- Newsletter – Sep 2024
As-salaamu Alaikum,
I am baaaaack and I missed you all! After almost 4-month long travels: visiting family in Pakistan, performing Hajj-ul-Badal (on behalf of my marhoom father), and other fun stuff, I returned home a little over a month ago. So, I will pick up where I had left off, insha’Allah!
Ayah of the Month:
We have only sent you (Muhammad (AS)) as a mercy to all the worlds.
Surah al-Anbiya 21:107Hadith of the Month:
Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim. Seek knowledge from cradle to grave.
Holy Prophet Muhammad (AS)Rabi’ al-Awwal is the third month in the Islamic lunar calendar, and it holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. This is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born, and his life and teachings remain a source of guidance for Muslims in every aspect of life. While this month is a time for reflection, learning, and spiritual growth, it is essential to approach it with reverence and understanding.
Annual Membership Drive: Alhumdu lillah, our membership and donor list have increased greatly this year. Several people have also signed up for monthly donations or have paid lump sum for the entire year. With increased number of programs our expenses have also increased a lot. We appreciate the current use of the center and hope there will be even more programs in the future. Your donations and contributions have made possible to pay our bills and invite speakers throughout the year. A big thank you to all!
Imam Zaman Fund: Az-Zahra Center had established a special fund during the Covid-19 period to help needy families pay for their necessary expenses. Donations were used to help pay utility bills and other related expenses. Please continue to pay even as little as $10 a month to help people in need. Please reach out to me, Br. Abu Ali, or Br. Ali Raza Mirza if you are able to provide such a help. Thanks in advance.
Az-Zahra Announcements: We had a successful community picnic on September 14th which was attended by many community members. This was to celebrate Eid-e-Zahra (SA). Alhumdulillah, we generated $1,688 from the sale of food stuff. After almost 20 years of establishing our center, we are fortunate to have filled the position of the resident alim. He will help organize the Jumu’ah salaat; Du’a Kumayl; Sunday education programs, and other infrequent activities that we could not do before. His name is “Shaykh” Muhammad.
For all those who pledged a monthly donation or a lumpsum amount for the Maulana’s salary, please fill out the Resident Alim form located on our website. If you are currently a monthly donor, you may simply increase the amount without any additional steps on your part. It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that we are able to meet this expense without difficulty by completing the last step so we can budget for payroll and related expenses. Thanks to all donors and May Allah (swt) reward you for your generosity, ameen!
General Body Meeting: The annual general body meeting is scheduled for October 12th at the center. More details to follow on this. It is an opportunity for the members to attend and make suggestions for making AZC an even better place to be a part of. Your past suggestions had helped to improve programming, selection of speakers, offer workshops, etc. In fact, it was during one such general body meeting the members suggested inviting a resident alim. Alhumdulillah, we can now check this box as complete. Please plan to attend.
The election for board of trustees is also planned after the General Body meeting. We need two more volunteers to fill current vacancy to replace trustees who have left for “greener pastures.” Please complete the Candidate Form (on the website) and follow the instruction if you are interested in becoming a trustee. Current trustees are: Dr. Abu Ali Jafri; Hajj Dr. Mostafa Jafari; Br. Murtaza Khani; Br. Mahmoud Reza Kamyab; and Jameel Agha. We have to fill and/or add two trustees more to make a full slate of 7, Insha’Allah. We hope you will consider this wonderful opportunity to serve AZC.
- Newsletter – Feb 2024
Hadith of the Month: On the rewards of fasting in the month of Sha’ban, the eighth Imam, Imam Ali Rida (AS) was reported to have said:
Whoever fasts one day of Sha’ban, just for the sake of God’s reward will enter Paradise. Whoever fasts three days of Sha’ban and connects these days to the month of Ramadan, Allah (SWT) will give him the reward for the two complete months.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 94, p. 71After the sacred month of Rajab comes the month of Sha’ban. It comes just before the highly anticipated holy month of Ramadan. While many people pay their attention to Ramadan, the above hadith clearly states why we should not neglect Sha’ban. We should instead welcome it as a blessed month of high spirituality and prepare ourself for creating a strong bond with Ramadan. Sha’ban is also considered as a month of our Holy Prophet (AS) and one of the greatest gifts taught by our Ahlul Bayt is to constantly bless our Holy Prophet (AS) as many times as possible by saying Salawat on him and his holy progeny. That is the gift we can count on.
Ayah of the Month: Allah SWT revealed this verse in the month of Sha’ban:
Allah and His angels bestow their blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe bestow blessings and peace upon him in abundance!
Sura Al-Ahzab 33:56Annual Membership Drive: I am gratified to see so many new members and among them are several new monthly donors. This is a terrific news and needs to be applauded with thanks and du’as to all the families who have stepped out since the beginning of the year. May Allah (SWT) reward each and every one with His choicest rewards, ameen. For those who are still considering becoming a member or sign up as a regular donor, simply complete the online form by accessing the Payments Portal tab for Membership. Let us hit 100% membership in 2024.
For those who want to consider increasing their monthly donation, please use the same tab, and complete the donation form. Don’t forget to mark the date you want your donation to come out on. Monthly donations help effectively plan our center’s expenses. They also help with planning for programs and repairs.
NSGP FY2023: There have been no new activities in the grant program since early January. It is being reviewed by the Homeland Security folks, who I was told are overwhelmed by the number of applications and needs. Since the forms require lots of details and validation, the Homeland Security Department is going through each form with a fine-tooth comb. We will know, and hence modify, the request, if need be, to overcome any obstacles in getting our due share. We need your du’a.
Programs and Activities: Other than a few Rajab and Sha’ban related programs conducted at the center, there are no major activities planned until the middle of Ramadan. More to follow in the March newsletter. For those who want to sponsor iftar and/or dinner during the last 2 weeks of Ramadan, please look out for the notice on the bulletin board and fill out accordingly. The program committee with announce that.
Comments and Feedback: Unfortunately, I have yet to receive a single comment or feedback from the community since it was initiated in October 2023. If there is a lack of readerships to justify this project then it should be discontinued. An “Electronic Suggestion Box” was created for comments, suggestions called Share Feedback on the Az-Zahra website. Or you may send me a private email at: mj_agha@yahoo.com. Thanks
- Newsletter – Jan 2024
As-salaamu Alaikum,
Hadith of the Month:
No believer is allowed to look harshly at his brother [or sister] in faith bothering him (or her) thereof.
Prophet Mohammad (as) [Nahj al Fasahah]Ayah of the Month:
The faithful are indeed brothers. Therefore make peace between your brothers and be wary of Allah, so that you may receive [His] mercy.
The Holy Qur’an, 49:10Both the hadith and the verse from Surah Al-Hujurat emphasize bonds of brotherhood among the believers. We have the obligation to be kind and forgiving of each other. Let us all make this our 2024 New Year’s Resolution. Hopefully Allah (swt) will bring joy and peace between each other. With so much anger and hatred in this world, we must do everything to strengthen our communities and help overcome these trying times, Insha’Allah. We pray that Allah, the Most Glorified, will help us in bridging the differences and in creating love and harmony within Muslim communities. Ameen!
Annual Membership Drive: As of the beginning of the year, we have had several new members. If you had signed up in the past for automatic membership, you would have received an email alerting you that your membership dues were withdrawn from the bank account. We ask you to notify us if you have moved out to a different address or your bank. For those who are considering becoming a member, simply complete the online form by accessing the Payments Portal tab for Membership. Let us hit 100% membership in 2024.
For those who want to pay or increase their monthly donation, please use the same tab, and complete the donation form. Don’t forget to mark the date you want your donation to come out on. Monthly donations help effectively plan our center’s expenses. It also helps with planning for programs and repairs.
NSGP FY2023: The Nonprofit Security Grants Program process is going well, Alhumdulillah! We have received several estimates from a number of contractors. These will be sorted out by the committee for the selection of appropriate contractors for each of the projects. We are still awaiting fund transfer to start the projects.
Programs and Activities: By the time this newsletter has been uploaded to our website, the Sunday School would have commenced after a short winter break. We look forward to seeing the children return to the center and participate actively in their respective classes. We extend our gratitude to the teachers and volunteers who work tirelessly in providing Islamic education and a safe and loving environment to our children. May Allah (swt) bless them all for their efforts and dedication, ameen!
On December 30th, we had a prayer vigil to pray for the protection and safety of all Muslim brethren, especially those in Palestine who are going though tremendously difficult and challenging times. After the prayer and dinner, the attendees watched a movie titled: Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah. It was a nice social night full of remembrance and fun. Hopefully we will do this frequently. What do you say?
Imam Zamana Fund: I want to let you know that we are restarting this fund which was initiated during the COVID times to help folks who were undergoing financial difficulties. This fund will help pay for short-term difficulties. Past payments were made to offset utility and rent payments until they were back on their feet. Please let me or any of the trustees know how much you want to contribute on this noble deed.
Finally, I have attached a beautiful poem written by sister Maryam Fatima Zaheer. May Allah (swt) increase her involvement and make her a beacon of hope and inspiration for our community, ameen. Please read and send your compliments to her and her parents: Kamran and Elham.
Wearing my Hijab Wearing my Hijab I feel like a tiger, Proud of wearing my strength, not even scared of a spider. Wearing my Hijab, It is my crown, It is my responsibility, to wear it all around. Wearing my Hijab, I'll stand for what's fair, For this is my religion, and never show my hair. Wearing my Hijab, It is my right, It is my affair, I don't care, if they backbite. Wearing my Hijab, My hijab is a piece of light That shines throughout the nation, and makes it really bright. Wearing my Hijab I will follow his command, The Maker, The Most Merciful The Al-Khaaliq, The Ar-Rahman. Wearing my Hijab, I will always defend it, for it He who has commanded me, to wear it. Wearing my Hijab, I will never quit, and I will always have grit. Wearing my Hijab, It represents me, as a Muslim, and who I want to be. Wearing my Hijab My hijab sparkles like the sun, as I go for a quick run Wearing my strength, My braveness, goes to full lengths. As a Muslim, Wearing my hijab is right for me, I just want people to let me be. Poet: Maryam Fatima Zaheer
Announcements: As reported last few months, an “Electronic Suggestion Box” was created for the community to comment, suggest, and provide feedback on topics and situations that are important to them. It is called Share Feedback and resides on the Az-Zahra website. Please take a moment to write your comments and feedback. Az-Zahra Center does well when we each do well. Thanks
