ICNA Islamic Circle of North America

The renovation of ICNA headquarters in Queens, NY is making significant progress. By Ramadan, the basement, first, and second floors were ready for Taraweeh prayers. Also, the newly revamped third floor is almost complete. ICNA held a fundraiser for the headquarters on July 31st in the Al-Markaz building, and Muhammad Tariqur Rahman, Secretary General of ICNA, is now requesting everyone’s help. “We request the continued support of the American community for the completion of this highly anticipated project,” he said.

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Ugust 10, 2010 – ICNA Relief USA, a Domestic Faith Based Social Service and Disaster Relief Organization, recently opened its newly established office in Massachusetts located at 222 Broadway (inside the Casablanca Cafe), Chelsea, MA 02150. Malika Bey-Rushdan will serve as the Project Director for the new ICNA Relief Boston operations. Originally from the Boston area, she brings with her a wealth of experience in community development.
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WASHINGTON DC (August 2, 2010) – ICNA Council for Social Justice, the social justice division of the Islamic Circle of North America and ICNA Relief, along with other interfaith partners, today announced their appeal to US lawmakers to support the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act that expires September 30, 2010.

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By Zainab Arain

HOUSTON, Texas (July 2nd, 2010) – The fifth annual ICNA-MAS US South Central Region Conference was held at the University of Houston with much success. The theme, Save Family – Save Society, attracted large crowds.

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HOUSTON, Texas (July 17th, 2010) – Over 150 students attended the first ever class of the Islamic Learning Foundation (ILF) of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Houston Chapter. Ustadh Abdul Sattar Ahmed (Founding member of Chicago’s ILF) said he was not expecting that many to show up for the first course.

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—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 
JAMAICA, New York (July 19, 2010) – Young Muslims (YM), and Young Muslims Sisters are pleased to announce their co-sponsorship and participation in the Summer Nights Program 2010, which consists of a series of online educational web seminars on Islamic topics such as Fiqh, Dawah, the Quranic Sciences, Hadith Study, etc.
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The ICNA headquarters in Queens, New York was purchased in 1984 and became the center of Islamic work in North America. Now, 26 years later, construction has begun to expand the headquarters to better serve the developing needs of the organization.

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—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 
JAMAICA, New York (March 3, 2010) – In a press release issued today, the Islamic Circle of North America, one of the largest American Muslim organizations, announced the official launch of its social media efforts.
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Young Muslims of North America, the youth division of ICNA, is proud to present its new, redesigned site: http://www.ymsite.com. In design stages for nearly a year, the site is aesthetically cleaner than previous versions and features many new updates and features- most notably a YM National blog.

Features on the website include the following:

FORUM – A YM forum where you can learn more about YM, discuss various topics, and obtain help with regards to things such as schoolwork, khutbahs, halaqas, etc. It is highly encouraged that you register. Also, registration is necessary in order to be able to sign up for events.

YOUNG MUSLIMS BLOG – This is a new addition to YMsite. It is a blog where beneficial articles will be posted for the youth by the youth. InshAllah, you will be able gain insight, naseeha and understanding from the articles posted there. Beneficial articles from other blogs may also be posted on there. The YM blog will be an excellent place to learn about various Islamic topicsand also learn about various viewpoints.

MEDIA SECTION – The media page is divided into four sections. There is an AUDIO section where you can listen to high quality full-length audio files lectures, conferences and other events. There is also a VIDEO section where you can view various video clips relating to YM activities. There is a PUBLICATIONS section where you can check out YM’s publications. Also, there is a PICTURES section where you can view photos from various YM events.

BOOKS – This is a books section where you can read full-length electronic versions of many useful books. It is an excellent resource to expand your knowledge and gain a broader understanding of Islam – all for free! The ideas and viewpoints represented in those books as well as the ideas presented in other files on the site may not necessarily represent the views of Young Muslims or any of its affiliates, members, employees, or officers.

DONATE – This is a section where you can choose to support YM financially. Please note Young Muslims is a tax-exempt non-profit organization. Aside from registration fees for events, YM depends upon donations to cover its expenses. Please donate as much as you can. May Allah (SWT) make us generous! Ameen!

EVENTS CALENDAR – On the home page, there is an events calendar where you can view details about upcoming YM events.

The YM web-team is working on another major update, InshaAllah. Please visit the site as often as you can to remain updated.

On Saturday a cyclone with winds up to 120 MPH ripped through the country of Myanmar (also known as Burma). The death toll has reached 22,500, with another 41,000 reported missing.

ICNA appeals to the Myanmar government to facilitate relief agencies so they can quickly provide aid to those affected.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development has started a cyclone relief fund. Please donate generously.

Mark your calendars!  Insha Allah, ICNA-NJ has specifically designed this event to be in the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah as “There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these (ten) days.” (Bukhari). On Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets are available for purchase. Speakers include Sh. Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo, Imam Siraj Wahhaj and Sh. Yasir Qadhi. The venue is North Brunswick High School Raider Road, North Brunswick, NJ 08902. For tickets & information call 877-363-ICNA or visit

www.ICNANJ.org Babysitting and Halal food will be available, InshaAllah.  Do NOT miss it!
Buy Tickets Online!      

By EMAN ELKHOLY

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity."  (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 589)
It was all over the news. Raging fire in Bronx, NY leaves many family members dead. When I was first asked to engage in this Young Muslims (YM) initiative to ease the pain and hardships of the Maggasi family from the Bronx I was caught up in the sensationalism that television often creates. I thought to myself, ‘I will actually meet the family that appeared on TV!’
Glory be to God, little did I know, the matter was greater than that…

As news of the deaths spread far and wide YM, Young Muslims decided to step in and help this Muslim family. The sisters in Jersey City decided to visit them. The weekend before the visit we went shopping for school supplies for the children. Afterwards, the feelings I carried were quite ambiguous. Perhaps, I felt disconnected from it all. I felt that it wasn’t enough, that more should be done for this family.

A few days later, I was at work speculating about ways I could offer my help. I decided to ask the group of people I pray with while at work. I figured maybe they could contribute something for the family. I sent out an email to the group, and left my desk for five minutes. Upon my return, I discovered at least ten replies from people who wanted to help. Immediately I remembered the verse from the chapter in the Quran entitled ‘Divorce’:

“And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty)”

Since the beginning of this YM project God made it very easy for us to buy supplies and raise funds for the family. I can only assume the reason for this ease was that God must love this family for remaining strong during this time of tribulation.

Finally, the day had arrived. I met up with the most kind-hearted, beautiful sisters (inside and out) anyone could ever meet. We began our journey to visit the family. We first picked up boxes donated by students from Miftah ul Uloom (Key to Knowledge)
High School in Union City, NJ. We went through each box one by one to distinguish the good clothes from the bad, boxed the good ones, and labeled it for each of the families we were visiting. Then we drove off. The directions were easy to follow, the trip there was free of traffic, and finding the buildings was even easier. I knew that was God’s way of helping us help them. The hardest part awaited us inside that apartment.

We visited the first wife, who lost at least 5 of her children. She was left with an older son and daughter. Looking at her, I felt the sense of utter despair and emptiness. She did nothing but thank us, but that feeling of discontent entered my heart once more. I felt as if I had done nothing for this family. Nothing can ease the pain and suffering of losing a child, never mind five! I wish I had said more to her, done more for her, but words were just trapped inside me. What can I as a sister say or do to ease this sister’s pain? God, grant her patience. I wish I had told her the story of Prophet Ayub (Jacob) who suffered more tribulations than anyone in this world, yet he uttered a prayer to God more beautiful than anything that the ears can hear:

"And (remember) Jacob when he cried to his Lord "Truly, distress has seized me, but You are the Most Merciful of those that are merciful." ‘The Prophets’, Verse 83 The Quran

I couldn’t grasp the idea that the person before me has been through a flaming, burning fire; lost her children, her belongings, everything that she ever owned, possessed, and loved. I couldn’t help but wonder what would I have done in her situation? In the Chapter of the Quran called ‘The Believers’ 23.62FhFF, it is stated:

'On no soul do We place a burden greater than it can bear.'

Yet, this sister handled this better than anyone I know can. She did not shed a tear in front of us. Despite her despair, I sensed her strength.  May God grant her strength and patience in her faith.

My favorite part of the day occurred next. We visited the other mother who, Praise be to God, did not lose any of her children, but suffered a few minor burns.  The children, as well, had a few bruises but nothing major by God’s will. The children were cuter than words can describe. They melted my heart, especially the baby. We started to open up the gift bags (full of school supplies) and handed each to its rightful owners. To their excitement, they couldn’t help but smile and checked out the cool new stuff these strangers had bought in for them. I handed the remaining money to the mother, and we exited the apartment leaving a smile on each family members face, and that was priceless!

This visit made me realize regardless of all the hardships of this world, it cannot equal the troubles and hardships of the next life (i.e. heave and hell). God promises in the Quran, in Surah (chapter) ‘The Morning Hours’, Ad Duha:

Verily, the hereafter will be much better for you than the present.
Have we not found you an orphan, and gave you shelter and care? Have we not found you wandering, and gave you guidance? Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness, nor turn away the petitioner unheard; but the blessings of your Lord Rehearse and proclaim!

This chapter has nothing but wisdom and truth. God gave us everything, and in a blink of an eye, can take it back. Brothers and sisters, do not assume that God will not test you in this world. And when He does test you, remain steadfast on your faith, because no one but HE can help you endure the hardship.

A hadith (saying of the Prophet Muhammad) narrated by Abu 'Abbas 'Abdullah, says:

"Remember God in times of ease, and He will recognize
you in times of distress. What hit you could not have
missed you, what missed you could not have hit you.
Remember that victory comes with patience, relief comes
with affliction and ease comes with hardship".

God give us strength to endure the hardships that you will bestow on your believers. And give us strength to emerge from all the trials and tribulations of this life victorious.

 
By TRYMAINE LEE, April 19, 2007
 
Aisse Magassa slowly rolled her wheelchair to the wall of the old building, carrying a can of spray paint and with four of her little girls squirming behind her. The air was cold, and droplets of rain crashed softly onto the hijab that covered her hair. The brightly painted wall, at 56 East Mount Eden Road in the Bronx, lit up an otherwise drab stretch of auto repair shops and dollar stores.
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