My khutba at NBIC - masjid al - Huda

Bismillah!

The emptiness inside didn't vanish with my plight
'till I gave it all away

to You my Lord,
I gave this heart away



Here's the latest khutba on Sirah & Patience (((audio))). For all the students out there, I am only trying my best to get back on the track... May Allah give us sincerity and success.

your brother in Islam,
faraz

comments on NJMSA Princeton Training

wasSalam everyone,

I just returned from an all day MSA National Training at Princeton Un. It started early and finished around 6:30 pm with 'Asr. It was good to see my good brothers and sisters who are on working together for the sake of Allah. I just wanted to thank the organizers and all those MSAs who participated today.

I know I had the audience roaring with that banner "Khalid Latif is My Hero!". Well! I would not say it unless it's true :) MashAllah, Khalid is a great brother to work with. He is always concerned about others. His life is all about working for Allah. May Allah protect him.

This was my first time sitting on a panel with Mohamed Shiliwala, Mostafa Khalifa, and Zaied Abbassi. They are all good people trying to find a way to revive the Ummah. I was surprised by the simple fact that none of us (panelists) disagreed about the discussion and question/answer sessions. I think people left with a positive message.

Everybody worked so hard to put the event together. I really appreciated the generous offer of our brother Amro Gharib. While I was standing to lead people in prayer on bear ground, Amro spread his spotless, shinny new off-white jacket on the floor for me as sijada (jai-namaz), which brought tears to my eyes. MashAllah! not only that, he also brought a full plate of food for me without even asking ... because I was busy discussing MSA stuff with Br. Dawud and Khalid. May Allah honor him.

Sister Lubna and Rajeh, were a tremendous help in organizing everything. I asked Lubna to add a copy of certain section from my textbook on conflict resolution. She actually retyped the entire two pages to make it presentable.

At the end of the event, I think we were all really exhausted. I plan on holding a post MNT session with Mufti and others who were involved with this effort.


PROGRAM AGENDA...

On behalf of MSA National, COMPASS and the MSAs of New Jersey, we would like to cordially extend an invitation to you for the 2nd Annual MSA National Training (MNT) Day 2007 (see attachment). This exciting interactive event will be taking place on Saturday, March 31 from 9:30a to 5:30p at Princeton University in the Carl A. Field's Center. This event will be a series of interactive modules in the form of discussions, workshops and open-forums that will focus on topics such as communication, conflict resolution, gender relations and more. Alhamdolillah we have a wonderful and exciting line-up of speakers including:

Princeton University Muslim Chaplain, Khalid Latif
Rutgers University Muslim Chaplain, Faraz Khan
MSA National/COMPASS Trainer, Mohamed Shiliwala
Mostafa Khalifa
Zaied Abbassi

Alhamdolillah we will be having more than 12 universities from all over New Jersey participating in this fun and blessed day. High school upperclassmen (and women) are also cordially invited to attend. The event is free of charge and breakfast and lunch (Pakistani & Turkish food) will be provided.

tonight is SIRAH NIGHT

SIRAH NIGHT - The Makkan Period:

Frelinghuysen Hall Room A1
8:00 pm, Wednesday, March 28, 2007

InshAllah tonight we will be discussing the Makkan period from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). While going through your day, remember to send as many salutations on the Prophet (s) as possible.

"Verily, there has come to you a Messenger from amongst your-selves: It grieves him that you should perish: He is ardently anxious over you. To the Believers He is Most Kind and Merciful" (Qur'an 9:128)

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “He who sends blessings on me once, Allah sends him blessings ten times.” [Muslim, Abu Dawud, & Tirmidhi]

Sirah - Chronology of Events:

570 CE Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, born.

610 CE Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, receives first revelation at Mount Hira.
Call to Islam in secrecy.
Open call to Islam.
Quraish negotiation.

615 CE Persecution of the Muslims by the Quraish. A party of Muslims leaves for Abyssinia. (First Hijrah to Abysinnia).

616 CE Hamza and Umar accept Islam. Second Hijrah to Abysinnia.
Social Boycott by Quraish.

619 CE Year of Sorrow: Khadija, Radi-Allahu anha, and Abu Talib die. Visit to Taif. Isra and Miraj (ascention to heavens).

621 CE First pledge at Aqaba (people from Medina accept Islam).

622 CE Second pledge at Aqaba. Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, migrates to Madinah (hijra).

Life in Medina (Class continues ...April 4)

Weekly Audio Lecture Notes

Title: “On Nasiha- Giving Good Counsel”

On Nasiha - Giving good counsel
Given By: Faraz Khan
Place: Islamic Society of Delware- Newark, Delaware
Written By: Saher Jilani

Summary: In this discussion, Br. Faraz talks about giving nasiha to others. Upon this, he also mentions the importance of having sincerity in our hearts & actions with the purpose of pleasing Allah (swt).

On the authority of Tamim Al-Dari, The Messenger of Allah said,

“Religion is sincerity (nasiha). They asked: “To whom?” The Prophet (saw) said, “To Allah, His Book, His Messenger and to the leaders and their common folk.” [Muslim]

This hadith stresses the value of sincerity. Sincerity for Allah (swt) means to have true faith in Him and that He should be worshipped with full devotion. Sincerity for the Qur’an means to confirm its truth with a full heart and mind, and to gain knowledge and understanding. Sincerity for the Prophet (s) involves responding to his call and becoming a carrier of his message. Br. Faraz mentions it is important to spread the sunnah to humanity. The sincerity of Muslim rulers implies obedience of their orders that will please Allah and His Messenger. Furthermore, towards the common folk means that they should be provided the right guidance and work for the betterment in this world and the Hereafter.

Br. Faraz explains that when offerring nasiha, we should have sincere intention & taqwa in our hearts. “Be conscious, be mindful of Allah – then you will have knowledge of religion.”

Nasiha is giving good counsel for the sake of Allah (swt). This includes fulfilling our obligations in the best way possible and getting closer to Him. Through Br. Faraz’s speech, we realize the power of sincerity in everything we do. It is one of the most valuable lessons we can learn in our lives, because we never know when a drop of sincerity in our heart will grant us an ocean of forgiveness or sail us on toward Paradise...

Why they Loved him?

S E E R A H - The Story of Jabir bin Abdullah (((audio - 14 minutes))) by Faraz Khan March 23, 2007 - Princeton University.
This talk is based on the hadith of Jabir bin Abdullah (R) (the narrator) who lived a very difficult life. He narrates how the Prophet (s) helped him in the most dignified manner(reported by Bukhari, Muslim, and others).

* * * *

Long time ago and once upon a time, there lived these strange people who showed humanity how to live like human beings. Their goal in life was not to eat, sleep, and die wealthy. Rather, they lived to serve others. They worked hard to comfort others. Although they didn't sleep much, and resources they lacked, but they lived and died on Islam. Such were the students of the Prophet (s). Such were the companions of Muhammad (s) who pleased their Lord.

The Prophet's life was all about guiding people to the Way of God.

No doubt, each individual has a direct relationship with God - there is no clergy in Islam. One cannot understand or practice or become a beloved of God, unless this person is on His path.

For this reason, it is imperative that we read, understand, and study, the life of the Prophet (s).

Weekly Audio Lecture Notes

Title: “Materialism is Not Our Religion”
Materialism is not our Religion
Given By: Faraz Khan
Place: Islamic Society of Central Jersey
Written By: Saher Jilani

Summary: In this Eid khutba, Br. Faraz highlights the true meaning of what Islam calls for. On such a special occasion, we celebrate the greatest blessings of our lives: our Islam. He reminds us that Allah (swt) has given us the opportunity to obey Him and be amongst His slaves. It is our obligation to follow the path that Allah has guided us with.

Br. Faraz delivers the message that Islam does not promote materialism. In today’s society, we are surrounded by endless affliction of superficialities. He explains that Islam is not about what is in our bank accounts, nor what car we drive, etc. As believers, our true testimony is to Allah (swt) and Prophet Muhammad (saw). Our faith should not be related to materialistic things in this world, therefore we should stay clear from overindulging in dunya matters.

Islam teaches essential values that include having shukr of Allah as well as sabr. With Allah’s bountiful blessings, we are to show our gratitude with our tongue as well as deeds.

Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated: Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Allah does not look at your figures, nor at your attire but He looks at your hearts and accomplishments.” [Muslim].

This Hadith stresses the importance of sincerity and good intention. Every noble action should be based on these two virtues. Ostentation, greed for wealth, riches and other worldly things fall in the category of such tribulations that our heart should remain free from. Since the true condition of heart is known to Allah, the true position of our actions will be known to Him alone.

Br. Faraz emphasizes the valuable message that Materialism is not our Religion. Rather it preaches moderation and balance in all worldly and other-worldly affairs. Islam is the beautiful religion that Allah has chosen for us and has granted us.

As the Qur’an eloquently expresses…

“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5:3)

Weekly Audio Lecture Notes

Title: “Good People – Bad People, Where do you Fit?”
Good People - Bad People, Where Do You fit?
Given By: Faraz Khan
Place: New Brunswick Islamic Center
Written By: Saher Jilani

Summary: In this talk, Br. Faraz explains the distinctive comparison between those people who are virtuous in deen and those who are disobedient to Allah (swt). To increase in measure towards becoming a strong believer, he reminds us that we must be of al-mutaqeen, people of taqwa. Allah (swt) leaves no doubt in His book of guidance so therefore it is our obligation to read and understand the Qur’an. He promises the beautiful reward of the Hereafter.

“Indeed the people of taqwa will be in gardens with rivers, in a position of dignity, near an All Powerful Sovereign.” (Qur'an 54:54)

Br. Faraz summaries the following qualities:

GOOD PEOPLE: Seek forgiveness and mercy of their Lord, take care of the poor, sleep little at night, fear God, receive titles from Allah, are righteous in good deeds, benefit others, are thankful for Allah’s blessings

BAD PEOPLE: Reject Allah, feel that they need to be owed, become disbelievers who do not benefit others but themselves, perform actions displeasing to Allah, are ungrateful, come up with their own titles

This discussion reminds us that only Allah (swt) can truly change what is inside our hearts. Believers need to be in control and act like true believers. Br. Faraz informs us that the quality of our deeds will show up in the Hereafter. Our disposition is not based on lineage, education, home, car, or any dunya concerns. Essentially our true character is based on our sincerity, faith in Allah, sincere actions, and the taqwa in our hearts.

Through this detailed understanding, we can realize where we want to fall on the scale of goodness. He concludes in his profound talk that we have nothing promised to us except that we will be dealt with the hereafter justly.

There are 2 groups of people who live 2 different ways of life…..

The question is - Where Do We Fit?

Upcoming Sirah Class..

The Life of the Beloved of God - M U H A M M A D peace be upon him

coming soon...

at your local chaplaincy program near you...

Open Invitation for tonight

"The Best of you are those who study and teach this book to others" (hadith).

To maximize the benefit from this study group, I would highly encourage all of you to listen and implement "Character Education Program". I have posted the third audio file (be sure, I will ask about it in class). Please scroll down and listen.
It is absolutely essential that we review our notes and implement this learning in our lives. I look forward to having a positive change in coming days. Please help spread the word. May Allah guide us to the straight path.

Al-Fatiha Completion TONIGHT (Quran Study Group) ((( ALL ARE WELCOME )))

Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2007 (tonight)Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Frelinghuysen Hall, Room A1 (College Ave. Campus)
Street: George Street
City/Town: New Brunswick, NJ
Contact Info Phone: 732.718.2554
Email: info@omcru.org

Description
It is with great pleasure and honor that I announce, with the permission of Allah, the completion of the explanation of Surah al-Fatiha this coming Wednesday night (3/7/07). Please take a break from your busy schedule to join us in this blessed endeavor.

InshAllah, food, coffee and tea will be served by the Muslim Chaplaincy starting at 7pm.

The class starts at 8pm. Feel free to come just for the food or just for the class, whatever your schedule permits. ALL ARE WELCOME but please RSVP here so we have an idea of the numbers for food, etc...
(food requests are welcome)

wasSalam,
your brother,
faraz

Weekly Audio Lecture Notes

Title: “The People of Success”
The People of Success
Given By: Faraz Khan
Place: Iqra Community, North Brunswick
Written By: Saher Jilani

Summary: This particular discussion explains the detailed tafsir of the first 10 ayat of surah al Mu’minun. Br. Faraz speaks about the people of success, those who are the believers, al mu’minun.

“Successful are indeed the believers.
Those who humble themselves in their prayers
And those who turn away from vain talk
And those who pay the Zakat
And those who guard their chastity
Except from their wives that their right hands posses, for then, they are free from blame;
But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors;
Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat and to their covenants;
And those who strictly guard their prayers
These are indeed the inheritors” (Qur’an 23: 1-10)

He further elaborates the 5 righteous qualities we need in order to attain success. They include:

1. Being humble in our prayers and having khushoo in our hearts. Humility is equivalent to ‘submission to Allah'. In prayer, by prostrating ourselves to the ground, we acknowledge our utmost humility before Allah (swt).

2. Avoiding idle speech including vain talk, nonsense, or any talk that does not benefit the Hereafter. Also avoiding habits of overeating and oversleeping for these acts cause emptiness of dhikr of Allah.

3. Giving zakah in the way of Allah. Zakah means to ‘purify’ oneself. Other acts of purification include avoiding backbiting, being mindful of our tongue, preventing shaytaan from fooling our thoughts, being heavenly in our aspirations.

4. Guarding our Chastity. To remember the bounties of Allah (swt), not to transgress, and not to go beyond the limits of Allah.

5. Being truthful & faithful. To remember that Allah will question us on our deeds and we have to essentially answer to Him.

With this meaningful explanation of such a beautiful surah, Br. Faraz also reminds us that success eternally lies in jannah and as mu’minun we should relate our success to the Hereafter.

We ask Allah (swt) to help us increase in humility, perform deeds of righteousness and stay firm on His guided path… insha’Allah becoming people of success!

Character Edu Program...for this week

WEEK 3 - CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM (((new audio))) 17 min.

DAILY PRACTICE: Bismillah before you do anything
Weekly: Beware of wasting time on the internet - no excuses
Monthly theme is community: Be the first one in giving salams, meet people with a cheerful smile, and welcome them.

Please take a look at this week's work on the right column. Remembering God is not an option for believers. It is a state of existence for them.

"Surely, Believers are those when they are reminded of God, they feel a tremor in their hearts and when His verses are recited before them it increases them in faith" (Quran).

What We NEED

WHAT WE NEED (((audio)))

KHUTBA: given at Masjid al-HUDA, New Brunswick Islamic Center; March 2, 2007
by Faraz Khan Time: 23 min.

The first part covers the explanation of Prophet Noah's statement:

"I say, seek forgiveness of your Lord, He is Oft-forgiving. He will send down rain from the heavens. He will increase you in wealth, children, gardens, and rivers. What is the matter with you that you do not recognize the status of God. Yet, He is the one who created you in many stages" (Surah Nuh).

The second part relates to the Muslim community in America. What are some of the needs of the Muslim community. It is a lengthy list but the speaker briefly touched on the following: brotherhood (unity), place for women in the house of God, the need for women scholars, educational programs, native scholars who understand the needs of the community, etc.

Meeting new students

alhamdo lillah, it was good to see students take Q-Study Group seriously. Br. Dawud extended his generosity to serve students with tea and biscuits in the upcoming classes :) MashAllah, the students are eager to learn which reminds me the hadith of our beloved Prophet (s):

"The best deeds are those small actions that are consistently done".

After the Study Group last night, I went to see some Muslim students from PSA and Bengali students club. There were many shinny faces. I mentioned to them about the chaplaincy and Quran Study Group. I hope the word gets out there and soon we will see "wa raaitan nasa yadkholuna fi deenillahi afwaja"

(you will find people entering the religion of God in large groups).

wa billahi tawfiq -