As-salaamu Alaikum,

Ayah of the Month: “The servants of the Lord of Mercy are those who walk humbly on the earth, and who, when the foolish address them, reply, ‘Peace’.” [25:63]

Most of us have had hurtful comments from strangers and those who have poor understanding of our faith or looks.  This is especially true for our hijab-observing sisters.  Some of us have received nasty remarks from such people on internet or in the media addressing us with words that cause anger, resentment, and frustration. Allah (swt) admonishes us to refrain from resorting to these people in like manners and advises us to take the high road.  That is what the Holy Quran is saying about walking humbly and be the role models that help display the best of manners and garner respect.  But despite our best efforts it still does not create the desired impact, then we simply say, “peace” and walk away.

 Hadith of the Month:  A definition of a Muslim is his or her kindness to other people, regardless of their faith. Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) reports the following from the Holy Prophet (A) on kindness:

“Allah is Kind and loves kindness, and He rewards for kindness in a way that He does not reward for harshness.” – The Holy Prophet (P)

Imam Zaman Fund: A reminder for the ones who want to pay to help out the less fortunate, Az-Zahra Center needs its coffer filled to help pay for a few needy families’ monthly expenses.  You may pay as little as $10 a month to help in this regard.  Please reach out to me, Br. Abu Ali, or Br. Ali Raza if you are able to provide such a help.  May Allah (swt) reward you for your generosity and empathy, ameen.

Az-Zahra Announcements:  As many of you know an “Electronic Suggestion Box” was created for the community to comment, suggest, and provide feedbacks on topics and situations that are important to them.  I hope our community members would take advantage of this and offer meaningful ideas for improvement.

We had our annual General Body meeting in which the board of trustees shared with the community the progress we made since the beginning of the year.  These include hiring of a resident alim (Shaykh Mohammad Baig); a significant increase in membership; formation of an Executive Committee; election for the board of trustees, among other matters.  We also notified the community regarding conducting in-person classes for our Sunday School as well as starting an adult program consisting of weekly lectures by the Shaykh. 

Members of the AZ Executive Committee: We would like to welcome the following members representing various committees: Majid Jaberi (Construction); Hossain Banai (Maintenance); Yar Mohammad and Mohammed Sharif Husseini (Afghan community liaisons); and Syed Abbas Haider (Membership/fundraising).  Please congratulate them when you see them in the center.

Members of the Executive Committee will be meeting within next two weeks to create objectives and timeframe of completing their projects.  We will be glad to post their goals and objectives to involve the community for their support and assistance.  We hope you will take this opportunity to gain Allah’s blessings and help improve our center’s services and facilities, insha’Allah.  Your involvement is critical for their success.

Members of the AZ Board of Trustees: These include Murtaza Khani; Mostafa Jafari; Marghoub Abbas; Mahmood Reza Kamyab; Abu Ali Jaffri; and Jameel Agha.  Please take up any concerns or suggestions with any of these members.  You will insha’Allah find them receptive and willing partners.