Page 1
The Islamic Bulletin
Issue 22
Issue 22
V
ol
. XXII, N
o
. 27
in
this
issue
L
etters
to
the
E
ditor
.......................... 2
I
slamic
W
orld
N
ews
.......................... 3
W
omen
in
I
slam
. ................................. 6
T
he
M
iracles of
Z
amzam
..................... 7
T
he
F
astest
G
rowing
R
eligion
in
the
US. 8
D
awah
- O
ur
O
bligation
................... 10
W
isdom
in
I
slam
................................ 11
S
tories of
the
S
ahabas
........................ 12
E
vents
F
oretold
in
the
Q
uran
. ........... 14
M
ath
in
the
Q
uran
............................ 16
L
etter
F
rom
M
ecca
. ........................... 16
W
hy
I E
mbraced
I
slam
........................ 17
E
ating
T
ogether
................................. 19
F
asting
. ............................................ 19
I
slamic
S
cience
................................... 20
S
and
and
S
tone
................................. 21
C
ook
’
s
C
orner
.................................. 21
K
id
’
s
C
orner
..................................... 23
M
other
............................................. 23
I
magine
W
hen
‘Y
ou
’ D
ie
!!!. ................ 23
E
id
S
tamps
and
P
oster
........................ 23
T
he
I
slamic
B
ulletin
Published by the
Islamic Community of
Northern California
A Non-Profit Corporation
P.O. Box 410186
San Francisco, CA 94141-0186
E-Mail:
info@islamicbulletin.orgWebsite:
http://www.islamicbulletin.orgASSALAMU ALAIKUM!
Ramadan is one of the most important events in Islam. It is also one of
the most anticipated and exciting holidays of the year. Just like any other
large holiday, excitement starts to build weeks before the month actually
begins! It officially begins when the first silver crescent of the calendar 9th
month’s moon is spotted in the night sky. What if we made a resolution to
Allah that this Ramadan is the beginning of the new me? As others make
their resolutions for New Year, Ramadan would be a starting point as a new
resolution for Muslims.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking
and smoking during daylight hours. Fasting in this way allows Muslims and
their families’ time to revitalize many of the teachings of the Qur’an in their
lives. By fasting, Muslims have an opportunity to focus on many lessons that
make up the very tenets of their religion; some of the most important lessons
are self-control, inner reflection and the importance of charity. Muslims
often make a special effort to donate money, food, and goods to charities
or people in their community during the month of Ramadan.
Just as fasting is an opportunity to learn the lessons of Qur’an, so is the daily
ritual of breaking the fast. Suhoor (breakfast) and Iftar (evening meal) are
times to bask in the importance of community and family, and to experience
thankfulness for the good things that are in their lives. During Ramadan, the
morning and evening meals are treasured because they offer the chance for
family and friends to eat and celebrate together. People meet at the Mosque
or in each other’s homes and appreciate the unity of Islam.
Of all the deeds we keep ourselves busy with, it is only fasting which Allah
considers purely for Himself. This means that fasting is a gift from you to
Allah! When you give a gift to someone you love, you make it as special
as you can ... even choosing the best wrapping paper. What about giving
a gift to Allah!
Try to make each day you fast as special as you can. How? Pray on time,
give a charity each day, DON’T COMPLAIN, fill your day with deeds that
you know Allah loves. And stay away from the things you know He hates
such as backbiting, gossiping, lying, etc. Instead let us reflect people who
are actually starving without a meal at the end of the day.
People need to understand that we are brothers one of another in our faith.
There is only one God no matter what. No matter how you relate to Him,
Our God is your God.
Make your “wrapping paper” taqwa (God-Consciences) and fast a day that
you can be proud of. Remind yourself that you are not just fasting to get
to maghrib and eat, your are not just fasting because everyone else is, you
are not fasting to lose weight. You are fasting for ALLAH. (And be sure Allah
knows exactly why you are fasting). This is your time to give Him something
back for all He gave you. You give such nice gifts to your friends. But He is
Allah. Why not give Him the best gift that you can?
We would like to ask each of our readers to remember us in your Duhas.
May Allah strengthen our remembrance in Him, and help us strive to be-
come better Muslims, Ameen.