Islamic Center of Rolla Missouri (ICRM)
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Second Issue: October 23rd, 2015
Ramadan in Rolla
About
A mixture of traditions of Muslims from around the world
2 Million Pilgrims
Attend 2015 Hajj season in Mecca
Some objects are magic. You can feel energy flowing within them I think Ahmed’s clock is one of those magical objects.
CONTENTS: Eid celebration, more Page 5
Ramadan open Iftar, more Page 5 Open house, more Page 4
03 Letter from Shura 04 News and Activities 06 Ramadan Nights from Madina to Rolla 08 Mecca and Madina 09 Islamic Calender 10 Islam, the Religion of Peace
Ramadan nights From Madina to Rolla, more Page 6
Mecca and Madina, more Page 8 2.
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Ahmed & the magic clock, more Page 12
Quran competition, more Page 5
11 Jesus, Son of Marry 12 Ahmed and the Magic Clock 14 Justice in Islam
LETTER FROM SHURA G
reetings and As-Salaamu ‘alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh ((May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah/ God be with you)
Welcome to the 2nd edition of the Islamic Center Rolla Missouri (ICRM) semiannual magazine, The Message. It is worth recognizing that the ICRM is one of up to 3000 Islamic centers across America and is the only mosque within a radius of 60 miles and serves as a convenient place of worship for Muslim students at the Missouri University of Science and technology as well as the other Muslims in the greater Rolla community. Rolla is home to a globally diverse Muslim community, educating fine engineering students from several Muslim countries around the world. While the 1st edition of the magazine provided a historical overview of the Islamic center and its construction, the current edition details the Islamic center’s community and social services. With the cooperation and efforts of many volunteers, we have been able to host multiple open houses and blood drives in collaboration with the American Red Cross and the community blood bank of the Ozark. We also continue our ongoing efforts towards the interfaith dialogue between different faiths and to promote the environment of peace at the MS&T campus and beyond. As a part of this interfaith dialogue, Rolla Muslim community is very excited to host one of the renowned Muslim scholar, Yusuf Estes, at the university campus later this month. ICRM has also been a regular contributor towards “take a stand against child abuse”. Going forward we hope to continue to serve the community and welcome your suggestions as we strive to do so. Our strength lies in our unity and putting into practice the lessons of Brotherhood and Sisterhood that we have been taught in Islam. May Allah help our Masjid and community and beyond. Thanks for your cooperation.
Chief Editor Mohammed A. Debree Editor Dr. Alsedik Abousif Contributing Editors Dr. Yaqoob Ali Dr. Alsedik Abousif Emad Abdurasul Abdulsalam Alamri Ghaith Alshaia Saleh Alqaysi Ahmed Onoko Mohammad Farhan Ahmed Raheek Ahmed Shamaas Nyazee Dr. Yusha Sager Dr. Mohamed Zobaa Dr. Saima Jabeen Revisers Amer Ali Mohammad Farhan Ahmed Photography Hesham Tuwair Emad Abdurasul Abdulmohsen Alabdulmuhsin
Yaqoob Ali, MD Chairman, Shura Council
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News & Activities
News & Activities
Ramadan is a spiritual festival for Muslims around the world.
Alfarouq School:
Between 14th and 25th of June, 2015, Alfarouq Elementary school held the final examinations for the 9th grade students (end of junior high school stage). The students came from Columbia MO, Melbourne FL, and Rolla MO were examined in Arabic classes contemporaneous with the final examination in Denver CO and all Libyan students in Libya. The final results of our students showed an impressive performance. All of those students passed the exam. The classes of Alfarouq School resumed on the 3rd of October with total enrollment of 22 students.
Icrm Quran School:
The annual Quran competition was held in the ICRM main prayer area on the 4th and 5th of July, 2015. The kids competed in four levels, which included the last five Hizbs of Quran totally. Another competition for calligraphy and artistic creativity was organized for the kids at the same time of Quran competion. The women class organized the 2nd competition for the ladies. The challenge was to memorize Surat An-Nur. The winners of these competitions were honored with valuable prizes and certificates on the day of Eid. On the 28th of August, the classes were resumed for every Friday in the ICRM main building.
Dr. Noaman Kayani on the left have a worm conversation with his guest during the open house
OPEN HOUSE: With an impressive contribution from Jefferson City Muslim Community, MO, ICRM organized the annual open house on the 3rd of April, 2015. Guests took a tour inside the ICRM building followed by dialogues and Q&A sessions about ICRM and Islam. Dr. Noaman Kayani, Mr. Abdul Moiz Siddiqi and Dr. Abdulmula Haboub from Islamic Center of Jefferson City contributed to the dialogues and the Q&A sessions. All of our guests enjoyed our hospitality and the food served at that event.
END OF SEMESTER PICNIC: Muslim Student Association MSA with the ICRM organized the end of semester
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picnic on the 17th of May 2015. Both of organizations gathered to honor Muslim students who graduated from the Missouri S&T this year. Also, kids and families enjoyed the activities that were organized at the event. Muslim Student Association new officers were elected for the next school year. Those officers are; Abdulaziz Alyamani (president), Abdulaziz Abutunis (treasurer), and, Ibrahim Saeed (secretory).
AMERICAN RED CROSS WORKSHOP: On the 23rd of May, 2015, the American Red Cross organized a workshop on shelter volunteer training. The session was held at the ICRM classroom and lecture was delivered by Kath Mayne. About 14 students
News & Activities ICRM NEWS AND ACTIVITIES DURING RAMADAN: Here in Islamic Center of Rolla Missouri, our traditions and customs during Ramadan represent a mixture of world-wide traditions and customs. Therefore, Ramadan in Rolla is unique by food, activities, clothes, and even spoken languages. All these diversities are unified in prayers, charities, and of course fasting.
Ramadan Open Iftar, ICRM community shared Ramadan traditions and food with local Rolla community.
Ramadan daily Iftar (breakfasting fast): With generous contributions of individual and families who cook their traditional dishes, the daily Iftar is held for both men and women at ICRM main building for the 30-days of Ramadan fasting. Fundraising dinner and ICRM general assembly: This event organized by the ICRM executive committee and Shura council. ICRM members gathered after Iftar to discuss last year’s accomplishments and next year plans and goals. Ramadan open Iftar: Muslim community in Rolla had shared their Iftar (breakfasting dinner) with the people of Rolla at a big event organized by Muslim Student Association at Missouri S&T. The food was diverse as diverse as our Muslim community, so it was a great opportunity to the people of Rolla to tast the food and to celebrate Ramadan with their Muslim colleagues or neighbors. Also, it was a great chance for Muslims to show their traditions during the holy month of Ramadan. Worship: Ramadan is the month of multiply rewards. So, Muslims around the world persevere in worship. At the main prayer area of ICRM, Taraweeh (special prayers during the nights of Ramadan) were performed daily, and half of Quran was recited in Taraweeh. Additionally, Tahajjud prayer (night prayer) were also performed in the last ten days of Ramadan. Halaqas: Two Halaqas (educational sessions) were organized by the Da’wah committee of ICRM. Both sessions was held after Asr prayer. One of the classes was about the Fiqh of Modern fast breakers by Dr. Mohamed Zobaa, and the other class was in Naho (Arabic grammar) by ICRM guest visitor Mr. Abdulla Elsheikh. Weekly Ramadan competitions: Weekly
competitions on general Islamic knowledge were posted online every weekend during Ramadan. The winners were honored with valuable prizes. Food distribution: The ICRM organized two food distribution programs for the needy people. The first food distribution was at the beginning of Ramadan, and the other one was at the end of Ramadan as Zakat ul-Fitr. More than 2000 pounds of different kinds of food was distributed among the needy people. Eid ul-Fitr: After the annual worship event of fasting, Muslim celebrate the accomplishments as Eid ul-Fitr. Eid starts with an early morning Prayer, and then Eid sermon. Eids is to rejoice and for happiness. Therefore, Muslim families in Rolla and cities beyond enjoy this holiday by social gathering, dinner, and different activities for kid activities at ICRM.
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE: American Red Cross with the MSA organized the semi-annual blood drive on the 4th of September, 2015. Free meal were served at the event for the guests from Missouri branch of the American Red Cross and for the blood donors as well.
DHU AL-HIJJAH ACTIVITIES: Dhu Al-Hijjah is the last month of the islamic lunar calendar. Also, in this month
Muslims make pilgrimage to Mecca, and those who did not get a chance to perform Hajj this year, share these moments with the others who went to Mecca by performing a special fasting on the day of Arafa (the main day of Hajj). Day of Arafa Iftar: Saudi Student Association at Missouri S&T prepared and sponsored an Iftar meal on the day of Arafa at ICRM. Eid ul-Adha: The day following the day of Arafa, when the pilgrims done with the main Hajj day, Muslims celebrate that day as Eid ulAdha, in which they sacrifice an animal as the prophet Abraham did. This Eid in Rolla started with early morning Eid prayer, Eid sermon, and then community breakfast. Eid community dinner: Libyan Student Association at Missouri S&T prepared a community dinner celebrating Eid ul-Adha.
CELEBRATION OF NATIONS: This event is organized annually by Missouri S&T, so all Muslim organizations at Missouri S&T contribute to this event to show the traditions of their countries as part of a very colorful and diverse world. Muslim Student Association prepared some publications and brochures to explain the true religion of Islam, whose followers, about 1.6 billions around the world, live in peace and harmony in their societies.
5. THEMESSAGE
Ramadan Nights form
MADINAH to ROLLA I
n June 622 CE, after being warned of a plot to assassinate him, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) secretly left his home in Mecca to emigrate to Yathrib, 200 miles north of Mecca, along with his companion Abu Bakr. Yathrib was soon renamed by the Prophet to “Al Madinah” which simply means “The City”. The year of this journey is identified as the start of the Hijri calendar which was set to July 19, 622 CE. Madenah became the capital of a rapidly increasing Muslim Empire. It served as the power base of Islam in its first century where the early Muslim community developed. Al Madinah is home to the three oldest mosques, namely the Quba Mosque, al-Masjid an-Nabawi, and Masjid al-Qiblatayn (“the mosque of the two qiblas”). Al-Masjid an-Nabawī “the Prophet’s Mosque” is a mosque established and originally built by the Islamic prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Al-Masjid an-Nabawi was the second mosque built in the history of Islam and is now one of the largest mosques in the world. It is the second-holiest site in Islam, after al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The original mosque was an openair building. The mosque also served as a community center, a court, and a religious
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school. Subsequent Islamic rulers greatly expanded and decorated it. In 1909, it became the first place in the Arabian Peninsula to be provided with electrical lights. The mosque now is under the control of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia government where the king there is addressed as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The mosque is located in what was traditionally the center of Al Madinah, with many hotels and old markets nearby. It is a major pilgrimage site. Many pilgrims who perform the Hajj go on to Al Madinah to visit the mosque due to its connections to the life of prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Back in my country, Saudi Arabia, I used to spend the holy month of Ramadan at the holy mosque of Al Madinah where my parents are resides. Spending around 10 hours every day of Ramadan at that mosque is a very spiritual, peaceful and unique experience that you will never forget and you will do all the means to try it again. I have been always considered very lucky to have my parents residing there. Ramadan daily program started at Al Madinah by preparing the special breakfast that mainly contains dates, bread, yogurt, Doggah, nuts, olives, olive oil, cheese, coffee
and tea besides the holy water of Zamzam which is already provided free for everyone at the mosque. At midday, we moved to the mosque where the huge and very well arranged parking lots are located beneath the basement! Two hours before Maghrib prayer, many children and young boys of Al Madinah under elder’s supervision will start distributing and arranging the food for the fasting people. The call of Maghreb prayer will announce the sunset and breakfast time. In 15 minutes, all the food that was distributed to nearly 1 million people at that great mosque will be either eaten or set for take away, when all the waste and plastic wares will be collected and all the carpet will be vacuumed and scented in less than another 10 minutes. After performing Maghrib prayer, people can eat, drink, relax, read or go for a walk, socialize or simply pray. Then, the night prayer will be announced and we will stay praying in a very organized and spiritual way for around 2 hours and then we will have a relaxing time again for around 2 hours where we can go for taking a shower at the vast showring area or change the clothes at the changing area provided at one of the basement level, which is aboove the parking level.
In the last holy 10 nights of Ramadan, we will have additional prayer form around 1:30 am to 3:00 am. Right after the prayer, we will go for having our last supper before sunrise and get ready for the morning prayer. After morning prayer we move back to house full of self-satisfaction, selfcontentment, stress relieved, and happy where we look for a sound sleep and then we wake up to start the preparation for the next day of Ramadan. This program as you can tell involve many great volunteering activates that keeps us engaged for the whole day and also gives us the opportunity
to make friends from all over the world.
activities and the rest time we can study, relax, sleep, or watch TV.
In 2012, I moved to Rolla for studying my master degree and when my first Ramadan in US started to approach, I felt really sad and miserable. That’s because I am used to Al Madinah environment in Ramadan and I am not used to sit at home relaxing and praying without performing volunteering activities. Luckily, before Ramadan I started to do some volunteering activities at the Islamic Center of Rolla Missouri and I noticed that the management at that time have a great preparation for Ramadan which seemed to be an indication for an active and busy environment during Ramadan which is ideal for me. That was absolutely right, I found myself from day one of Ramadan coming to ICRM before sunset helping the brothers preparing the dining room and the kitchen for the breakfast time where we have around 100 fasting people every day. After having the breakfast and performing the Maghrib “sunset� prayer, we con in a massive activity of cleaning the whole mosque and making it ready for the other night. We pray the night prayer and continue any volunteering
I never thought that I will ever find such a pleasant experience in Rolla during Ramadan. Guess what? I was totally wrong and I still remember those great nights of Ramadan at ICRM where I learned many new things and gained many friends. That amazing and spiritual teamwork drive me to work for one year as the vice president of ICRM where I got the most unique experience and knowledge that I never dreamed about achieving it in Rolla with working on my master degree in Geophysics. I am so thankful to ICRM president, ICRM management and Rolla Muslim community for providing me with such unique chance to serve them and serve ICRM. Lastly, it is an advice for my brothers and sisters who are mainly students at MS&T, do not miss the chance of volunteering to work at ICRM, it is the best thing happened to me during my two years in Rolla. By: Ghaith Alshaia
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Mecca and Madina
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an you imagine more than two million people at one place or one point at the same time? What would happen if they meet together at the same moment for the same goals? How can we manage these huge number of people? honestly, I can say, such event actually occurs every year in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where Al-Masjid Al-Haram; which is the Qibla (prayer direction) for Muslims. For this reason, the Saudi government gives the highest attention to develop this site and the other holy site in Madina. In 1984, king Fahad bin Abdul Aziz made an enormous expansion in those holy sites.
the growing number of Muslims who come to perform Omara in Ramadan or Hajj, therefore, Saudi government puts the highest priority for improving both holy sites in Mecca and Madinah. King Abdullah’s project continuous in progress even after his death a few months ago. His plan was to increase the areas around Al-Masjid Al-Haram to accommodate more more than three million worshipers. This plan is also to improve the commercial districts around the central area of Al-Masjid Al-Haram. One of the significant results is many modern hotels and galleries have been built since this project started. Unexpected disaster occurred in 2015
Plain of Mina 2015
Jamarat Bridge during dusk at 2015 Hajj season
HAJJ 2015 NUMBERS
HAJJ PERFORMERS HAJJ PERFORMERS 2015: HAJJ PERFORMERS 2014: PERCENT OF CHANGE:
1,952,817 2,085,238 -0.7 %
SECURITY SECURITY TROOPS: CCTV CAMERAS:
100,000 5,500
HEALTH
He approved a plan with a huge budget for their expansion. As a result, the area of AlMasjid Al-Haram in Mecca increased to fit one and a half million worshipers in the first stage. This expansion project was not for increasing area only, but also for some other issues such as, cooling system, minarets and entrances. Furthermore, the Saudi government encouraged engineers to decorate new styles that will reflect some religious attitudes at the first look toward it. In addition, king Abdullah continued the governmental responsibility of Saudi Arabia. So, he made another developmental plan in 2010 to accommodate
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Hajj season, when a crane fell down when Muslims were praying in Al-Masjid Al-Haram. That was because of unusually strong weather condition hit Mecca. In fact, this event will not undermine the multiple efforts that Saudi government does for developing both Mecca and Madina holy sites. I believe that as Mecca and Madina are holy places for all Muslims all over the world, so, Saudi government will treat them as their own jewel, and I think we are going to see a developmental revolution in Mecca in future greater than what we have seen currently. By: Saleh Alqaysi
HOSPITALS: MOBILE HEALTH CENTERS: BEDS IN HOSPITALS: AMBULANCES ON STANDBY: HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONSAL: SUPPLY IN BLOOD BANKS:
25 141 5,250 180 22,000 19,000 UNITS
TRAFFIC PUBLIC BUSES: METRO TRAIN CAPACITY: TENTS FOR PILGRIMS: MINA’S TENT SIZE: MINA’S AREA:
Source: Wikipedia.com and CNN.com
15,000 72,000/HOUR >100,000 8m x 8m 20 km2
ISLAMIC MONTHS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
MUHARRAM MEANING FORBIDDEN So called because battle and all kind of fighting is forbidden (haram) during this month. Muharram includes the Day of Ashura. SAFAR MEANING VOID Supposedly named thus because preIslamic Arab houses were empty this time of year while their occupants gathered food. RABI I MEANING 1ST SPRING It was spring when the this month was named. RABI II MEANING 2ND SPRING It was continued spring when this month was named. JUMADA I MEANING 1ST PARCHED LAND The name comes from thirst during summer. Often considered the pre-Islamic “summer”. JUMADA II MEANING 2ND PARCHED LAND The name come from thirst during summer. RAJAB MEANING RESPECT OR HONOR This is another sacred month in which fighting is forbidden. SHA’BAN MEANING SCATTRED Marked the time of year when Arab tribes dispersed to find water. RAMADAN MEANING BURNING Ramadan is the most venerated month of the Hijri calendar. During this time, Muslims must fast from dawn till sunset and should give charity to the poor.
10SHAWWAL MEANING RAISED
She-camels normally would be in calf at this time of year.
11DHU AL-QA’ADA MEANING THE ONE OF TRUCE Dhu al-Qa‘dah is another month during which war is banned.
12DHU AL-HIJJA MEANING THE ONE OF
PILGRIMAGE The month in which the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca (the Hajj) occurs and during which war is banned.
The Islamic Calendar
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he Islamic Lunar calendar is also known as the Hijri calendar based purely on the lunar cycles. It was first introduced in 638 A.D by Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), one of the four closest caliphs of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The calendar started about sixteen years earlier, to mark the Hijrah (the time of emigration of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina). The word hijrah means to leave a place to seek protection or freedom from persecution or freedom of religion,etc. The emigration to Medina was a historic event, as it marked the turning point from persecution to freedom and acceptance of Submission (Islam in Arabic). The starting date for the Calendar was chosen to be the first day of the first month (1 Muharram) of the year of the Hijrah. The Islamic (Hijri) calendar is usually abbreviated A.H. in Western languages similar to A.D. used to mark the Christian (Gregorian) calendar. These month names such as Muharram and Ramadan, were in existence prior to the establishment of the Hijri calendar. That is why, Allah says in Quran 2:185 “Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book.” Allah has mentioned in Quran about the Islamic calender and its calculation methods: Quran 9:36 “The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year) so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred; that is the straight usage.” Also, in Quran 10: 5 “He it is who appointed the sun a splendor and the moon a light, and measured for her stages, that ye might know the number of the years, and the reckoning. Allah created not (all) that save in truth. He detailed the revelations for people who have knowledge”
1 In the above verses, Allah has clearly revealed that there are 2 twelve months and that the Moon will be a means of measurement for 3 people to calculate the year. Also, our attention is drawn to the fact that these calculations will be per4 formed according to the positions of the Moon as it revolves in its orbit. Since the angles between the 5 Earth and Moon and the Moon and Sun constantly change, we see the Moon in different forms at differ6 ent times. Furthermore, our ability to see the Moon is made possible by the fact that it is illuminated by 7 the Sun. The amount of the lighted half of the Moon we see from Earth changes. Bearing in mind these changes, a number of calculations can be made, making it possible for human beings to measure the year. In this subject, Allah said; Quran 36:39 “And the moon - We have determined for it phases, until it returns [appearing] like the old date stalk”. The phases of moon are numbered in the figure above and is named as: 1. Helal (crescent), 2. 1st Tarbee’ (squareness), 3. Ahdab (hunchback), 4. Badr (fullmoon), 5. Ahdab, 6. 2nd Tarbee’ , and 7. Helal. Precisely, the phases are divided into 28 phases starteing with Nath finished with Rashaa, and the 29th is Muhaq. The Lunar Calendar is undoubtedly accurate calendar, and it is the calendar that Allah Almighty wants us to use for accurate calculations of dates. Since science always refutes the man made and man altered false religions out there, Islam showed perfect harmony and agreement with scientific logic. We can only expect this type of accuracy and truth from our Creator and His Holy words. By: Ahmed Onoko
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Islam,
“The word ‘Islam’ means ‘peace.’ The word ‘Muslim’ means ‘one who surrenders to God.’ But the press makes us seem like haters.”
The Religion of Peace
Mohamed Ali
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slam is a religion that promotes peace and understanding among people of all faiths. Despite what may be portrayed in the media, it is important to understand that Islam prohibits all forms of violence and aggression against people regardless of their race or their faith. Islam is a very practical religion, meant to be implemented in every aspect of our lives. It prohibits violence and aggression against others, except in self-defense. There is a high importance on justice in Islam. There are examples that can be found in the Holy Quran, the book which reveals God’s Word through the Messenger of God, Muhammad (peace be upon him). God advocates justice, charity, and regarding the relatives. And he forbids evil, vice, and transgression. He enlightens you “that you may take heed”(Surah 16,verse 90). Islam does allow for self-defense, but Muslims are not to commit aggression first as God does not like transgressors. In the Quran, it teaches us that goodness and evil are never equal and we should repel evil with good actions. If people are unjust to us or evil against us, we are encouraged to respond with good actions. Islam teaches us to ensure that we apply justice and never transgress against others even if they are our enemies. We are asked to respond to
punishment with the same punishment, but forgiveness and patience is even better than retaliation. As Allah says in the Quran, “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other - not that ye may despise each other. Verily, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things”. Surah 49 verse 15). Here we see that Islam does not allow for a single people, race, or nation to be better than others. God created us all equal and in his eyes, the best of us is the most righteous and most kind. Another important aspect that we need to recognize is that in Islam, there is no compulsion in religion. Allah says,” let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand - hold that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things”. (Surah 2 vs 256). Muslims are not allowed
In conclusion, we must realize that what is sometimes conveyed or portrayed in the media, is not a true representation of Islam. We must seek knowledge by studying the religion, and not take verses out of context. In such a way, one will easily realize that Islam is indeed a religion of peace. By: Saima Jabeen, MD
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to force people to convert to Islam. Even in times of war, Islam prohibits targeting and killing of all civilians, especially women, children, the elderly and religious clergy. Enemies even at the time of war must be justly treated. As the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),” do not kill women, or children, or non-combatants, and do not kill old people or religious people, and he mentioned priests, nuns, and Rabbi. And he said “do not cut down fruit bearing trees and do not poison the wells of your enemies”.
Custom Compounding Technician
Jesus, son of Mary J
esus, peace be upon him. That’s what Muslims say every time Jesus’ name is mentioned. He was the last prophet before the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. In Islam, Jesus was a man just like all the other messengers sent by God. He was neither a God, nor the son of God. He was mortal. Flesh and bones. As stated by God himself in the Qur’an, the Muslims’ Holy Book, in verse no. 59 chapter no. 3. “Verily, the example of Jesus is like the example of Adam. He (God) created him from dirt and said ‘be’ and so he (Jesus) was.” Furthermore, the Qur’an states that Jesus was not crucified, rather he was taken up into the skies by God to be sent down at a later time. As stated in verses 158-159 chapter no. 4. And as for the person who was crucified, he was not Jesus but the general who tried to kill Jesus. God made his appearance the like of Jesus’ so it would seem as if Jesus was crucified.
“Verily, the example of Jesus is like the example of Adam. He (God) created him from dirt and said ‘be’ and so he (Jesus) was.” (Quran 3:59) christ. So Muslims, like Christians, revere Jesus (peace be upon him) but not to the point where they make him the son of God or a God himself. Rather he’s a human. Just like you and I. And we believe we are the disciples of Jesus (plot twist!) because we try our best to inculcate what he taught us: Love and forgiveness. Just like our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when he said “Be kind to those on earth, and the One in skies (God) will be kind to you.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi.)
believes in Jesus, then he disbelieves in Muhammad and so he is not a follower of Islam. So is the case with all other Prophets. We believe in all of them as being mortals sent by God for the betterment of the human race. And their message was simple: believe in the One true God. So we believe in Jesus (peace be upon him) and what he taught because it was the same as what the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught: love, peace and faith in the One true God.
Lastly, believing in Jesus (peace be upon him) as a Prophet of God is cardinal to the Islamic faith. If one dis-
By: Raheek Ahmed & Shamaas Nyazee
That, in a nut shell, is what Muslims believe about Jesus, peace be upon him. We believe he is still alive and will be sent back down to earth to destroy the anti-
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Ahmed & the Magic Clock S
ome objects are magic. You can feel the energy flowing within them. I think Ahmed Mohamed’s clock is one of those magic objects. Over 500 miles away, I can sense the energy. Ahmed’s clock has catapulted Ahmed Mohamed to international fame. At the same time, it has exposed the sheer idiocy of the racism and paranoia inherent in our society, where punishment of the powerless is paramount. In case you missed the story: Ahmed Mohamed is a young inventor and until last week, a ninth-grade student at MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas. Last Tuesday, Ahmed brought a clock he had made to school to show his engineering teacher. Later in English class, Ahmed’s clock started beeping. The teacher thought it was a bomb. After all, Ahmed is Black, Muslim and his surname is Mohamed — three strikes against him. Police were called; and Ahmed was arrested and led away in handcuffs by five policemen. When it was ascertained that Ahmed’s clock was not a bomb, the police called it a “hoax bomb” and threatened to press charges against him, even though Ahmed insisted it was a clock. The Irving Independent School District suspended Ahmed for three days. The mayor expressed support for the police and the school district. It is really heartening the way so many
12.THEMESSAGE
“techies” have come to Ahmed’s support. Ahmed has received invitations from Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, Google Science Fair, Microsoft, MIT and on and on and on — and oh yes, an invitation to visit the White House and bring his clock. The City of Irving, the school district and the police department all look like a bunch of dolts — and the longer they insist that they did the right thing in taking Ahmed out of school in handcuffs, threatening him and suspending him, the more ridiculous they look. Meanwhile, Ahmed will not be returning to MacArthur High School. His family is looking elsewhere for Ahmed to go to school — small wonder. MacArthur High School could have had a student who may one day be instrumental in developing the next generation of computers or something even more important; but they totally blew it. That’s what racism and paranoia will get you. Now, let’s suppose Irving, Texas had not been such a racist paranoid city. The incident might have gone something like this: [Ahmed is sitting in English class when his backpack starts beeping] Miss Brooks [Ahmed’s English teacher]: What is that? Ahmed: [a little embarrassed] Oh, that’s my clock. [Takes the clock out of his backpack] I’m sorry, Miss Brooks. I’ll turn it off. Miss Brooks: Excuse me a minute class.
And so, Ahmed, look inside yourself. The magic is there. Tap into it and let it guide you. And if you are looking for a new home and a new school, please consider Rolla, Missouri.
[Miss Brooks leaves the room, calls the principal.] Ahmed Mohamed has an object that beeped in class. He says it’s a clock. I don’t think it’s a bomb, but it looks like it might be one. Mr. Conklin [the principal]: I’ll take care of this. [Mr. Conklin calls the police. Minutes later Joe Friday and Frank Smith arrive at the school dressed in street clothes. Frank is an expert on bombs. Joe and Frank wait outside the classroom; Mr. Conklin walks in.] Mr. Conklin: Ahmed I hear you have a clock. Ahmed: Yes, Mr. Conklin. Mr. Conklin: I have a friend who is a clockmaker. He’d like to take a look at your clock. Would you come with me? [Ahmed nods his head. Mr. Conklin and Ahmed leave the classroom.] [In another room] Mr. Conklin: Can you let Mr. Smith take a look at your clock? [Ahmed hands the clock to Frank] Frank: [Looks at the clock for a minute to ascertain it’s not a bomb. Signals that its ok] Ahmed, this is quite a clock. Did you make it all by yourself? Ahmed: Yes, Mr. Smith. Frank: Can you show me how it works? Ahmed: Well, here is the power switch; and here is the timer. I set it to beep at the end of class; but I guess I goofed. It beeped in the middle of class. Frank: Nice clock, Ahmed. Have you thought about entering it in the science fair? Ahmed: Yes, I’d like to do that. Frank: Have you invented anything else? Ahmed: Lots of things. Frank: What’s your best invention? Ahmed: I waterproofed the electronics on a remote control car and turned it into an amphibious vehicle.
magic fan, he thought? But, Yoshi looked within, and found the magic inside him. He would rebuild the village; and then he would build new things: bells to talk with thunder and nets to catch falling stars. He could see quite clearly. He no longer needed the magic fan.
Frank: Neat! I’d like to see some of your other inventions some time. Mr. Conklin: [writes out a pass] Ahmed, I’d like you to go back to class now. You can leave your clock here and pick it up after school. Ahmed: Thank you. [Takes the pass, starts to walk toward the door] Mr. Conklin: Oh, Ahmed? Next time you want to bring an invention to school, would you ask me first? Ahmed: Yes, Mr. Conklin. [Ahmed leaves the room] Joe: Smart kid. Frank: I could never have made anything like that when I was in ninth grade. Mr. Conklin: It’s important to nurture kids like Ahmed. Who knows? He may be a great inventor some day. [End of Incident] On a personal note: About the time the story of Ahmed’s clock went viral, I was trying to decide what book to read to my kindergarten classes this week. I have so many excellent children’s books, it’s sometimes difficult to decide which one to read next. I was trying to decide between Stephen Kellogg’s Mike Fink, Amy Valens’s Danilo, the Fruit Man and Eric Kimmel’s Anansi and the Talking Melon. All good stories. But after reading about Ahmed, I knew I had to choose Keith Baker’s The Magic Fan.
everything the people of his village need. One day Yoshi could not think of what to make next. As he sat by the sea thinking, a fan floated toward him. Yoshi picked it up and opened it. On the fan was a boat with a golden sail chasing the moon. This fan is magic, thought Yoshi. It can tell me what to build. He built the boat with the golden sail, pushed it out to sea and watched it chase the moon. One day Yoshi opened the fan and saw a bridge that spanned the entire village. Yoshi built the bridge; but the people complained that it blocked the sun. Yoshi started to tear down the bridge, when he felt it shake. He opened the magic fan. There was Namazu, the earthquake fish. Yoshi ran through the village shouting, Tsunami! Tsunami! Everyone climbed on Yoshi’s bridge. The Tsunami demolished the village; but the people were safe. In the commotion Yoshi lost the magic fan. How will I know what to build without the
And so, Ahmed, look inside yourself. The magic is there. Tap into it and let it guide you. And if you are looking for a new home and a new school, please consider Rolla, Missouri. We are not Cambridge or Silicon Valley — just a small town of 20,000 people with excellent schools and home to Missouri University of Science and Technology, a wonderful technical university where I spent the last 18 years of my working life before retirement. Rolla is very accepting of diversity and boasts a beautiful Islamic Center, built by a very vibrant local Islamic community. Please consider joining us. By: Dr. Yusha Sager
“Cool clock, Ahmed. Want to bring it to the White House? We should inspire more kids like you to like science. It’s what makes America great.” President Barack Obama
Yoshi is a boy about Ahmed’s age. He lives in a small village on the seacoast of Japan. Yoshi loves to make things. He builds houses, wagons, tables, chairs —
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Justice in ISLAM A
ll praise is due to Allah; the most gracious, the most merciful. And peace and prayers be upon the Prophet Mohammad – Allah’s slave and messenger. justice, A principle that was understood and applied by the early Muslim generations at a time the whole world was immersed in darkness and transgression. It was founded nearly 1400 years back, where no one used to mention anything about human rights or thinks that it might even exists. To prove this I’m going to share this story with you, which was mentioned by Ali al-Muttaqi’s in his famous book or “Kanz al-‘Ummāl: Treasure of the Doers of Good Deeds”. Anas narrated that an Egyptian man came to Umar ibn Al Khattab (the 2nd caliph after the prophet Muhammed PBUH) and said: “I seek refuge in you from oppression”, Umar said: “you came to the right person” , the Egyptian said: “ I have competed with Amr ibn Al-aas’ son (Amr was the ruler of Egypt), and I won, and then, he beat me by whip and said: “I am son of the honorable”. Umar sent to Amr and his son to come to Madina for questioning. When Amr arrived with his son, Umar gave the whip to the Egyptian, and asked him to beat the son of the honorable. Anas ( the narrator) said: “he has beaten and we liked that, and he didn’t stop till we wished that he would stopped”. Then the caliph said to his ruler on Egypt: “Amr: how could you enslave people when their mothers gave them birth as freemen.”
What Umar did is not at all surprising when viewed in the context of what Allah almighty instructs us to do in his holy Quran. He almighty says in chapter 5 (AlMa’idah), verse 8: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is acquainted with what you do”. Allah also says in chapter
in the tradition of the Prophet, peace be upon him. Perhaps I shall mention here the very famous narration related by Abu Horairah that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Seven will be in the shade of Allah when there will be no shade except His – meaning in the day of judgment: a just ruler; a young man who was raised in the worship of Allah; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques (houses of Allah); two men loved each other for the sake of Allah; a man remembered Allah in himself then his eyes were full of tears; a man who was called (tempted) by a beautiful, high level woman but he refused saying: I fear Allah the Lord of all beings; and a man who gave a charity in secret so that his left hand did not know what was given by his right”.
The Messenger of Allah, (PBUH), said, “Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or is being oppressed.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, we help the one These are the values that are honored and promoted by the being oppressed but how do we help religion of Islam. These are the values an oppressor?” The Prophet said, that Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, preached. This is what we “By seizing his hand.” Bukhari Muslims should adhere to and apply. Finally,
14.THEMESSAGE
2312, Muslim 2584”
4 (AnNisa’), verse 58: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever hearing and seeing”. These are just two examples out of many others. The concept of justice is also manifested
I can’t finish this article without giving the country that we live in the praise it deserves. I just read an article in The New York Times that the City of New York will close its public schools in observance of the two Muslim feasts (Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha). This is the justice, equality, and tolerance that we all wish to have. This is America. God bless America and guide its people to the right path. By: Dr. Mohamed Zobaa
ISLAMIC AND GREGORIAN CALENDAR
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ICRM ISLAMIC CENTER OF ROLLA, MISSOURI
Islamic Center of Rolla - Missouri or ICRM is an Islamic non-profit, charitable, religious organization which is strictly guided by Islamic principles according to the Qur’an and the Sunna (the practice of the prophet Muhammad PBUH)
1302 N Elm St., Rolla, MO 65401 Phone: (573) 341-7360 or We b s i te : w w w. ro l l a m a s j i d. o rg E-mail: icrm.masjid@gmail.com