“And We Created Not the Heavens And The Earth And What Is Between Them Two But With Truth.” 15:85
Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: "Fasting is like a shield, and he who fasts has two joys: a joy when he breaks his fast and a joy when he meets his Lord. The change in the breath of the mouth of him who fasts is better in Allah's estimation than the smell of musk."
Seek The Pleasure Of The Lord, Most High
Shukr, the giving of thanks to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta ‘ala) signifies
loyalty to Him, and it is pleasing to Him. It exhibits gratitude
to one’s Benefactor in recognition of His benevolence and mercy. The Glorious
Qur’an says: “Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, and be thankful
to Me.” 2:152
The Rightly Guided of the Almighty graced us with the ability to continue the best of our programs to benefit Islam and humanity. We cannot adequately praise Him for His blessings and His gifts. He guides us to the proper course and He rewards all those who are making every effort to help and lead mankind to acquire the true religion of Islam, and share in His word of wisdom. The Glorious Qur’an says: “I desire naught but to reform what I am able to (do); and my guidance is not but with Allah; On Him (alone) do I rely, and unto Him (alone) do I turn.” 11:88
AlHamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), with the help and mercy of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), we are bringing to you our first issue of Volume 5 of the AL-KUFA Newsletter. AL-KUFA is a monthly Islamic newsletter, and the only one published in Southwest Virginia (Roanoke) since December, 1994. It is hoped that with the grace of the Almighty and with the help of our readers, AL-KUFA Newsletter will be able to fulfil its objective; however, the numbers of copies mailed has increased and continues to increase, AlHamdulillah. The Glorious Qur’an says: “O’ Our Apostle Muhammad! As to what they shall spend (in alms).” 2:219
Insha’Allah (God Willing), we hope to be graced with the favor of all those interested, whose sincere cooperation and efforts carry out the tasks of the AL-KUFA, giving greater success in the achievement of its goal. May the Almighty help all the seekers of truth and reality and guide those who seek His guidance, Ameen. The Glorious Qur’an says: “Our Lord! Grant us what you have promised us on (the account of) your Messengers.” 3:193
The editors of the AL-KUFA Newsletter thank Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), Who guided us to worship Him and perform His duties. The Glorious Qur’an says: “O’ My Lord! Arouse me to be thankful for the bounties which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I do good such as Thou would be pleased with, and admit me by Thy mercy, among Thy righteous servants. Allah’s is the praise, the Lord of the worlds.” 27:19 & 10:10
Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), the One Who makes goodness benefit to whomever He willed. Thanks for all who are ready to answer any of our requests. Also, our thanks to those who are visiting our web page. We hope they find it worthwhile. May He reward them with goodness, Ameen.
Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) loves His creatures, and it is His Will to be merciful to them and forgive them. Our obedience and love for Him extends to our love for His Messengers, peace be upon them all, and upon their families and all their Companions. O’ Lord, You are the One Who is the Most Compassionate and Merciful and You are the only Bestower of success. O’ Lord, You are the Source of Peace and Preserver of Security. O’ Lord, accept this from us and don’t deny us Your Love, Guidance, Support, Sustenance, Protection, and Special Mercy, Ameen.
Inna Lilallahe Wa Inna Ilailhe Raajeoon
In November, 1998, brother Abdul Jabbar Zahur Ali Khan passed away. His former wife Ansa and daughter Hani survive brother Abdul Jabbar. He is a brother of Abdul Ghaffar, and also the uncle of our brother Dr. Mohammad from Virginia. In October, 1998, brothers Hashim Ali Hamid Khan, Khaja Hussain and Mohamed Mohamed Abdel Azim passed away. Brother Hashim Ali’s former wives Anwar and Shahida, two sons Asif Ali and Faisal Ali, and two daughters and grandchildren survive brother Hashim Ali. He has five sisters, and also he is the uncle of our sister Naseem from Virginia. Brother Khaja’s former wife Mumtaz, son Syed Khizer Ahmed, two sisters, and three granddaughters, (one of whom is our sister Amina from New York), survive brother Khaja. Brother Mohamed’s former wife Rawhia, two sons Atef and Yaser from Virginia, three brothers Basher, Ahmed and Hasan, three daughters and 10 grandchildren survive brother Mohamed. The Glorious Qur'an says: "Every soul shall taste of death; Then unto Us (only) ye shall (all) be returned." 29:57
The KCIK and the editors of AL-KUFA send their deepest and most sincere condolences to the families and friends of their departed ones 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
We pray to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) to comfort the deep sorrow of grieving Muslims. O' Lord, let me not forget to remember them after my ritual prayers, forgive them through my supplication and their devotion toward me with unfailing forgiveness, Ameen. May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) bless their departed souls, shroud them with mercy and forgiveness, and grant them company with the righteous, and appoint for them one of the gardens of Paradise, and rest their soul in peace, and join their soul with that of the true believers. The Glorious Qur'an says: "And join me with the righteous." We ask our readers to read Soorat Alfatiha [Fateha (The Opening chapter of the Glorious Qur'an)] and pray for them and their family. The Glorious Qur'an says: "Who when, misfortune befalleth them, say, to Allah we belong and to Him is our return." 2:156 O’ LORD, LET IT BE ONE OF THY GATES TO THY FORGIVENESS AND ONE OF THE KEYS TO THE MERCY AND LET THEM ABIDE IN THY PARADISE, 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 from 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 of us 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. NOTE: We were unable to mail the Newsletter to most of our readers in the states of Texas and California as well as to our brothers and sister in prisons. Insha’Allah, we will able to do so in the future.
Segments of a letter and articles received from sister Kathy, Voices
in the Wilderness, Illinois:
Enclosed please find a check in payment for a subscription to AL-KUFA.
Thank you for your dedication, education, and deepened understanding.
She wrote two papers, one entitled, ‘Long Term Engagement’ and the other ,‘To Feel What Ima Feels’. Ima is the mother of a boy named Mustafa, one of at least a dozen dying children in a crowded, wretched ward a hospital lacking in equipment and medicine. Kathy reported on the violations of human rights against Muslims on the Policy, “If one person upsets you, punish the whole class, or subject the whole prison to a lockdown.” She also wrote, “This teaches a lesson, usually one predicated on anxiety, resentment, fear and hatred, - the essential ingredients for a long term engagement. Children here and throughout the world deserve far better. ”
Thank you for your nice letters and donation. May Almighty Lord reward and guide you for your good deeds. Also, may He reward those who care and offer kindness to others.
In the history of mankind, there have been were human beings who act honestly and nobly, contrary, to self-conceited materialists who only live for themselves. It is reported, “And among them is he who seeks (benefits of) this world, but does not seek (good of) the next world through actions of this world. The world in your eyes should be smaller than the bark of acacia and the clippings of wool. Seek instruction from those who preceeded you, and remember that those who follow, you will take instruction from you, and keep aloof from releasing evil because it cuts all lines to goodness.”
Rules and constitution that are drawn up by human minds sometimes cause much oppression and injustice, because the ability of the human mind is finite and limited, and is corrupted with ignorance and misconceptions. Gifts of knowledge and resourus from Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) are put to evil applications. Discrimination and injustice abound, even within the confine of such man-made laws. The less fortunate minorities are mistreated, and sometimes become society, guinea pig – a dispensable item for social and medical experimentation, to be discarded once they have served their usefulness.
Today, there are many like Mustafa, and more of harassed, abused, tortured and murdered humankind who suffer at the hands of those who are ignorant of the basic principles of humanity, while promoting themselves as leaders and saviors. It is the responsibility for those who lead (administrations of governments, judicial systems, educational institutions, executive authorities as well as individuals) to achieve peace and to implement justice to all. Any kind of injustice should be eradicated and no innocent individual should be punished. As the Qur’an says, speaking of the final Judgement,”And the innocent girl will ask for what crime was she buried.”
The relationship between mankind must be based on the principles of justice, and the affairs in this relationship should be geared to make life better and to oppose any kind corruption, and to ease the suffering and hardships, and to bring ease and comfort to all. The intent should be to establish justice, liberty, equity, and achieve security and stability, and encourage goodness and kindness for all through the bonds of love, mutual respect, and cooperation. Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: “Allah did not select Ibrahim as His friend except for the latter’s feeding the poor and praying at night while others are asleep.” The Glorious Qur'an says: “And he giveth his wealth out of love for Him to kindred, and the orphans, and the poor, and the wayfarer, and the needy, and for those in bondage.” 2:117
Our thanks and appreciation to all brothers and sisters, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, who sent letters, faxes, e-mails, postcards, publications 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 abroad. 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 to 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 brothers from Virginia who respectively donated $150 and $100. 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 in 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 previous issues 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, newspapers and other Islamic materials were received from many Islamic institutions. Copies of the Glorious Qur'an with English meaning and commentary were received from the donation of our brother from New York. Also, Arabic copies of the Glorious Qur’an were received from a family their father passed away. Please Note the KCIK physical address is: 2319 10th Street; Roanoke, Virginia; USA. Any donation (s) 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, paper shredder and other items. Please donate these or the costs of these items and the cost of the access to the Internet. Also, we do not have any software to enable us to write in Arabic or computer CDs of the Qur’an, Hadith or 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.
One of our brothers from Germany is starting the distribution of the AL-KUFA News through the Internet in Germany. Also, An Islamic Library for Dawah, is extending its distribution of the AL-KUFA News in Africa, Europe and for inmates in North America. And we request more of this from our readers. This also will help us with the cost of printing and shipping. 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).
Niyyat (Intention) for Fasting
Asoomo Shahr Ramadhan Qurba Ila Allahi Ta’Ala (I have the intention
to fast the whole month of Ramadhan, to be close to Almighty Allah) or
Asoomo Ghadan Qurba Ila Allahi Ta’Ala (I have the intention to fast tomorrow
of the month of Ramadhan, to be close to Almighty Allah). Nabiy Muhammad
(Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: “Fast -you will sustain your
health.”
Niyyat (Intention) for breaking the Fast
Alahumma Lake Somna Wa Ala Rizqika Afarna Fa Taqabbalhu Minna Ya Arham
Al-Rahimeen (O’ Allah, I have fasted for your pleasure and broken it with
the provisions you have bestowed, please accept my fast, as You are the
most Merciful). May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) give us strength and good
health to be able to fast during the month of Ramadan. Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu
Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: “So, ask your Lord, with pure intentions,
for forgiveness of the sins and rectification of evil desires.” The Almighty
Lord says in a Hadith Qudsi: "Fasting is Mine, and it is I who give reward
for it."
Peace and everlasting blessing is in it till the dawn of the morning for whomsoever of His servants He Will, according to the decree confirmed by Him. O' Lord, help us to observe fasts of the month of Ramadhan by restraining our limbs from disobeying Thee and employing them in that which would please Thee, Ameen.
Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said: “Propagate the word of peace, feed the hungry, pray while others are asleep, enter paradise peacefully.”