AL-KUFA received many requests for different advertisements to be published. Masha’Allah, the number of Islamic Institutions is increasing. They offer many services for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. For those who are interested to learn about Islam and Muslims; to send their children for weekly or Summer Islamic schools; to enroll in Islamic colleges and/or universities, even through the Internet; to participate in workshops or conventions related to Islam and/or Muslims; to buy and/or get free publications or clothes or jewelry; to travel and for travel related information; to find an Imam (Spiritual leader) to perform a marriage for you; to have an Islamic question answered; to have an appeal; to seek employment and/or help to get a job; and many such services, please contact some nearby institution or one you might like (prefer). Surely the World Wide Webs for Islamic organizations might help in this regard.
AlHamdullillah (Praise be to
Allah), the Lord of the World for of His blessings. Our dearest brother
wrote,”Insha’Allah, I would like to help.” He always does that; may the
Almighty Lord bless him and his family. May the Almighty Lord, open the
heart for others, Ameen. Sister Kathy from a prison in Wisconsin wrote
a letter which was published in May’s issue, 1998, requesting Hijab
clothes. We are trying to find out if the prison permits a different
dress from the prison uniform first, and if not, then at least during
prayer’s times, and also, how many Muslim sisters there are interested
to wear Hijab in prisons. May the Almighty Lord protect all of you. Nabiy
Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: "Be merciful
and kind to him when he is in a strange land; guarding his secrets.” The
Glorious Qur’an says: "Verily the most honored of you with Allah is the
one of you who guardeth (himself) the most (against evil), verily
Allah is All-Knowing, the All-Aware." 49:13 O’ Lord, I have sincerely turned
unto Thee by cutting myself off from asking others. Thou, O my Lord, art
the one of whom favors are requested by me in preference to all others
to whom petitions are made, Ameen
In February, 1998, Dr. Mohammed T. Mehdi passed away in New York. Brother Mohammad dedicated his life to the promotion of the Muslim heritage and he was proud of that. He was always eager to regain the dignity of Muslims and carve a respectable role for them. He stood firm against those who discriminated, humiliated or did injustice to Muslims, and he tried to help the Muslims to the best of his ability. He also encouraged the Muslim youths to lead the new generation along the right path and to be better Muslims. His debates, books, lectures, and other publications will benefit mankind. His achievements and effort to spread Islam will continue, Insha’Allah. One of his letters/faxes for AL-KUFA which was published in September, 1995, read,”I am happy to learn about the Kufa Center of Islamic Knowledge in Roanoke. Al-Hamdu Lillah Islam is expanding! In the early 1950’s there were only 3 mosques in America and today there are more than 1,200 mosques and Islamic centers. It is real joy for me to participate in the establishment of the new addition to the expansion of Islam, the establishment of the Kufa Center of Islamic Knowledge.” We will remember him for his good deeds and what he did for the Muslims and for humanity. His former wife, three daughters and grandchildren survive brother Mohammed.
KCIK members and the editors
of AL-KUFA send their deepest and most sincere condolences to his family
and friends for their loss. The loss of a father is difficult to bear,
but the sorrow that you feel is a sorrow that we share, and we hope that
it may comfort you to know how very much we care and love our dear
Muslims. The Glorious Qur’an says: "Every soul shall taste of death;
Then unto Us (only) ye shall (all) be returned. But those who believe and
work deeds of righteousness – to them shall We give a home in heaven, -
lofty mansions beneath flow rivers, - to dwell therein for aye; -an excellent
reward for those who do (good)! " 29:57-8
Nabiy Muhammad [sallallahu Alaihe (Waalihi) wa salam)] said that every Deen (religion) has its distinctive virtue and the virtue of Islam is modesty. This is truly the mark of a Muslim. The Nabiy [sallallahu Alaihe (Waalihi) wa salam)] further said, that the one who leaves fashionable clothing out of humility although he has the means to wear them, Allah will call him at the head of all creation on the day of resurrection and reward him exceedingly. He said that he who humbles himself and is small in his own mind, Allah will exalt him in the eyes of people, and he who is proud and haughty and is great in his own mind, Allah will make him contemptible in the eyes of people, so that to them he becomes worse than a dog or a swine. He always used to advise people to be humble and not consider themselves superior to others. Just as we are taught that charity does not diminish one’s wealth, and in fact multiplies it several-fold, so also, humility does not diminish one’s status, but rather by it, Allah exalts the humble one exceedingly, and Allah is the Giver of Izzat (exaltation), and also of Zillat (abasement). The Nabiy [sallallahu Alaihe (Waalihi ) wa salam)] spoke of three types of people who would be in paradise: a person in authority who is just, charitable, and helpful, a man who is merciful and tender hearted to relatives and to Muslims, and a chaste man leading a pure life. And he spoke of three types of people who would be punished in hell-fire: a man who does not seek to be independent and prefers to depend on others for support, the man seeped in greed and avarice, and the deceitful person who spends his day in deceiving and cheating people. And then he said that Allah has revealed to me, "Show humility, so that none may be proud above another, and none may rebel against another".
The Nabiy [sallallahu Alaihe (Waalihi ) wa salam)] used to say that the servants of the Beneficent are the ones who walk on the earth in humbleness. Humility and courtesy are acts of piety (taqwa), and he would ask people not to exceed bounds in praising him, but to call him the servant of Allah and His messenger. He used to say of himself, "Poverty is my pride". His wealth lay in self-contentment. It is reported that the Nabiy [sallallahu Alaihe (Waalihi ) wa salam)] never ate at a table nor did he eat a thin nicely baked wheat bread all his life. It is also reported by one of the Nabiy 's wife that a full month would pass where the family of Muhammad would not light a fire for cooking and their food would be only dates and water, except if they received some gift from neighbors of milk or a present of meat.[To Be Continued
A believer sees everything as something to learn, even by silence spent in thought. It has been said, "Knowledge is the thickest of veils. " Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: "One who acquires knowledge from the learned, and acts according to it shall be saved, and one who acquired knowledge for the sake of the world shall receive just that and shall receive no reward in the hereafter. " The Glorious Qur’an says: "And whoso is given wisdom, has been given much good." 2: 269 [To Be Continued Insha’Allah]
Literally, Hijab means cover. It comes from the Arabic word hajaba. In the IndoPersian region and in some Middle East countries, the word chador or Purdah is equivalently used. In metaphysics, Hijab refers to the veil which separates the world from Allah, and in sense, is precisely a veil which refracts the light of the Divine Intellect, which otherwise would be blinding. It is special dress which is ordained for woman to hide her beauty (except for her face, hands, and feet) against affliction, distress, fluidity and abuse. It is among the most prominent terms used by the Divine Authority to protect her and to remain a beacon for guidance toward the way of a glorious life which is filled with goodness, offering virtue, glory and purity. It also protect her from to her environment. It induces a clean human society and the family structure remains strong and healthy. It also provides much more than physical cover. It is a cover that acts as a repellent of every kind of crime and vice which destroys the human being and the society. Islam takes measures to eradicate the sources of corruption in the life of human beings and to work, according to its concepts, to stop the state of exploitation of woman and the confiscation of her rights, and to establish dignity and honor in the life of human beings. Islam, with its benevolent view towards women, encourages them to pressure Hijab. The Almighty Lord loves beauty and beauty is meant to be appreciated, however, in a righteous manner. Hijab is one of the righteous deeds, and it is a sign of honor and a shield of protection from the lust of men. More importantly, it is one of the commandments of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala). Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Allah Waalihi Wasalam) said: "Those women who do not observe proper Hijab are blatantly defying the commandment of Allah." The Glorious Qur’an says: "O’ (Our) Nayib (Muhammad)! Say thou unto thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers that they let down upon them their cover garments; that they may be known, so that they will not be troubled. Allah is Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. " 33:59 [To BE Continued insha’Allah]
O’ Lord, appoint for me sufficiency in my soul, certainty in my heart, sincerity in my action, light in my eyes, and insight in my religion, Ameen.
A large number of requests, through phone calls, letters and in person, have been received from those who are interested in the AL-KUFA Newsletter, the Prayer Time-Table and also for those who filled the Free Subscription / Cancellation From for the AL-KUFA Newsletter. If you receive more than one copy of this newsletter via a duplicate mailing, you can help us correct this by informing us and we thank you for that.
Our sincere thanks and appreciation
are given to all of you. Because of the large numbers of letters that AL-KUFA
has received, we will acknowledge and publish only some of these letter
each time. Our purpose of publishing these letters is to (a) make a certain
plea known to the public in order that they might respond for the pleasure
of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), (b) make us all aware of certain circumstances,
or (c) to share a joyous news as well as to make Dua'as and Prayers for
those who are ill or have lost a loved one, and also for the one they have
lost. NOTE: For those who are interested in announcing the birth of a child,
graduation, wedding, death, or matrimonial interests, please contact the
Kufa Center of Islamic Knowledge. Those who send letters, please also provide
the center with your telephone numbers. In addition, brothers and sisters
who are requesting us for various Islamic materials, please provide us
with a full name, address, telephone number, and e-mail. If this is to
be sent to an institution, please ensure that the institution will accept
such material(s), even if it is just the AL-KUFA Newsletter. Please type
your request(s) and sign the paper. Insha'Allah, we will continue sending
this newsletter to whoever wishes to receive it. Also, we request readers
to let us know their new addresses when they relocate.
Segments of a letter received
from brother Jafar in Pennsylvania
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
All praise is for Allah. I praise Him and ask Him for help and for His forgiveness. And I seek refuge in Allah from the evil of my nafs and from the negative consequences of our actions. And for one who is guided by Allah there is none who could mislead him, and for the one who is mislead there is none to guide him. And I bear witness that there is no god other than Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad Ibn Abdullah is the Messenger of Allah. O believer, be as conscious of Allah as you should be and die only as a Muslim in the state of Islam. And be conscious of the fact that it is Allah who created you from a single soul. And from that single soul He also created your mates. And he raised up from them many men and women. And be conscious of Allah when you demand your respective rights, for Allah ever watches us. O believer, be conscious of Allah and always say that which is right, for then Allah will make your actions sound and protect you from your transgressions. And the one who obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great achievement, Ameen.
Dear brothers, I hope when you receive this letter it finds you in good health and high spirits, and enjoying the many Ni'matullah. I am writing in the capacity of Amir for the Muslim Community to acquire the assistance of our fellow Muslims outside this institution who might be able to render their time and energies on a regular basis to come here and meet with the Muslim Community for the purpose of education, counseling and liaison. We conduct ta'lin each Thursday in the chapel from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m., and Jumu'a each Friday from 1:00-2:30 p.m. These would be the most opportune times to have brother(s) come to visit. Should you know of anyone who might be interested in helping and who has the endorsement of an established community, please contact Rev. Earlston.
Having greater involvement of our brothers outside would also serve to encourage many of the brothers who leave these places to establish themselves in the Muslim communities when they get out. Unfortunately, due the absence of any real rapport with Muslims outside, many of the brothers who would otherwise gravitate to and become active members of our communities out there fail to do so, and as a result of not having any established contacts with practicing Muslims who might assist in their transition, far too many of them fall victim once again to the allures of the Dunya. Forgive me for being so utterly overbearing. I ask for your forgiveness and for your Dua’as.
Thank you brother for your letter. Let us pray together to Almighty Lord to guide all of us along the right path, and to forgive us. May He also teach you of His knowledge and wisdom.
Our thanks and appreciation to all brothers and sisters, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, who sent letters, faxes, postcards, or phone calls, or came in person to the Kufa Center Of Islamic Knowledge (KCIK), and for their support of the AL-KUFA Newsletter, the KUFA School, and the KUFA Public Library, from within the United States and aboard. The kind expressions of the readers, encouraging us to continue this Newsletter are especially appreciated. As for financial help, our thanks and appreciation to all brothers and sisters among our generous readers for their support. Please note: you may specify the purpose of your donations(s), unless you give us permission to use your donations(s) wherever they are needed most and where your donation(s) can most effectively assist, especially for the AL-KUFA Newsletter. All donation(s) and gifts are acknowledged with a tax-deductible receipt (unless otherwise requested) and we thank you for sharing your gifts from Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) with us. As the fruit of this mission begins to blossom. Insha'Allah, large numbers will receive the AL-KUFA Newsletter. The Glorious Qur’an says: "(Say): We feed you only for the pleasure of Allah; we desire from you neither reward nor thanks. And they spend (benevolently) of what We have provided them with, secretly and openly, and they repel evil with good; for these is the (happy) attainment of the (Eternal) abode." 76:9 & 13:22
We are very grateful to all sources that sent us publications, their communications about Islam, Muslim community affairs, and educational articles, and to many individuals and institutions in the United States and abroad. Masha’Allah, these publications are all excellent and those who have borrowed them have enjoyed reading them. These publications are inventoried in the KUFA Public Library and some have been mailed to our brothers and sisters in the prisons and other places.
In addition, our thanks to all brothers and sisters who took the time to write or call KCIK and inform us about the change of their addresses or their desire to receive the AL-KUFA Newsletter. REMEMBER it costs us to distribute this newsletter to thousands of readers, and only a few continue their support of it. Please be aware of this and send your donations to cover the cost for mailing, etc., to AL-KUFA. Please also inform us of any change in address. When a newsletter is returned to us, it costs us up to $1.60 in some cases. This is a waste of resources. Please, let us avoid this loss.
Our special thanks and appreciation to our brother from Maryland, two brothers from Virginia and a sister from Michigan for their donations of $50; $50, $100 and $5 respectively. Also, we received $150 from Pavarotti Jewellers in Canada (Donation for Allah’s sake) and $51.04 for compensation for the fourth quarter (October through December) of 1997. Blessings of Allah upon you all now and always. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your donations and support. May the Almighty Lord reward all of you in this life and the hereafter. The Glorious Qur’an says: "You will never attain piety unless you spend on others out of what you dearly cherish." 3:92.
Just remember that any money you pay to support KCIK, KUFA School, KUFA Public Library and AL-KUFA Newsletter is paid to strengthen the word of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) and for the sake of spreading Islam. May Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta'ala) bless you all, give you courage and provide you with resources to continue your support. The Glorious Qur’an says: "Say (O' Our Apostle Muhammad!)' If ye do love Allah, then follow me, and Allah will love you." 3:30 Jazakum Allah Khair (MAY ALLAH REWARD YOU WITH GOODNESS).
The Kufa Center Of Islamic Knowledge is entirely dependent on your financial contributions. The AL-KUFA Newsletter especially needs your support to cover its monthly costs. So, please share with us a fair contribution for this newsletter to enable it to continue.
In addition, we receive a large number of requests for the AL-KUFA Newsletter. If you don't receive the AL-KUFA Newsletter, it is only because we don't have enough funds to cover the costs, especially for overseas shipping including Canada. [Note to our brothers and sisters in prison: please check with your institutions if you did receive the AL-KUFA Newsletter, and if you received it, then please share it with other brothers and/or sisters. We included the December issue of the AL-KUFA Newsletter with our parcel to prison libraries.]
In addition, it is our responsibility to bring to your attention, our dear readers, that we are in desperate need for a place to teach and in need of resources {Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, and other Islamic books}. Banner, Islamic books, tapes and literature with English meaning were received from the donation of two Islamic foundations, Open School, Education Society and Islamic Network. These donations will aid us in our Dawah program as well as benefit the KUFA Public Library. Insha'Allah, many individuals and publishers will participate in this Dawah program. Jazakum Allahu Khairan.
Also, we are in need for several items in order for you to receive this newsletter in time, such as a copy-machine, a typewriter (particularly, an Arabic typewriter), audiocassette duplicator, and other items. Please donate these or the costs of these items and the cost of the access to the network. Also, we do not have any software to enable us to write in Arabic as well as computer CDs of the Qur’an, Hadith and an Arabic dictionary. Insha'Allah, you will be one of the (Mohsin) who will donate for the cause of Islam and humanity. Our thanks, appreciation, prayers and Dua’as to our brother and his family, from Virginia, for his donation to purchase software again. Insha'Allah this will be useful. May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) reward you for your efforts and enable you to do good deeds in this life and bless you and your family in this world and in the thereafter. Jazakum Allahu Khairan.
Insha'Allah, the AL-KUFA Newsletter will be distributed on the Internet (please see the editorial page for our e-mail and web page information). Jazakum Allahu Khairan. The Glorious Qur’an says: " That Allah may give them the best recompense for what they have done and increase for them, out of His grace; And Allah provideth sustenance for whomsoever He willeth without measure." 24:38
For the pleasure of Allah (Subhanahu
Wa Ta'ala), we therefore request you to assist us financially or materially.
We particularly request you to bring this plea to the attention of your
community, and encourage them to donate their Islamic charities to this
cause. Jazakum Allah Khair (MAY ALLAH REWARD YOU WITH GOODNESS).
Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu
Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: "None of you will reach the status
of a genuine believer until and unless he likes for his brother (in faith)
the same thing he likes for his own self. "
He upon whom I call, He gave me knowledge, and when I was alone, He increased me in number, when I was astray, He returned me to the right path, and when I was empty-handed, He enriched me, when I was in need of help, He helped me, and when He gave me, He took not away from me. O Lord, Thy power extends over everything. Accept my call, Ameen.