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Page 2 The Islamic Bulletin Issue 2 Page 3 The Islamic Bulletin Issue 2
On Sunday, February 17, 1991,
Nidal received an invitation to
speak about Islam at a church
in Tulare, a town about 40 miles
from Fresno.
The Gulf War was about a
month old and public aware-
ness of Islam was great. When
Nidal came into town around
11 o’clock in the morning, he
noticed that the whole town
was covered with American
flags and yellow ribbons, and
later he learned that a lot of
young men from Tulare had
been sent to the Gulf.
Most of the congregation in
this church were middle-aged
and were curious to see Nidal
dressed in Arabian dress.
After a few remarks, Nidal was
introduced to the congregation. He started his talk by telling the
meaning of the words, ‘Islam’ and ‘Muslim’. He also explained
the principles of Iman and Islam and then he let the congregation
choose the topics they wanted to explore.
The first topic they chose was that of the place, rights, and duties of
women in Islam. He explained that Islam put women in a situation
where they were not to be used, abused, or humiliated unjustly. He
explained that women are given their place in society to function
best as mothers in the family unit.
The second topic was about the life of the Prophet Mohammed
(PBUH) and his lifestyle. Nidal explained about the life of the
Prophet and his teaching. He mentioned the story of Omar (R.A.)
when he opened Jerusalem.
The last topic was about the Gulf War. Here, Nidal explained about
the history of Islam expansion.
At the end of Nidal’s talk, he was asked to pray. He told everybody
to raise their hands and asked The Almighty to give them guidance.
Ameen!
The letter by Nidal was edited without changing the facts to ac-
commodate space.
Assalamu Alaikum
Dear Editor,
I have bow living here in San Francisco for two years now and I
have found very few Islamic activities for the families. Unlike other
major city masjids, the Islamic Center of S.F. does not have activities
planned for families. I also do not see women involved very much
in the Masjid. Is there a reason for this? I would love to find out
how I can become involved with some other Muslim sisters to plan
activities for our children.
Thank you!
Wa Alaikum Salem
Letters To T he Editor
Response:
Sumay al Saleh
Thank you for your letter. This is a very big concern of all Muslim
families and is something that all of us need to work on. Presently
we have a telephone number which will coordinate these activi-
ties, provide locations for prayers, answer questions, and provide
literature about Islam both for Muslims as well as non-Muslims.
The number to call is 415-552-8831.
Dear Editor,
I would like to congratulate you first for a wonderful start in your
bulletin. I would like to suggest in your food section to provide
recipes of different Islamic dishes, from members of different
countries in the world.
Response:
M. Tuqan, Richmond
We will start a section with recipes. We request from everybody
to please mail us some recipes, so that we can start this section in
the next issue.
Course of Conduct during the Holy Month of
Ramadan
Sighting of the Moon
When the Ramadan Moon is sighted, the following supplication
should be recited, “The Almighty is The Greatest: O Almighty!
May this moon herald for us peace, faith, and safety; and let
this moon rise as a moon for Islam and for peace. Also, bless
us with the capability for tasks that are liked by You and please
You. Omoon, our Lord and thine Lord is The Almighty.” (Tirmizi,
Ibn Haban).
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The time difference
between two consecutive new moons varies from 29 days and 6
hours to 29 days and 20 hours.
During the conjunction period, the moon is completely dark and
not visible due to the overshadow from the earth, since it is in a
straight line with the sun and the earth.
When the moon crosses this line, it is regarded as the birth of a
new moon. The birth of the new moon can occur at any time of
the day or the night.
The visibility of the new moon, however, depends upon a number
of factors such as the angle of separation from the sun; the clarity
and contrast in the atmosphere, etc.
As a general rule, the new moon should be between 22 to 30 hours
at the time of the sunset, before it can become visible.
To obtain a definite answer, please contact the Islamic Center of
San Francisco at the following phone numbers (415) 282-9039,
(415) 641-9596 or one of the Board of Directors.
Need to contact us?
Web Address:
E-Mail:
Editor, Islamic Bulletin
P.O. Box 410186
San Francisco, CA 94141-0186, USA
Ramadan
A Month of Prayer: Develop special interest for prayers during
the holy month of Ramadan. Besides the obligatory prayers, make
arrangements for optional prayers.
Recitation from the Holy Qur’an
Make special arrangements for the recitation of the Holy Qur’an
during this holy month of Ramadan. It is related on the authority
of Abdullah bin ‘Amr that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said:
“The fast and the Qur’an will, both plead on behalf of the
bondsman (who will keep fast in the day and recite or listen
attentively to the recital of the Quran in the night, standing
in the presence of the Lord). The fast will say: ‘My Lord! I had
held him back from food, drink and sexual satisfaction. Accept
my intercession for him today (and treat him with mercy and
forgiveness).’ And the Qur’an will say: ‘I had held him back
from taking rest and sleeping in the night. O God! Accept
my intercession for him today (and treat him with mercy and
forgiveness). The intercession of both the fast and the Qur’an
will be accepted for the bondsman and he will be treated with
exceptional kindness.’” -Baihaqi.
The Holy Qur’an and other Divine books were revealed during
this month. Hadrat Ibrahim, (Prophet Abraham) (A.S.) was blessed
with Divine Scriptures, Hadrat Dawood, (Prophet David) (A.S.) was
awarded with the Zabur, Hadrat Isa (Prophet Jesus) (A.S.) received
the Bible during this auspicious month.
Listen to the Qur’an during Tarawih
It was the practice of the Holy Prophet (saw) to listen to the whole
text of the Holy Qur’an during this month.
Tarawih Prayers
Offer the Tarawih prayers with full devotion, concentration and
interest. Do not rush through these prayers as a matter of routine,
but offer the same with reverence as a regular Salat. Offer them,
so that it may strengthen your relationship with The Almighty
and the same may have good effect on your life. If The Almighty
grants you the aptitude, make preparation for Tahajjud (late night)
prayers also.
The Islamic Center of San Francisco will be conducting the Tarawih
prayers under the auspices of Imam Ismail Ashraff. Approximately
1 1/4 Siparahs (parts) (Juz in Arabic) will be recited every night.
The completion of the Qur’an will be, God-willing, on the 27th
night of Ramadan. The Tarawih prayers will be conducted after
the Isha Salat.
Help the Poor
Offer Sadaqah and alms to the poor. Attend to the needs of the
infirm, the indigent, the widows and the orphans. Arrange for the
Sahri and Iftar for the poor. The Holy Prophet (saw) has desig-
nated this month as the month of sympathy, largess, and charity.
Sympathy means material and moral sympathy, politeness and
consideration, and monetary help. Hazrat Ibn Abbas (R.A.A.) says
that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was the most generous person
among all the men, particularly during the month of Ramadhan,
he (S. A. W.) used to be extraordinarily benevolent and generous
when he met Gabriel.
And during this month Angel Gabriel used to visit him every night
and recite the Holy Quran to him. At this time the normal generosity
of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) used to be very much increased, faster
than the rain bearing wind. (Bukhari and Muslim)
Laila-tul-Qadr (Night of Glory)
Arrange to offer as many Nafls as possible during the Lailat-ul-Qadr,
and recite the Holy Qur’an as the importance of this night lies
in the fact that it was on this very night that the Divine message
descended.
The Holy Qur’an, in Surah Al-Qadr (The Night of Power) says:
“We have indeed revealed This (Message) In the Night of
Power. And what do you know (about the significance and
importance) of this night? The Glorious Night is better than
a thousand months. On this night the angels and Jibrail (Ga-
briel) descended (embark upon their allotted mission) by the
command of their Sustainer. That (Night) is all peace until the
dawn.” (Qur’an 97:1-5)
I’tikaf in Ramadan
The tradition has it that the Holy Prophet (saw) observed I’tikaf (i.e.
prayers in seclusion) during Ramadan, and therefore, we should
follow the same practice. According to Hadrat Ayesha (ra), “When
the last ten days of Ramadan arrived, the Holy Prophet (saw) used
to awake as much as possible and offer prayers. He also made
arrangements to wake up his wives and prayed with all devotion
to The Almighty.”
Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr should be given on behalf of adult, minor, male or
female Muslims. It consists of a Sa’a (measure of about 2.5 kgs)
of rice, wheat, dates or similar things of food or its equivalence in
cash of $3 dollars and 50 cents or $4 dollars. Give it voluntarily
and without any hesitation, on Eid-day, or a day or two before to
enable the needy and the poor to arrange for their requirements
so that they may celebrate and enjoy the Eid festivities along with
the others.
The Holy Prophet (saw) has highly recommended the Zakat al-
Fitr so that it may expiate for the irregularities committed during
Ramadan, and may help for the sustenance of the poor and the
indigent. (Abu Daud)
Abbreviations Used:
PBUH; A.S.; S.A.W. - Peace be upon him
R.A.A.- The Almighty was pleased with him/them
R.A.- The Almighty was pleased with her
T he Virtues of F asting