Campus News:

Welcome (Back) to Rutgers University.

"O My Lord increase me in knowledge" Quran.

Please feel free to get in touch with Muslim chaplaincy through facebook or email Br. Faraz: b u r r a a q @ r c i . r u t g e r s . e d u

Disclaimer: Comments in the blog do not necessarily reflect the views of Office of the Muslim Chaplain at Rutgers University. All comments/posts are owned by the respective author and may not be used outside of the blog without prior written consent of the author.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Back to the Book

Quran Study Group

"This is a Reminder, and for the God-fearing there shall be a beautiful end" (Quran)

InshAllah, We will meet tonight at 8:00 pm at College Ave. (same place). It is important you follow the Character Education Program and review your notes. Since we only covered first three ayat, we will go back to the explanation of Surah al-Fatiha tonight (Wednesday). Also, I want to remind you that the Quran Study Group is your 1 credit Islamic Studies course. Please do not short change Islam for your Physics or Bio exams :)

wasSalam,
faraz




QUR'AN STUDY GROUP with Chaplain Faraz Khan
WHEN: Wednesdays 8:00 - 9:00 pm
WHERE: COLLEGE AVE. CAMPUS, Frelinghuysen Hall, Room A1
Map & Directions

Monday, February 26, 2007

Weekly Audio Lecture Notes

Title: "The People of God" The People of God
Given By: Faraz Khan
Place: New York University
Written By: Saher Jilani

Summary: In this talk, Br. Faraz mentions the exceptional qualities of those individuals who are referred to as Awliya Allah, or the People of God. He explains that the noblest people in the eyes of God are those who fear Him and are most pious.

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). ~ Qur’an (13:49)

Br. Faraz discusses the lives of 5 distinct individuals who were leading examples of Awliya Allah. They include:

1. Fatima bint Abdullah
2. Ahmed Zarruq
3. Fudail bin 'Iya
4. Bashr al-Hafi
5. Jigar Muradabadi

The characteristics that stood amongst these people were that they possessed a strong level of iman and taqwa in their hearts. They had acquired patience during times of serious affliction & hardship in their lives. Therefore, by putting their complete trust in God they overcame difficult struggles which in turn enabled them to become strong believers in Allah (swt). The inspiring stories that Br. Faraz shared clearly showed how these people turned their lives around and attained success. I felt that each story thoroughly explained the true manifestation of one’s complete submission to Allah (swt).

Br. Faraz explains that the closeness a person has with Allah is not like material closeness that can be understood by reason. Rather one’s relationship with Allah is only found in the heart and cannot be measured. This particular topic encourages us to strive towards increasing our faith and continue to keep the remembrance of Allah in our lives. It is our goal to become people of God and understand and implement the teachings of Qur’an and sunnah. By carefully studying the stories mentioned in this talk, one can clearly understand the true devotion of being awliya Allah.

Insha'Allah may Allah (swt) enrich our hearts with iman and taqwa and give us the guidance and strength towards becoming His people - Ameen.

Please share your comments and thoughts on this week's audio!

media & chaplaincy

The Home News Tribune

InshAllah, I will be contributing to "Matters of Faith" column for the Home News Tribune. My khutba on "Finding God and Visiting the Sick" was published last Friday Feb. 23, 2007.

"Imam Faraz Khan talks about the Muslim faith and his role as an Imam".

Character Edu Program for this Week

This Wednesday at 8:00 pm, we will continue with Tafsir al-Fatiha in our Q-Study Group.

ONLINE - Character Education Program 10:00 pm tonight (click below to listen).


Character Education Program WEEK TWO ONLINE CLASS


WEEK 2

DAILY DHIKR: SubhanaAllahi wa bihamdihi SubhanAllahil Azeem 100X
WEEKLY on Guard: watch your language and guard your tongue
MONTHLY THEME: Honoring our Parents - bringing a gift home this weekend.

Please listen to the audio file for more details on Character Edu. Program (based on Sirah of the Prophet Mohammad (s)).

Saturday, February 24, 2007

al-Maghrib comes to Rutgers


Welcome to Rutgers New Brunswick, the home of the Durbah :)

By Faraz

I attended the opening session with Sheikh Yasir Qadhi last night at New Brunswick. I briefly talked with him about the goals of chaplaincy at New Brunswick.
al-hamdo lillah, it was good to see many young men and women interested in learning about Islam and aqeeda in specific. Since its inception, Al-Maghrib has had a huge impact on the American Muslim youth. It has a culture of its own. You have to experience the brotherhood and sisterhood in order to know what it's all about.

I just want to remind people, specially for the New Brunswick students, please go out of your way to spread salams, smiles, and mingle with people, especially brothers and sisters who came from great distances.

May Allah give us success.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Pop Culture and Generation Islam

By Faraz
Life is nothing but choosing between right and wrong. It takes guts to stand in the face of the vulgar pop culture and say "I am a Muslim and I do not want any part of it". From 'Desperate House Wives' to 'Fifty Cents', what culture are we adopting?
Are we that Generation Islam that will revive this Ummah or are we those 'wanna be thugs' who show up on MTV? What do we represent? Do we live Islam or do we contradict Islam?
Be honest.

Pop Culture is not Islam.

Live ONE LIFE.

Live Islam.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Quran Study Group


"This is a Reminder, and for the God-fearing there shall be a beautiful end" (Quran)


QUR'AN STUDY GROUP with Chaplain Faraz Khan
WHEN: Wednesdays 8:00 - 9:00 pm

WHERE: COLLEGE AVE. CAMPUS, Frelinghuysen Hall, Room A1
Map & Directions

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Place for Rent

I wanted to know if you knew anyone that was looking for a place to rent in New Brunswick. Idealy, I am looking for someone between the age of 18-30. The house has all Muslims in it, Alhamdulliah, and makes a great environment for any single Muslim brother who is in college or working full time. The room will be shared, and the rent is $400-$450 per month depending on which room he picks. The water and high speed interent are free, and the heat & electricity bill is divided by the # of people in the house.

VIRTUAL TOUR:

contact:
Cell: 732.322.9186

Monday, February 19, 2007

Weekly Audio Lecture Notes

Title: “Unity and Ideological Differences on Campuses and Mosques” - NJ MSA Unity Dinner
Unity & Ideological Differences on Campuses and Mosques
Given By: Faraz Khan
Place: Seton Hall University
Written By: Saher Jilani

Summary: The objective of this discussion is to focus on the importance of working towards unifying our ummah. Br. Faraz mentions that the ummah can accomplish great things when we come together under la illaha il Allah Muhammad rasul Allah.” More importantly, he emphasizes that Islam is about guiding humanity, not dividing it – thus, it is essential not to get caught up on ideological differences but rather work to establish a single unified community.

Br. Faraz asks, “Why is there a dire need for unity?” I like the example he gives of the burning house and how we must have the wisdom to work together to save lives rather than criticize each other trying to figure out ‘who caused the fire?’ This creative analogy advises to protect ourselves from the fire in the Hereafter and move people out of the dunya concerns.

He also reminds us that Islam is about calling to the way of Allah (swt) bil hikma, ‘with wisdom’…and a good preaching. However, if you are going to dispute, do it in a manner which is good including making dua’ for the individual for this was the sunnah of the Prophet (s). Another important point I recall from this talk is to remember that before we begin to judge others on how they practice Islam, we must first and foremost look at ourselves and begin from within. Following that, I also believe it’s beneficial that we look for the admirable qualities in others and in turn reflect it upon ourselves.

Br. Faraz acknowledges in his talk that as believers we must understand what our deen stands for. Every believer follows the 5 pllars of Islam and the 6 articles of faith -this is what binds Muslims together. He mentions, “We are people who carry the light, carry the Qur’an, and we must take the responsibility otherwise we are lost people…” The goal is to unite the hearts of people, welcome people, and work collectively insha’Allah. I felt that Br. Faraz eloquently shared a valuable message on the importance of Muslim unity across campuses, mosques and elsewhere.

"Unity is strength. When the sand grains unite they become a vast desert. When the sea drops unite they become a boundless ocean. The conglomeration of stars in the firmament of sky soothes our eyes. The seven colors emerge in the shape of a rainbow. The unity of people makes an invincible strong nation. "

Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the bricks of) a building, each strengthens the other.'' He illustrated this by interlacing the fingers of both his hands. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Be on this Path.... the goal behind Islamic edu.

"O You who believe, whoever turns away from the way of God, He will replace you with another people who will love Him and He will love them. They are humble before believers and strong against disbelievers" (Koran).

The Goal Behind 'Character Edu. Program' (online) and Q-Study Group
(Wed. 8:00 pm on College Ave).
By Faraz

The civilizations of the past produced many great books, cites, inventions, monuments, etc. For example, the ruins of the city of Moenjodaro, built entirely of unbaked brick in the 3rd millennium B.C. was a planned city with water and an underground sewage system. The Wall of China, the Colosseum, amphitheaters, aqueducts, Sphinx, etc. were all extraordinary work of men.
However, when we look at the life of the Prophet (s), he didn't produce any of the above. He didn't leave behind great books, monuments, cities that can compare to Damascus and Rome, or monuments in every corner, but he changed the entire social order of Arabian Peninsula. In twenty-three years, he brought the jahili society, from darkness into light. How?
He simply worked on people. He connected them to God. Once this connection was established, he left them in the hands of God. Thus, we inherit this legacy of the Prophet (s), to be amongst saliheen (good people) and use this alchemy to produce hearts of gold. The formula has been given to us by our beloved Prophet (s). Be on this Path of taqwa and you will attain greater than the greatest monuments, the Pleasure of God.

Worldly people produce ephemeral things, Godly people produce lasting work.
ma 'indakum yanfad, wa ma 'indAllahi baaq
That which you posses will perish but what remains with God will last (Quran).

QUR'AN STUDY GROUP with Chaplain Faraz Khan
WHEN: Wednesdays 8:00 - 9:00 pm
WHERE: COLLEGE AVE. CAMPUS, Frelinghuysen Hall, Room A1
Map & Directions

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Character Education Program

Salam Alaikum Everyone,
By Faraz
InshAllah I plan on seeing you tonight at the ISRU meeting. I was hoping Saad could post ISRU news online (hey Saad, this is an open call to post ISRU announcements on the blog :) ...

InshAllah, Qur'an Study Group next Wednesday at Frelinghuysen Hall A1 (College Ave). Most people received the class cancellation news but I want to apologize to few individuals who didn't get the campus buzz and showed up for the class (esp. Esmael M. and Ibrahim M.). Please feel free to comment on the blog. I want to have an open communication inshAllah.

Next Wednesday for Q-Study Group, we will cover tafsir (explanation) of Surah al-Fatiha. It is the most important surah in the Quran (the greatest surah as the Prophet (s) called it). One's prayer is not valid without the recitation of al-Fatiha.

Reminder about the Character Education Program:Have you practiced the following today:
(Why? I thought we want to live Islam and not talk about Islam)
*Daily dhikr: istagh-firullah 100x
**Weekly - Beware of foul language: Do not practice, listen, or promote it.
***Monthly - Honoring our Parents: saying salam and showing our affection for them

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Beauty on My Own Terms

OPINION: Student at RU speak out

I have always been taught that all individuals are created equal; that no one should be judged according to gender, beauty, wealth, or privilege, that the only thing that makes one individual better than another is the content of a person's character. However, these days it becomes increasingly difficult to forget physical differences and instead concentrate on more important issues. By covering not only my hair but also my body and self from public view, I shift the focus of attention away from my physical features and I hope instead to my intellectual being. By choosing to don appropriate clothing I divert unwanted attention and gazes and instead make it known to the world that my body is my own concern. I am free from the restrictions of the never ending fashion and beauty trends followed by so many, and instead of worrying about my hairstyle and makeup I can instead channel my energy into something more productive.
My choice to wear the Hijab, which is the Muslim headscarf, renders it as not only a physical covering but also a path through which to better my character and personality. By understanding that the superficial issues of this world serve no purpose but to distract me from my ultimate goal of pleasing the Creator, I am given the opportunity to not only work towards fulfilling this goal but also to personally raise my self-esteem . By attempting to break away from the shallow binds of this world, I immobilize my pursuit of the abstract notions of beauty, essentially recognizing that such a pursuit is incredibly futile and time consuming.
By wearing the Hijab I not only cover my hair, but also represent my religion to the world. I try to act in an appropriate manner, the manner in which Muslims are to act in both personal relations and in public discourse. If I am to dress like a Muslim woman and publicly represent the religion, I have to understand that I am not only representing my self but actually all the Muslim women who are dressed like me.
Hijab is a simple expression of belief in the religion of Islam and the decision to wear it is for the woman alone. If she decides to fully accept Islam, as I did, then she has by default chosen to accept this basic tenant of modesty as well. This is by no means a method of subjugating women to the "oppressive, patriorachal, dominating, unfair" rules of the religion, but rather it is their liberation from the bounds of materialistic attractions so commonly found in society. I along with many countless Muslim women do not view my veil and modest dress as awkward, backward, or demeaning. I view it as a protection of that which God has given me, a protection of my physical and mental capacities.
Wearing the hijab provides me with the chance to reject the oppression, ridicule, and contempt that are associated with the "beauty cycle" of the so called "lookism" culture. By donning it I have asserted the fact that my physical appearance and clothing have no role in either my educational or social interactions. By choosing to wear the Hijab, I have not only learned to better myself but also to present an accurate image to those around me about both myself and my religion. I have and will continue to use it as a tool through which to convey one main message to others. This hijab has given me the self-respect, humility, and dignity that have allowed me to value myself more as a woman. My hijab may cover my hair and body but it liberates my soul.

Bismillah!



Qur'an Study Group
First meeting online
First Session: Our Way Forward

****
...here's a clip from khutba at ISCJ
"The Ummah is a Stalled Car - Where Are We?"

Recommended Lecture for this week: Our Obligation to the Book of God

If you have any questions/concerns, please leave me a note in comments section.
jazak Allah khair,
faraz

Qur'an Class Cancelled tonight


Although, due to the weather, we will not be physically meeting tonight for the first session of the Qur'an Study Group with Chaplain Faraz we're offering a cyber replacement. After 8pm this evening please visit:

http://omcru.blogspot.com

Insha-Allah, there will be an audio introduction to the study of the Qur'an. So please join your brothers and sisters in benefiting from the lesson via the audio file and, insha-Allah, we'll see you all next Wednesday in-person as the class continues.

Qur'an Class Online at 8:00 pm tonight
Please check back at http://omcru.blogspot.com


May Allah reward you for your intention.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Qur'an Study Group at Rutgers Un.


Bismillah,
The Qur'an was the focus of Prophet's dawah. It should also be the focus of our da'wah. There are many believers who talk about solving world problems yet, they do not do anything to solving problems at home. There are many Muslims who read and memorize the great work of men but they forget the work of God. An average Muslim student at Rutgers takes around 14 credits per semester. It takes this individual around four years to graduate with a B.A. MashAllah, kudos to the Muslim community. We have another engineer, psychologist, biologist, teacher, etc. But did the Ummah really gain another worker or did the Ummah gain a Muslim?

The messenger of God (s) said, "God will raise nations and debase others based on their adherence to this book".

I 'm ordered to call the AZAN. accept the invitation or neglect it - it's your call.

QUR'AN STUDY GROUP
Wednesdays 8-9pm Frelinghuysen Hall A1. (College Ave).

Monday, February 12, 2007

Weekly Audio Lecture Notes

Title: “al-Andalus was Not a Failure!”
Eid Khutba – Sacrifice in Islam (Qurbani) and the Way Forward for Muslims in America
al-Andalus was Not a Failure!
Given By: Faraz Khan
Place: Westin Hotel (ISCJ)
Written By: Saher Jilani

Summary: The main objective of this talk is to call our attention to the true meaning of sacrifice in Islam. Br. Faraz mentions, “We sacrifice on the blessed day of Eid to get closer to our Lord. Allah (swt) has granted us plenty of blessings so as believers we should respond back by praying and making sacrifices in our own lives.”

In this discussion, Br. Faraz brings us to the year 1492 in Islamic history where Muslims dominated al-Andalus, Spain. He begins by describing al-Andalus as a place where elaborate minarets stood tall and beautiful masajids were established. Following this, I remember hearing the important detail ‘but no one performed sajda.’ “Our predecessors planted their surroundings with vast palm trees but yet never planted iman of Islam.” Listening to this, I realized the central theme to this message… to learn from the generation before me and be among those who carry the seeds of faith going forward.

I feel that the lecture clearly explains the importance of personal sacrifice of this world's transient materials. Sacrifice also includes our time, ability, professions, education, etc. to overcome the challenge of the past. It is noteworthy to keep in mind as Br. Faraz mentions, “The goal is NOT to get caught up in the ideology of materialism or consumerism.” The essential goal as a believer is to go back to Allah (swt) and win His favor.

al-Andalus was not seen as a failure but rather a continuation of the past towards a greater success. I believe this talk serves as an inspirational reminder through a historical perspective that the sacrifice we make for the sake of Allah (swt) will lead to a path of righteousness, piety, goodness and reward in the Hereafter.

Those who grasp the truth revealed in the Qur'an and understand the morality that Allah has laid down for humanity are able to make the sacrifice…

This brings me to the following verse :

“Let there be a community among you who call to the good, enjoin the right, and forbid the wrong. They are the ones who have success.” (3:104)

Please share your thoughts on this audio!


Saturday, February 10, 2007

QUR'AN CLASS - register now!


We have made the Quran easy for remembrance, then is there any who would pay attention?


QUR'AN STUDY GROUP with Chaplain Faraz Khan
WHEN: Wednesdays 8:00 - 9:00 pm
WHERE: COLLEGE AVE. CAMPUS, Frelinghuysen Hall, Room A1
Map & Directions


Br. Faraz will offer instruction in Tafsir (Qur'anic commentary) on oft-recited short suras. He will discuss the reason for revelation, meaning of vocabulary words, practical implications, benefits of reciting different suras, seeking protection through recitation, aiding memory & studies for better grades, etc. This class is a must for those are serious about living Islam. Let us take an hour from our busy schedule - only for the sake of Allah and come together to read and understand the Book of God.

HADITH:
Be amongst the Best

‘Uthmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “The best of you are the ones who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others” [Al-Bukhari]


The Prophet said: “The Qur’an is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [An authentic hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood]


May Allah give us the tawfiq to be the amongst the best people - those who keep the Qur'an in front.

NO EXCUSES!


please go to 'comments' section below and add your name and any suggestions you may have for the class.

from Dr. Hamza Shaikh...

Will you help save this baby?
One-year-old Aariz Aatif was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer (hepatoblastoma) in Pakistan when he was two months old. Doctors in Pakistan said there was no hope as he needed a transplant. Alhumdulillah, Aariz was able to come to the United States on humanitarian parole for the transplant. As a foreigner, Aariz has no insurance or Medicaid. Your donation could help save Aariz’s life.

DONATE TODAY to the CHILDREN’S HOSPITALOF PITTSBURGH PREPAYMENT
FOR AARIZ ATIF or to the SAVE AARIZ FOUNDATION:
Send your checks or money orders to:
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For more information, visit www.helpaariz.com
“..and whoever saves the life of one person, it shall be as if he had saved the life
of all mankind”(Qur’an 5:32)
BABYAARIZ NEEDS YOUR
HELP URGENTLY $325,000 needs to be raised and given to the hospital BEFORE treatment.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

OPINION:

ISRU LECTURES
By Amro Ayubi

Salam, Hamdulah there is a lot of participation in the ISRU lectures. Masha Allah people seem interested and willing to show support. To maintain this and improve this we need lectures about stuff youth can relate to insha Allah. This will be more interesting and more people will relate to the material. Also, there are wonderful stories about the sahaba that can strike interest. Maybee every week we can talk about one sahabi or even better Khulafa al Rashedeen. Most important we need to get the listeners involved in the lecture more. More of a open discussion andswering questions instead of the lecturer talking the whoole time. Hamdulah we are all on the right track and the way things are going Masha Allah is great. P.S. Myself first and I'm sure other brothers need lessons on reading the Qu'ran. If at all possible to set aside some time from ISRU to reciting the Qu'ran it would be beneficial to a lot of people. Salam.. Ayoubi

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Weekly Audio Lecture Notes

Title: "Our Obligation to the Book of God"
Our Obligation to the Book of God - audio
Given By: Faraz Khan

Place: Islamic Circle of Mercer County. Lawrenceville, NJ
Written by: Saher Jilani

Summary: In this talk Br. Faraz emphasizes the importance of our obligation to the book of God. He discusses our duties as Muslims and how it is essential for the believers to ask Allah (swt) for forgiveness and guidance to the straight path that Allah is pleased with.

Br. Faraz opens with the question, ‘How do we attain success?’ and answers, ‘Seek guidance in the book of God.’ I thought to myself – so simple! Allah has made the Qur’an simple to understand as His message is for all places, all time and for all people.

The speech highlighted 4 obligations regarding our duties to the Qur’an :
1. Read the book
2. Understand it
3. Take the message and apply it in life
4. Spread to humanity

Personally, I feel it is important that all of these obligations are noted because the responsibility goes beyond just reading the Qur’an. It is about internalizing the words, implementing what I learn and sharing the knowledge with others. I believe that this talk serves as a continual reminder that for those who obey God and His message, it is for their own betterment of success in the world and the after. It is not only to recite the book of God, but to apply the aforementioned obligations that Br. Faraz states. In my opinion, this is the road to ultimate success in life.

The topic reminded me of the following hadith where the Prophet (s) said:
“Shall I tell you who are the best among you?...The best of you are those who when seen are a means of God being brought to mind.” (Al-Tirmdhi).

Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments!


Saturday, February 3, 2007

"Why Youth are missing from the masjid"

This Saturday I was at Youth-MCMC working session. Basically, to establish a bond with the community mosque. There were different concerns/questions. The MCMC shura kept asking "Why Youth are missing from the masjid".

The forum was very open - credit goes to Dr. Safi Faizullah who gave the youth every opportunity to speak and mashAllah he listened to what they had to say and what they envision at MCMC. The focus was to identify and formulate programs to be implemented by MCMC to cater to a larger student population.

The following speakers spoke at the program:

1. Dr. Safi Faizullah
2. Imam Rauf
3. Chaplain NYU- Br. Khalid Latif
4. Young Muslim- Br. Adib Contractor
5. Young Muslim- Sr. Nida Hasan
6. Rutgers Chaplain Office Faraz Khan
7. Rutgers (ISRU)- Br. Yahia Tokal
8. Amir Memon (UPenn)
9. Farys Chowdhary
10. M. Essaghir Br. Zeejah Ali

I think it was a very productive meeting to generate ideas. It would be ideal to see MCMC implement these ideas presented by the youth and therefore, become a student hub - only time will tell. Since I am new to MCMC community, I do not know the history of students' involvement at MCMC. But I do wish them the best of luck.

There are only a few mosques with a successful program for youth in NJ - most are not willing to spend a penny or listen to their "children". Yet most shura members can't get tired of saying "youth are our future". Sure, in American culture they say 'put your money where your mouth is' :)

Anyways, I would like the college students to chime in about the situation. Why Youth are missing from MCMC? Please feel free to chime in.

Friday, February 2, 2007

Salamu Alaikum Students!


MashAllah, I must say that so far my perception of Rutgers' Muslim students have been very positive. There are many individuals who are trying to become better Muslims and trying to contribute in whatever way possible. Whether it's bake sale, Haj session, water well in Ghana, welcome back to school dinner, Wake-a-thon 2007, etc., there is so much "POSITIVE ENERGY" on campus. I really like this upbeat environment.

Many students have already come up to me to voice their concerns about certain matters and I really appreciate this (feel free to contact me - I'm all "Ears"). I believe they are trying to do the right thing. Some students have actually come up to me and mentioned things that need a quick fix and others have mentioned long challenging projects.

I could just hear some of you saying: hmmm! explain yourself Mr. Chaplain :)

Well! To be blunt, many students have pointed out that UNITY on campus is a major issue - in need of a quick fix. Also, a Muslim student center on campus is desperately needed - another big challenge (Amr Ayub mentioned to me that there were 30 students praying maghrib last night in Grad Student Ctr). And I am sure while reading this you could think of a million other things that we need to accomplish (feel free to chime in - that's why I set up this blog).

I think all problems could be resolved by simply decoding

Aide-toi, le ciel t'aidera.

Did you get that? Let me repeat the French proverb ... j/k :)
it is this simple:

"Surely, God will not change a condition of a people unless they change first what is within themselves" (Qur'an).

wasSalam,
stay out of trouble - think BIG!
faraz

Thursday, February 1, 2007

This Week at ISRU

Islamic Society of Rutgers University's (ISRU) Events this week:

1) People of Jannah - Sohaib aRumi
2) Daawah Table 2/1
3) Nasihah Bakesale
4) Brothers' Halaqa 2/2


People of Jannah - Sohaib aRumi
This meeting is the first in a series speaking about those whom were promised Jannah during their lifetime by the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam). These lectures will not talk about your regular Khulafaa' aRashideen (even though there is nothing wrong with talking about them); it will talk about those sahaabah that many of us are not familiar with. You come out of this lecture series with two things: 1) A better understanding of a sahaabi not frequently talked about 2) A certain trait/aspect of that sahaabi that you can exemplify in your life. This series is a must-attend for anyone interested in making his/herself a better Muslim. *****Meeting room has changed!***** People of Jannah - Sohaib aRumi Thursday, January 25th 7:00 PM Rm. 411ABC Rutgers Student Center, College Ave. Campus Directions: http://maps.rutgers.edu/directions.aspx?id=278 For info, please vist http://muslims.rutgers.edu


Sponsoring a Well
Make sure you guys are up to date about the Well Project: come to the ISRU meeting this Thursday to find out how YOU can help in providing a well for the less fortunate in Ghana.


Daawah Table
How can can we kick of this semester ? What better way then enjoining that which is good and forbidding that which is evil. As the muslim body of Rutgers University, relaying the truth is upon us, inshaAllah. But how can we do it? Easy, just reply with your name and time you can make it to the daawah table, we need as many people as possible. What: Daawah Table Where: Busch Student Center When: This Thursday 2/1/07 Time: 12 - 6pm



Nasihah Newsletter Bakesale
This week at the ISRU meeting there will be a bakesale with all of the proceeds going to Nasihah.


Brothers' Halaqa 2/2
InshaAllah this Friday February 2nd, there will be a brothers Halaqa at MCMC with Br. Mazen Mokhtar and Imam Rauf from 6 PM 8 PM. The topic for the Halaqa will be on the Role of Muslims in uplifting the moral standards of society. InshaAllah this semester we will have monthly Friday night Halaqas at MCMC in order to strengthen brotherhood amongst one another. Also these gatherings are meant to be interactive in order to highlight some of the key challenges that Muslim Students face at Rutgers and how to overcome these challenges.

Calendar