The Seerah Conference organized by the Tarbiyah Department together with the Da’wah Department for Saturday November 21st, 2020 could not have come at a better time. In fact, this conference has been in the planning since the beginning of October long before the blasphemous cartoons of Rasoolullah once again emerged. This time in France.

We cannot imagine that in this age of enlightenment and information, leaders of the so- called free world would resort to such new low, distorting the noble personality of Rasoolullah and using it as a smoke screen for their failed policies, leadership and handling of crises such as the pandemic. Then they turn around and most shamelessly say Islam is in crisis. Where is the intelligence?

Such blatant disrespect and vicious assaults on Islam’s most sacred personality Muhammad are now at a colossal level. Any blasphemy on Rasoolullah wherever and whenever happens, affects over 2 billion Muslims and other like-minded people around the globe. For us Muslims raising our voices in front of Prophet Muhammad is disrespect that can lead to the erasing of our good deeds. Allah says:

O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet , nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not. (Al-Quran 49:2)

Historically Muslims live alongside peoples of different faiths, different ethnic groups, different language families and different customs, all living together for centuries in relative peace in the same place. Such is the teachings of Muhammad .
He showed the world how warring tribes, different ethnicities and people of various different status can put their grudges aside and come together and stand before their Lord and worship Him in peace and harmony.

We cannot let hate and bigotry dominate the conversation. We must bring back the pure and noble character of Rasoolullah to be the main discourse. Thus, this conference is not a reaction of what has happened in France but it is an opportunity for Muslims to be reminded of this great benefactor to humanity: Muhammad Mustafaa . He indeed was Allah ’s gift to humanity. Allah says:

Indeed Allah conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad ) from among themselves reciting unto them His Verses (the Qur’an), and purifying them (from sins by their following him), and instructing them (in) the Book (the Qur’an) and Al Hikmah [the wisdom and the Sunnah of the Prophet etc.)], while before that they had been in manifest error.

The theme of the Seerah Conference is : The Prophet : Sent with a Mission. We hope to address some of these great qualities of Rasoolullah . Some of the topics of this conference would be:
• What is So Unique About the Last Messenger ?
• Muhammad : Ultimate Symbol of Unity
• How the Messenger Changed the Hearts?
• Muhammad : The Caring Leader
• Muhammad : Man with a Mission
• From Hating Muhammad to Becoming the Most Beloved
• Defending the Honor of Rasoolullah with Dignity
• And Indeed You Muhammad have the Most Exalted Character
• Why Two Billion Muslims Love Muhammad ?
• Concerns of a Dai Emulating Rasoolullah
• Prophet Efforts to Eradicate Racism
• Our Response When Rasoolullah is Blasphemed

We also have a team of dedicated brothers and sisters in the field of Da’wah to address these issues. So please as a courtesy and love for our Messenger attend this conference and invite as many people Muslims and non-Muslims to hear of the greatest benefactor to humanity Muhammad .

Sh. Abdur Rahman Khan
Director of Tarbiyah Program
Nov. 9, 2020

ICNA has become a very impactful association, which makes it an essential association for the Muslim community in North America. The constant efforts and unique approach to every problem have made ICNA stronger over the years. The motivation of all the people working in these associations is aligned and very high. The people’s support and ability to serve no matter what the situation makes it a great association. ICNA strives to bring Islam and the Muslims of North America closer and well-connected. For achieving its purpose, ICNA has always been ahead of the time to introduce new and innovative ways of providing services to the people.

Usratul Maria Project

For English speaking sisters, Usratul Maria is a nationwide educational system. Usratul Maria aims to help each other in their souls’ Tazkiyah to facilitate the process by creating possibilities and forums for it. Establishing the Tarbiyah System (Education and Self-Development) for Native Sisters associated with ICNA and building the ICNA Sisters Wing Mainstream Society Foundation.The Quran Tafseer classes were held in 14 cities (including online), with more than 500 participants in attendance. There were 400 lectures; more than 2,000 sisters participated in the talks. Fourteen cities conducted the Welcome Ramadan program. Through a webinar focused on Hijab, marriage, and Women’s Rights, the Usratul Maria team hosted three special lectures for the Muslim population in North America. The Usratul Maria Tarbiyah Seminar was held in April 2009 in Dallas, TX.

ICNA’s Sister Wing

The ICNA Sisters’ Wing is an ICNA division which strives to provide women of all races and backgrounds with Islamic education and training. The reason for creating the Sisters Wing was to mobilize and empower women of all ages and allow sisters to outline the Deen’s framework freely within their circle by providing platforms through education, outreach, and organizational skills. This division of ICNA was established in July 1978.

ICNA also actively and enthusiastically participates in empowering the Muslim sisters by teaching them skills, giving them education, leadership roles, and moral support to all the community’s women. Sister Wing of ICNA is also a very well-organized department filled with talented and helping individuals with only one aim of empowering and supporting the women of the Muslim community of North America. Their Sister Wing is also rapidly spreading and expanding.Itis now serving many partsof the USA than ever before. The women of ICNA get equal opportunities to lead and be in leadership roles, head projects, and departments. In this way, ICNA is creating a strong bond between Islam and North American women.

ICNA’s Sister Wings are further spreading and getting stronger by the support of the people and the team of ICNA. The ICNA’s consistent and dedicated efforts are strong proof that this organization will continue to be the source of guidance and assistance for the Muslim community in the future.

Article Courtesy: OpentheNews.com

Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) aims to get together and well connect Islam and North American Muslims. ICNA has always been ahead of schedule to develop new and creative ways to provide people with services. Education is a significant part of the knowledge of a person. Schooling has dominated the lives of many people for much of their early years. Education is preparation for the future, and before it is too late, it is, therefore, important to acquire one. Education provides individuals with the tools to think logically and to reason for themselves. Humankind would not have left the Stone Age without knowledge, and this essay would never have been written. The most significant aspect of education, however, is literacy.

ICNA’s Islamic Learning Foundation (ILF)

When it comes to educating the Islamic values and providing Islamic education to the Muslim community living in North America, then the name of ICNA comes upfront. ICNA’s devotion and its level of commitment to imparting Islamic knowledge are unreal and sublime. When everybody is so busy in their daily life, they care little about education that too Islamic education. Everybody is engaged in studying and getting an education but don’t take out time for Islamic studies. ICNA’s initiative to establish a foundation of Islamic knowledge and educate people about Islamic values is the need for all Muslims worldwide. This initiative is nothing short of great and brilliant.  ILF is the Islamic Circle of North America’s educational industry to enrich Muslims’ lives by providing them with sound knowledge of Islam. ILF aims to develop a higher caliber of Muslim leaders by affecting their hearts through a deeper awareness of the faith.ILF takes Islamic learning through seminars, workshops, and rigorous classes beyond just an open lecture and into a formal learning environment, providing a comprehensive educational experience.

The intensive process the team goes through to provide the people with the best possible services is unmatched and impressive. They have also incorporated the masters of Islamic study and leadership development and inter-faith coordination. All of their instructors are very skilled in conveying Islam’s teachings. They do not just focus on theoretics but also explain how to incorporate the teachings into their real lives to benefit from Islamic knowledge and learnings. The ILF also conduct various other interactive and highly beneficial programs and events related to educating people with Islamic values and principles.

Article Courtesy: TimeBulletin.com

The Seerah Conference organized by the Tarbiyah Department together with the Da’wah Department for Saturday November 21st, 2020 could not have come at a better time. In fact, this conference has been in the planning since the beginning of October long before the blasphemous cartoons of Rasoolullah once again emerged. This time in France.


We cannot imagine that in this age of enlightenment and information, leaders of the so- called free world would resort to such new low, distorting the noble personality of Rasoolullah and using it as a smoke screen for their failed policies, leadership and handling of crises such as the pandemic. Then they turn around and most shamelessly say Islam is in crisis. Where is the intelligence?
Such blatant disrespect and vicious assaults on Islam’s most sacred personality Muhammad are now at a colossal level. Any blasphemy on Rasoolullah wherever and whenever happens, affects over 2 billion Muslims and other like-minded people around the globe. For us Muslims raising our voices in front of Prophet Muhammad is disrespect that can lead to the erasing of our good deeds. Allah says:

O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet , nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not. (Al-Quran 49:2)

Historically Muslims live alongside peoples of different faiths, different ethnic groups, different language families and different customs, all living together for centuries in relative peace in the same place. Such is the teachings of Muhammad .
He showed the world how warring tribes, different ethnicities and people of various different status can put their grudges aside and come together and stand before their Lord and worship Him in peace and harmony.
We cannot let hate and bigotry dominate the conversation. We must bring back the pure and noble character of Rasoolullah to be the main discourse. Thus, this conference is not a reaction of what has happened in France but it is an opportunity for Muslims to be reminded of this great benefactor to humanity: Muhammad Mustafaa . He indeed was Allah ’s gift to humanity. Allah says:

Indeed Allah conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad ) from among themselves reciting unto them His Verses (the Qur’an), and purifying them (from sins by their following him), and instructing them (in) the Book (the Qur’an) and Al Hikmah [the wisdom and the Sunnah of the Prophet etc.)], while before that they had been in manifest error.

The theme of the Seerah Conference is : The Prophet : Sent with a Mission. We hope to address some of these great qualities of Rasoolullah . Some of the topics of this conference would be:
• What is So Unique About the Last Messenger ?
• Muhammad : Ultimate Symbol of Unity
• How the Messenger Changed the Hearts?
• Muhammad : The Caring Leader
• Muhammad : Man with a Mission
• From Hating Muhammad to Becoming the Most Beloved
• Defending the Honor of Rasoolullah with Dignity
• And Indeed You Muhammad have the Most Exalted Character
• Why Two Billion Muslims Love Muhammad ?
• Concerns of a Dai Emulating Rasoolullah
• Prophet Efforts to Eradicate Racism
• Our Response When Rasoolullah is Blasphemed
We also have a team of dedicated brothers and sisters in the field of Da’wah to address these issues. So please as a courtesy and love for our Messenger attend this conference and invite as many people Muslims and non-Muslims to hear of the greatest benefactor to humanity Muhammad .
Sh. Abdur Rahman Khan
Director of Tarbiyah Program
Nov. 9, 2020

The school-to-prison pipeline is a disturbing national trend wherein children are funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Many of these children have learning disabilities or histories of poverty, abuse, or neglect, and would benefit from additional educational and counseling services. Instead, they are isolated, punished, and pushed out.
“Zero-tolerance” policies criminalize minor infractions of school rules, while cops in schools lead to students being criminalized for behavior that should be handled inside the school. Students of color are especially vulnerable to push-out trends and the discriminatory application of discipline.
For more info on the topic, please visit: https://www.thoughtco.com/school-to-prison-pipeline-4136170
Donate: http://www.icnacsj.org/donate

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The Prophet (PBUH) said, “There is no deed that is better in the sight of Allah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of Al-Adha”. It was asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for Jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by Al-Bukhari

Allah blessed the nation of Muhammad with opportunities to reap rewards and blessings every day of the year. The last ten nights of Ramadan (the month of fasting) are among the most blessed nights of the year; in particular Laylatul-Qadr (the night of power) is extremely sacred. Similarly, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja (the 12th Islamic calendar month) carry special status during the blessed month of “Pilgrimage.” The above Hadith of the Prophet spells out the importance of these ten days in the sight of Allah and the amplified reward for all good deeds during this blessed season.

Just like the last ten nights of Ramadan are the best ten nights out of the year, these first ten days of Dhul-Hijja are the best days of the year and the most beloved to Allah as they combine acts of worship in a way unlike any other time.

So, the questions we should be asking ourselves are, “How do we make the most of this season of blessings?”, “What deeds can I perform to attain His pleasure?”. The following are some examples of the acts of worship that will help us gain His pleasure InshaAllah.

1. Perform Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Obviously, Hajj is one of the best deeds that one can do during these ten days. However for those of us who were not invited to His House this year, there are still many more ways to earn the pleasure of Allah.

2. Fast all nine days and especially on the ‘Day of Arafah’
The Prophet said: “Anyone who fasts for one day for Allah’s pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

The Prophet used to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijja and he said: “Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah (ninth Dhul-Hijja) is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year.” (Muslim)

3. Perform Dhikr and Takbeer
The Prophet said: “There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allah than on these ten days, so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (saying Alhamdu Lillaah).” (Ahmad -Saheeh)

Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. (Bukhari)

Takbeer at this time is a Sunnah that has mostly been forgotten, especially during the first few days. So say it in the masjid, in your home, on the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah. Revive the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten and earn great rewards for doing so.

The Prophet said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi- Hasan)

4. Stand the Night in Prayer
Seeking Allah’s forgiveness and humbling ourselves in front of Him in supplication and prayers during the latter part of the night is an act of worship that is very beloved to Allah .

Allah Almighty calls out to His servants in the latter part of the night: “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?” (Bukhaari, Muslim)

We should seize this opportunity and beg Him for His Divine Generosity and Mercy. We should ask Him as our Prophet taught us “Our Lord, bless us with the best of this world and the best of hereafter and save us from the fire of Hell.”

5. Make Sincere Repentance
Allah loves those who repent to Him in complete submission. The act of sincere repentance to Allah with intention to never return to His disobedience and sin is very dear to Him . Return to Allah by giving up all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes. Be regretful of your sins and disobedience and resolve to never return to sin and to firmly adhere to the path which Allah loves.

Allah says, “But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful.” [Al-Qasas 28:67]

6. Return to Book of Allah (The Quran)
It is time to dust off your copy of the Quran. Establish a beautiful new relationship with the book of Allah starting in these ten days of Dhul-Hijja. Recite its verses and you will reap its blessings. Understand its message. Implement the commandments of this book in your life. This relationship with the Quran will open for you the doors of wisdom and happiness in your life. This will ultimately lead to guidance and success in this life and the Hereafter.

7. Increase in doing ALL good deeds
If you are not able to perform Hajj this year, occupy yourself during these blessed days by any and every possible good deed. Every act that is done with sincerity for the pleasure of Allah will bring you closer to Him.

“So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it; and whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it.“[Al-Zalzalah 99:7-8]

8. Slaughter an animal and distribute the meat (Sacrifice)
Ibn Umar said: “The Prophet lived in Madeenah for ten years and every year he slaughtered an animal.” (Ahmad-Saheeh by al-Albaani)

9. Attend Eid prayers
Attending Eid prayers is from the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet . We should be keen on practicing this Sunnah and performing it according to the teachings of our Prophet . Eid is a time of joy and happiness and we should be inclusive of all of our brothers and sisters who may not be as fortunate to have enough to enjoy this blessed occasion.

10. Thank Allah
One of the biggest forms of worshiping Allah is to thank Him, deeply, sincerely and continuously. After all, it is He who blessed you with all that you have. In fact, you wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for the Mercy of your Creator. So thank Him for ALL that He gave you: the blessing of Islam, the blessing of life and every blessing you possess. Thank Him for the opportunity to experience these ten days. Ask Him for His mercy, forgiveness and guidance.

Alhamdulillah, there is much to be gained in these coming days. So make the most of this perfect opportunity offered by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days. Hasten to do good deeds and appreciate this blessing and make the most of it.

“And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (death).” [Al-Hijr 15:99]

By Javaid Siddiqi
Chairman, ICNA Tarbiyah Department

 

 
Copyrights: This article may be freely reproduced in any form with due credits. The article must include the following text “By Javaid Siddiqi, Chairman, ICNA Tarbiyah Department, www.ICNA.org”. If the article is reproduced online then the text “www.ICNA.org” should be hyperlinked to http://www.icna.org/.

This Friday, June 19 — aka Juneteenth, the increasingly observed holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States — you have the chance to attend a 90-minute event “Juneteenth: Emancipated or Enslaved?”
This unique virtual event is an opportunity for everyone in our communities and beyond to come together to observe an American holiday, Juneteenth. Please plan to join our esteemed line up of panelists for a time of inspiration, education, acknowledgement, and information.

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Check out ICNA Relief’s 2019 Documentary titled Charity Full Circle.
ICNA Relief is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity serving the USA via programs such as hunger prevention, refugee services, disaster relief, free health fairs & health clinics, back 2 school giveaways, family counseling, education and much more!
* Its 33+ food pantries & weekly food distributions serve 50K+ weekly * It serves over 3,000 #Refugees here in the US annually
* It has responded to over 40 disasters nationwide
* It operates 7 free health clinics * We operate 17+ women’s transitional housing facilities
* It gives out over 20K school bags each year to children in lower income communities
For more info visit: www.icnarelief.org facebook.com/ICNARelief
What people say: “ICNA Relief does a great job of domestically distributing the Zakat funds and charity on behalf of the Muslim community” – Sh. Abdul Nasir Jangda
“It is indeed interested in feeding the hungry, in helping the poor, in finding space for Widows and Orphans to live, in doing what our religion requires us to do” – Sh. Yasir Qadhi
For more information:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icna
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/icna
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/icnatv
Website: http://www.icna.org
Phone: 718-658-1199
Donate at http://www.icna.org/donation/
Volunteer at http://www.icna.org/joinus/

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01 Introduction “Understanding Theme of Surahs”
Understanding The Quran
https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/qurantafseerweekly/

For more information:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icna
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/icna
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/icnatv
Website: http://www.icna.org
Phone: (855) 855-ICNA
Donate at http://www.icna.org/donation/
Volunteer at http://www.icna.org/joinus/
Annual Convention at http://www.icnaconvention.org
License
Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)

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