ICCV Weekly News - Friday, October 18
ICCV WEEKLY NEWS
October 18, 2024
NEW ITEMS THIS WEEK
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Board of Directors Elections: Sunday
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Friday Tafseer + Speaker
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Sunday Halaqa
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Youth Social Recap
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ICCV Community Picnic
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Imams Corner: Driving Political Change as Muslims
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Updated Prayer Times
*Important recurring items will remain for informational purposes.
ICCV BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS
The Board of Directors Election will be this Sunday, October 20 at 11:00am.
Questions: Please contact the Election Committee at [email protected]
FRIDAY TAFSEER
Tafseer & Family Night will begin at 7:30pm after MIU classes are complete.
Tonight, Halla Maher, a candidate for Conejo Recreation and Parks District 5 (covering most of Newbury Park including ICCV and all of Dos Vientos) will speak to the community from 8:00pm to 8:15pm.
Isha prayers will be right after the presentation followed by a light dinner from Chef Ammar.
SUNDAY HALAQA
Date: Sunday, October 20
Time: 1:30 - 3:00PM
The Sunday Halaqa is for boys and girls in elementary to high school, but we encourage youth in college and above to volunteer and help mentor the next generation.
Please contact Sr Shamima (805-218-7343) or Sr Tabah (805-217-2226) for any questions
A SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL
This past weekend, we had a fantastic turnout at the ICCV Youth Ice Cream Social, Alhamdulillah! Youth enjoyed ice cream while brainstorming ideas for future activities and events. It was a wonderful opportunity to foster connections and friendships for the upcoming year. We look forward to building a vibrant, supportive community through these initiatives, inshAllah!
ICCV COMMUNITY PICNIC: AN AFTERNOON TO CONNECT & REFLECT
Date: Saturday, November 9
Location: Conejo Creek North Park
This event will include fun and games as well as an opportunity to come together as a community and offer Duas for the situation in Palestine and the broader Middle East. In addition, a portion of the funds collected will be donated to help our brothers and sisters in Palestine.
We'd love your support!
Sponsor a part of the picnic help cover the cost of a bounce house, craft station, games, or other fun activities.
Donate a raffle prize if you own a business, consider offering a prize to add excitement to our raffle.
Volunteer help out at the picnic by assisting with activities, setting up, or ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Your support will not only make this event a success but will also contribute to a larger cause. If you'd like to get involved, please reach out to Iman Iqbal at 805-990-4239.
Lets make this a day of community, reflection, and impactful connection inshAllah.
IMAM'S CORNER
Driving Political Change as Muslims
Salutations and greetings to all:
Politics and voting are multifaceted, with implications far beyond merely casting a ballot. For Muslims, voting alone has often fallen short of delivering the desired outcomes. Historically, Muslims have voted for both Republicans and Democrats, only to witness disastrous consequences. One stark example is the Iraq Warthis was not merely a conflict; it was an atrocity bordering genocide. The invasion left Iraq shattered, with cities leveled, families torn apart, and a nation left to grapple with long-lasting chaos. The devastation was not incidental; it was deliberate and felt by many Muslims to be a clear betrayal of the perceived trust they felt they placed when they voted for the then Republican Presidential candidate, George W. Bush. In the minds of many the question that arose was "Is this the gratitude they give us for the Muslim voters support?
Similarly, the atrocities in other parts of the world, such as Yemen and Palestine, have reached genocidal levels, with innocent civilians enduring unspeakable suffering. Yet, the global response has largely been passive, including from the U.S. Thus, Muslims continue to ask, is my vote creating a problem? Does my vote carry any weight that can result in any potential change. Moreso, when humanity sees the magnitude of the violence and when meaningful intervention has not only been scarce, but intentionally ignored. These examples demonstrate that voting by itself, does not guarantee the protection of Muslim interests for justice or the prevention of injustice.
Thus, when sensible humans witness injustice on such a scale, it triggers a profound moral quandary. The human conscience is naturally repelled by unfairness, and when the magnitude of that injustice is overwhelming, it can lead to disillusionmentleaving people questioning their moral compass, their leaders and the systems they have placed their trust in. This sense of moral crisis can be paralyzing, making it difficult to discern how to move forward, especially when the very institutions meant to uphold justice seem complicit in its erosion.
Muslims are morally bound to speak out against oppression -- whether it stems from war, economic exploitation, or political tyranny. The Prophet Peace Be Upon Him said: Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he is not able, then with his tongue; and if he is not able, then with his heartand that is the weakest of faith. Voting is one way to address injustice, but it cannot be the sole action.
So, what should Muslims do when both major parties fail to address concerns linked to injustice? If faced with making a choice between two evils, after doing proper research and active learning, one often may need to just select the lesser of the two evils. Another route could be supporting a third-party candidate who may appear to present better solutions to battling injustices.
While this may not yield immediate victories, it could be a means to send a powerful message: that Muslims will not settle for the status quo. A vote for such a candidate could demonstrate that we are not content with empty promises or token gestures. It could send an indication that the Muslim community demands real change and will no longer be taken for granted.
True political engagement goes beyond just voting. It requires building enduring coalitions, forming alliances with marginalized communities, and actively participating in social justice movements. As the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him emphasized: The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others. This teaching calls for a commitment to collective welfare and justicenot just for Muslims, but for all be they Jews, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, as well as people that may not choose a faith.
A major obstacle, however, is the inward focus of some Muslim groups. Too many are consumed by projects that highlight their own culture and community, often for self-promotion rather than genuine service. Resources are wasted on polished presentations and feel-good initiatives that impress but fail to bring about meaningful long-term change. This superficial engagement not only neglects the deeper challenges facing society but also alienates potential allies in broader justice movements. The comfort of first-world luxuries often dulls the sense of urgency and responsibility for those suffering globally.
As the Muslim community matures, we must confront these shortcomings. We need to ask tough questions of ourselves, our leaders, and those in power. As mentioned in a tradition: The one who mixes with people and endures their harm is better than the one who does not mix with people nor endure their harm. This Hadith addresses the importance of staying engaged with society, despite its challenges. It calls on us to actively participate in civic life, holding elected officials accountable and ensuring our voices are heard in shaping policies that affect us and others.
Education is key to this process. The Muslim community must develop a deeper understanding of the political system, how influence is wielded and how to effectively use that influence. Encouraging youth to engage in politics is critical. They must be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities to advocate for justice and equality.
Ultimately, the goal is not simply to cast votes but to establish a lasting presence in the political landscape - where Muslim concerns for achieving justice for all are not just heard but taken seriously. This requires resilience, unity and a long-term commitment to justice that transcends election cycles. It is a path toward ensuring that the Muslim community is not merely a passive participant, but an active force driving meaningful change for all of society.
Wasalam-Peace!
IQAMAH TIMES AT ICCV