"O ye who believe! Fasting has been ordained unto you as it was ordained unto those before you so that ye guard yourself (against evil)" 2:183
Each year Muslims all around the world welcome the month of Ramadhan as a most joyous occasion, and strive during this month to the commandments of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), seeking His pleasure. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) made the month of Ramadhan superior over all the other months by allotting it abundant honors and celebrated excellencies. This is a month in which Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) showers His blessings generously on all obedient Muslims.
KCIK and the editors of the AL-KUFA Newsletter wish to congratulate
all Muslims around the world for the month of Ramadhan. O' Lord, help us
to observe its fasts by restraining our limbs from disobeying Thee and
employing them in that which would please Thee, Ameen
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 Almighty graced us with the ability to establish a positive step in the direction of continuing the best of our programs in His Guidance. 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.
Al-Hamdulillah (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 6 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, the AL-KUFA Newsletter will be able to fulfill its objective; however, the numbers of copies mailed has increased and continues to increase, Al-Hamdulillah. 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 editors of the AL-KUFA Newsletter thank Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Aala), Who guided us to worship Him and to perform our duties. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), the One Who makes goodness benefit to whomever He wills. 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 to 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.
[This article is an excerpt from a future book Insha'Allah. The copyright is reserved by the author and this Newsletter. We pray that he will finish this book soon. May the Almighty Lord protect him and reward him for his goodness. He gives success through His mercy to whomsoever of them that works righteousness, Ameen]
The second characteristic that these verses induce a Muhmin to cultivate is the pursuit of science, and the conquest of nature along with the application of its laws for the benefit of mankind, being fully conscious that nothing has been created in vain, and that a purpose underlies the whole of creation. Indeed the Qur’an is resplendent with scientific facts that were unknown to the people at the time of their revelation, and that were only more fully understood as man explored these truths over the centuries that followed, even up to the present day and time. These scientific facts deal with the creation of the heavens and the earth from a celestial matter that was flung asunder (this matter is called “dhukkan” or smoke in the Qur’an, and indeed, a modern day view of this via the Hubbell telescope confirms this terminology). [To Be Continued Insha’Allah]
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, Dawah program, 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. Please share this newsletter as well as other material you receive from us, including the Glorious Qur'an with others, Jazakum Allah Khair.
Our sincere thanks and appreciation 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, and we are unable to include references due to space limitations. 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, sponsorship of orphan/child, graduation, wedding, death, or to publish matrimonial or employment interests, please contact the Kufa Center of Islamic Knowledge {you must include a telephone number for matrimonial advertisements}. Those who send letters and e-mails, please also provide the Center with your telephone numbers. In addition, brothers and sisters who are requesting of us various Islamic materials and messages, 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. Thank you brothers and sisters, and may Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) reward all of you. Jazakum Allah Khairan.
AL-KUFA received letters, e-mails faxes and telephone calls. Our special thanks and appreciation to all brothers and sisters who took the time to call the Center with their prayers, support and substance. May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) reward them and shower His blessings on all with His protection, Ameen.
They started their letters with the Name of Allah,“BISM-ILLAH-IR-RAHMAN-lR-RAHIM” and their greetings,“Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh”, and they ended their letters with the greeting,“Wa Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh.”
Segments of four letters received from brothers Fahad in Connecticut, Vicki in Australia, Diane in the US Army and sister Ahlem in Ohio respectively:
“I am a Muslim in the State of Connecticut. I am 17 and attend college here. too. I really need to know when the month of Ramadhan is going to start here. Also the imsak times. I really don't want to miss this great honor of fasting in this month.”
“I have been directed to your site through a general search engine where I requested information on Ramadam. I would like to learn how to calculate when Ramadhan begins and ends each year and wondered if you are able to provide the calculation criteria/methods.”
“I am currently an Equal Opportunity Advisor in the US Army. My job includes an educational process for members of our unit to get exposed to as many different cultures and to include every one in all we do as a unit. This December holiday season includes Ramadhan. I am having difficulty finding a little momento, bookmark, and/or trinket that represents this celebration. Could you please help me locate something that will represent this holiday season. Thank you for your time. Have a wonderful and peaceful day.”
“Would you please display the monthly Islamic Calendar on the Web with the prayer table-times. Jazaakumu Allahu kairan.”
Insha'Allah, the Center will soon provide the prayer time-table for the month of Ramadhan and it is posted now in the KCIK’s website. O’ Lord, we pray together for this mission to be continued. May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) help all of us to fast this month of Ramadhan and reward us for our efforts to serve Islam and Humanity in this life and in the Hereafter, Ameen.
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.
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 informed 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.
Our thanks and appreciation to our brothers and sisters from Illinois, Maryland and Virginia who respectively donated $25; $25 and $10 (in the donation box). For the Momineen and Mominaat who donated toward the purchase of land for the Center, and/or support the Center may Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) gift them houses in Heaven, Ameen. Insha’Allah, those who donated toward a place for Center, we will publish their donations in the future. A sister from Illinois wrote,“Beleieve me, we all, and that includes me of course understand how important it is to have Islamic centers for the community and especially, for the children here in this country. It is tough, but I myself agree hundred percent with every thing Kufa Center has been doing over the years. I am very proud to be by its side from the start. The Kufa Center proved over the years to be a shelter for the Muslims and even for those who are interested in Islam here in America. As a matter of fact, it is a true Islamic Center since it has never been biased toward a group or a sect and it is there for every one. Women and men whether old or young have an equal chance for entrance through the Kufa Center doors. These doors are big enough and are open 24 hours a day to all kinds of needs. Jazakum Allahu Khair for all the great deeds of serving the humankind with the little finance and the small budget of the Center. It is Him Subhana and not us who is behind the Center blessing it with His Rahma and Insha'Allah it never stops because its all what Kufa Center all about and all what it needs.”
Any donation, small or large, will be account in this life and in the Hereafter. If each Muslim would donate just one ($1) a month, we would soon have one Islamic Institution in each city. This would help bring the Muslims together and spread the Word of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), as our brothers and sisters would find a place of worship whoever they travel. 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.
We ask you to support this mission, even with your prayers. May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) make the pure things of sustenance flow unto all, Ameen. Blessings of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) 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. 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. Those in any prison who haven’t received their packages including a copy of the Glorious Qur’an, please request your chaplain and/or any representative of that facility to contact the Center, and Insha’Allah, we will be able to send it. Also, as part of Dawah program, brothers and sisters who would like to have someone visit them and/or call them on the telephone (for about 20 minutes) to talk about Islam, please request the chaplain/officer of that institution to contact the KCIK. We can arrange (at our expense) for people to call specific individuals, or to call a group of Muslims over a speaker phone, at an appointed time to provide lessons or answer questions on Islam, Insha’Allah.
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, Islamic magazines, newspapers and other Islamic materials were received from many Islamic institutions. Copies of Islamic Arabic and English books, including Arabic copies of the Glorious Qur’an were received from the donations of Islamic Foundation, Bookshop and brother from Virginia. 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. 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.
Our special thanks to those who visited the Center and/or borrowed books and other material. O’ Lord increase our knowledge and guide all of us to the right path, Ameen. We request donation s to aid us in our Dawah program as well as for the KUFA Public Library. Thank you, and may Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) reward you with goodness. For the pleasure of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), we therefore request you to assist us financially or materially in all of our programs. 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).
Fasting is a religious obligation (Fard) on every Muslim who has attained the age of puberty (adult), and who is sane, able and resident during this month. Muslim men as well as women, rich as well as poor, influential and powerful as well as the weak and downtrodden have to observe fasts, restraining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual pleasure from dawn until sunset of course, as always, all sinful actions are to be constantly avoided as well. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) prohibits the former during the fasting period, while they are permitted at other times, and it is shameful to be disobedient to the command of the One who provides them gifts. However, He permits the sick, the traveler, or a menstruating, pregnant and or confined woman not to fast, although they should at make up the fasts they missed. When they can at a late date, or compensate by feeding needy person for each missed day.
This in itself shocks man/woman into renewed awareness and him/her to new spiritual heights. It is said that man/woman must interact with every act performed and there must be a conscious awareness of the act and an active involvement of the inner spirit. To continue to perform any act of worship without such an involvement might lead one to act merely out of habit and in a mechanical way without the deep spiritual feeling and the joy of worship. This is why Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) has chosen one tenet of Islam where He prohibits acts which are permitted throughout the year. The result is the revitalization of one's spirit and awareness, and the strengthening of self-control and moral consciousness. One of the spiritual benefits of fasting is that it develops one's self-discipline. Mere hunger and thirst do not constitute a fast. May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) give us strength and good health to be able to fast, forgive us and our parents who die and also all true believing and Muslims, Ameen.
Praise be to Allah Who ordained His month, the month of Ramadhan, the month of fasting, the month of Islam, the month of purity, the month of purification and the month of standing up (for prayers) in which the Qur'an was made to descend, as a guidance for all of mankind. He gave excellence to one of its nights over a thousand months and named it the night of Qadr, wherein descend the angels and the spirit by the permission of their Almighty Lord, for every matter, Ameen.
Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) Said,“Fasting the Month Ramadhan is a Divine obligation.”
"Whoever fasted the month of Ramadhan with faith and in expectancy of reward, his previous sins are forgiven him. 'Oh seeker of Good, draw near! Oh seeker of Evil, desist!'”