Your Support Is Needed
Alhamdulillah, we were able to raise funds thanks to those of you who attended our fundraiser, however, the amount we raised is significantly less than last year. As you can see around you when you visit ICOI, we have been serving about 3,000 of you at Taraweeh, especially since many of you have come from far to hear the Sh. Mishary recite. You are all more than welcome, and we hope your experience at ICOI has been a pleasant one. Honestly, this whole program and our masjid has operating costs that exceed what we collected at our fundraiser.
We are addressing those of you that didn't have a chance to come to the fundraiser and those of you that have come from far, we need your help specifically. Insha'Allah, we are doing a fundraising drive starting now and culminating in a fundraising night on the night of 23rd, Saturday before Isha. Insha'Allah, we will be collecting funds and passing out pledge forms for a few minutes before Isha. PLEASE, bring your checkbooks. If you haven't donated yet to ICOI, please bring your checkbooks next Saturday and don't forget. Next Saturday we need your help, bring your checkbooks to help out this place that you have enjoyed during Ramadan and the year. Insha'Allah, may Allah SWT allow your reward to multiply during one of the last odd nights of Ramadan.
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Lessons from life's trials and tribulations
| Khatib : |
Radwan Hafoodha |
| Khutbah No: |
166 |
| Khutbah Date: |
09/09/05 |
Brothers and sisters as we witness what happens in our daily lives and we reflect upon our [i]deen[/i] and the amazing example of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) we certainly know how we should deal with events and trials when they occur.
الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ[i]He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving[/i][Qur'an 67:2]Such is the nature of life and often times we need to be reminded that this life, make no mistake, will be all tests and trials at both the individual and group levels. Today, we have the example of the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina. We see the suffering, the death, and pain being inflicted on people who never thought this would happen to them. We, as Muslims, are indeed the first to feel their pain as our
deen teaches us to expect and be prepared for such trials. From such trials and tribulations that we are afflicted with, there are lessons to be learned.[list][*]
The first lesson - Our religion is a religion of mercy, kindness, and compassion.[/*]Muslims today are the messengers of the Prophet(pbuh) and his kindness towards humanity, as the
rahmah(kindness) of our
deen did not end at his death but should still continue through his Ummah. In a Hadith narrated by Abdullah b. Umar the Prophet Mohammad said: “So show mercy to whatever is on earth, then He who is in heaven will show mercy to you”[/list] [list][*]
The second lesson- We need to appreciate Allah(swt) and accept His
Qadr (His will).[/*]In the appreciation of Allah(swt), we must not question why a calamity befalls us but submit to His will as the full meaning of Islam is submission. In His hands are the heavens and the earth.[/list] [list][*]
The third lesson- Understand the nature of our
deen.[/*]Sometimes we feel Islam is only about
aqeedah(creed)- we pray and dress modestly and fast and give zakat and that’s it. Yes, these are all great rituals but Islam is not only about rituals… these rituals should transcend to become actions and deeds. This deen is a dynamic vibrant
deen. You cannot sit at home and say that you have nothing to do with the outside life.We need to really understand the full extent of our
deen and live it through
aqeedah and
ibadah(acts of worship). Another important concept about our
deen comes from Surat Al-Mulk:
هُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا فَامْشُوا فِي مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا مِن رِّزْقِهِ وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُIt is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse ye through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but unto Him is the Resurrection[67:15]The word
dalool in Arabic refers to animals that people ride upon. However, Allah(swt) uses this word to show that He has made this earth subservient and tamed for us, as the Earth provides all of our means of living. Yet, we think that all the intricacies of this world will last forever, although nothing can keep us secure from the will of the Almighy. We should find security in our
iman but the security that we have does not keep us from realizing that everything we have will not last and the examples are many…[/list] [list][*]
The fourth lesson – Do not exercise
kibr (arrogance) and act haughty as Muslims should practice humility. [/*][/list] Let us reflect and implement Islam and be the first ones to give a helping hand and relieve pain and suffering. Let us not forget the pain of the Muslims around the world and the pain of our fellow citizens.
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