July 2024 Newsletter

11 months ago

BILAL MASJID NEWSLETTER

JULY 2024

Asalamualaikum and welcome to the July 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]

Hajj

According to the Islamic Calendar, we are in the month of Muharram. We were recently in the month of Dhul Hijjah. This marked the 12th and final month of the Islamic Calendar and is known to be one of the holiest periods of the year. During this month of increased spirituality, we witnessed the two special events of Eid-ul-Adha and Hajj. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah were deemed better than all the other days of the year. On the blessed day of Eid Al-Adha, anyone who could offer a Qurbani, just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did, in devotion to Allah (SWT). The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah began on June 7th, 2024. The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah (The Day of Arafah) landed on June 15th. Eid Al-Adha took place on June 16th. These days were the best ten days of the year and a second chance after Ramadan. During this month, people undertook the holy pilgrimage of Hajj. In conclusion, the month of Dhul Hijjah holds profound significance in the Islamic faith, offering a time for heightened devotion, reflection, and community through the observance of Eid-ul-Adha and the pilgrimage of Hajj.

Events

Previous Events:

Sunday, June 2nd and June 9th - Sunday School
Every Monday - Ladies Support Group Halaqa
For more information contact: [email protected]
Every Monday and Thursday - Bilal and Cool Islam Arabic School - Ends June 13th
Every Saturday - Sisters Tajweed Halaqa (Bangla) and Illustrated Tajweed (English) - For more information contact: [email protected]
2nd and 4th Saturdays of the Month - Community Potlucks - (June 8 and 22)
June 14th and 28th - Ladies Quran Halaqa (Arabic Speakers)
Homeschool Groups - Every Tuesday
June 28th - Imam Toure's Tafseer Class
June 28th - Dr. Farajallah’s talk and her book signing event
June 7th - Legacy of Ibrahim (AH) and Lessons

Upcoming Events:

Every Monday - Ladies Support Group Halaqa (6:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
Every Saturday - Sisters Tajweed Halaqa (English) (9:00 am - 10:30 am) and Illustrated Tajweed (English) (10:30 am - 12:15 pm) For more information contact: [email protected]
2nd and 4th Saturdays of the Month - Community Potlucks - (July 13 and 27) - (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Ladies Quran Halaqa (Arabic Speakers) - July 12th and 26th - (7:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
July 27th - Imam Toure's Tafseer Class - (6:15 pm - 7:00 pm)

Eid Events

Bilal Masjid and ICCH held the Eid Prayer on Sunday, June 16th. The Eid Prayer took place on THPRD grounds and was divided into two sessions. The first prayer was held at 8 am and was led by Imam Toure, while the second prayer was held at 9:30 am and was led by Tawab Kamawal.

On Sunday, June 23rd an Eid Celebration and Bazaar was held at Cedar Hills Park. THPRD, ICCH, Cool Islam, Afghanistan Oregon Association, Afghan Support Network, and Bilal Masjid sponsored this.

Annual Retreat to Seaside

In May, Bilal Sunday School students went to Seaside for a 2-day annual retreat with teachers and chaperones. The students had discussions and sessions with their mentors in a friendly, safe, and respectful environment, and enjoyed hanging out with their friends and doing many collaborative activities.

Year End Celebration

June 9th marked the end of the school year for Bilal Sunday School. Both parents and students participated in the year-end party. The school’s principal Athar Pasha discussed the history of the school. High-achieving students were recognized and given awards in various categories. The party ended with food, bouncy houses, face painting, and balloons for all students and their siblings. Registration will open in August for the next school year. Watch this space for announcements.

FINANCE

During June 2024 we collected $5,328.00 in zakat funds. We disbursed $12,125.76 from the zakat funds during the month. This month, we helped 12 families with their rent, utilities, and other expenses. We collected $26,631.19 in general or Sadaqah donations. We spent $11,468.71 on masjid expenses during this period. This includes regular expenses like insurance, utilities, and cleaning expenses.

Dua for purifying the heart:

۞ اللهم طهر قلبي من كل سوء ، اللهم طهر قلبي من كل ما يبغضك، اللهم طهر قلبي من كل غلٍ وحقدٍ وحسد وكبر

Oh Allah, clean away all forms of evil from my heart. Oh Allah, clean my heart and remove everything that displeases you. Oh Allah, clean my heart of every form of bitterness, hard feelings, and jealousy.

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