Islam in America - Planting a Good Tree

((( audio )))

Planting a Good Tree:
A message to the MSA youth (and the elderly) on Islam in America
By Faraz Khan


"Have you not considered how Allah sets forth a parable of a good word (being) like a good tree, whose root is firm and whose branches are in heaven, its fruit in every season by the permission of its Lord? And Allah sets forth parables for men that they may be mindful.

And the parable of an evil word is as an evil tree pulled up from the earth's surface; it has no stability.

Allah confirms those who believe with the sure word in this world's life and in the hereafter, and Allah causes the unjust to go astray, and Allah does what He pleases." (Koran 14:24-27)

Good Tree & Bad Tree parable (khutba)

- The Story of a Farmer and a Gardener
- Universal approach to Islam as opposed to tribalism
- Articulating Islam with an American identity
- Changing the discourse, from self indulgence to service
- Producing Muslim culture rather than consuming pop culture
- Changing disenfranchised culture for youth & women in mosques

http://liberalartsforum.blogspot.com

On Recession...

Thinking Anew:
10 Assurances in an Economic Downturn
Adopted from the khutba given on April 3rd, 2009 at New Brunswick Islamic Center, NJ

By Faraz Khan

Today a total of 13.2 million Americans are out of work. The first quarter financial report indicates a US Jobless rate of 8.5%, the highest in 25 years. Although talk of recession and depression looms over, nobody knows the breadth and depth of the financial crisis. The news is disturbing; companies like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were bailed out, AIG’s executive bonuses and golden parachutes are in the headlines, Madoff’s Ponzi scheme that has been called the largest investor fraud ever committed by a single person. Furthermore, financial giants and the vaults of Wall Street such as Bear Sterns, Lehman Brothers, JP Morgan, Bank of America, Merril Lynch seem to have eroded in an unprecedented financial tsunami. Today, American vernacular is gaining words like bail outs, stimulus packages, toxic assets, lay-offs, downturn, bankruptcies, foreclosures and trillions of dollars debt.

Not surprisingly, there have been 13 recessions since 1929 – the beginning of the Great Depression. However, this recession punch has knocked out the capital from capitalism. Unfortunately, many have been robbed of their life savings but there are no suspects and no arrests have been made. Nor, have any heroes have emerged from this crisis. Retirement funds and life savings disappeared like groundwater in a drought. Job loss is an ugly reality.

In these tumultuous times, when everyone is sensing the downpour of uncertainty, anxiety, frustration, fear, and a sense of loss, how can we uplift our souls and see these epochs as possible harbingers of prosperity that lay hidden from our sight? In what state of mind does one recognize that the free-dealing days of capitalism are over? And where does prayer fit into the grand scheme of financial uncertainties?

These are the inescapable questions for which each soul yearns to find an unwavering support. It is not the recession that sends panic but a wavering heart that is not grounded in reality. It is the realization that dreams based on greed and corruption laced with usury will only bring nightmares not peace to one’s mind.

However, for those individuals who are rooted in God’s grace – directing their course with patience and gratitude, they have the enormous wealth of God’s favor. They have an opportunity to gain gold – a heart of gold. With this golden opportunity in mind, I share with you a genuine call to diversify your assets of good work and consider the following assurances.


1. God is in control (al-Qadir). He will not disgrace and disown those who hold onto His rope. The boat that capsize and the boat that sails smooth are both in the hands of God. This is only His way of reminding people that the market, employment, production, consumption all fluctuate so do not expect life on cruise control. One’s faith in God should not quake when “rock solid” investments tumble.

2. God is the Provider and sustainer (al-Razzaq). There is no reason to be anxious when one understand that one’s rizq, sustenance is not written on a paycheck received from the employer but is provided by God. A Muslim believes in God’s providence and not in the intervention of the Wall Street executives. I remember once receiving my paycheck a thought occurred to me, “This is what my life revolves around”. I immediately sought refuge in God from giving my check the status of god. Remember, provision is from God.

3. Everything is written (qadr) in a book with God. People will only have what is already portioned for them by Him. Neither a recession can deduct a penny, nor can a stimulus package boost one’s economic condition. It is already established. This is not to deny that one should strive in life to earn a livelihood but one should have faith that which God decides happen. A friend of mine once told me an anecdote. He said, “Do you know how to make God laugh”? I was perplexed. He replied, “You mention your plans to Him”. Again, it is not our desires that rule the world but God’s infinite grace.

4. Have trust in God. He is the best of all planers. Our shortsightedness may not be able to envision that which lies behind the obstacle but once we get around the challenge there is a great field of opportunities that awaits us. However, one must learn to trust God. Life is a learning experience.

5. Be patient - there is a reward with calamity. Everything that afflicts a believer could be a cause for reward. With patience, a person gains with God though he may lose a job, sales, stocks, savings, etc. I remember while talking with Imam Chebli of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey and another elderly gentleman, a bee stung the man. The Imam immediately replied may God reward you. I asked myself why the Imam said such a statement when this person was in pain. Later I realized that the Imam was telling the man that even though you suffered pain, God will write down a reward for your patience. A person feeling the stung of the downturn economy will also reap the reward. One may lose monetary valuables but gain God with patience.

6. The devil promises poverty. People think that it is the end of everything if they suffer a financial downfall. They become desperate and this is where the devil takes control. A person spends thousands of dollars on luxury and vacation but when he intends to give charity, a thousand excuses surrounds him. An individual only saves that which he gives away in the path of God. The devil is out to rob people of their good deeds. A Muslim should not distress because God promises His bounty and forgiveness for His followers. Do not listen to the doom and gloom financial forecast from the devil. Be positive.

7. Job loss does not equal to Iman (faith) loss. It is not the end of the world. It does not diminish a person’s self-worth. Many bright and talented people suffer loss of some sort in life but that is what life is all about. The ups and downs end with life itself. It is the nature of this world. There is an analogy of a child who went out to a market with his father. The child would demand and the father would buy for the child. The child kept asking and the father kept giving. The generous father even bought things that the child did not even ask for. Nevertheless, one time the father denied the child’s request. The anxious child bowed his head down in respect of his father’s decision. Dear readers, we are like that child who has been given everything. There are so many ways we have been blessed with but one time we have been told “no”. How are we going to react? Are we going to cry and scream “why me?” “But my friend has it too”. “I need it”. Or are we going to show gratitude for all that He has given us and understand that there is wisdom behind everything. Let us bow our head down in reverence to Him.

8. It could have been worse! Yes, we were hit by a financial downturn but we were not swept away by a tsunami or hit by 9.0 Richter Scale earthquake or suffered from a nuclear bomb in our backyard, or a hurricane that wiped all of our assets – life, family, house, etc. There is a feeling of remorse with any loss but one must not forget that we still have plenty to keep us busy with prayers and gratitude.

9. Count your blessings. This is a good way to recognize that there is plenty to be thankful for. One should not compare what an individual had in the past with what he has in the present or what others possess. Rather, one should thank God for possessing much – life, health, family, warm meals on the table, a roof on top. How many of us would trade a job for the loss of the aforementioned necessities? Who would like to trade stock investments for his health? Or would someone consider full-time work for a death in the family? What is the magnitude and ratio of our problems when compared with the fact that half of the world population does not have clean water to drink? Be thankful.

10. Opportunity in Calamity. It is a recorded fact that every recession is followed by a greater period of prosperity for the American people. A downturn revives entrepreneurial spirit. It gives us a better understanding of our priorities and needs. It prunes our frivolous spending. People become smart with their money. It is a great time to strengthen the communal bond and social networks. It is the time to learn who we truly are – a combination of strengths and weaknesses. This is the opportunity to bank on our strengths and be smart about our weaknesses. One must not think that the economic wave will topple and drown everyone but rather it is time to ride the wave high on your surfboard of skills. Another opportunity waits for those who embark on the journey. Muslim Americans have another opportunity to show charity, citizenship, and social activism to their fellow Americans. It is time to seize this moment and help people in need. Life is all about rock-solid faith in God, staying positive, helping others, and having gratitude and patience towards His decree.

for more articles and speeches by Faraz Khan visit http://www.liberalartsforum.com/

Youth Coordinators

This Spring 2009, Housien & Khulud will be leading the way to create youth initiatives.

Do you know any Young Hafiz?

ISCJ Youth Hafiz Online Recording Initiative

In the initial stage of Quran recording, the idea is to record and upload online the recitation of the youth huffaz (pl. hafiz) from the community. There are more than 20 young huffaz in the community and can recite the Quran in a melodious way. The Youth Hafiz Initiative will make available a small biography and recording of the youth on ISCJ Youth website.

NOTE: IF YOU KNOW ANY YOUNG HAFIZ (ISCJ) WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN RECORDING THE QURAN, PLEASE ADD THEIR NAME IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

20/20 - The Making of a Mosque

The Making of a Mosque - 20/20

By Faraz Khan
published in the Communicator (ISCJ Publication)

A brief insight into the past challenges and future direction for the old and new generations.

Here is my 20 year community plan based on the past 20 years of my observations. History is important in understanding Muslim community in New Jersey so I will briefly recoup the past 20 years. Most mosques in the tri-state area were built within the last 20 years. I have had been fortunate enough to see this revival or 'making of a mosque' within many communities. I am deeply touched by the altruism of many folks to build a community center to cater to the needs of Muslims. Many mosques and community centers offer classes on Islamic education, assist in burial rites, offer daily prayers, have full-time Imams to offer advice, social services, and offer programs for women, youth, and converts, etc.
How were all of these services institutionalized? Well! there is a history that I would like to share to my readers and offer some suggestions on the next 20 years.
So where and when did this epic of 'making a mosque' began? A long time ago our mosque 'amus, chachas and uncles had graduated from their respective universities and they were no longer part of their college MSA. They were young professionals from different backgrounds who came together to help build a House of God. These people were smart, talented, and persistent in their vision. They wanted to plant the seeds of Islam and nurture this tree of faith to produce fruits. However they were not perfect, nor they claimed to be perfect.
Some people probably recall the old rumble in their local mosque. It was growing pains sort of like the Civil War or the Civil Rights Movement. There were many different view points, ideologies, creeds, fiqhs, nationalities, and methodologies coming to form a community center. It was a house of worship for everyone. Therefore, the uncles worked extremely hard. They rallied the community. They got the design. They got the township approvals and got the Imam from the Land of Imams. They got the chandeliers and the carpets from Iran. They ordered lotas and wudu basins from Afghanistan. They even got the Senators and Congressmen all along.

It was not easy to put a mosque together. Yet everything was not always so… beautiful.

Frankly speaking, there were microphone love stories, dome infatuations and Kursi (chair) trouble. Sometimes people were on the kursi and other times the kursi was on them. The hurling of Fatwas made people laugh and cry. For some the list of haram things included elections, mosque constitution, wearing ties, and women on the board or in the mosque. There were also halal and hilal issues (moon sighting). The community came together to become divided on the annual moon-walking and the moon-fighting. Ok, perhaps no moon-walking but there definitely existed moon sighting. And there were parties … yes, many parties to keep one busy at the mosque on election day. No, not the type of parties where you amuse yourself. People splintered into groups and at times mosque leadership looked like it consisted of Muslim leadership overseas i.e. kings, generals, dictators, and religious police. Obviously, the Muslim community did not live in isolation from their predecessors. They were distracted by global and mosque politics. Yet to their credit, the uncles did not quit. The mosques multiplied and Islamic schools were built. Many charitable organizations were founded and political activism started amidst many confusion. All thanks to the uncles who planted the seeds.

Over the years while the community was going through a massive change, the uncles also transformed. They adapted a new identity. From Big Daddy they became Grand Daddy! They all became grandpas. Yet they did not stop for the sake of God and continued to serve on the board.

However, in the last 20 years others stopped. Others have stopped from coming to the mosque and from actively engaging themselves in the mosque affairs. They spend their time on "bigger and better" things. They do not want to engage in moon-sighting or board nominations at their local Islamic center. In the last twenty years another generation has grown unable to work within the system. Their talents, education, work ethics, and networking power is not a top agenda on the mosque planning board. The new generation is unable to contribute to the vision of these uncles due to a generation gap, a glass ceiling, a bottleneck, a billabong that keeps the two generations apart.

The reality is that uncles are getting really old and the next generation is not in the mosque. The Muslim community has grown tremendously in last 20 years. However, the mosque board, committees, and helping hands do not reflect this ratio and proportion inside any mosques. Every mosque is full on Friday but only a handful of people actually provide any services to the community.

Why in the last 20 years others have not joined hands? Why have we become so complacent to these khutbas in broken English? Why the women and youth are not involved? Why prayer space continues to be neglected for women? Why do we find "haram and haram" issues continually arise when Islam is more than halal and haram? Why do we focus on building a parking lot but forget about building character? Why do we say "youth is our future" only on mosque election day? Why do we shout takbirs for converts but forget to help them?
I believe that the last twenty years were foundational years. Lets now move forward to plan for the next twenty years with a broad and diverse leadership that reflects participation by youth, women, elderly, converts, immigrants, indigenous folks, etc. To quote Malcolm X, "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today". A bright future needs fresh faces and young blood to revive our Islamic spirit and this should be the next building phase of our mosques and community centers. Lets plan for the next 20 years of Islam in America.

With all the love and respect to our seniors, May Allah reward them

for more articles and speeches by Faraz Khan please visit http://liberalartsforum.blogspot.com

Special Thanks from Al-Mishkat Institute

Assalamu Alaykom,

On behalf of Al Mishkat Institute, I would like to thank the ISCJ community for having us with Sh. Ninowy.

"Love Takes Time" was a successful event, Alhamdulillah, and we were impressed with the numbers.

In addition, please let us know of any feedback/improvements that we can use which was passed to you by the community and the board.

Another special thanks is to the ISCJ Youth committee who were exceptional in assistance and in spreading the word.

Please pass our message to our brothers and sisters in ISCJ Board and Youth committee.

Jazakum Allah kher all,

Wassalam,

Ghuydar Bashmaf

Al Mishkat Staff

Be Less Virtual, More 3D!

Khutba at ISCJ on Feb. 13, 2009 by Faraz Khan
Be less virtual, more 3D (((audio)))

The challenges at Home (the upbringing of youth, internet use, and pop culture) during downturn economy.

Life Cycle in the Quran:

Here is one aya in the Quran explaining away the challenges of life for all ages. The stages in one's life are the following:

childhood - play and amusement
youth - beautification
adult - mutual boasting
elder - increase in wealth and children

Quran Al-Hadid - 57:20
YUSUF ALI translation: "Know ye (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children.

Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away.

But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong). And Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the devotees of Allah). And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception?"

Love Takes Time Keynotes

LOVE TAKES TIME

A lecture by Shaykh Muhammad Ninowy

Venue: ISCJ, February 13, 2009

Keynotes:

Love is a human experience that touches the heart of every human being.

People either love themselves by fulfilling their own desires, or they love others

Two Important Components in Life:

1. sustenance- provision à the best of provision is taqwa of Allah

2. companion – a good husband/wife

A companion in life is a good spouse, husband and wife are trusts for each other.

We control everything by mathematics…”My spouse must have 1, 2, 3”….everything is based on a calculation yet the spiritual dimension is absent

The word “love” is the most abused word in the world; it is limited and subjugated to so many different meanings.

For example, Love for Rasul (saw) – Do we prioritize hi sunnah over our sunnah or do we prioritize over what he says?

Some people reduce love to external beauty so that a person becomes obsessed with the external image. When falling in love, we tend to become a slave of this state in the beginning….remember that beauty will eventually fade

Others are enslaved to social status, education and wealth. At the end we are all children of Adam (as)

Marriage is NOT the goal – it is a MEANS to a goal which is to get closer to Allah (swt)

Objective is to please the Creator in the marriage & to perform worship with correct niyah

What do we look for in a spouse?

Deen and morality of an individual & their upbringing

The best amongst you is one who is most pious. Taqwa is found in the heart, in cannot be calculated and nobody knows one’s true piety except Allah (swt)

Three Things We Should Treasure:

1. a heart thankful to Allah

2. a tongue that does dhikr of Allah

3. a spouse who is pious- helping to be successful in the akhira

Quran states in a meaning, if there is an ugly slave and a beautiful woman, marry the first if she is a believer over the second.

A spouse is your garment- gives you comfort, protection, warmth

A spouse is your home – The one who is happy is the one who is happy at home even if the rest of the world is against you. It is your comfort zone.

Smile at your spouse à it is a sign of sadaqa, Prophet (s) was always seen smiling

Marriage is what you put into it – that is what you reap.

Recap - Love Takes Time

MashAllah, it was a great event. Shaykh M. Ninowy gave a great lecture and he handled many questions after his speech. There were around 300 to 400 people and ISCJ was packed. I will ask individuals to share their thoughts on "Love Takes Time".

Special Thanks to:

- Social Activities Committee (ISCJ) - for providing snacks and tea for the event and all the logistical support (esp. Br. Akm, Dilawar, Zubair, Sr. Azra.

- Br. Arif Patel, Wajed Syed, Ali Mobarak.

- ISCJ Youth - esp. Kholoud, Mona, Adnan, Housien, Abdullah, Saadia, Anum, Sohaib, Ahmed, Ismaeel, Youssef, and many others.

- Al-Mishkat Institute and Al-Medina Institute for sharing their resources with ISCJ Youth. Special thanks to Br. Ghuydar and Anwar for their tireless effort in promoting the program.

Love Takes Time!!!

Here's the next ISCJ Youth event...spread the word!


Al-Mishkat Institute, in collaboration with Al-Madinah Institute and ISCJ Youth Presents....

Love Takes Time

A lecture by Dr. Muhammad Al-Ninowy

A look at the concept of love in Islam and how to start, build, and maintain strong marital relationships. A lecture for both youth and adults, married, unmarried, in love, out of love, and all in between.

Venue: Islamic Society of Central Jersey
4145 Route 1 South and Promenade Blvd
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
Date: Friday, February 13, 2009
Time: 8:00pm
FREE ADMISSION

Jeopardy Reviews

Let me know what you Loved, hated, found interesting. What did you expect and were your expectations met? What you thought of the questions, etc.

Comments:

Rutgers University student (NUI alumnus):

I loved that fact that the students of Noor-Ul-Iman came to an event that they felt really comfortable in. I really believe that it's important that we start teaching children that they are integral parts of the community regardless of what any uncle/'amoo may say. From the type of event that it was--engaging on so many levels, children will feel comfortable setting foot in the masjid.

At times i felt that it got too loud, and the room was just a big mess. It got really crowded at points. I think that some rules/etiquettes should be gone over before the game.

I thought the questions were very age-appropriate. Maybe the next game could be a follow-up to an engaging lecture/Islamic History seminar of some sort. So that kids can feel obligated to attend the lecture to rack up the points/prepare for the next jeopardy game.

Those are my two cents!

ISCJ Youth:

I really thought the jeopardy worked out really nice. I did come towards the end but from what i saw it was a great success.

Noor-Ul-Iman School Teacher:

I thought Friday night Jeopardy at ISCJ was a time well spent with both the adults and students. Everyone seemed to have a fun time in the masjid playing and answering some challenging questions. I enjoyed and would suggest having more events like this where the community gets together. I definitely came out learning some interesting Islamic facts that I didn't know before. The best part of the game was the realistic Jeopardy game board and the candy. So, when's the next game?!

Islamic Jeopardy - A Smashin' Success!!

Jeopardy Categories Revealed!!!

For the very first time the categories for tonight's (Jan. 23, 2009) program has been revealed. Contestant are asked to review their Islamic Studies notes and be prepared for some tough questions. Program Host, Basem Hassan is very optimistic and is hoping for a large youth turn out. South Brunswick High School students and Noor-Ul-Iman School students are going to be the integral part of this youth initiative. Organizer and youth coordinator Faraz Khan simply said "I can't wait for that candy shower during Jeopardy." Rumor has it that the games will be played between Parents and students OR Boys Vs Girls. But again, who know Alex Trebek may show up for the game too!

What is Jeopardy?

hmm! Where have you been? (see below)

Jeopardy! is a popular quiz show featuring trivia in topics such as history, literature, pop culture, and science. The show has a decades-long broadcast history in the United States since its creation by Merv Griffin in the early 1960s. It first ran on NBC from March 30, 1964 until January 3, 1975; concurrently ran in a weekly syndicated version from September 9, 1974 to September 7, 1975; and subsequently ran in a revival from October 2, 1978 to March 2, 1979. Its most successful incarnation is the Alex Trebek-hosted syndicated version, which has aired continuously since September 10, 1984. It has also been adapted internationally.

Islamic Jeopardy - youth & adults invited

Friday 8:00 pm, Jan. 23, 09


Come and see what the hype is all about !!!

Win Prizes

Free Candy

No Entry Fee

find friends

Youth vs Adults!

* participants - ages 12 and up

Islamic Jeopardy this Friday!

Salam Alaikum:





Lets
Play
Jeopardy!



Friday 8:00 pm
ISCJ - MPR

Hosted By:
ISCJ Youth

* ages 12 and up

Islamic Jeopardy this Friday!

Islamic Jeopardy at ISCJ!

When:

8:00 pm, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009

Where:

Multi-purpose Room

Win Prizes!

Sharpen your Islamic Knowledge.

InshAllah, there will be a youth/parents Islamic Jeopardy contest (ages 12 and up) at ISCJ.

Please follow up on the blog for more information about the program.If you would like to volunteer, please send me an email:iscj youth @ gmail .com

Diamonds of the Muslim Ummah at IIS

We have a sisters only events coming up, and would really appreciate it if you could advertise it to your group! The event should be very informative and the topic is something which is much-needed yet rarely discussed. The information is as follows:

Diamonds of the Muslim Ummah:

Learn about OUTSTANDING women in Islamic history who excelled in deen and dunya and how to reach your highest potential in every area of life!

Sunday, January 18, 2009, 11:30-2:30pm SHARP!

For more information on the diamonds event, visit diamonds.moonfruit.com

Location for Diamonds event:
Institute of Islamic Studies
379 Princeton Hightstown Road
Cranbury, NJ 08512

Salam,
Farrah Hossain