Page 2 The Islamic Bulletin Issue 2 Page 3 The Islamic Bulletin Issue 2 On Sunday, February 17, 1991, Nidal received an invitation to speak about Islam at a church in Tulare, a town about 40 miles from Fresno. The Gulf War was about a month old and public awareness of Islam was great. When Nidal came into town around 11 o’clock in the morning, he noticed that the whole town was covered with American flags and yellow ribbons, and later he learned that a lot of young men from Tulare had been sent to the Gulf. Most of the congregation in this church were middle-aged and were curious to see Nidal dressed in Arabian dress. After a few remarks, Nidal was introduced to the congregation. He started his talk by telling the meaning of the words, ‘Islam’ and ‘Muslim’. He also explained the principles of Iman and Islam and then he let the congregation choose the topics they wanted to explore. The first topic they chose was that of the place, rights, and duties of women in Islam. He explained that Islam put women in a situation where they were not to be used, abused, or humiliated unjustly. He explained that women are given their place in society to function best as mothers in the family unit. The second topic was about the life of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and his lifestyle. Nidal explained about the life of the Prophet and his teaching. He mentioned the story of Omar (R.A.) when he opened Jerusalem. The last topic was about the Gulf War. Here, Nidal explained about the history of Islam expansion. At the end of Nidal’s talk, he was asked to pray. He told everybody to raise their hands and asked The Almighty to give them guidance. Ameen! The letter by Nidal was edited without changing the facts to accommodate space. Assalamu Alaikum Dear Editor, I have bow living here in San Francisco for two years now and I have found very few Islamic activities for the families. Unlike other major city masjids, the Islamic Center of S.F. does not have activities planned for families. I also do not see women involved very much in the Masjid. Is there a reason for this? I would love to find out how I can become involved with some other Muslim sisters to plan activities for our children. Thank you! Wa Alaikum Salem Letters To The Editor Response: Sumay al Saleh Thank you for your letter. This is a very big concern of all Muslim families and is something that all of us need to work on. Presently we have a telephone number which will coordinate these activities, provide locations for prayers, answer questions, and provide literature about Islam both for Muslims as well as non-Muslims. The number to call is 415-552-8831. Dear Editor, I would like to congratulate you first for a wonderful start in your bulletin. I would like to suggest in your food section to provide recipes of different Islamic dishes, from members of different countries in the world. Response: M. Tuqan, Richmond We will start a section with recipes. We request from everybody to please mail us some recipes, so that we can start this section in the next issue. Course of Conduct during the Holy Month of Ramadan Sighting of the Moon When the Ramadan Moon is sighted, the following supplication should be recited, “The Almighty is The Greatest: O Almighty! May this moon herald for us peace, faith, and safety; and let this moon rise as a moon for Islam and for peace. Also, bless us with the capability for tasks that are liked by You and please You. Omoon, our Lord and thine Lord is The Almighty.” (Tirmizi, Ibn Haban). The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The time difference between two consecutive new moons varies from 29 days and 6 hours to 29 days and 20 hours. During the conjunction period, the moon is completely dark and not visible due to the overshadow from the earth, since it is in a straight line with the sun and the earth. When the moon crosses this line, it is regarded as the birth of a new moon. The birth of the new moon can occur at any time of the day or the night. The visibility of the new moon, however, depends upon a number of factors such as the angle of separation from the sun; the clarity and contrast in the atmosphere, etc. As a general rule, the new moon should be between 22 to 30 hours at the time of the sunset, before it can become visible. To obtain a definite answer, please contact the Islamic Center of San Francisco at the following phone numbers (415) 282-9039, (415) 641-9596 or one of the Board of Directors. Need to contact us? Web Address: www.islamicbulletin.org E-Mail: info@islamicbulletin.org Editor, Islamic Bulletin P.O. Box 410186 San Francisco, CA 94141-0186, USA Ramadan A Month of Prayer: Develop special interest for prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. Besides the obligatory prayers, make arrangements for optional prayers. Recitation from the Holy Qur’an Make special arrangements for the recitation of the Holy Qur’an during this holy month of Ramadan. It is related on the authority of Abdullah bin ‘Amr that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “The fast and the Qur’an will, both plead on behalf of the bondsman (who will keep fast in the day and recite or listen attentively to the recital of the Quran in the night, standing in the presence of the Lord). The fast will say: ‘My Lord! I had held him back from food, drink and sexual satisfaction. Accept my intercession for him today (and treat him with mercy and forgiveness).’ And the Qur’an will say: ‘I had held him back from taking rest and sleeping in the night. O God! Accept my intercession for him today (and treat him with mercy and forgiveness). The intercession of both the fast and the Qur’an will be accepted for the bondsman and he will be treated with exceptional kindness.’” -Baihaqi. The Holy Qur’an and other Divine books were revealed during this month. Hadrat Ibrahim, (Prophet Abraham) (A.S.) was blessed with Divine Scriptures, Hadrat Dawood, (Prophet David) (A.S.) was awarded with the Zabur, Hadrat Isa (Prophet Jesus) (A.S.) received the Bible during this auspicious month. Listen to the Qur’an during Tarawih It was the practice of the Holy Prophet (saw) to listen to the whole text of the Holy Qur’an during this month. Tarawih Prayers Offer the Tarawih prayers with full devotion, concentration and interest. Do not rush through these prayers as a matter of routine, but offer the same with reverence as a regular Salat. Offer them, so that it may strengthen your relationship with The Almighty and the same may have good effect on your life. If The Almighty grants you the aptitude, make preparation for Tahajjud (late night) prayers also. The Islamic Center of San Francisco will be conducting the Tarawih prayers under the auspices of Imam Ismail Ashraff. Approximately 1 1/4 Siparahs (parts) (Juz in Arabic) will be recited every night. The completion of the Qur’an will be, God-willing, on the 27th night of Ramadan. The Tarawih prayers will be conducted after the Isha Salat. Help the Poor Offer Sadaqah and alms to the poor. Attend to the needs of the infirm, the indigent, the widows and the orphans. Arrange for the Sahri and Iftar for the poor. The Holy Prophet (saw) has designated this month as the month of sympathy, largess, and charity. Sympathy means material and moral sympathy, politeness and consideration, and monetary help. Hazrat Ibn Abbas (R.A.A.) says that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was the most generous person among all the men, particularly during the month of Ramadhan, he (S. A. W.) used to be extraordinarily benevolent and generous when he met Gabriel. And during this month Angel Gabriel used to visit him every night and recite the Holy Quran to him. At this time the normal generosity of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) used to be very much increased, faster than the rain bearing wind. (Bukhari and Muslim) Laila-tul-Qadr (Night of Glory) Arrange to offer as many Nafls as possible during the Lailat-ul-Qadr, and recite the Holy Qur’an as the importance of this night lies in the fact that it was on this very night that the Divine message descended. The Holy Qur’an, in Surah Al-Qadr (The Night of Power) says: “We have indeed revealed This (Message) In the Night of Power. And what do you know (about the significance and importance) of this night? The Glorious Night is better than a thousand months. On this night the angels and Jibrail (Gabriel) descended (embark upon their allotted mission) by the command of their Sustainer. That (Night) is all peace until the dawn.” (Qur’an 97:1-5) I’tikaf in Ramadan The tradition has it that the Holy Prophet (saw) observed I’tikaf (i.e. prayers in seclusion) during Ramadan, and therefore, we should follow the same practice. According to Hadrat Ayesha (ra), “When the last ten days of Ramadan arrived, the Holy Prophet (saw) used to awake as much as possible and offer prayers. He also made arrangements to wake up his wives and prayed with all devotion to The Almighty.” Zakat al-Fitr Zakat al-Fitr should be given on behalf of adult, minor, male or female Muslims. It consists of a Sa’a (measure of about 2.5 kgs) of rice, wheat, dates or similar things of food or its equivalence in cash of $3 dollars and 50 cents or $4 dollars. Give it voluntarily and without any hesitation, on Eid-day, or a day or two before to enable the needy and the poor to arrange for their requirements so that they may celebrate and enjoy the Eid festivities along with the others. The Holy Prophet (saw) has highly recommended the Zakat alFitr so that it may expiate for the irregularities committed during Ramadan, and may help for the sustenance of the poor and the indigent. (Abu Daud) Abbreviations Used: PBUH; A.S.; S.A.W. - Peace be upon him R.A.A.- The Almighty was pleased with him/them R.A.- The Almighty was pleased with her The Virtues of Fasting
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