Newsletters

Ayah of the Month:

Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.

Surah Baqarah, Verse 263 (2:263)

Hadith of the Month:

Whoever fasts one day of Sha’baan, just for the sake of God’s reward will enter the heaven.
…
Whoever fasts three days of Sha’baan and connects these days to the month of Ramadan, God will reward him for two complete months.

Imam Ali ar-Ridha (p)

Sha’baan is a month of tremendous spiritual opportunity. It serves as a bridge between the sacred Rajab and the blessed Ramadan, encouraging reflection, repentance, and rejuvenation of faith. By dedicating oneself to worship, charity, and self-improvement, one can transform Sha’baan into a meaningful prelude to Ramadan. May Allah grant us the ability to make the most of this blessed month and allow us to enter Ramadan with purified hearts and renewed intentions. Ameen. Insha’Allah, the holy month of Ramadan will dawn on us in a few days. Every single day of this month is incomparable to any other month. It indeed surpasses all months in merits and favors. In this holy month, Allah considers the fast-observers as His special guests. More to follow in next month. Just a reminder that whoever has lapse (qada) fasts or need to pay the kaffara must do so prior to start of this holy month. Also, fasting the last three days of Sha’baan and connecting with Ramadan has unmatched and unlimited blessings. So, take advantage of this great month that is on the corner.

Announcements:

Executive Committee
As I had informed the community regarding the formation of the Executive committees to help the board accomplish many more objectives which otherwise keep getting either delayed or not accomplished. Please reach out to the respective members of this vital group if you want to help in any way. These include activities relating to membership drives, fundraising, construction and maintenance, etc.

Carpet Fundraiser
We were able to successfully have a funfilled spontaneous donation event to generate funds to purchase new carpeting for the prayer hall. This is a special carpet designed for the use of prayer halls and used extensively at masajid. The board will fill you in soon, insha’Allah, regarding the design and colors selected for the center. A big thanks to all who participated in this valuable effort. Special shout out to Br. Amjad for his auctioneering skills. For those who have pledged please reach out to any one of the board member.

Newsletter – Nov 2024

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.