Week 28: Discover. Internet. Faith. Bombs. Muslims. Should be Proud of. At OIS Graduation.

Host: Omar (greenkufi) & Ahmed Khalil

Discussion

Event Recap: 2nd Annual Journey of Faith Conference in Toronto:

They “seek to revolutionize the arena of Islamic Conferences” quoted

from their blog by putting up Transit ads in Toronto and public

newspaper ads like the Metro.

SubhanAllah.. one ad said “Life without Him is no Life at all” imagine

reading that as you browse through the billboard ads on the bus.

Remember the atheist ads that caused a ruckus here? Well, this is

certainly an excellent way to combat that.

I think one way for us Muslims to advance is to be more creative. Old,

boring, redundant methods go unnoticed. People always notice something

different, something new. For example, there was a man who lost his

job and he kept applying at different places but was unsuccessful in

finding a job. One day his wife made a great big sign that said, “My

husband is an engineer and is looking for a job” and parked at a big

industrial park.

Over the top…but creative!

So how do we go about being more creative? Well, one idea is to take a

discover u life course to find out.

Ok, ok, yah people in the community are a little hesitant to take a

discover u life course, but how many actually know anything about

Discover U?

Well, here’s a clip of Muhammad Al Shareef explaining Discover U and

why you should attend. Check it out at http://www.discoverulife.com/

In my opinion EVERYONE should become more computer literate because

understanding the electronic world can really facilitate your path to

success.

And almost EVERYTHING is connected to the Internet. In fact, I

borrowed my sister’s PSP and my wife was not at all amused that I did,

but I downloaded an operating system on it and now it can be used as a

PDA. You can open documents, browse the internet or watch videos.

But do you know how the Internet came to be?

Here’s a short film on the history of the Internet by Melih Bilgil,

which you can watch on youtube.

There was a time in my life time that the Internet did not exist! Can

you imagine life without the Internet now? We even depend on software

we download from the Internet for our salat..such as the Athan

software.

And also to collect funds for distraught brothers and sisters around the world.

Truly a revolution.

Muslims also revolutionized the world, but unfortunately this is not

very well known.

Here’s part of a documentary that talks about how Muslims invented the

astrolabe for navigation, determining the time for salat and other

reasons. You can watch the whole documentary called “What the Muslims

Did for the World” on you tube. Start: 1:18

You can watch the rest on You Tube entitled “What the Muslims Did for the World”

Why can’t we become positive revolutionist in technology and the likes. For example, many people refer to the atomic bombs that Pakistan has developed as the Islamic Bomb. Why is it though that we couldn’t develop these types of bombs. This is my kind of Bombs: SeedBombs of course. Instead of being inventors of destruction, why can’t we be inventors of spreading goodness, beauty and benefit.

Here’s an example of how backwards we’ve become. While at the height of Islamic enlightenment we had many Muslims women acting at levels that now a days are, for some peculiar reason have been left to men only. This Muslimah, for example, has been a judge in Sharia courts. [youtube]

Here are some enlightening thoughts from the valedictorian at the Ottawa Islamic School’s high-school graduation ceremony.

“Health is Wealth”

A new segment on how to keep healthy with weekly tips.

Tip #1:

In order to avoid spreading germs you should sneeze or cough in your

sleeves rather than your hands. Since we use our hands to touch things

it is very easy to spread our germs if we cough or sneeze in them.

So the next time you tell your child to cover his/her mouth make sure

their mouth is covered by their sleeve and not their hand.

By Yumna Rashid – Health Educator

Upcoming Action

JULY 11 > Carleton and Uottawa MSA BBQ: 12:00pm to 6:00pm at Vincent

Massery Park. Contact: Info@msacarleton.com

JULY 12 > GCMA invites you to their PICNIC 2009 at Britannia Park

(Trolley Station) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

JULY 19 > Ottawa Main Mosque (OMA) is holding its 4th Annual BBQ from

10 am to 5 pm at Vincent Massy Park- Riverside Dr.

JULY 24-25-26, & AUG 1-2 > AlMaghrib Seminar “Collector’s Edition

,Sharh Saheeh Bukhari” — Price: $135 if you register in a group of

ten — Email: ansar.p10@almaghrib.org

JULY 25/26 > Canada’s Wonderland Trip hosted by MAC Youth.Ticket: $95

(includes transportation and admission) — Sign up Here!

Email or Call: info@ottawamacyouth.ca

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WEEK 23: THE GREEN SHOW – Everything you ever wanted (or didn’t want) to know about the colour and what it means

Host: Omar (GreenKufi) Quran ArRahmaan [ch. 55 | Recited by Abdullah Basfar -عبد الله بن علي بصفر ] Discussion GREEN: In England we painted the town Green on Eid. Most Muslim flags are either green or contain green in it. Many minarets and domes on mosques around the world are green. The pulpits are often coloured green. We wear green clothing, and green kufis. We bind our books, most notably the print of the Quran, in Green. Why is this? What is so special about this colour? Well, the colour itself is a one we see very often around us. Almost every plant is green or some shade of it. Green is restful to the eye. Studies show that a green environment can reduce fatigue. Green In the Quran: If we look up in the Quran (try Quran.com), you’ll find the prescription of green in many places. And I’m just talking about the colour. Not plants. Most importantly is that Allah subhanahu wa taala describes many of the blessing and rewards of paradise as green. HE says in Surat Al-Insaan: {Their garments will be of fine green silk, and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink.} 76:21 and in Surat ArRahman He says: {Is there any reward for good other than good? [] Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny? [] And besides these two, there are two other Gardens (i.e. in Paradise). [] Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny? [] Dark green (in colour).} 55:60-64. And as I said, this in only referring to the colour green. Not to plantations, which are mentions many time more. Apparently, many Muslims nations choose green in their flags to represent the greenery of nature. Since it is a responsibility that Allah has entrusted us with, and He often commands us to ponder His creation. In fact, similar to many colours, that are given a distictive name, the green often used in Muslim symbols and the likes is referred to as Islamic Green. Abu Ramthah said: “I saw the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wearing two green garments.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, who said, this is a ghareeb hasan hadeeth, and by al-Nisaa’i, 5224). Green is definitely something we often dress in, but why must this symbol of green simply be a garment. Why can’t we BE GREEN, as opposed to simply wearing it. I would go as far as to say that we should be like nature. Be like a tree. And leave others business alone. Now, before you tune out saying, “Phtt. Look at this Muslim Hippie, go hug a tree bro.” Listen to this what the prophet peace and blessing of Allah be upon him Had to say about this. Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: The Prophet said, “The example of a believer is like a green tree, the leaves of which do not fall.” The people said. “It is such-and-such tree: It is such-and-such tree.” I intended to say that it was the datepalm tree, but I was a young boy and felt shy (to answer). The Prophet said, “It is the date-palm tree.” Ibn ‘Umar added, ” I told that to ‘Umar who said, ‘Had you said it, I would have preferred it to such-and such a thing.” (Book #73, Hadith #143) Always green. Why aren’t we always green. Why must our greenness be deciduous like our kufis and hijabs in the evening when we reach home. Why aren’t we like the date palm, giving shade, beauty, fruits, shelter to all of Allah’s creation all of the time. WHY MUST WE BE GREEN? 1- The environment, is Allah’s creation. The creation of this earth and all its natural resources is a sign of His wisdom, mercy, power and His other attributes and therefore serves to develop human awareness and understanding of this creator. (Ar-Ra`d, 13: 2-4; 21:79) 2- Muslims should seek to protect and preserve the environment because by so doing they protect Allah’s creatures which pray to Him and praise Him. Humankind might not be able to understand how these creatures praise Allah but this does not mean that they do not do so, Allah says: (The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein, declare His glory: There is not a thing but celebrates His praise, and yet ye understand not how they declare His Glory!) (Al-Israa’ 17: 44) 3- The environment contains Allah’s creatures which the Muslim scholars consider to also deserve protection. 4- Also among the reasons why Islam seeks to protect and preserve the environment is that Islam, as a way of life, is established on the concept of good (khayr). Therefore it is expected that Islam will protect the environment once it is understood that such protection is good by itself. The Qur’an states: (He whoso do good an atom’s weight will see it. And whoso do ill an atom’s weight will see it.) (Az-Zalzalah 99: 7-8) In Islam, humans are expected to protect the environment since no other creature is able to perform this task. Humans are the only being that Allah has “entrusted” with the responsibility of looking after the earth. This trusteeship is seen by Islam to be so onerous and burdensome that no other creature would ‘accept’ it. Allah says: (Lo! We offered the trust unto the heavens and the earth and the hills, but they shrank from bearing it and were afraid of it and man assumed it Lo! he is a tyrant and fool.) (Al-Ahzab 33: 72) Community News Ottawa – A Muslim boy, Zaid, came in third place in the two kilometer race last weekend. He participated in the race from his school, from among over 1000 other runners from around Ottawa. We will be talking to him next week insh’Allah. The relationship between human beings and his environment – Yousuf Estes [IslamicTube.net Muslim News Omar Khadar’s hearing: http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/643886 Nasheed How can you deny? – No Beats Necessary Hamza Robertson & Sami Yusuf – The Mountain Dawud Wharnsby – Alhamdulillah Our Creation – Hamza Robertson The Lord of the Worlds – Labbyk Upcoming Action Come and get inspired! Faith and the Common Good, in cooperation with local faith groups, invites you to a viewing of the environmental documentary  “Be the Change” The film, produced locally by David Chernushenko,shows us  how to live green and enjoy the journey.   Participants are invited for a post viewing discussion and refreshments –         an opportunity to share ideas and fellowship. David Chernushenko will be in attendance Doors open at 6:30pm Film Screens at 7:00pm JUNE 8th, 2009 at Temple Israel 1301 Prince of Wales Drive  Yasir Naqvi MPP (Ottawa Centre) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation will be special guests to present the Trillium Foundation Award and support the launching of the third phase of the program to help faith communities Green their Sacred Spaces. Go back to the top

Week 19 – Is It Halal to catch the Swine Flu? + Fatwa on Swine Flu Safety + DALIA MOGAHED + Why Polls?

Host: Omar (GreenKufi)

Quran

Ar_Rahman [ch. 55 v. 1-16 | Recited by Abdullah Basfar -عبد الله بن علي بصفر ]  

Discussion

The month of May always seems to brighten up the city of Ottawa with its Tulip Festival. We find blooming Tulips all around the city. Various parks around Ottawa have gorgeous displays for you to come and see. This is one of those events around the city that you and your family can actually participate in and admire Allah’s creation.

For more information about what parks you can visit to view the Tulips displayed you can visit tulipfestival.ca. Event runs from May 1 to May 18th.

Fatwa on Swine Flu Safety

Swine Flu is spreading very fast and causing a lot of public concern in United States, [Canada] and other countries of the world. WHO (World Health Organization) and CDC (Center for Disease Control in US) have already issued advisories to general public. We urge Muslims to exercise necessary precautions in this matter. It is an Islamic teaching that in the situation of wide spread infections, people living in infected areas should be careful not to move around in order to avoid spreading infections. Similarly those who are healthy should avoid traveling to infested areas in order to protect themselves, unless they are needed as doctors or health workers. Allah says in the Qur’an, “Do not contribute to your destruction with your own hands…” (2:195) The Prophet –peace be upon him- said, “If you are in a land and plague breaks out there, then do not leave that place. If you are told that it is spreading in some land and you are not there, then do not go there.” (Muslim, Hadith no. 5731)

In the light of these instructions the Fiqh Council of North America emphasizes that Muslims should take CDC advisories seriously [or in our case in Canada the Health Canada advisory]. Those who are affected by any symptoms of this flu should avoid shaking hands and coming into close contacts with others. They are allowed in this situation to pray at home and do not go to the Masjid for congregational prayers, until they are healthy. The Prophet –peace be upon him- said, “A sick person (with contagious disease) must not be brought among the healthy.” (Abu Dau’ud, Hadith 3911)

In case there is a Swine Flu pandemic, public assemblies might be curtailed. In that situation it will be allowed for the Masajid to issue special instructions regarding Jama’ah (congregational) and Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers considering the general welfare of their communities and cooperating with local authorities to maintain public health and safety.

We must also make individual and collective du’a asking Allah to remove this affliction and bless us all.

From the Fiqh Council of North America

OBAMA’S MUSLIM ADVISOR

From Islam Online (Full Article) By Muhammed Qasim, IOL Correspondent

WASHINGTON – Dalia Mogahed, a hijab-clad American Muslim, has made history being the first Muslim woman appointed to a position in President Barack Obama’s administration.

She sets on a newly-formed interfaith advisory board the administration hopes will improve relations with Muslims in the US and across the globe.

The Egyptian-born American heads the Gallup American Center for Muslim Studies, a research center that produces studies on Muslim public opinion worldwide.

WHO IS DALIA MOGAHED?

From gallup.com Senior Analyst Executive Director, Gallup Center for Muslim Studies

Dalia Mogahed is a Senior Analyst and Executive Director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, a nonpartisan research center dedicated to providing data-driven analysis on the views of Muslim populations around the world. With John L. Esposito, Ph.D., she is coauthor of the book Who Speaks for Islam?: What a Billion Muslims Really Think.

Mogahed leads the analysis of Gallup’s unprecedented survey representing the opinions of more than 1 billion Muslims worldwide, including Muslims in the West. She also directs the Muslim-West Facts Initiative (www.muslimwestfacts.com), through which Gallup, in collaboration with the Coexist Foundation, is disseminating the findings of the Gallup World Poll to key opinion leaders in the Muslim World and the West.

Mogahed travels the globe engaging diverse groups on what Muslims around the world really think. Her audiences have included a variety of people from American senators to British parliamentarians to the U.N. She has discussed her findings with all sorts of people like Madeline Albreight, Quincy Jones, Karen Armstrong the bestselling author and Dr. Ali Gomaa, Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, Amr Khaled and more.

HOW POLLING IS A GOOD IDEA TO GET OPINIONS ETC. This is FACTUAL information unlike over the top generalizations and people who consider to be representatives of the ENTIRE muslim population talking on their behalf..etc.

Short interview on a videoblog “Here on Earth” – at the beginning of last year

Community News

Success Tip

Brought to you by SuccessLiving.org

Green Kufi’s Greening Muslims Tip

The City of Ottawa will be having a one day collection depot of all your Household Hazardouse Waste (HHW) on Sunday May 10th from 9AM to 4PM.The depot will beat the Trail Waste Facility, 4475 Trail Road, off Moodie Drive, south of Fallowfield Road. Household Hazardouse Waste should not be thrown out with the rest of your garbage. You shouldn’t have bought it in the first place, but that’s another story. HHW consists of:

aerosol containers barbecue starters camping propane cylinders energy efficient light bulbs fluorescent light bulbs fire extinguishers furniture stripper

mercury switches mercury thermometers needles and syringes oil based paints pool chemicals window cleaner wood preservatives

disinfectants fungicides herbicides insecticides pesticides stains turpentine oven cleaner

For other waste products like some paints, motor oil, electronics, batteries can be taken to your nearest garage, electronics store or used goods store or a hardware store, or yours truly. If you can’t make it out to one of these depots and don’t want to pollute the very river we get our drinking water from head over to greenkufi.ca and contact us under local services about picking up your household waste and taking it to the depot.

Nasheed

Your Beauty by Hamza Robertson

Upcoming Action

ASSALAM MOSQUE Fundraiser

WORLD RENOWNED SPEAKER:

SHIEK ABDALLAH ALI IDRIS

and guest speakers:

Shiek Abdurrahman Al-Hejazy

Shiek Mohammad Al-Shareef

TIME: SAT MAY 16.09 @ 5:30PM

@ ASSALAM MOSQUE

TICKETS: PER PERSON: $20

Your moment of Zen Alhamdulillah for Islam!

see more Celeb Look-A-Likes

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