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February 2024 Newsletter

Bilal Masjid
MasjidPlus AI
1 year ago

BILAL MASJID NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY 2024

 

Asalamualaikum and welcome to the February 2024 newsletter!

In the newsletter we cover things such as: 

  • Events and activities that are ongoing in Bilal Masjid
  • Have the youth share their research and write about their experiences
  • Talk about our community 
  • Talk about what's happening in the Islamic World

(Quick Note)

We are also taking articles written by the community. Submissions can be anything from essays, poems, think pieces, art, etc. Topics can also be diverse as long as it is masjid appropriate. Submissions can be sent to the following email: [email protected] 

Sha'ban

 

According to the Islamic Calendar, the month that is nearest to us is Sha'ban. Sha'ban is the 8th month of the Islamic Calendar, it takes place between the month of Rajab and the holy month of Ramadan. In 2024, the month of Sha'ban will begin on February 11th, and will be either 29 or 30 days depending on the crescent. Sha'ban is also known as the month of Prophet Muhammad (S). 

The most significant day of this month is the 15th of Sha'ban, or "Shab-e-buraat". This night is known as "The night of forgiveness" and is believed to be the night when Allah (SWT) raises the deeds of his servants. 

Other events that have occured during this month are: 

  • Fasting during Ramadan became compulsory
  • 2 years after Hijrah, the Qibla had changed from Masjid - Al - Aqsa to the Kabah

Ramadan

 

Inshallah Ramadan is approaching soon, and may Allah (SWT) give us all the opportunity to witness Ramadan. As we prepare for Ramadan, it's important to recognize the significance of this month and what happened during this time in Islamic history. During this month the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S). During this time, it is important to not only focus on fasting but to focuson many other aspects such as reading the Quran and building good habits. it is advised to practice charity and gratitude and work on building the best habits you can.

The importance of Ramadan is shown throughout many aspects, one of them being the Quran. There are multiple Ayat in the Quran that mention Ramadan and various aspects of it.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 185, it is mentioned: 

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ١٨٥

"Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then 'let them fast' an equal number of days 'after Ramadan'. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful."

This verse from Surah Al-Baqarah speaks about how the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity in this month. The verse also speaks up about the conditions of fasting and how we show our presence in this month. 

The Quran also mentions Laylat-Al-Qadr and the virtue that has been granted in this month by having this special night placed in it. 

In Surah Al-Qadar, verses 1-5 it says: 

إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ ١وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ ٢لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌۭ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍۢ ٣تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍۢ ٤سَلَـٰمٌ هِىَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ ٱلْفَجْرِ ٥

"Indeed, 'it is' We 'Who' sent this 'Quran' down on the Night of Glory (1). And what will make you realize what the Night of Glory is (2)? The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months (3). That night the angels and the 'holy' spirit descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every 'decreed' matter (4). It is all peace until the break of dawn (5)."

These verses speak of the Night of Glory also known as "Layla-tul-Qadr". It mentions how in this night the Quran was sent down. The importance of Layla-Tul-Qadr is said to be better than a thousand months. It is the month when humanity received its final guide on how to live this life. 

In Ramadan, it's important to recognize how truly significant this month is and to strengthen and grow a closer relationship with Allah (SWT). During this time you should also build important habits such as reading Quran, showing kindness, and giving to charity. 

Events

 

Previous Events:

  •  Breakfast every Sunday after Fajr at Bilal Masjid organized by Cool Islam

  • Every Saturday - Sisters Tajweed Halaqa (Bangla) and Illustrated Tajweed (English) 

  • 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the Month - Community Potlucks - (Jan 13 and 27)

  • Every Sunday - Sunday School 

  • Every Monday - Ladies Support Group Halaqa 

  • Every Monday and Thursday - Bilal and Cool Islam Arabic School

  • January 15th - Homeschool meeting

  • January 25th - Homeschool gathering

  • January 26th - Imam Toure's Quran Tafseer class 

Upcoming Events: 

  • Every Sunday - Sunday School (10:30am - 2:00pm)

  • Every Monday - Ladies Support Group Halaqa (4:00pm - 2:00pm)- For more information contact: [email protected]

  • Every Monday and Thursday - Bilal and Cool Islam Arabic School (4:00pm - 8:00pm)  

  •  Every Saturday - Sisters Tajweed Halaqa (Bangla) (9:00am - 10:30am) and Illustrated Tajweed (English) (10:30am - 12:15pm)                                - For more information contact: [email protected]

  • 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the Month - Community Potlucks - (Feb 10 and 24)  (6:00pm - 8:00pm)

  • Friday, February 2nd and Saturday, February 17 - MAS Portland Chapter - Open Halaqa (8:00pm - 9:30pm)                                                     - For more information contact: [email protected]

  • Monday, February 19th - Homeschool group (10:00am - 1:00pm)

  • Friday, February 23 - Imam Toure's Quran Tafseer class (6:15pm - 7:00pm)

  • Thursday - February 29th - Homeschool meeting (10:00am - 2:00pm)

  • Memorial Day Camp in Vernonia w/ ICCH on May 24th

Ramadan Activities: 

Coming soon  

FINANCE

 

During Feb 2024 we collected $12,619.28 in zakat funds. We disbursed $7437.49 from the zakat funds during the month. We helped  families 11 with their rent, utilities and other expenses this month. We also collected $9,208.39 in general or sadaqah donations. We spent $15,454,45  on masjid expenses during this period. This includes regular expenses like insurance, utilities and cleaning expenses as well as cost of new play structure on the masjid premises.  

 

Dua against difficult times:

۞  أَنِّى مَسَّنِىَ ٱلضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ ٨٣

BILAL MASJID ISLAMIC LIBRARY

 

The Islamic Library on Bilal campus is open for check-out on Sundays before Duhr prayer. More information is on the library's website: pdxil.librarika.com 

 

Sources: 

For Prayer times, please visit Daily Prayer Times

Bilal Masjid Website: bilalmasjid.com \

 

For any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]

Written by

Mahnoor Ali