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.

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).

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!

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:
Save Aariz Foundation
17 Hamilton Avenue
Mount Vernon New York 10552
914 837-0070
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.

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

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!

"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.

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

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.

Official Islamic Holidays at R.U.

The following Islamic holidays are on the school calendar:

Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Adha
Ashura (10th of Muharam)