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

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Dthul Hijja 25 – Remember Our Heading + Beating a Dead Duck + Today’s Word: Condone + Pageant Brain Fatigue Syndrome

Host: Mafro (GreenKufi)

Quran

Al-Qari’Ah Ch. 101:
Surat At-takathur Ch. 102:

Reminders

Remember the Grave – Bilal Philips

Nasheed

Mercy like the Rain – Shaam
Madinatun Nabi – Aashiq Al-Rasool

Discussion

What’s coming up in the future, insha’Allah, with Baba Ali and a little bit about boyfriend/girlfriend problems.

Celebrity Shoe
No, I’m not beating a dead horse to death with a stick. I’m beating a dead, lame duck to death with a shoe. Last week we shoed showed you the video where the Iraqi Journalist Muntadhir Al-Zaidi threw his shoes at the soon to retire president of the US.
Now, you probably have also heard about all the action that’s being taken to free this guy from custody, since many argue he only did what everyone in the US and the rest of the world wanted to do. We’ll here’s an idea… in solidarity with Muntadhir Al-Zaidi this facebook group has an interesting idea. They are encouraging people, who wished they could do what Al-Zaidi did,to send a pair of their old shoes to the basting duck. They even include the address. Unfortunately there may not be enough time to reach him in time for the holiday and his boot from office.

Poem
From one of our listeners and visitors of Slam Ottawa, [viewfromsaudi.blogspot.com] comes a beautiful poem about the journey of a lifetime.

Bags packed,
Delivered.
One for below my arm as I prepare for this journey,
Journeying to places of utmost significance,
for me, billions,
Symbols of Piety, Faith.
Inward journey,
Not sure what I’ll find —
But it must and should be sabr —
Patience.
Looking at your heart,
the mirror is one’s actions
in the crowds,
sweaty, agitated, rushed & euphoric
Desperate, grateful, hopeful
Scared.
Fearful.
Humble.
I am but a tiny speck and yet my faults loom large
as I prepare to journey
to the centre of the world
to face my heart
and make it shine.

Your Moment of Zen “Alhamdulillah for Islam!”

You probably have heard of last years top videos where the blonde “US Amaerican” Miss South Carolina 2007 “everywhere like such as and” made a mockery of herself on live television. Now, as Muslims we do not discriminate against any one group based on their ethnicity, religion, race, or the colour of their hair. So, I do not condone anyone who makes fun of blondes and generalizes that they are all “dumb”. It’s just not True. BUT! Recent evidence does show us that Miss South Carolina suffers from not blondeness, but form sever post Pageant Brain Fatigue Syndrome and it affects most women who participate in pageants. In a more recent case, it seems to have affected another Pageant participant; Miss Pakistan, Natasha Paracha. She recently, with all cool and calm, condoned the Mumbai Attacks in an interview with Anna Coren.

Now, just in case any other pageant participants may be reading this post, allow me to edumacate you please:

con·done [kuhn-dohn] : to regard or treat (something bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless.
1. to disregard or overlook (something illegal, objectionable, etc).
2. to pardon or forgive (an offense); excuse.

Poor Pakistan. Your self-proclaimed ambassador may be causing more tensions than easing them. She wants all Pakistanis to condone these attacks. It also seems like whatever it is that Natasha has may have infected Anna Coren, since she made no attempt to correct her guest, or at least inquire about her views and her call to Her Nation to condone these attacks. “On a Global Sphere”.

Community News

Gatineau Masjid

Gatineau Mosque is arranging a fundraising dinner for their upcoming installment. DO NOT miss this event which will take place on December 27 in Ottawa. Click on the flyer to see the details.
–
Sh. Mokhtar Maghraoui in Ottawa
Presented by Living Islam Retreat and Zawiyah Productions in sponsorship with: Muslim Association of Canada (MAC), MSA Carleton, Muslim Youth of Ottawa (MYO) and Ottawa Muslim Association (OMA)
*** Please note location change for workshop below***
Workshop Registration: Click Here
Community Lecture: The Ultimate Journey: Searching for Happiness
When: Wednesday, December 24th 7:00 p.m.
Location: Travelodge Hotel & Convention Centre [directions] (admission fee: 5$)
–
Workshop: Ihsaan: “to worship Allah as though you see Him”
Thursday, December 25th 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Ukranian Banquet Hall
1000 Byron Avenue [directions | pdf Map] (admission fee: 5$, register: Click Here)
–
Jumu’ah Khutbah
Friday, December 26th 12:30 p.m.
Location: Ottawa Main Mosque
Contentment:
When less is more, and more is less.
“what has he found the one who loses You,
what has he lost, the one who finds You..”
–
Zawiyah Products will be available http://www.zawiyah.net
–
Lunch will be sold
Questions? contact them at: livingislamretreat@gmail.com
Got Fitnah-book? [facebook]
–
Based in Troy, NY, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui is one of the most
well-respected and renowned Muslim Scholars in North America.
Originally from Algeria, Shaykh Maghraoui earned his dual-doctorate in
Physics and Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University and also
extensively studied several social sciences, including psychology and
philosophy. Shaykh Maghraoui has a rare mastery of the Islamic
Sciences, particularly Tazkiya (Islamic spirituality), Usul Al-Fiqh,
Objectives of Sharee’ah, Fiqh and Science and Islam. He is the founder of Zawiyah Productions and Islamic Zawiyah Educational Trust, (http://www.zawiyah.net/). He is an active participant of interfaith
dialogue in the Capital district of New York, but is best known for
his enlightening and thought-provoking retreats and seminars that
empower Muslims on their spiritual quest.

REVIVING THE ISLAMIC SPIRIT (R.I.S) – 2008
“Answer the call of the Messenger”
Friday – Sunday Dec. 26-28
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
TICKETS are sold at:
Alladin Bakery (Ottawa/Hull)
West: 613-728-5331
East: (613) 742-4244 or
Br. Sohayb Shahrouri 613-853-4772
$45 before Dec. 10
$50 after Dec. 10

Next Week on Salam Ottawa – insh’Allah:

We’ll look back at the year with Salam Ottawa.
We’ll talk about all the new and exciting things lined up for 2009.
And more…
Go back to the top

Summer Time in Ottawa For Muslims + How to help out in the community

Host: Mafro –Green Kufi

Qari Youssuf in Ottawa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gjEECuAzCQ

“Afraid to Read” By Dawud Wharnsby Ali
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYLI5OQ8b1A&feature=related

“The article of faith” By Iman – NEW**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgGDhYrxy6s&feature=related

Recent Imam discussion and the OMA’s decision
Imam Solaiman Gamal, tells the ottawa community to support the new Egiptian Imam.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=b0bd12f8-6631-45ac-af84-3fb5afa0ca1b

211 service launched in Ottawa
211 is an easy-to-remember, free and confidential telephone service providing access to trained bilingual information and referral counselors who can direct the caller to a range of community organizations, social services and government agencies.

Sadaqa Food Bank:

You may have seen advertised on our show and on other local Muslim media the Sadaqa Food Bank that opened up not too long ago. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to discuss it much on previous shows, but it is incredibly important to realize the barakah or blessing that is in this Food Bank. Allah has provided us with a great opportunity to help our brothers and sisters right here at home and this opportunity should not be overlooked.

There was an article in the Muslim Link’s April 2008 issue on the Sadaqa Food Bank that I would like to share with you if you did not get a chance to read it yourself.

New Muslim food bank opens its doors
Big hopes for Ottawa’s first Muslim food bank
By Muhammed Zaman
The launch of a new halal food bank in Ottawa is giving local Muslim families the opportunity to nourish themselves with Islamically permissible pickings all year round, for the very first time.
The Sadaqa Food Bank, the first of its kind in the capital and a project of the Islamic Circle of North America’s relief fund, recently opened its doors in hope of satisfying the nutritional needs of an estimated three thousand local Muslims, of whom only about 200 are being supported by other Ottawa mosques and organizations.