig | “Eid al-Adha (the Feast of the Sacrifice) is the second celebration of the year according to Islamic Calendar (called Hijri) for Muslims all over the world. This Eid comes right after the end of ‘Hajj” (the Pilgrimage). The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is obligatory on both male and female adult Muslims who have the health and financial means to perform this important duty. According to Islamic teachings, the rituals of the Hajj and the Eid al-Adha commemorate the sacrifices made by Prophet Abraham and his family in seeking the closeness and mercy of God, Almighty. Muslims learn how Abraham who grew up in a respectable family was unhappy with the corruption in his society. Once he recognized and found God, Almighty then his whole life was served in seeking His Love and Mercy. During Hajj, men wearing only two white sheets and women dressed in simple modest clothes are seeking only the Love of God, Almighty. Rich and poor dressed the same and standing together in worship. Walking in circles around the Kaa’ba (the house of God in Makkah, Saudi Arabia) reciting His Praise with their hearts beating in rhythm with the words and the steps. A state of immense spiritual experience where the human is all alone in his conversation with His God, reciting: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la shareeka lak. “I respond to Your call, O Allah I respond to Your call. I respond to Your call, You have no partner. I respond to Your call. Indeed, the praise and grace are yours as well as sovereignty. You have no partner.” On the 10th day of the last month (Zul Hijjah) of the Islamic Calendar, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Adha. The day starts with the special Eid prayers. Imams in their sermons remind the worshippers to remember the example of Abraham. “Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to God, does good and follows the way of Abraham, the true in Faith? For God did take Abraham for a friend.” Quran (4:125) Eid is a day of sharing and caring. On this Eid, Muslims who can afford to offer a sacrifice of an animal (sheep, goat, cow or camel) are required to do it and then distribute the meat in 3 portions. One for the poor, one for the family and friends and one to keep at home. This is a lesson to be practiced throughout our lives. Seek happiness in sharing, take care of those whom you know and whom you do not know. And by doing that find what Abraham found, “friendship of God”.”
Hajj: Reflections on the Pilgrimage
By Shaykh Abdur Rahman Khan | Millions of Muslims from every corner of the globe will converge in Makkah at the end of this month for Hajj, the annual pilgrimage. They come to commemorate and celebrate the extraordinary sacrifices made by two of mankind’s greatest leaders – Prophets Ibrahim and Muhammad ﷺ, upon them be peace, – for the establishment of tawheed, belief in the oneness of God. The Hajjis, as they are often referred to, honor the symbols of Allah and glorify Him as they make tawaf and fulfill the other rituals of Hajj. Throughout the pilgrimage, it is ideal to engage in critical self-reflection and actively seek to improve one’s relationship with Allah. The Meaning of Hajj Linguistically Hajj is to take action towards an object of reverence, veneration, respect or honor. According to the shari’ah definition, Hajj is the journey to Makkah during the designated month of Dhul-Hijjah in which a specific set of rituals are performed as an act of worship. Allah states, “Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah.” [Sahih Intl 2:197] The Best Time for Hajj There is no better time than the present. In the Quran, Allah says, “And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.” [Sahih Intl 3:97] The Prophet ﷺ, peace be upon him, said, “Hurry to perform Hajj as none of you knows what may happen to him.” [Bukhari] Hajj may be performed as many times as one desires. However, it is obligatory only once in a lifetime. Abu Hurairah, radi Allahu ‘anhu, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave a sermon and said: “O people, Allah has enjoined Hajj upon you so perform Hajj.” A man asked: “Is it every year, O Messenger of Allah?” He remained silent until the man had said it three times. Then he responded, “If I had said yes, it would have become a yearly obligation and you would not have been able to do it.” [Muslim] The Virtues of Hajj The reward of Hajj is Paradise. The Prophet ﷺ said: “One Umrah until the next Umrah is expiation for what is between them. And the Hajj that is accepted by Allah and performed properly has no reward other than Paradise.” [Bukhari and Muslim] Hajj is considered a jihad for women. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked by ‘Aisha, radi Allahu ‘anha, may Allah be pleased with her, whether women are required to take part in battles. He replied, “Yes, but theirs is Hajj, an accepted pilgrimage.” ‘Aisha said, “I never stopped going for Hajj after I heard that from the Messenger of Allah.” [Bukhari] Those who go for Hajj are considered to be the guests of Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The one who fights for the sake of Allah and the pilgrim who goes for Hajj or ‘Umrah are all guests of Allah. He called them and they responded. They ask of Him and He will give them.” [Ibn Majah] One who performs Hajj without harming others will leave with a clean slate. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever goes for Hajj with the intention solely for the sake of Allah, and does not indulge in any indecency or immoral act, and does not commit any disobedience, he will return as though the day he was brought into this world.” [Bukhari and Muslim]. In another incident, ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas, radi Allahu ‘anhu, said, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Hajj wipes out whatever (sins) came before it.” [Muslim] Hajj and Submission Hajj is ultimately about submission to Allah. Stoning the jamaraat, shaving, doing tawaaf – these are simple acts of worship yet they require energy, effort and submission. Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail, alayhi musalam, and on them be peace, raised the Ka’bah in an act of worship and submission to Allah. “And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael, [saying], “Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing. Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.” [Sahih Intl 2:127-128] Hajj is an active and demanding form of worship. There are numerous tests of patience that an individual must go through. We are reminded of the difficulties of Haajar and Ismail, alayhi musalam, who were left in the barren valley of Makkah with nothing. Allah blessed them because of their patience and their trust in Him. Highlights of Hajj Hajjis begin by doing tawaaf around the Ka’bah On the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah they go to Mina On the 9th day they go to Arafah then to Muzdalifah at night On the 10th day they return to Mina to pelt the shaytaan then go back to the Ka’bah On 11th and 12th/13th they return to Mina They finish at the Ka’bah Reflections on Hajj As the time for it approaches, it would be beneficial to move beyond the outward rituals and take a glimpse at the symbolism and spirituality laden in Hajj. Often Hajjis attempt to complete the rites in minute detail and neglect the spiritual underpinnings of the action. In this situation, one could return home without experiencing the blessings Hajj can offer. Hajj is a microcosm of our life. In the same way that we undertake this once in a lifetime journey to Makkah for Allah’s sake, life too is a one-time opportunity to attain Allah’s pleasure and mercy. As a person leaves behind his/her
Charity Full Circle: ICNA Releif Documentary 2019
Check out ICNA Relief’s 2019 Documentary titled Charity Full Circle. ICNA Relief is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity serving the USA via programs such as hunger prevention, refugee services, disaster relief, free health fairs & health clinics, back 2 school giveaways, family counseling, education and much more! * Its 33+ food pantries & weekly food distributions serve 50K+ weekly * It serves over 3,000 #Refugees here in the US annually * It has responded to over 40 disasters nationwide * It operates 7 free health clinics * We operate 17+ women’s transitional housing facilities * It gives out over 20K school bags each year to children in lower income communities For more info visit: www.icnarelief.org facebook.com/ICNARelief What people say: “ICNA Relief does a great job of domestically distributing the Zakat funds and charity on behalf of the Muslim community” – Sh. Abdul Nasir Jangda “It is indeed interested in feeding the hungry, in helping the poor, in finding space for Widows and Orphans to live, in doing what our religion requires us to do” – Sh. Yasir Qadhi For more information: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icna Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/icna Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/icnatv Website: http://www.icna.org Phone: 718-658-1199 Donate at http://www.icna.org/donation/ Volunteer at http://www.icna.org/joinus/ source
Genocide in Kashmir? | ICNA CSJ
Every year hundreds of Kashmiri men, women, and children are killed at the hands of the oppressive Indian government. We hope to raise awareness of this situation so that the people of the valley have a right to peace and justice. Join us in our webinar to learn more about the Kashmiri genocide and what you can do to help. source
A Race to Revive and Protect Muslim Women | Mindful Muslimah | ICNA Dawah Conf 2020
A Race to Revive and Protect Muslim Women Many of us who practice Islam are aware of the beautiful protection that Allah SWA and His perfect religion brings for our women. Yet, many of us are also aware of the current social media trends that have drawn many of our women to take off their hijabs and shed themselves of their identity almost overnight. Islam teaches us that it is our duty to protect our beautiful young women and to support our wives and mothers, but are we? In a world where Muslim women are forced to question their identity and Islamic practice on a daily basis, and feel pressured to be openly Muslim, how are we responding? Can we honestly say that we are responding at all? For more information: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icna Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/icna Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/icnatv Website: http://www.icna.org Phone: 718-658-1199 Donate at http://www.icna.org/dawah Volunteer at http://www.icna.org/barakah/ Donate/Support Prophet’s (p) Mission http://www.icna.org/dawah source
Statement on draconian measures taken against France’s Muslims
Over 60 scholars, imams, NGOs and Muslim community leaders have signed a statement in defense of our noble Prophet (pbuh) and in solidarity with French Muslims.
ICNA Relief inaugurates 23rd Muslim Women’s Shelter
There are millions of people in the United States, the world’s richest and most powerful country, who homeless , including women. The Muslim organization Icna Relief inaugurated its 23rd Muslim Women’s Shelter Home yesterday.
Police, Muslim Community Join Forces to Distribute Backpacks to 400 Jersey City Children
JERSEY CITY, NJ – Volunteers from Islamic Circle of North America Relief (ICNA) joined with Jersey City police officers Saturday to give out 400 backpacks filled with schools supplies as well as 500 slices of pizzas.
Transition home offers solutions for women with no place else to go
Muna had only been in the U.S. for a few years when she and her husband decided to separate. A refugee from Iraq, Muna spoke little English. Other than her children, she had no family in the country and had never lived on her own before. “Where can I go?” she thought. She called the International Rescue Committee and they recommended a women’s transition house. The house, run by ICNA Relief, an Islamic charity organization, had strict rules. But Muna was glad to find a safe place to stay, and one with an Islamic environment. In a quiet neighborhood in East Plano, the ICNA transition house provides a roof — and stability — for women who have no other place to go. It’s open to women of all faiths and does not promote any religious beliefs. But it also addresses the unique needs of Muslim women, which ICNA Relief’s leadership says is not the case in other area shelters. Clients face a wide range of circumstances. Some have experienced chronic homelessness, while others, like Muna, have left their husbands and have no work experience. Former residents say the home helped them become independent and confident. Muna and another client agreed to speak with The Dallas Morning News on the condition that only their first names be used for privacy reasons. Unlike a traditional shelter, transitional housing is intended to be a long-term solution to help those experiencing homelessness gain self-sufficiency. This transition home is one of the few in North Texas that serves women experiencing homelessness. Community leaders endorse the house’s mission. Imam Omar Suleiman, founder and president of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, says the house’s staff members make their clients feel welcome. “They work from such a deep sense of purpose and faith, that they’re really vested in the real success of the victims…” he said. Strict requirements The transition house is one of 23 houses nationwide operated by ICNA Relief. Since resources are limited, all have strict eligibility requirements, only accepting women who are able-bodied, have no serious mental health issues and have not been involved in a partner-abuse situation. The Dallas home, which at any given time can house up to 10 people, was built in October 2018. Since then, it has served 22 women and 18 children. Only three women have backslid into homelessness, all struggling with their mental health, said Hala Halabi, who oversees refugee programs for ICNA Relief and is the transition home’s site director. Halabi helps manage multiple programs for ICNA Relief in North Texas but spends a lot of time on this one. “We don’t call it a shelter, because it’s not a shelter,” she said. “It is a program that helps sisters to stand on their feet again.” Halabi said that women would call her, crying. They felt out of place at shelters in the area. Some were forced to eat pork since there were few other food options at shelters, she said. Others might get bullied for wearing the hijab or for praying. Suleiman says discrimination against Muslim women in shelters is a common experience. Shelters are overwhelmed, he said, and sometimes don’t have the time or willingness to understand the unique needs of Muslims. That doesn’t happen at the transition home, where ICNA Relief provides halal meat, and women can practice their religion free of judgment in private rooms. A messy separation Muna’s separation from her husband was messy, and their kids got caught in the middle. He ended up calling Child Protective Services, but the mother retained custody. A few months later, a teacher noticed a mark on one of the kids’ faces and reported it to child protective services, and the children were taken from Muna, said Halabi. ICNA Relief helped place the kids in a foster home run by a Muslim family. “Everything was new. I didn’t know anything,” Muna said in Arabic. “With my husband, with the house, with the new living space and the situation with my children.” After leaving the transition house, Muna reconciled with her husband to regain custody of her kids. CPS recently visited her new apartment and deemed it a safe living space for the kids, Halabi said. ICNA Relief helps clients with food, jobs and transportation. Through donations, the organization provided Muna with a car and helped her find an overnight shift at a warehouse in Farmers Branch. The East Plano Islamic Center has typically supported the transition house with $1,000 each month, said Riyad Chowdhury, who handles finances for the mosque. The center has also provided financial assistance for some of the women after they leave the home. Chowdhury says ICNA Relief needs a second transition house in North Texas, given the current economic crisis. “Sister Hala is doing a very good job,” he said. “But she’s a one-person show in this area.” Improving their skills Sumbal, a Pakistani immigrant, stayed at the Dallas transition home for a year. Her husband cheated on her, then kicked her out of their home, leading a friend to recommend the transition house. At first, Sumbal said she had a difficult time adjusting to the house’s strict rules. Residents are not allowed in the house from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During these working hours, they must be out, either working, looking for a job or improving their skills. This includes their children, who in a normal life would have to be dropped off at a babysitter or daycare. These rules did not apply during the stay-at-home orders. “We don’t give them a chance to be lazy,” Halabi said. Still, ICNA Relief helps them find jobs and people to look after their kids. Sumbal said the home’s rules taught her how to manage everyday life and become independent. At weekly meetings, she discussed her goals with Halabi and other case managers. She learned how to multitask, manage her time and think critically. “When I first got there, I didn’t have a lot of confidence,” Sumbal said in Urdu. She was concerned that she would not be able
