February 12, 2008 (Black History and Valentines Origins)

Host: Omar (GreenKufi)

Assalamu alikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

InshAllah all of you are doing well, are in good health and in an increasing state of iman.

So, we are in the month of February, and you may have already noticed the big heart shaped chocolate boxes, and the influx of red roses, and teddy bears in your local malls, and stores. Yes, Valentines day is just around the corner. Sure, it may seem like an innocent occasion, but how many of you know where it originated from?

Lets hear from Abdullah Hakim Quick about where Valentines Day came from.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edUDnGn3I-o&feature=related (approx 6 mins)

So, inshAllah don’t get you involved in this as it can also lead to a lot of fitna.

Living in this society, sometimes it’s difficult to stand up for things you believe in such as not celebrating Valentines day and not being involved in it, but as Native Deen beautifully puts it in their song..Don’t Be Afraid to Stand Alone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAfUMfCtcDA&feature=related (approx 5 mins)

February is most commonly for being Black History Month. Usually during this month a lot of Muslims remember El Hajj Malik El Shabbaz, widely known as Malcolm X for his remarkable story and social activism. MashAllah Malcolm X really brought the truth of Islam to light amongst many blacks and whites in America during the 1960s, and his story continues to inspire many till this day.

However, Malcolm X was not the first to introduce Islam to the blacks in America. Islam came to America long before Malcolm X, and as Muslims in North America we should really make dua for all those black slaves who brought the truth to this land.

Here’s a clip by Br. Sulayman Nyang from meccacentric.com entitled The History of Islam in America: Columbus to Slavery

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxgLQtd1qY0&feature=related (approx 15 min)

An excellent book about the first Muslims in America is by Abdullah Hakim Quick entitled “Deeper Roots.”

MashAllah just like our African brothers before us spread the knowledge and truth of Islam, we should continue their efforts and spread the message of Islam, which is one of the greatest responsibilities of Muslims in the west. Even if it’s through small deeds, the one thing to be mindful of is to ensure that our intentions are pure.

On that note here’s Native Deen’s Intentions followed by Small Deeds

NATIVE DEEN: Intentions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9IXs9qOUL4&feature=related (approx 5 mins)

NATIVE DEEN: Small Deeds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5Uzc_G542E&feature=related (approx 4 mins)

Songs/Anasheed: Title – Artist- Album – Source (if public)
M-U-S-L-I-M – Native Deen (3:21)(Listen – mp3)

The Mountain – Hamza Robertson – Show Me (4:19)http://www.youtubeislam.com/view_video.php?viewkey=f9021694f6e51cc07fe3

You can’t take it with you – Wharnsby, Bhikha, Abdul Malik (4:10)http://tv.muxlim.com/video/7GghsFyfPDz

Oh Allah – Hamza Robertson

Discussions:

Funny: صوت صفير البلبل The Story of the famous poet “Al-Assma’ee” who wrote a poem that stumped the most tallented of linguists. Here is the Arabic Poem digitally remastered.

Announcements:

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ISLAMIC SOCIAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION INC
One Day Seminar “Muslims – Their Faith & Culture:
How to Give Culturally Competent & Spiritually Sensitive
Services to Muslims.”
8:00 am to 4:00 pm, February 21, 2008
Monterey Inn Resort
2259 Prince of Wales Drive Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2E 6Z8
Speakers Shahina Siddiqui & Aneesah Nadir _____________________________________________________
Business Planning Workshopsfor Immigrants and Ethnic Minorities Ottawa A series of free workshops from February to June 2008 Application deadline is Friday February 15th. The program starts the following week, February 21st in English and February 26th in French. All workshops will be held in the evening. There will be one workshop per month from February to June 2008, with opportunity for additional networking events. There are limited spaces for this program. To apply fill the application form. For more information please contact by emailing at http://us.f504.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=cednet@spcottawa.on.ca or calling at 613-236-9300 ext. 304.
__________________________
OTTAWA MUSLIM ASSOCIATION
LIGHT UPON LIGHT: A Time to Reflect on our Book
Given by: Sheikh Abdurrahman Al-Hejazy, the Deputy Imam of the Main Ottawa Mosque When: Every Friday at 7:00pm
Where: At the Main Ottawa Mosque, 251 Northwestern Ave. ____________________________________________________
MAC Youth Learn – Under His Shade: Exploring the Names of Allah (swt) – Trailer
Description: This is the trialer for the new series that starts January 11th, 2008…
The first session features Al-Azhar Scholar Dr. Hadeer Abo El Nagah __________________________________________

Miscellaneous:
Deeper Roots
Dr. Abdul Hakim Quick