INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Weakness of Morals is Proof of Lack of Iman (FAITH) 1 Ongoing Events 2 New Arabic Class For Beginners 2 Weakness of Morals (Cont’d) 3 Sealed Nectar Excerpt 4 From Our Readers 5 Healthy Tips Newscorner 6 June Prayer Schedule 8

ISSUE NO. 10 JUNE 2014

WEAKNESS OF MORALS IS PROOF OF LACK OF IMAN (FAITH)

SHAHADAH TIMES

Today! My dear respected brothers and sisters, I am going to write or talk about a very important issue. An indispensable issue in this deen of ours called Al-Islam. The topic is "WEAKNESS OF MORALS IS PROOF OF LACK OF IMAN (FAITH). Faith cannot be perfect without morality. Faith is such a power that it keeps men away from low attributes and means acts, and encourages him to achieve the highest attributes and clean morals. That is why whenever Allah (SWT) called his slave towards virtue or whenever he wanted them to hate evil, he declared it as an essential requirement of the faith in their hearts. In Surah Tawbah (The Repentance), 9:119, He (SWT) commends men to adopt righteousness and speak truth. He addresses them as "O You who believe! Fear Allah and be with truthful." Allah’s messenger has nicely explained this verse to the believers by saying "When faith is firm and belief is strong, then strong and lasting morals will be developed, and if the moral character is low, then faith will accordingly be weak."

Upcoming Events: FAMILY NIGHT FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm CULTURE OF MARRIAGE FRIDAY 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm June 27, 2014

A man who is immodest and ill mannered and who adopts bad habits without caring for others is like the person about whom the Holy Prophet (SAW) has said: " Modesty and faith are twins. One who gives up one has to lose the other too." Once the Prophet (SAW) passed by an Ansari (the helper) who was scolding his brother about his modesty. The Prophet (SAW) advised him to leave him alone or let him go, as modesty was a branch of faith. A man who harasses his neighbors and makes them suffer any kind of damage is called cruel and stone hearted by our religion. In this connection, the Prophet (SAW) warned, "By Allah (SWT), he is not a mu’umin (believer), by Allah (SWT), he is not a believer, he said this 3 times, He was asked: “Who” ye rasulullah?” He answered: "He from whose misdeeds his neighbor is not safe." (Bukhari). Continued on Page 3

RAMADHAN IS COMING!

O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may learn self-restraint, --- 2:183

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Weekday Madrassa (Monday – Thursday) - 6 pm to 8 pm Weekend Madrassa (Sunday) - 10:00 am – 1:30 pm Introduction to Arabic Alphabet – Every Friday (After Jumah) 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm New Muslim Classes, Beginning January 22, 2014 (12 week course) (Wednesdays) 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Family Night - First Saturday of Each Month, ICA Community Center 6 pm to 9 pm Arabic For Beginners Class (Saturdays) 8:30 am to 10:30 am Advanced Arabic Class (Saturdays) 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Food 4 The Needy Program --- Every Third Saturday of the Month 12 Noon The Sealed Nectar, Biography of the Noble Prophet (SAW) by Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri - Thursday Evenings, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (Book Reading)

Ongoing Events at the ICA

Ongoing

Events at The ICA →

ISLAMIC CENTER OF ALAMEDA

OFFERING INTRODUCTION TO ARABIC ALPHABET

EVERY FRIDAY AFTER JUMAH

FROM 2:30 PM TO 4:00 PM

ALL INTERESTED WOMEN, MEN AND CHILDREN

WELCOME TO ATTEND CLASS

LOCATION: ICA COMMUNITY CENTER 901 SANTA CLARA AVENUE

ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA 94501

MONTH OF SHA BAAN/ RAMADAN

Sha Baan is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. The Arabic word “tash” aba, which means to divide into groups and disperse into different directions. Traditionally, the Arabs would leave their land and travel in this month. This is the month in which the Ka’aba was established as the Qibla for the Muslims.

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WEAKNESS OF MORALS IS PROOF OF LACK OF IMAN (FAITH) (Continued) By Imam Musa Balde’ The Prophet (SAW) advised his companions to keep away from the talk that is trash, the acts that are wicked and the deeds that are senseless. He said, "A person who believes in Allah and the last day should speak about good things or else should keep quiet." In this way, through the truth of faith and by means of its perfection, noble qualities are nurtured and developed and they are guarded and kept secure till they bear fruits. A believer is the good character. Simply by making salat, fasting and calling oneself a Muslim is not sufficient in the eyes of Allah (SWT). How many times even a child can copy the movements of salat and is able to repeat what is recited during the prayer (salat)? Sometimes an actor also offers salat with all humility and concentration, and performs all the necessary rites, but these kinds of movement do not make him a believer or benefit him, he is only an actor. High moral character is what makes one a mu’umin (a believer). One who is deprived of this attribute, his worshiping is useless. It is narrated by Imam Ahmed: "One person asked the Prophet (SAW): "O Messenger of Allah, a certain woman is very famous for her prayers, fasting and many charities, but she talks rudely with her neighbors. Tell me what will be her fate?" He (SAW) replied that she would go to hell. Then that person asked: "O Messenger of Allah! Another woman does not do much by way of prayers and fasting; gives pieces of cheese in charity and does not harm her neighbors." He replied: “She is of the people of paradise (Jannah).” This reply gives an idea of the high value attached to good character. It also shows that charity is a collective prayer whose benefit reaches the society. For this reason, there is no room for any Muslim to say my salat, fasting and my charity is enough without working on the good character. The Prophet (SAW) did not merely answer a casual question that explains the relationship between morality and the deen, it showed the connection that prayers, fasting and charity are useless if they do not create a reformation on the character of the individual. The problem of morality was much more important to Allah (SWT) and his Prophet (SAW). It necessitated that the Prophet (SAW) continually provided this guidance to his followers. He persisted in giving food advice to them so that its importance took root in their heart and minds. It became quite clear that faith, goodness and morality are all dependent on each other. They are interconnected with each other and none can separate them. One day, the Prophet (SAW) asked his dear companions whether they knew who was a poor man. They answered that the poor was one who had no dirhams and dinars (money). He said: "In my Ummah (community), the poor is that man who would appear on the Day of the Judgment before Allah; he had offered salat; he had paid zakat; he had observed fasting; but he would have abused somebody, he would have falsely accused someone; he would have unauthorized taken someone else's property; he would have murdered someone; would have hit somebody, all of his virtues would be given to his victims. If his virtues are finished before his wicked deeds are finished, then the errors and sins of the victims would be given to him and he would be thrown into the hell fire. Such a man is really poor. His condition is like that trader who has goods worth one thousand dinars, but he is a debtor for two thousand dinars. How can such a person be called rich? A religious man or woman who offers certain prayers or performs certain forms of worship, but even after that performs certain evil deeds, behaves rudely with the people, treats poor and helpless people cruelly, how then can such a man be called righteous? The Prophet (SAW) had explained by quoting an example. He said that "the best moral character melts errors like water and bad morals spoils man's record of deeds as vinegar spoils honey."

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The Sealed Nectar, Biography of the Noble Prophet (SAW) by Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri Reading the “Sealed Nectar” book continues on Thursday evenings at the ICA Community Center. An excerpt from the chapter “The Prophet’s Character and Manners” follows: The Perfection of Soul and Nobility (Page 577) The Prophet (SAW) was noted for superb eloquence and fluency in Arabic. He was remarkable in position and rank. He was an accurate, unpretending straightforward speaker. He was well versed in Arabic and quite familiar with the dialects and accents of every tribe. He spoke with his guests using their own accents and dialects. He mastered and was quite eloquent at both Bedouin and town speech. So, he had the strength and eloquence of Bedouin language as well as the clarity and the decorated splendid speech of the town’s people. Above all, there was the help of Allah (SWT) embodied in the revealed Verses of the Quran. His stamina, endurance and forgiveness, while he was in a commanding position; his patience and firmness in unfavorable conditions, were all talents, attributes and qualities Allah Himself (SWT) had given him. Even wise men have their shortcomings, but Allah’s Messenger (SAW) unlike everybody, the more he was hurt or injured, the more gentle and patient he became. The more rudeness and ignorance anybody exercised against him, the more enduring he became. ALLAH U AKBAR!!!!!!!

WEAKNESS OF MORALS IS PROOF OF LACK OF IMAN (FAITH) (Continued) When wickedness is nourished in a believer, the loss it causes becomes manifested as a danger that increases until he comes out completely from his religion just like a nude who has come out of his garments. At that point, all his claims of righteousness or faith would be false. There is no value of righteousness without good morality. How is it possible that a man should belong to Allah (SWT) and at the same time he should be an agent of corruption? This relationship between faith and morality is clearly shown in this Hadith of the Holy Prophet (SAW). He said, "The man who has these three habits is a hypocrite even if he observes fast, offers prayers, performs Hajj (pilgrimage), and calls himself a Muslim: When he speaks, he speaks untruth, when he makes a promise, he does not keep it and when he is given something in trust, he commits dishonesty." (Muslim) In another tradition, he said, “There are three signs of a hypocrite: When he talks, he speaks untruth, when he makes a promise, he does not keep it, and when he makes a contract, he deceives, although he may be offering prayers, observing fast and calling himself a Muslim." The Prophet (SAW) has also said: “There are four habits, in whosoever they are found, he will be a complete hypocrite. If any one of these habits is found in a man, he will have one of disruption till he gives it up, when something is given to him in trust, he commits dishonesty, when he talks, he tells lies, when he makes a contract, he deceives and he quarrels, he starts abusing. (Bukhari) We ask Allahu Subahanahu Wa Ta'alah to give us good moral character. Protect us from the evil that exist within ourselves and from every evil outcome of our misdeeds. We ask Allah (SWT) to make us all upright Muslims. And give us all Jannatul Fardous....... Ameen...

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FROM OUR READERS

A PICTURE TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS, Contributed By Sister Rahimah Muhammad Learning something new or trying to learn how to speak another language is no easy task for some and for others, it is “easy peasy.” I was reminded of the use of hieroglyphics, the use of a picture or a symbol representing a word, syllable or sound to begin the process of learning. For example, if you show a picture of a bottle to a baby and say the word at the same time, the success of the baby learning what the bottle is and what it looks like increases his ability to learn faster in other areas, Insha Allah. In the beginning, needless to say, history was told through art, or pictures, for thousands of years before they were replaced by words. We are reminded of how rich the Arabic language is when one reads the Holy Quran because of its use of language that is of the highest descriptive quality and meaning, which brings us to the next newsletter contribution.

Why We Should Learn Arabic, Contributed by Arjmand Khan

Arabic is the language of the glorious Qur’an. It is the language through which Allah has communicated with mankind. Some people say that Arabic is one of the most difficult languages to learn. However, that means that the more you struggle to learn something for the sake of your religion, the higher the reward. The benefits of learning Arabic are numerous. Not only does it help with concentrating in salah, but it also beautifies the worship. I have heard that during taraweeh (the night prayer in Ramadan), there have been cases where people started crying while the verses from the Qur’an were being recited. When one man was asked as to why he was crying, he said it’s because he was finally understanding what was being recited and his heart was moved to tears. When we don’t know what we are saying in our worship, it is the same as talking to someone and just nodding our heads without being responsive. Another huge benefit of learning Arabic is the direct relationship that is created with Allah (SWT). Reading Qur’an without translation gives a sense of talking directly to Allah (SWT) without the need of a translator. Furthermore, the meanings of the words are not lost unlike when they are translated. I will share a personal story. Before, when I didn’t know Arabic at all, I would read the translation and would think this is how Allah (SWT) has said it. However, as I started to learn Arabic bit by bit, I noticed that the translations didn’t necessarily do a good job in conveying the exact meaning that our creator wanted for us to understand. This changed how I perceived the message and in the end, how I put things together. Understanding and learning Arabic not only helps in translating the words of Allah, but they also help in understanding the beauty of the verses. I have come to know that in Arabic, even a single alphabet and its location in the verse can change the meaning of the verse completely. The tone, the urgency, and the importance of the verses cannot be understood if the reader does not know Arabic. Learning Arabic is an ongoing process. It is a process that will never end. If you find it difficult, don’t give up. Allah is the Best Knower!

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The House with the Golden Windows, (Reprint of A Short Story), Contributed by Sister Zehra Fatima

The little girl lived in a small, very simple, poor house on a hill and as she grew, she would play in the small garden and as she grew she was able to see over the garden fence and across the valley to a wonderful house high on the hill – and this house had golden windows, so golden and shining that the little girl would dream of how magic it would be to grow up and live in a house with golden windows instead of an ordinary house like hers.

And although she loved her parents and her family, she yearned to live in such a golden house and dreamed all day about how wonderful and exciting it must feel to live there.

When she got to an age where she gained enough skill and sensibility to go outside her garden fence, she asked her mother if she could go for a bike ride outside the gate and down the lane. After pleading with her, her mother finally allowed her to go, insisting that she keep close to the house and didn’t wander too far. The day was beautiful and the little girl knew exactly where she was heading! Down the lane and

across the valley, she rode her bike until she got to the gate of the golden house across on the other hill.

As she dismounted her bike and leaned it against the gate post, she focused on the path that lead to the house and then on the house itself… and was so disappointed as she realized all the windows were plain and rather dirty, reflecting nothing other than the sad neglect of the house that stood derelict.

So sad she didn’t go any further and turned, her heart broken as she remounted her bike. A she glanced up she saw a sight to amaze her. There, across the way on her side of the valley was a little house and its windows glistened golden … as the sun shone on her little home.

She realized that she had been living in her golden house and all the love and care she found there was what made her home the ‘golden house’. Everything she dreamed was right there in front of her nose!

HEALTHY TIPS NEWSCORNER

“Make use of two (2) Remedies - Honey and the Quran" - [Source:- Sahih al-Bukhari, Tirmidhi, ibn Majah & Baihaqi], Contributed by Sister Zehra Fatima More than 1400 years ago Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW) told us that honey can heal a variety of medical problems. Allah (SWT) says, "And the Lord inspired the bee, saying “Take your habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then, eat of all fruits and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you). There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying colors wherein is a healing for men. Verily in this is indeed a sign for people who think." [Source: Holy Quran 16:68-69] The Prophet (SAW) has also told us of the healing found within honey for a variety of medical problems, including stomach ailments. It is reported by Al-Bukhaari (as) that a man came to the Prophet (SAW) because his brother had a stomach disorder. The Prophet (SAW) said, "Let him drink honey.” The man returned a second time complaining that no improvement happened in his brother’s case, and again the Prophet (SAW) responded: "Let him drink honey." The man returned again, and said: "I have done that, but to no avail." Thereupon the Prophet (SAW) responded: "Allah has said the truth, but your brother's stomach has told a lie. "Let him drink honey." He drank it and was cured!

Modern medicine has only recently discovered the fact that honey is a remedy for many diseases. Traditional uses of honey have included honey mixed with lemon for sore throats. Honey coats the throat and reduces throat irritation. Research has already shown that honey blocks the growth of oral bacteria. Honey has also been used for stomach pains. Modern research shows that honey is effective when used in the treatment of gastric or peptic stomach ulcers. Research has also revealed that honey is effective in the treatment of various wounds and infections because of its antimicrobial [antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal] properties. As mentioned in the beginning, honey contains a variety of sugars and minerals. Honey is also considered an antioxidant. This means it allows the blood to circulate better and provide more oxygen to areas of the body such as the brain. Honey can also be used externally to promote healing when applied to wounds, even postoperative wounds! Honey has also been effective in its use to treat burns. It has even been shown to be low in calories and useful as a sweetener for diabetics, people with heart disease or for those who are overweight.

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HEALTHY DRINK FOR THIS SUMMER: (From an article written by AbdurRahman.Org) Contributed by Sister Aisha Samatar

Nutritious Drink from Sunnah

Nabeez (Nabidh] was one of the drinks consumed by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). In his time, it was typically made with dates or raisins and water. It is an alkalizing tonic, having the tendency to remove acidity from the stomach and digestive system and it also helps to remove other metabolic wastes from the body. It improves digestion as it is high in soluble fiber and it strengthens the memory. It assists the spleen function, liver, throat, chest and prostate, and so is particularly good for men. Nabeez will also benefit patients of arthritis and elevated levels of uric acid (gout). Making Nabeez is just as simple as soaking the dates (or raisins/ sultanas) overnight and drinking the water in which they were soaked in the morning, Insha Allah, but when it is embraced and honored as one of the great Sunnahs of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), it pulls down Shifa, blessings and mercy from the treasures of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala). The idea behind soaking dates or raisins in water is so that they sweeten the water and become softened. Softened dates/raisins release their vitamins and minerals more easily and are easier to digest. Ajwa'are, the best variety to use if making Nabeez with stoneless dates and 'Manaqqa' is the best variety of raisins for making it with raisins, but black raisins can also be used, those colors were not created without reason, so it is always preferable to keep changing our diets with new colors and trying new varieties. After Isha prayer, soak around 100 grams of dates or raisins in 1 liter of drinkable/healthy water and keep the utensil covered with a plate. Ensure the water is kept cool. Next morning, after Fajr, you can drink the water and eat the soaked fruit as was the traditional method, or just use your blender (water + soaked fruit) to obtain a beautiful cloudy Nabeez. This is the method I have used for the smoothie recipe below. And if you soak the fruit in morning, drink it in the evening. Nabeez should be consumed within 12 hours of soaking time, but if it is kept air tight inside the refrigerator, it will not spoil for 2-3 days, Insha Allah. Serve cold Nabeez to your guests instead of tea, coffee, juices and sodas and explain to them the beauty of the sunnah of our beloved Messenger (sall Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) and the superb health benefits. Nabeez must never be left for more than 2-3 days, otherwise it may start to ferment, which is the start of the alcohol brewing process. This is haram and forbidden to consume. Never mix raisins and dates together; their Nabeez should be made separately. Regarding making it at night and drinking it in the morning, Abdullah (radhi Allahu anhu) said that, "I heard Sufyan being asked about Nabidh. He said: “Make Nabidh at night and drink it in the morning.” Classed as Sahih from Sunan an Nas'ai Vol. 6, Book 51, Hadith 5745 sunnah summer drink - Alhamdulillahi bi nimati Source: Shared by Ustadh Abu Khadeejah on whatsapp group.)

ISLAMIC CENTER OF ALAMEDA MEMBERSHIP We want to remind the community about the Membership Program that is available to you. So, if you do have at least $1.00 at the end of the day, a dollar that you didn’t use while shopping, at the end of the month, you can forward $30.00 of your “savings” to the masjid as part of your membership program. This “membership contribution” entitles your family to one burial plot. The money also helps to keep the masjid clean and functioning, open and in a position to offer a place of prayer, Jumah Prayer and community committee meetings.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: THE VERSES OF THE HOLY QURAN AND ALLAH'S NAME (SWT) AND THE TRADITION OF THE PROPHET (SAW) THAT MAY APPEAR IN THE NEWSLETTER IN ARTICLES, ETC. HAVE BEEN PRINTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR READERS. YOU ARE ASKED TO ENSURE THEIR SANCTITY. THEREFORE, THEY SHOULD BE DISPOSED OF IN THE PROPER ISLAMIC MANNER. ALSO, WE WOULD SUGGEST THAT AFTER READING THE NEWSLETTER, RATHER THAN TOSS IT IN THE WASTEBASKET, RETURN IT TO THE TABLE IN THE MASJID OR THE COMMUNITY CENTER SO THAT IT CAN BE READ BY OTHERS WHO MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING.

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