In Ernest, We Call Upon Him; Verily, He Is The Benign, The Most Merciful 52:28
Knowledge is an enlightenment
Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wa Salam) said: “The acquisition
of knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim male and female.”
Dear Brothers/Sisters in Islam,
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh
The messengers of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'Ala) were appointed to build their societies and lead an individual toward spiritual advancement and to focus not just on this world, but also on the hereafter. Purification of the soul and education of the mind were among the main aims of their messages. Many verses of the Glorious Qur’an and several sayings of Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) encourages individuals to increase their learning to acquire for knowledge and wisdom. Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave." The Glorious Qur’an says: “He it is Who raised among the Ummies (unlettered ones) an Apostle from among themselves, reciting unto them His signs, and purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom although they were of before in manifest straying.” 62:2
The Muslims believe, an individual is a creation from the Great Creator, the Lord of the World, Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'Ala). We must respect, love, nurture, and care for each individual. The KUFA Islamic school focuses of Islamic spiritual and moral values and traditions. It demonstrates universal values and principles such as responsibility, commitment, respect, love, excellence, freedom and peace. We pray to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'Ala) that our future generation will maintain their Islamic identity, morals and values and become good messengers of Islam and contributing members of society. Insha’Allah, this school as well as other Islamic schools will provide an Islamic foundation for life-long learning and develop a generation of strong believers. The school is an opportunity for Muslims to learn and grow in an Islamic environment, excelling spiritually. It is said, “Whoever taught me a letter, he became my master.” Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: “The believer always seeks wisdom.” The Glorious Qur’an says: “O Lord! Increase me in knowledge!” 20:114
At the KUFA School, we are teaching the subjects of Arabic Language and Islamic Studies. AlHumdalillah, the Summer of the KUFA School ended in August. The lessons included the following. 1. Islamic Studies (Allah is the Lord of the World; Islam is a Universal Religion and a Way of Life; Qur’an is the Word and the Book of Allah; The Language of the Heart is the Glorious Qur’an; Allah Appointed His Last Nabiy; Islamic School and its Effect on the Society; Personal Responsibility; The Significance of Individual Thought); and 2. Arabic Studies (The Glorious Qur’an was Written in Arabic; Arabic Alphabet; Moon and Sun Letters; Definite Article; Vowels; Diphthongs; Vowel Variation; Signs in Arabic Script; Salutations; Months of the Lunar Year; Months of the Solar Year; The Numbers; Ordinal Numbers; Colors; Times; Days of the Week). Both Muslims and non-Muslim students attended. All of them had either graduated from high schools or were college students. Students asked several questions to learn about Arabic and Islam. One student wrote an Islamic article, and in his conclusion, in sum, he wrote, “Many people feel better about themselves when they put someone else down. Throughout time that has been the way. It seems, as if every person wants to put himself or herself in a position to look down on another human. Many of us have lived with racism and discrimination and have not learned from it. I’ve seen many people being oppressed, but when they gain status, they themselves become oppressors. This is a cycle, which needs to end. True followers of Islam would not partake in these practices. This hatred and fear among divisions in Islam is not needed. The identity of a Muslim should be singly that ‘l am a Muslim’.” Insha’Allah, this education will be of great benefit to the students. They deserves our full support and attention. By the grace of Almighty Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'Ala), we hope to keep this success going and we may also be able to publish some of these activities in this newsletter. We should be thankful to the Almighty Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'Ala) for those achievements. Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: "Seeking knowledge is a duty for every Muslim man and Woman.” The Glorious Qur'an says: "Our Lord! Make us Muslims submitting (only) to Thee and our progeny (make) a group submissive (only) to Thee And show us the ways of Devotion and turn to us (mercifully) for verily Thou and Thou (alone) art the Oft-Returning, the Most Merciful." 2:128
Anyone who received the Registration Form and is interested in learning about Islam and Arabic, please fill out the information requested on the Registration Form and send it to KUFA School's address: KUFA School, KCIK, P.O. Box 11771, Roanoke, VA 24022-1771, USA. For those who are interested in enrolling in the KUFA School, and if you have any questions, please feel to contact us at (540) 563-8471 or e-mail us at: kufa_school@yahoo.com. You may also write to the KUFA School's address specified above. The Glorious Qur'an says: "And he who hath been granted wisdom hath been given abundant good." 2:269 Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: "Whosoever follows a path to seek knowledge therein, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise."
We also invite Muslims who are interested in teaching or assisting in the school to participate in this effort. Likewise, we invite religious scholars and professionals to be a part of this school by sending their articles and/or any suggestions. Jazakum Allah Khair. Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: "Allah will put this light in the hearts of those He likes (wishes)." He also said: “The learned ones are the heirs of Allah’s messengers.” The Glorious Qur'an says: "Allah's hand supports the Community."
We still have no funds to provide for suitable place for this school. We humbly appeal for your generous donations towards this school. This appeal is for all Muslims throughout the world to donate to this cause in the name of Almighty Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'Ala). Your contributions would be considered as continuous charity till the Day of Judgement, Insha’Allah and would be greatly appreciated. It does not matter how great or small your contribution is, but you can be sure that you are performing a noble deed by investing in the future of in our future Muslim generations.
Praise be to Lord for what He has taught us about Himself (for that He) inspired us with Gratitude to Him, opened the door of the knowledge of His Godhead for us, directed us toward the purity of belief in His unity and restrained us from rebelling against, or ever from entertaining doubts concerning, His commands. Ameen.
Wassalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh
Gratitude
[Continued From Vol.4, No. 9]
[This article will be part of a book in future InshaAllah. The copyright is preserved by this Newsletter as well as upon the request of the author. We pray that he will be finish this book soon. May the Almighty Lord protect him and reward him for his goodness. He gives success and showers His mercy on whosoever of them works that righteousness, Ameen].
Even when Allah (subhanu wa Ta'Ala) imposes an affliction or trial on
us, there is in it a favor by which He is teaching us, strengthening our
character, and cleansing our souls to the benefit of the hereafter. As
Nabiy Muhammad [sallallahu Alaihe (Waalihi) wa salam] said, there is not
a thorn that pricks us or a distress that afflicts us, or a sorrow that
grieves us, but that our sins are erased and fall away from us just as
the leaves fall from the trees in autumn. But this happens only for the
ones who bear patiently with prayer and recognition of its purpose, and
who remain thankful to Allah (subhanu wa Ta'Ala) after He relieves them
of this burden, the event having made them better individuals. In
Surah Hud (11:9, 10), Allah (subhanu wa Ta'Ala) says, "And if We make man
taste mercy from Us, then withdraw it from him, he is surely despairing,
ungrateful. And if We make him taste a favor after distress has afflicted
him, he says: The evils are gone away from me. Certainly, he is exultant,
boastful." And in Surah Bani Israel (17:67), He says, "And when distress
afflicts you in the sea, away go those whom you call on except He; but
when He brings you safe to the land, you turn away. And man is ever ungrateful."
We see this attitude knit in the very fabric of our civilization where,
for example, a hospital always has a nondenominational chapel for all to
worship and to ask their Creator for assistance, but in places like malls,
and parks, and airports, one is hard-pressed to find a place to pray in
solitude. As Allah (subhanu wa Ta'Ala) says in Surah Yunus (10:12), "And
when affliction touches a man, he calls on Us, whether lying on his side
or sitting or standing; but, when We remove his affliction from him, he
passes as though he had never called on Us on account of an affliction
that touched him. Thus is what they do, made fair-seeming to the extravagant."
In fact, there are many occasions when people object to the sight of a
person worshipping in a public place, yet they will smile and give privacy
to a couple displaying affection. It is all right in today’s world to show
love to your mate in public, but not to show adoration to your Lord. When
Nabiy Muhammad [sallallahu Alaihe (Waalihi) wa salam] was on his deathbed
and despite his strong fever, he prayed for a good duration of the night,
he was asked why he did so when all his past and even future sins had been
forgiven. His reply was simply, "Should I not be grateful to my Rabb?"
Definitions and Fundamentals:
A Mu'min: Genuine Believer
[Continued From Vol.4, No. 9]
A genuine believer is willing to put his/her self through difficulties
rather than have others suffer. There is a saying in Arabic, “The steadfast
individual is always victorious.” Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi
Wa Salam) said: “strive to be of an honorable character.” He also said:
“Fear Allah in your ease and difficulty.” The Glorious Qur’an says: “Verily,
only the patient ones will be paid their recompense without any account.
Verily he who practiceth piety and is patient (is always rewarded) for
verily Allah wasteth not the reward of the doers of good. And surely we
will endure whatever hurt ye may inflict on us; and on Allah (alone) should
the reliant rely.” 39:10; 12:90 & 14:12 O Thou, from Whom we seek deliverance
from trials and comfort in time of distress: O’ my Lord, bring ease, and
remove hardship, Ameen.
Thanks For Your Support!
Our thanks and appreciation to all brothers and sisters, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, who sent letters, faxes, postcards, publication 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 a mother from New York who donated $25 to AL-KUFA Newsletter on behalf of her son in a North Carolina prison. May the Almighty Lord grant ease for her and for her son, Ameen. Also, our thanks and appreciation to two youth students from Virginia who enrolled in the Summer of the Kufa School, one of whom donated $20 and the other $24, and also to brothers from Virginia, Texas and Ireland who respectively donated $25; $20 and $400. 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}. Islamic newsletters, Bulletin of Affiliation, magazines and other Islamic materials were received from many Islamic institutions. An Islamic book with English meaning was received from the donation of one foundation. This donation 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 or 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. 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 hereafter. 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).
Letters to AL-KUFA
Share With People Their Experiences
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 Form 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 letters 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, postal address, telephone number, and e-mail address. 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. We mostly mail the Glorious Qur’an to those in particular need, especially in prison.
Note: There are several inmates who requested the Glorious Qur’an in Arabic. We will be glad to mail this to them, but please first inform us if their institutions allow receiving a hard copy.
O Lord of Majesty and Splendor, forgive us that of ourselves which Thou knowest and we know not, preserve us from sins with the best of preservation, suffice us with the sufficiencies of Thy determination, favor us with Thy fair regard, leave us not to other than Thee, hold us not back from Thy goodness. O Thou, obedience to Whom is salvation to those who obey. O Best of those who is called to remove affliction. Graciously hear out supplication unto Thee, Ameen.
Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wa Salam) said: “When one
of you undertakes a certain duty, you should bring it to perfection.”
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