Mercy Mission Malaysia Newsletter Issue 5: January-March 2013

THE YOUTHANDthe Day ofJudgement

Assalamualaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh,

Brothers and sisters, Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that Rasulullah (SAW) once said that there would be seven groups of people who will be granted shade from Allah on the Day where there will be no shade but His; the Day of Judgment. One of groups will be the youth that live and dedicate their lives in worship to none other than Allah. There is great wisdom behind this.

Worshipping Allah should not be restricted to any particular time or age but rather it should be a constant act throughout our lives. However, we know of the reality that the majority of people become devoted to Allah only when they grow old. Only when the body becomes weak, they start paying attention to the spirit.

With Islam, Allah placed and promised honour for those who establish it and fi ght for it. Allah mentioned in Ali Imran :104, “Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.” So therefore, there must be a group amongst us that rises

and invites mankind to the good and prevention of evil. Who are there people? The scholars agree that they would be the youth amongst us.

It is a tremendous blessing from Allah for a youth to be guided towards worshipping Allah, especially in today’s day & age where it is in youth that a person is most vulnerable to worldly distractions such as music, games, clubs, fashion etc.; are all specifi cally targeted at the young.

As Rasulullah (SAW) once said, “Take benefi t of fi ve before fi ve: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied and your life before your death.” (Al-Hakim). Therefore brothers and sisters, let us all take advantage of what Allah has blessed us with and dedicate our lives in constant worship of Allah. Nabi (SAW) fought for Islam continuously so that he can establish the true shariah of Allah and we, as the youth must ensure that carries on. Your brother in Islam,

Aizuddin OthmanNational Manager - Malaysia

2 www.mercymission.my

THE YOUTHANDthe Day ofJudgement

Assalamualaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh,

Brothers and sisters, Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that Rasulullah (SAW) once said that there would be seven groups of people who will be granted shade from Allah on the Day where there will be no shade but His; the Day of Judgment. One of groups will be the youth that live and dedicate their lives in worship to none other than Allah. There is great wisdom behind this.

Worshipping Allah should not be restricted to any particular time or age but rather it should be a constant act throughout our lives. However, we know of the reality that the majority of people become devoted to Allah only when they grow old. Only when the body becomes weak, they start paying attention to the spirit.

With Islam, Allah placed and promised honour for those who establish it and fi ght for it. Allah mentioned in Ali Imran :104, “Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.” So therefore, there must be a group amongst us that rises

and invites mankind to the good and prevention of evil. Who are there people? The scholars agree that they would be the youth amongst us.

It is a tremendous blessing from Allah for a youth to be guided towards worshipping Allah, especially in today’s day & age where it is in youth that a person is most vulnerable to worldly distractions such as music, games, clubs, fashion etc.; are all specifi cally targeted at the young.

As Rasulullah (SAW) once said, “Take benefi t of fi ve before fi ve: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied and your life before your death.” (Al-Hakim). Therefore brothers and sisters, let us all take advantage of what Allah has blessed us with and dedicate our lives in constant worship of Allah. Nabi (SAW) fought for Islam continuously so that he can establish the true shariah of Allah and we, as the youth must ensure that carries on. Your brother in Islam,

Aizuddin OthmanNational Manager - Malaysia

When one of OUR own passes away

A Message From Sheikh Tawfique Chowdury

www.mercymission.my 3

www.mercymission.my

After successfully hosting the inaugural edition of Being ME last year, the second

edition on June 29th promises to be bigger and better, Inshaa Allah!

This time it will be held at the prestigious Putrajaya International Convention Centre. Join 3,000 sisters as they embark on a daylong journey that will inspire them to become more empowered and fulfill the high elevation in society that Allah SWT has accorded them in Islam.

Experience a whole day filled with non-stop energy of empowered women with thought provoking lectures, interactive workshops, a colourful bazaar, unique entertainment, a Muslimah Attire Show, a dedicated Sisters’ Corner, a designated Daddy Day Care facility, the Muslimah Awards ceremony and a Mothers’ Room for those with young children.

This year’s theme is ‘Divine Liberation’ and will explore the instances in history where Allah SWT has raised the status of women with divine revelation, and how women throughout history have contributed a major part to humanity since the coming of Islam. We will also touch upon issues that happened throughout history and the injustices against women and how these still prevail today in our society.

A number of high-profile speakers will address these key issues - namely Prof. Dr. Muhaya Mohamad, a renowned ophthalmologist, TV personality and motivational speaker in Malaysia, Sis. Zohra Sarwari, a well-known parenting expert and international speaker from the United States, and Bro. Yusha Evans, an international da’ie who was brought up strictly a conservative Christian, but is now a well-known advocate of Islam.

Divine Liberation


www.mercymission.my

Other speakers on the line-up include Prof. Dato’ Dr. Zaleha Kamaruddin, the current Rector of the International Islamic University of Malaysia who has a background in law, Sheikh Daood Butt, an AlKauthar Institute instructor and graduate of the Islamic University of Madinah who is especially renowned among the youth. Completing the list is Sis. Tasneem Ghauri from Canada, a motivational speaker and counsellor, very much involved in charity work.

Special appearances in store – we have two exceptional Qur’an reciters, - a qariah and a qari – Datin Seri Sharifah Khasif, former international Qur’an reciting champion as well as Bro. Fatih Seferagic, an 18-year-old imam from Bosnia currently teaching Qur’an in the United States, who will also be hosting a workshop session. Sis. Maria Elena, one of the leading Youtube bloggers or vloggers in the country, will be hosting the event.

All women like to be pampered, hence the creation of the Sisters’ Corner – a zone where women can relax, wind down and be treated like queens. The Muslimah Awards is a platform whereby we recognise women who have made meaningful contributions to the society and inspire them to do even more. Islam has set down guidelines on how a woman should dress and present herself. Therefore, we will present the ‘Muslimah Attire Show’, to give an impression of how to be fashionable, within the guidelines of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

A unique feature of our Being ME conference is the Daddy Daycare room. Here, fathers will have the chance to become the mother for the day and spend quality time with their children. It is an interesting concept that will surely give fathers a better appreciation for the mother’s role. In relation to that, we have a dedicated Mothers’ Room where mothers can tend to their young children comfortably without distractions while not missing out on talks as there will be live streaming from the main auditorium.

In retrospect, this year’s theme focuses on the message of divine empowerment derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah. We want to remember and reflect on this divine message sent down to remove the barriers that not only existed but still have an influential presence in our current times.

Tickets for the event are priced at RM150 for adults and RM75 for children aged between 5 and 12 years. Currently we have a discount period on prices, being RM99 and RM50 respectively. Participants will be treated to one free ticket with every nine purchased. Tickets are available online at my.being-me.org or from our appointed ticket agents listed on the website. Tickets are also available at our road show booths and at our Mercy Mission office in Kota Damansara.


Speakers&

Performers

Daood ButtSheikh Daood Butt was born and

raised in Montreal, Canada. He has always had a desire to learn

and teach Islam. Following secondary studies, he obtained a degree in Automotive

Technology and was nominated amongst Canada’s Top Graduates of 2002. During

this time, he studied with local Imams and was hired as an Imam and Qur’an instructor

at a local mosque. He went on to study at the Islamic University of Madinah for seven

years, during which he completed a Diploma in Arabic Language, followed by a Bachelor

of Arts Degree in Theology and Islamic Dawah from the Faculty of Dawah and Usool

Ad-Deen in 2010. Sheikh Daood is involved in various Dawah activities including giving

lectures and khutbahs in English, French, and Arabic. He has always been especially

interested in youth related programs and is quick to develop a rapport with them. With an

eagerness to continue learning Islam, Sheikh Daood is currently pursuing a Master of Arts

Degree in Islamic and Other Civilizations at the International Islamic University in Malaysia.

Zohra Sarwari Zohra Sarwari is an author

of 12 books, author of 3 Homeschooling Curriculums, an

international speaker, entrepreneur, publisher and teacher to her 3 kids, while raising a

toddler, mash’Allah. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in

Business Administration and she is currently working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic

Studies. Her passion is teaching Muslims to become the best they can be, insh’Allah, while

teaching Non-Muslims about the true Islam. She spends her time teaching her kids, going

on speaking tours, coaching Muslims and working on her curriculums. She prays that

within 2-3 years time frame, she is able to have a full-online school for kids all over the World. She has been seen on CBS, FOX News

and many other TV channels. Sister Zohra has also been interviewed in many Magazines, Newspapers and Radio Shows. She speaks at

many of the best Colleges and Universities. Her 3 children have authored 11 books

together, masha’Allah.

Prof. Dato’ Dr Zaleha Prof. Dato’ Dr Zaleha, new Rector of International Islamic University

Malaysia (IIUM), began her career as assistant lecturer at Law Kulliyyah IIUM in 1985

and subsequently appointed lecturer at the same Kulliyyah in 1988. She a PHD (Law) holder from

University of London and was also Dean of Ahmad Ibrahim Law Kulliyyah (Faculty) at IIUM. She

held the post of Deputy Dean of Student Affairs Division and Deputy Dean of Research Centre at IIUM. Born in Raub, Pahang, Zaleha wrote many books, articles, researches on law and provides

consultancy services to ministries, departments and non- governmental organisations (NGOs).

Yusha Evans Yusha Evans was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina in a very conservative Christian

home. In his early teens he became heavily involved in the church near his home and in Young Life, a non-denominational youth oriented organization with the intention of becoming involved in the

ministry of teaching and preaching. He intended to enrol in Bob Jones University, a world-renowned Bible College in his hometown upon graduating high school, but in the summer of 1996 his life changed. Upon

studying the bible from cover to cover and realizing many things were askew, and a lot of what he believed his entire life was not in line with what his research found, he left Christianity and went in search of the truth.

After many twist and turns, ups and downs and after looking at the many world religions searching for the tangible proof of the right way of life he encountered a Muslim, and was given a Qur’an. After reading the

Qur’an cover to cover he accepted Islam in the winter of 1998. Yusha (Joshua) Evans Currently works as a full-time lecturer and caller to Islam, as well as teaching workshops that have taken him all across the globe.

He is the founder and co-founder of two Islamic television stations in North America as well has appeared on many Islamic stations throughout the world. He has studied under numerous teachers and scholars in the various sciences of Islam and is a Phycology major. He also is a multiple discipline Black belt holder and runs

a martial arts academy in Minneapolis.


Speakers&

Performers

Prof Dr. Muhaya Prof Dr. Muhaya graduated from medical school in 1985, obtained a Fellowship in Uveitis at Moorfields Eye Hospital, United Kingdom in 1998, which culminated in a PhD from University of London in Ocular Immunology. She was the first Malaysian to sub- specialise in Uveitis and started the first Uveitis Service and immunosuppressive therapy in autoimmune eye diseases in the country. She currently serves as Consultant Eye Surgeon and Director of PCMC Eye and Lasik Centre Prince Court Medical Centre, Professor of Ophthalmology of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Adjunct Professor to International Islamic University of Malaysia. Currently, she is the Chairperson of Malaysian Medical Association Ophthalmological Society. Besides that, she does motivational speeches to UKM, PCMC staff and students, professionals and hosts a motivational talk show on Astro Prima called ‘Dari Mata ke Hati’.

Tasneem Ghauri Tasneem Ghauri was born and raised in Montreal, Canada where she completed her secondary schooling in English and French and was elected class valedictorian. She obtained a Teacher’s Aide Diploma followed by a TEFL Diploma. She taught English in a Muslim school and taught Qur’aan / Tajweed and Islamic Studies for 6 years in her local Masjid. She is the former chairperson and volunteer of the Amal Center for Women, a Montreal organization that serves women facing difficult situations. She has volunteered extensively in both the non-Muslim and Muslim communities. She conducted halaqahs for young girls on a variety of topics and was also responsible for travelling to local non-Muslim schools to make presentations on Islam. She is the mother of one and is currently living in Malaysia and in the second year of her BA in Islamic Studies with the Islamic Online University. She has continued to conduct halaqahs for sisters here in Kuala Lumpur and has participated in various Islamic programs, both as a student of knowledge and as a lecturer. She is a self-taught cake decorator, loves to read and loves children dearly.

Yusha Evans Yusha Evans was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina in a very conservative Christian

home. In his early teens he became heavily involved in the church near his home and in Young Life, a non-denominational youth oriented organization with the intention of becoming involved in the

ministry of teaching and preaching. He intended to enrol in Bob Jones University, a world-renowned Bible College in his hometown upon graduating high school, but in the summer of 1996 his life changed. Upon

studying the bible from cover to cover and realizing many things were askew, and a lot of what he believed his entire life was not in line with what his research found, he left Christianity and went in search of the truth.

After many twist and turns, ups and downs and after looking at the many world religions searching for the tangible proof of the right way of life he encountered a Muslim, and was given a Qur’an. After reading the

Qur’an cover to cover he accepted Islam in the winter of 1998. Yusha (Joshua) Evans Currently works as a full-time lecturer and caller to Islam, as well as teaching workshops that have taken him all across the globe.

He is the founder and co-founder of two Islamic television stations in North America as well has appeared on many Islamic stations throughout the world. He has studied under numerous teachers and scholars in the various sciences of Islam and is a Phycology major. He also is a multiple discipline Black belt holder and runs

a martial arts academy in Minneapolis.

Fatih SerferagicFatih is of Bosnian nationality but was born in Germany. He moved to the United States of America at the age of 4 and lived in Baltimore, Maryland for 7 years where he completed his Hifdh at the Islamic Society of Baltimore under Sheikh Qari Zahid and Qari Abid. He moved to Dallas for 10 months to study classical Arabic in Bayyinah’s Dream program and currently lives in Houston, Texas as a student and a Qur’an teacher.



The past few months have been really exciting and busy for

the M3 Media team in KL, be it filming and editing conferences

or the recording of some exciting new series destined for a TV

channel near you! Two of our team members have just returned

from Australia after having taken part in managing the media

team for the Twins of Faith conferences in Melbourne and Sydney.

But, there’s no time to rest as Mercy Mission is the official

media partner for the Serving Islam - Hong Kong’s: At The Peak

conference. Our media team will once again fly out to take care

of recording the conference as well as a brand new interview

series called MM:Connect. Stay tuned for more on this. Looking

ahead, we have a hectic few months leading up to Ramadan as

we create fresh new content for TV channels in UK and Australia.

If you have a passion for media, be it as a cameraman, editor,

animator or any other field, and want to improve your skills, why

not volunteer with us? Drop our Media Manager an email on:

[email protected]

Providing the Ummah with

soulful content


* New production called MM: CONNECT by M3 Media

Charity Right continues to give food twice everyday to those most in need such

as orphaned refugees, impoverished single mothers and the homeless.

In the Q1 of 2013, Charity Right established a Homeless Cafe at Anjung Singgah consistently every Saturday. Anjung Singgah is a homeless intervention centre and is a project setup by National Welfare Foundation under the patronage of Ministry of Women, Family and Community Malaysia.

Charity Right’s Homeless Cafe provides a hygienic environment for our homeless friends to eat. As soon as our homeless friends walk

through the door, they are welcomed by our volunteers with four different choices of beverage hot or cold. The trending favorite is hot chocolate drink.

Here Charity Right volunteers have a heart to heart chat with our homeless friends. Homeless folks need more than just food, they need moral support too. Charity Right volunteers are also here to give moral support and daawah to our homeless friends.

The main dish is provided by a renowned Yemeni restaurant called Wadi Hadramawt in Kuala Lumpur. They generously sponsor 200 packs of Chicken Mandhi for our Homeless Cafe weekly.

Homeless CafeAllah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: “ The most excellent sadaqah consists in your satisfying the hungry stomach.” (Al-Tirmidhi #1946)


If a regular customer was to order Chicken Mandy at Wadi Hadramawt, it would cost MYR 18.00.

In the beginning the turn-out of the homeless folks was quite poor. Gradually but surely, the news about our Homeless Cafe spread by word of mouth among our homeless friends. We distribute not only good food, but also donate clothes and books. Check out the picture of the children whom are so happy with their new pre-loved clothes.

In order for Charity Right to sustain and to grow so it can benefit more and more hungry poor, monetary donation is needed as much as we need food. There are so many more that are hungry and are in need of your help. We ask that you open your hearts and contribute what you can for the sake of Allah S.W.T

Charity Right distributes food twice everyday. The cost for 1 Meal is less than RM1.The quality of meal is rated at RM18 per meal. Serving an average of 7000 meals a month. That’s real value for donors money.

Donate generously. Help us Help those in Need. Donate Now!

Beneficiary: Mercy Mission Malaysia (Charity Right)Bank: CIMB Islamic.A/C No: 1283-0000-955-104

Visitwww.CharityRight.comwww.facebook.com/MMCharityRight

Call Zuhri Yuhyi Charity Right Project Manager +601 6888 2984Email. [email protected]

We deliver 7 days a week, twice a day usually during working hours

Come and join us giving food to the homeless. Details below:

Every Saturday at 6pmCharity Right @ Anjung SinggahBangunan Ehsan,No 28-32, Jalan Hang Lekiu,Kuala Lumpur. 51000


1 First question, where did it all begin? How did you get to become ‘Sheikh’ Daood Butt?

Well it never really began anywhere specific. I have always wanted to study Islam, but my interest grew stronger when Montreal received an Imaam who graduated from the Islamic University of Madinah. His morals, respect, and behaviour were outstanding. Even the way he walked impressed me as a child and I wanted to be just like him; someone you look at and feel like there is something more important in their life than just the 9-5 job that almost everybody has.

2 Did you always plan to be a religious teacher, or were you heading in a different direction?

Of course, we all plan but Allah also plans. Since about the age of 10, I wanted to follow the footsteps of my teacher and go and study in Madinah, but I knew that this may not become a reality. So I did what I could to learn Islam from home, while trying my best to practise the little that I knew. After high school, I applied to the Islamic University of Madinah and having worked a number of various jobs, I decided to

have a backup plan in case I never got accepted at the University. So I went into Automotive Technology and began my career there.

3 What are you up to these days?

Haha! I am up to whatever Allah puts on my plate! Currently I am finishing up my Master degree in Islamic and Other Civilisations at the International Islamic University of Malaysia. I also am an Instructor for AlKauthar Institute, and international public speaker at various conferences, lectures, and TV stations around the world, as well as a full-time father, husband, and anything else that comes my way!

4 Must be exciting travelling the world! You must have a fave place?

Subhaan Allah, so far I haven’t visited the places I have always wanted to. From among the cities I love are Montreal (which is home but I have barely been there in the past 11 years), Abha (KSA), Manchester and Brisbane (Australia). And the city where my heart remains is Madinah! The years I spent there were some of the hardest in my life, yet when I left, my heart remained behind!

Get to know one of AlKauthar Institute’s newest instructors, Sheikh Daood Butt a little more with this issue’s edition of Eight With the Sheikh!


5 What is your favourite cuisine?

My favourite dish (aside from pizza, because I used to be a pizza delivery guy) is called “Poutine.” Up until recently it could only be found in the French speaking province of Canada, Quebec. Now I think it is making its way to other regions, but it is still a low profile dish! I wonder if Google would even know what Poutine is?!

6 Who has been your inspiration in life?

I think it is unjust to name just one person, because nobody is perfect, and it is rare to find an all-rounder type of person today. Having said that, my family have always been a support as well as inspiration for me, as I learn from what is around me. Aside from family, I would say Shaykh Fida Bukhari in Montreal has impacted my life greatly as a child growing up. Also, while in Madinah Shaykh Ahmad Rashid Ar-Ruhayli, Shaykh Muhammad Mukhtaar Ash-Shinquiti, Shaykh Fahd ibn Duwaiyaan, Shaykh Sa’d Al-Ghaamidi, and last but not least Shaykh Ibraheem Al-Khalifah.

7 Turning our attention to AlKauthar, what made you want to teach with us?

AlKauthar gives what people need. Education is vital as a Muslim, and this can sometimes be a challenge to acquire for many, but AlKauthar makes learning easy and interesting. I feel through it I can give back to society what I have learned and this allows me to stay in touch with my books and studies. It also allows me the opportunity to travel the world and meet people of all different cultures. This assists in broadening our minds as Muslims and mostly as teachers, because if you don’t understand what the Muslims are going through and facing around the world, we will never be able to address their matters directly and in an efficient fashion.

8 Lastly Sheikh, can you give some parting advice to our students?

Firstly, don’t ever leave off a Sunnah that you are aware of, no matter how small it may seem to you, because what we put off as “just a Sunnah” and think doesn’t need to be done, can in fact be the single good deed we need to enter Paradise! So never belittle a Sunnah act. Also, remember that whoever has Taqwaa in Allah, Allah will make for them an escape route, and we always find ourselves in positions where we need to figure out a way forward. If we always push the remembrance of Allah to the forefront of our minds, insha’Allah, we will succeed in everything we do, or want to do in life! Allah knows best!


www.mercymission.my14 ENROL O

NLINE

www.alkau

thar.

org

UNIVERSITY LEVEL WEEKEND COURSE

S H E I K H D A O O D B U T T

KUALA LUMPUR6th & 7TH JULY, 2013

For further information contact us at:Email: [email protected]

Call: 013 333 9500

alkautharmalaysia AKmalaysia AlkautharInstitute

by Sheikh Daood Butt

Sheikh Daood Butt was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. He obtained a degree in Automotive Technology.He went on to study at the Islamic University of Madinah for seven years, during which he completed a Diploma in Arabic Language followed by a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology and Islamic Da’wah from the Faculty of Da’wah and Usool Ad-Deen in 2010. He has given lectures and khutbahs in English, French, and Arabic worldwide. He has always been especially interested in youth related programs and is quick to develop a rapport with them. Sheikh Daood is currently pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in Islamic and Other Civilizations at the International Islamic University in Malaysia.

www.alkauthar.org

That’s in just seven hadith! By the end of the course you will agree with Ibn Salaah “The whole of the religion revolves around them”.

A study of the 40 ahadeeth of an-Nawawi is an in depth study of Islam in its comprehensiveness. Join us as we take this exciting road to a broader understanding of our Deen.

Join the Al Kauthar experience! Enrol online now!

In Drops of Guidance we will spend the weekend covering a study of the first seven hadith from the collection using over 80 pages of course notes. In Drops Of Guidance you will cover:

“Truly Allah helped His Messenger sallallahu alaihi wa sallam with the Jawamiul Kalim (The Comprehensive word) which he made the cloak of his Prophethood and the banner of his Messengership until the smallest of phrases embodies the knowledge of many. This made it easy upon the hearer to memorise, and did not give them any difficulty in carrying it. So whomsoever follows his Jawamiul Kalim, then he can never exhaustively explain them.” Al Khattabi in Ghareebul Hadeeth

It is in recognition of the tremendous benefits that the ahadeeth of Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam contain that AlKauthar presents its courses on the 40 Hadeeth of an-Nawawi rahimahullah. The AlKauthar brand of explanation of the 40 Hadeeth are different from any you may have attended.

The 42 hadeeth of the famous 40 hadeeth of Imam An-Nawawi was built upon about 26 ahadeeth collected by Imam Ibn Salaah before him. Ibn Salaah used to hold a series of lectures and meetings to explain the most amazing ahadeeth and he used to call his gathering: “Gatherings of the explanation of the most Comprehensive ahadeeth.” He would say about these ahadeeth: “The whole of the religion revolves around them”.

The importance placed upon the intention

Hijrah - migrating for the sake of Allah

The ruling on using Ahad hadith

The major & minor signs of the Day of Judgement

The five pillars of Islam and the six pillar of Iman

Qadr & the reality of the Soul

The Halal & the Haram

Matters of the heart

The importance of sincere advice

With the Being Me conference just around the corner, presenting a wonderful platform

for women to tell their stories, highlight their heroes and celebrate their achievements, I can’t help but think about the women I’ve encountered in life, and about none other than my own mother. Raised as a Protestant Christian, she accepted Islam in her mid-twenties, despite her family’s harsh criticism, and grasped it with such a firm hold that brings to mind the advice of the Prophet SAW when he said “Hold onto it (my Sunnah) and bite onto it with your molars.”

Working as a registered nurse, she went on to have eleven children, of which I am number ten. Almost any woman can bear children, but to raise them well and develop them into responsible,

My Mothertrue meaning of “Divine Liberation“...By Tasneem Ghauri

......Prophet SAW when he said “Hold onto it (my Sunnah) and bite onto it with your molars.”

‘‘ ‘‘


upright individuals that contribute positively to the Ummah is another feat altogether. Being just one of very few Muslims in Canada, she relied on her own creativity, wholesome nature, energetic spirit and love for the Deen to create a household that placed Islam first. No television, no computers, no indecent games. Instead, a nurturing environment that cultivated the mind. Promoting skills such as sewing, cooking,

writing, reading, gardening and handiwork, she ensured that we would develop skills to be self-sufficient. Living by example, she mastered a variety of skills and continues to do so today despite her 71 years, the demands of work and raising a large family. Our house was an “open house” where many learned Islam at her hands. She was always helping someone, somewhere, somehow. Displaying amazing energy in everything she does, she is always serving the best interests of her children and 56 grandchildren, and anyone else who enters her circle. Her generosity is selfless and her love is deep and genuine.

These are the qualities that make true role models for us. Women who are not front page news stories, or Nobel Peace Prize winners, but who are behind the scenes, doing the “small things” that mould characters and support communities that will be the foundations of great civilizations. This is the beauty of the woman that Allah highlights through Islam, and allows each of us to have a story to tell or a mark to make. I am just glad that I could tell mine. Come share yours at the Being Me Conference this June.......doing the “small

things” that mould characters and

support communities that will be the

foundations of great civilizations. This is

the beauty of the woman that Allah highlights through

Islam,...

‘‘‘‘


Prophet Muhammad SAW commanded believers to respect their mothers. Here are a few hadith explaining it :

A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who

among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The

Prophet (PBUH) said: Your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?’ The

Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your mother.

The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your father.

(Bukhari, Muslim)

A man once consulted the Prophet Muhammad about taking part in a

military campaign. The Prophet asked the man if his mother was still living.

When told that she was alive, the Prophet said: “(Then) stay with her,

for Paradise is at her feet.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

On another occasion, the Prophet said: “God has forbidden for you to be

undutiful to your mothers.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Every Friday since about one and a half months ago, I teach English as a volunteer

teacher at a refugee support centre. My students are between the ages of 13 to 15 and most have come from Syria and I’m sure we’re all at least informed of their recent plight, if not of the Sudanese’s, the Iraqis’, the Afghans’ and the Palestinians’. I hold neither a B.S. in Education nor a B.A. in Social Work nor a B.A. in English; nothing of that sort. The thing is, you don’t even need all those to begin helping! To help a brother or a sister in need of a home, in need of education and financial support, all you need, my dear friends, is a heart.

It would have been my fourth class with my students but I had to cancel on them at the last minute. My family had planned a 3-day vacation to Langkawi. While I was on the road to the island, the centre called me and asked me to brief a relief teacher on what to teach them and how to fill up those 4 hours of classes. I had sent her a very long text message explaining in detail what I had planned for them that day had I been able to come. She replied; “Don’t worry.. I’ll try my best. Thank you so much :-)” to which I contemplated on for quite some time. “They are such determined people. Their hopes are unshakeable. Have I thought of them as less motivated before?” I debated with myself.

Charity: Our duty, their right

“Verily, those who recite the Book of Allah, and perform Salaah, and spend in charity out of what We have provided for them, secretly and

openly, hope for a sure trade gain that will never perish.” Surah Faatir, verse 29.

By Yasmin Zaini


This is not a piece of tragic news that flashes on our TV screens at 8pm every night. This is at our own doorstep. These families are real, and they are a part of the Muslim Ummah.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,

“The believers in their affection, compassion and love for one another is like one single body. If a part of it suffers from pain, the whole body will suffer in pain.” (Imam Muslim).

How can we dismiss their existence in our neighbourhood? They have come to escape peril from a tyrannical government and have sought refuge in a Muslim country - who do we pass their burden to? The standard answer would be “a charity organisation”, this is the wrong attitude to have. It falls on YOUR plate, O Muslimeen!

While I can’t blame my family for organising a much-needed time-out for the family, I couldn’t stop thinking about some of the poorer families at the centre who were hungry 7 days a week. There is nothing wrong with having a vacation if you can afford it, but there is definitely something wrong with closing one eye when it comes to lending a hand to our own people when they knock on our doors.

The front-desk lady, Ms. M is always telling me since day 1 that they are in need of milk and medicine for their babies. My response to her was always “I’ll get back to you inshaAllah. May Allah give you patience. Help will come soon.” After 4 weeks of deliberating and cracking my head on how to collect money and purchase the items, I finally compiled a list of items they needed urgently. The AlKauthar weekend came and I waited no longer. I approached the National Manager and Project Manager of Charity Right and explained the situation. After the announcement was made, chatter filled the auditorium and people reached for their wallets. SubhanAllah. In only one day, the Charity Right box was filled with Ringgit notes and it amounted to some RM1500+! MashaAllah TabarakAllah! I was beyond impressed and happy.

Yesterday, Brother Zuhri, the project manager of Charity Right came to the centre with 640KGs of foodstuff; oil, rice, sugar, canned food and milk. May Allah reward all those who donated that day. Your money has put a lot of empty stomachs at ease and stocked up some pantries. After some heavy lifting and carrying

of these enormous boxes, I was reminded of a verse from the Quran:

“And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness] and ask Me for anything, I will

respond to your (invocation).” Surah Al-Ghafir, verse 60.

All praise be to Allah. All we need to do is ask and we shall receive! This is proof that we as an Ummah, have each other’s backs. We don’t have to do things alone, especially when we do not have the means. With platforms such as Charity Right, while we fulfill our personal duties in giving Sadaqah, we also get the opportunity to help others fulfill theirs too! After I have seen what Charity Right can do, I now have come to the understanding that there should be no deliberation or fear in asking the Ummah to put their money in donation boxes for it is the right of the needy to be given their due Sadaqah. May Allah purify our wealth, make Sadaqah a part of our culture, and make us exemplary people in our communities.

To help a brother or a sister in need of a home, in need of education and financial support, all you need, my dear friends, is a heart.

‘‘ ‘‘


20

Do More, Give More!

By Zohra Sarwari


As a Muslim woman I have noticed that many of us have dreams to do more;

many of us want to do things; many of us think about doing things, but few of us actually do them. This is a message to all the Muslims who are stuck between dreaming and achieving their goals. For example, you want to spend less when you shop; you know that there are millions of people dying all over the world, and you want to cut down on shopping, and send more money to your family overseas, or even the poor. You have the heart to do it and you’re aware that even having the intention to do it is a good deed a l h a m d u l i l l a a h , but somehow, you can’t seem to make this happen. Whenever you want to send money, you realize you don’t have much in the bank to do it, so you don’t do it. Then you look at your account statement and realize that almost all the things you purchased were necessities; some things you could live without, but most of them, you really needed. How can you change this cycle and make a difference like you really want to?

1) Purify your intention; that you want to do this for the sake of Allaah (SWT). This alone will help you achieve your goals. Always clarify your intention.

2) Read isthikhara before making any purchases. This will help you decide whether purchasing this product will be good for you or not in terms of this life and the next.

3) Look at your bank statement and highlight where you’re spending money that you could use else where. For example, eating out costs $50.00; maybe you could eat at home, and send that $50.00 a month to a better cause. When you look at it this way next time before

you go out to eat, you will enjoy eating your dinner better that

night at home, insha’Allaah.

4) Pay them first when you get paid; set up a standing order/direct debit so a regular amount is sent to the charity of your choice every

month. For example $40.00, to help with

an orphan on the 5th of every month. This way it

is like a bill and you have to pay them, insha’Allaah.

Insha’Allaah these tips have increased your awareness as to what you can do. Most of the time the problem isn’t that we don’t know what to do; the problem is DOING it. My dear sister/brother, it is time that you change that intention to ACTION! Just make it happen, insha’Allaah. For each good action you take you will see the fruits of it on the Day of Judgment insha’Allaah.


Accounts for all our projects can be viewed at our office:Mercy Mission Malaysia, 20 Jalan Teknologi 3/3A, Surian Industrial Park, Kota Damansara PJU 5, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Fundraising Activities Update 2013

Pledges received:

RM 1.4 Million

Amount recovered:

RM 419 600

Expenditures:RM 53 960

Pledges received:

RM 117 000

Amount recovered:

RM 85 000

Expenditures:RM 117 900.00

Amount recovered:

RM 137 000

Expenditures:RM 14 200

Pledges received:

RM 256 000*as of March 2013

*as of March 2013

*as of March 2013

Funds collected will benefit the Madinah Centre

Funds collected will benefit Charity Right

Funds collected will benefit New Muslim Care


*as of March 2013

Join Us!Ultimately great things are achieved

with great people, and every single one of us has the innate ability to achieve a level of greatness in

something. Mercy Mission is hungry to harness the skills, experience and passion of people who are inspired by the pursuit of the vision of the final Messenger ‘alayhi wa-salatu wa-salam.

We are always eager to meet sincere people and therefore if you would like to join us by volunteering to any of our projects, do send in your email or call us.


Contact our volunteer coordinator: Klang Valley – Mubina 017 338 1545 Bangi – Siti Hawa 018 208 3018

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +60 (3) 6151 5952Fax: +60 (3) 6151 5953Email: [email protected]

Mercy Mission Malaysia (982042-V)

No. 20, Jalan Teknologi 3/3A,Surian Industrial Park,Kota Damansara PJU5

47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MALAYSIA

T: +60 (3) 6151 5952 F: +60 (3) 6151 5953E: [email protected]

Documents

Mercy Mission Malaysia Newsletter Issue 5: January-March 2013