Jumu'ah Journal Edition August 9, 2024
JUMU'AH JOURNAL
5 Safar 1446 AH / 9 August 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS
For the Khateeb on Jumu'ah, August 9, 2024, please click HERE.
Lexington Family Halaqa
Join this 45-minute journey into a part of our Islamic history that is almost forgotten. The presentation is primarily intended for young sisters and brothers, but mature audiences will find it both informative and interesting as well.
Kentucky State Fair: Da'wah Volunteers Needed
Sign up to volunteer at the Dawah booth sponsored by Guiding Light Islamic Center in Louisville. Free ticket and more information will be available later.
Share your knowledge about Islam, or just help by being there to pass pamphlets or Qur'ans.
Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/QEFcfcL
Where: Kentucky Exposition Center - 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209
When: Thursday, August 15 to Sunday, August 25, 2024
LUA - Student Sponsorship Fundraising
Lexington Universal Academy (LUA) is looking for sponsors to support students in financial need so their tuition can be covered for the upcoming school year. Sponsorship form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW5DO0GvwV0WunzzB3...
Umrah Opportunity
An opportunity to perform Umrah with Imam Dr. Shaheed Coovadia, from September 28 to October 5, 2024. Limited seats available!
MASJID BILAL WEEKEND ISLAMIC SCHOOL
Masjid Bilal Weekend School - Starting Soon!
The 2024-25 academic year begins on Sunday, August 18, 2024. For more information and registration details, visit our website: https://masjidbilalky.org/weekend-islamic-school
Volunteers Needed!
Masjid Bilal Weekend School is seeking additional teachers to join our team of volunteers in teaching the kids in our community Islamic studies and to read the Qur'an.
If you would like to join us, please contact Sr. Kareema Jawahir: (859) 312-6981 312-6981)
If you know someone who may be interested, please share this message. Thank you!
IMAM'S CORNER
AL-MASAJID - THE HOUSES OF ALLAH (ARE CALLING!)
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The only people to attend Allahs places of worship are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and pray regularly, and practice regular charity, and fear none but Allah. These are most likely to be guided. [9:18]
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Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet () said, "Seven are (the persons) whom Allah will give Shade of His Thrown on the Day when there would be no shade other than His Throne's Shade: a man whose heart is attached to the masajid/mosques". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
The masjid (mosque) is not merely a place of worship; it is the heart of the Muslim community and a sanctuary for spiritual and social development.
These are Allahs houses, where His seekers cultivate a love for what He admires.
Ideally, the masjid is a harmonious place filled with blessings, serenity, honesty, and vulnerability.
Yet, its value is created by us!
If we enhance it in ways that stay true to the Prophets vision and make it beloved to Allah, we must cultivate interactions that mirror the ideals of the Madinan community in the time of the Prophet and his companions (sahaaba), may Allah be pleased with them.
The masjid is perhaps the most significant place to inspire change within ourselves and within itself.
Many of us, vis-a-vis the masajid (mosques), are deeply rooted in traditions and systems that have existed for years.
While these traditions hold some value, they can also make introducing new ideas and practices challenging.
Despite these challenges, change is possible but requires active participation and involvement.
To inspire change, we must engage with our own souls, with Allah and with our communities on multiple levels.
This means attending prayers, participating in discussions, and involving ourselves in masjid activities.
Only through participation with our masajid can we truly uplift ourselves spiritually and earn closer proximity to Allah on a consistent basis.
Building relationships with the masjids leadership and other community members is also essential in uniting and strengthening our bonds.
By respecting existing traditions and demonstrating our genuine commitment to the community's well-being, we can also gradually introduce new ideas and perspectives.
This work is of utmost importance. And it will determine our future and our destiny!
One of the most significant issues today is the lack of social connection and the disappearance of "third spaces".
These are places beyond our homes (the first space) and workplaces or schools (the second space) where we can gather, connect, and build meaningful relationships.
The absence of these vital spaces is one of the leading causes of isolation and, consequently, anxiety and depression.
We want to make our masajid inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.
This includes accommodating different cultural practices (and religious expressions), addressing the needs of various age groups, and ensuring that both men and women have meaningful opportunities to contribute.
An inclusive masjid facilitates a sense of belonging to all and encourages greater participation, which is essential for driving change.
In times of distress or difficulty, the masjid provides a safe haven and refuge for members.
They are places where individuals can seek knowledge, comfort, support, and counsel.
The Prophet instructed that the masjid be the spiritual home for EVERY believer.
They are vital in creating a sense of community and brotherhood among Muslims.
They are places where people from diverse backgrounds come together in solidarity, united by their faith.
This is beautifully illustrated in the salah/prayers, where individuals stand shoulder to shoulder, signifying equality and solidarity.
They are spaces not just for seeking mercy but also for exchanging it.
As we strive to enhance our masajid and our experience within them, remember that they reflect our commitment to faith, community, and compassion.
It is up to us to ensure our masajid remain the heart of our vibrant and thriving communities.
May Allah give us the strength and conviction to be active members of our masajid and make them vibrant places of engagement and a source of great peace. May He, The Almighty, give us divine guidance and success (tawfiq) to grow and build our communities and our destiny in ways that please Him and lead to Jannah. Ameen.
[Courtesy of The Daily Sunnah, adapted]
Imam Nawawi's 40 Ahadith
Hadith 7 - Sincerity
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From Abu Ruqayyah Tameem bin Aws al-Dari (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"The religion is sincerity." We said, "To whom?" He said, "To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims, and their common folk."
(Narrated by Muslim)
Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabah
1541 Russell Cave Rd, Lexington
United States of America
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