DEEN. COMMUNITY. SERVICE. the Monthly Observer

March 2018

DEEN. COMMUNITY. SERVICE. The Monthly Observer

VIRTUES OF JERUSALEM AS-SIHĀH AS-SITTAH BOOKS OF HADITH MASJID VISION REFLECTED IN LOGO The city of Jerusalem houses one of the Majority of Islamic seminaries around the The MCA logo defines the vision and is re- holiest sites of Islam, Masjid al-Aqsa. globe require students to study `the six au- flective of the sophistication and plurality of thentic books` of Hadith before graduating the blessed Ann Arbor muslim community. as `ulama (Islamic scholars) Table of Contents

The city of Jerusalem houses one of the holiest sites of Islam, Masjid al-Aqsa. The land The Virtues of Jerusalem and the whole area around Masjid al-Aqsa has been “blessed” Allah and is “Holy” as mentioned in the Qur’an.

The new MCA logo utilizes visual symbols, color, and words to reflect the vision of the Masjid Vision Reflected in Logo masjid. It is reflective of the sophistication and plurality of the blessed Ann Arbor muslim community.

The Majority of Islamic seminaries around As-Sihāh As-Sittah Books of the globe require students to study `the six Hadith authentic books` of Hadith before graduating as `ulama (Islamic scholars).

The MCA executive committee (EC) is Meet the board - Br. Khaled fortunate to have Brother Khaled Mahmood, Mahmood, EC Education ian Environmental Engineer with more than 20 years of experience as the incumbent EC Committee Chairman education committee chairman.

The February Executive Committee meeting EC Meeting Minutes Summary finalized the 2018 budget and approved a series of from February 11, 2018 programs.

Welcome to the MCA Monthly Observer. The news magazine was established to Welcome to the MCA provide an independent perspective on issues important to Muslim communiites as well as being a reliable source of Monthly Observer information.

2 / The Monthly Observer The Virtues of Jerusalem Mufti Abdullah Al-Mahmudi Solomon’s Throne The Golden Gate The city of Jerusalem houses one of the Dome of the Rock holiest sites of Islam, Masjid al-Aqsa. (Qubbat as-Sakhrah) Dome of the Chain Masjid al-Aqsa is the second masjid (house of Allah) built on earth, forty years Muslim Quarter/Old City after the Ka`bah in Makkah by Adam Masjid al-Aqsa Musallah Marwani (peace be upon him). It was since been renovated by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Buraq Wall and then later it was renovated by Dawud (Western Wall) and his son, Sulayman (may peace be Mughrabi Gate upon them all) (Nasai and Ibn Majah). Masjid al-Buraq

Blessed Land – The land and the whole Islamic Museum area around Masjid al-Aqsa has been “blessed” by Allah and is “Holy” as mentioned in the Qur’an. It is referred (peace be upon him) said, “one prayer in to in the Qur’an, directly or indirectly, my mosque is better than four prayers Visiting Masjid al-Aqsa is an authentic almost seventy times. Allah has endowed offered there (in Masjid al-Aqsa), and what sunnah – The Prophet (peace be upon physical and spiritual blessings on a good place of prayer it is” (Haakim). One him) visited Masjid al-Aqsa on the the land from which all humanity can prayer offered in the Prophet’s Mosque journey of Isra` and also exhorted the take benefit. According to a prophetic is equivalent to one thousand prayers believers to visit this blessed land. The tradition, al-Aqsa is “the land of (offered elsewhere). Therefore, one prayer Prophet (peace be upon him) said, offered in al-Masjid al-Aqsa is equivalent resurrection and doomsday” (Ahmad). “Do not undertake a journey except to two hundred and fifty prayers. Furthermore, al-Aqsa was a place of to three mosques: this masjid of mine residence for many prophets, including (in Madinah), Masjid al-Haram (in Adam, Ibrahim, Ishaq, Dawud, Sulayman, Al-Isra and al-Mi`raj – About one year Makkah) and Masjid al-Aqsa” (Bukhari). Zakariya, and Yahya may peace be upon before the hijrah (migration to Madinah), them all (Al-Qurtubi’s al jami’ Li’akham Allah took the Prophet by night on a Furthermore, he (peace be upon him) al Qur’an). Many companions of the miraculous journey from the Ka`bah in also said, “If anyone adorns an ihram Prophet travelled to the Holy Land to visit Makkah to al-Aqsa in Jerusalem (al- for Hajj or Umrah from al-Masjid al- the sacred places. These included Abdur Isra), mounted on a celestial animal Aqsa and then proceeds to al-Masjid al-Rahman ibn Awf, Abu Darda, Abu Dharr called al-Buraq, accompanied by angel al-Haram, his former and latter sins will al-Gaffari, Bilal ibn Rabah, Khalid bin Jibrāʾil. It was in Masjid al-Aqsa that Allah be forgiven, or [the Prophet said] he will Walid, Muadh ibn Jabal, Muʿawiyah ibn Abi assembled all the prophets, from Adam be guaranteed Paradise” (Abu Dawood). Sufyan, Salman al-Farisi, etc.. Many of the to Isa (may peace be upon them all) for Thus, many companions adorned their companions died and are buried there as the prayer led by Prophet Muhammad ihram from al-Aqsa, including, Umar ibn well. (peace be upon him) himself. This is the al-Khattab, Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas, Abu This legacy was maintained by numerous only known ground on earth where all Hurayrah, Abdullah ibn Abbas, Tamim scholars who were born and lived in the prophets observed prayer together at al-Dari, and Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be this blessed land of al-Quds (Jerusalem) one given time (Ibn Katheer). The Prophet pleased with them all) (Abu Dawood’s thereafter ascended from the precincts including: Imam al-Shafiʿi (born in Gaza); Awn al-Ma’bood Sharah). Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (lived in `Asqalan); of al-Aqsa to the heavens (al-Mi`raj). It is Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi (lived in Nablus); on this occasion that the Prophet and his A Few facts about Masjid al-Aqsa: Musa ibn Nusayr, the conqueror of Spain ummah (nation) received the gift of five Masjid al-Aqsa is referred to as the (lived in Hebron). The famous scholar time daily prayer. Imam al-Ghazali also used to teach in al- Blessed House (Baytul Muqaddas) Aqsa and wrote part of his famous treatise The First Qiblah – Masjid al-Aqsa, in Masjid al-Aqsa was the second masjid Ihya `Ulum al-Din while residing there. Jerusalem, was the first qiblah (direction built of prayer) for Muslims. The Prophet and Masjid al-Aqsa is the first of the two Reward in Prayer – Masjid al-Aqsa is the his companions prayed facing Masjid al- prayer directions (Qibla) the Muslims third most sacred masjid in Islam. It is Aqsa in Jerusalem throughout the Makkan faced towards the only mosque besides the Masjid al- era and for sixteen or seventeen months in Prayer in Masjid al-Aqsa will wipe away Harām in Makkah which is mentioned by Madinah until the qiblah was changed to name in the Qur’an. Prophet Muhammad Ka`bah in Makkah (Fathul Bari Ibn Hajar). Continued on page 11

The Monthly Observer / 3 Masjid Vision Reflected in Logo In 2017 the MCA Executive Committee deen. The MCA strives to provide the with the community at large. This can created a new logo utlizing visual venue for obtaining and acquiring be in the form of spreading knowledge symbols, colors and words to capture knowledge to better understand such as through our Islam 101 class, the values of the community. The and live out our deen. This includes participation in interfaith events with new MCA logo was selected for its support services for new Muslims community partners like the Interfaith articulation of the institutional through our “Living Islam” series, Council for Peace and Justice (ICPJ) and vision and reflection of the blessed Islamic education for youth through the Interfaith Roundtable of Washtenaw Ann Arbor Muslim community. By both Michigan Islamic Academy (MIA), County (IRT), opening the masjid to being meaningful and reflective, the the full time K-12 private school the greater Ann Arbor community with hope is that the logo will serve as a affiliated with MCA, and the weekend the annual Open House and providing guiding reminder that will inspire Islamic school (MCAIS), as well as tours for local groups, and having a our community to achieve its full Islamic sciences classes and lectures presence at citywide events like the potential. or workshops for the congregation at annual Ann Arbor Art Fair. It also means large. providing assistance to those in need Part of the logo redesign was also the through social services such as the free food distribution partnership with Food development of a motto reflective The hands holding together around Gatherers, helping tragedy-stricken of all of the different programs the the book symbolize our community, areas like Puerto Rico, and advocating masjid provides and roles it plays as strengthened through diversity, for social justice in alliance with like- well as its core values: coming together around the deen. The minded organizations and efforts. hands emphasize the importance of Deen . Community. Service. community and unity to our religion, The logo not only inculcates the vision and reflect these as core principles of of the MCA through symbols and words, The MCA is blessed to be a community our institution. The MCA serves the but also through its use of color which, of great diversity: we have in our midst needs of the community by providing according to psychology, affects how people of many different races and religious services and distributing we act and feel subconsciously. In ethnicities, social economic classes, zakat, but also through helping our design, we were cognizant of the education levels, and interests, yet we community members experiencing meanings and uses of different colors in gather and pray shoulder-to-shoulder, emotional distress or needing art, design and life. The two blue colors not despite these differences, but assistance with life transition through chosen for the logo evoke emotions because of them. Alhamdulillah, there a weekly community support clinic of wisdom, joy, trust, honesty and is a blessed God-given strength in our provided by Muslim Social Services responsibility, which are in line with diversity as well as in our commitment (MSS) and, staffed by a board certified the vision of the MCA. These two colors to our deen, and it was important that counselor and a child psychiatrist. are often used for communicating the logo reflect this. consciousness, inspiring trust, calmness In addition, the MCA provides regular and security. Specifically, the light blue The open book in the middle social programing including guest color evokes emotions of freedom, self represents the Qur’an and the Sunnah, lectures, Eid salat, community dinners expression, trustworthiness, wisdom the basis of our deen (religion). It is and potlucks, sporting activities and joy. It is used to draw attention, in the center of our logo emphasizing such as swimming, basketball, and inspire trust, suggest precision, its importance.The symbol speaks to badminton, and festival celebrations communicate consciousness and our role as a full masjid providing a such as the Eid carnival. The goal of stimulate productivity. The darker space for the five daily prayers and all of these activities is to encourage blue color evokes emotions of trust, the jummah khutba, collecting and community unity and provide a responsibility, honest, loyalty and inner distributing zakat (obligatory purifying social forum for the community to security. In design, blues are used to tax) and sadaqa (charity), and grow together and prosper mentally, reduce stress, create calmness, relax, providing services to accommodate spiritually and physically. secure and create order. janazah (funeral) prayer and Islamic burial. The arrows pointing outward The MCA leadership believes that the symbolize the willingness and desire MCA has the potential to be a leader in The book also emphasizes the pursuit of the institution to share these the American Muslim community. We pray this logo will represent us, remind of knowledge which is central to our beautiful values, concepts and ideas us, and guide us to this end.

4 / The Monthly Observer The Monthly Observer / 5 As-Sihāh As-Sittah Books of Hadith

Mufti Abdullah Al-Mahmudi books began to seem as a single unit and memory. In addition, there should instead of being considered as “Six be positive evidence of the meetings The majority of Islamic seminaries Principal Works”, and were mentioned and learning and teaching between the around the globe require students to together by later Hadith scholars. narrators. study `the six authentic books` of These “Six Principal Works” are also The author of this book is Abu Abdillah Hadith before graduating as ùlama known as “the Six Authentic Books” Muhammad ibn Ismail ibn Ibrahim ibn (Islamic scholars). But what are these of Hadith. It does not mean that every “Since their narrators were “six authentic books” (as-Sihāh as- Hadith found in these six books is Sittah)? authentic and unquestionably reliable, discussed in a single book, The third and the fourth century but that the majority of them are these six books began to seem of the Hijri calendar witnessed the acceptable and authentic, except for as a single unit instead of being compilation of hundreds of books of Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim in considered as “Six Principal Hadith (prophetic traditions), some which all the narrations are considered gaining more popularity than others. to be authentic. Accordingly, each Works”, and were mentioned Subsequently, the Hadith scholars Hadith from the remaining four books together by later Hadith began to research and write on the is tested based on its own merit. scholars.” biographies of the narrators who had been mentioned in a certain book Sahih al-Bukhari al-Mughirah ibn Bardizbah al-Ju`fi al- (and later, in a combination of books), This book is generally considered the Bukhari. He was born on 13th Shawwal so that later scholars could easily most authentic, second only to The 194 AH. in Bukhara and passed away determine the status of each Hadith. Glorious Qur’an. The author selected on the night of Eid in 256 A.H. He was of Therefore, Abd al-Ghani ibn Abd 9,082 [or excluding the repetitions, Persian origin. He was blinded during al-Wahid al-Maqdisi (d. 600 A.H.) 2,062] out of about 600,000 narrations infancy; however, his eyesight was compiled a dictionary of narrators to include in this compilation. The restored by the virtue of his mother’s called àl-Kamal’. This work included book is arranged according to topics supplication. His mother had brought all narrators whose Ahadith (plural of under separate headings, the majority him up after his father, a Hadith scholar Hadith) were recorded in any of the of which are extracts from the Qur’an, himself, died while Imam al-Bukhari six books, i.e. Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih and some from different Ahadith. was an infant. He began the study of Muslim, Sunan al-Nasaì, Sunan Abi Sahih al-Bukhari is also unique in Hadith even before ten years of age. Dawud, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, and Sunan the strict conditions implemented to The likes of Is`haq bin Rahawayh and Ibn Majah. This work was remarkable determine which Ahadith to include in Àli ibn al-Madini are amongst the 1080 and thus became the basis for other this book. Specifically, each narrator Hadith scholars from whom Imam al- future works on biographies of should be of a very high grade of Bukhari recorded Ahadith. His travels narrators. Since their narrators were character,literary and academic included going to Syria, Egypt, Jazirah, discussed in a single book, these six standard, accuracy, trustworthiness, Hijaz, Iraq, and Nishapur. He once

6 / The Monthly Observer As-Sihāh As-Sittah Books of Hadith became penniless and thus had to live Sunan Abi Dawud 250 A.H. His teachers included Imam for some time eating the leaves of wild This book includes about 4800 Hadith Bukhari, Imam Muslim and Imam plants. from a collection of 500,000. The author Abu Dawud. However, he was greatly sufficed on just one or two Hadith in influenced by Imam al-Bukhari in Sahih Muslim every chapter to make it easy to use. It particular. This book is generally considered is considered one of the best and most second to Sahih al-Bukhari (while some comprehensive books on the subject of Sunan al-Nasa’i even consider it to be its equal or even legal Prophetic traditions. The author`s This book is unique in how it records its superior). The author tried to record name was Abu Dawud Sulayman ibn the divergences between various therein only those Ahadith which were Ash’ath ibn Is’haq al-Sijistani. He was versions and chains of Ahadith and unanimously agreed as authentic. born in Sijistan (also known as Sistan how it corrects the mistakes committed Unlike Imam Bukhari, the focus of or Sijz, found in present day eastern by narrators. The author`s name Imam Muslim was not legal extraction. Iran, southern Afghanistan, and western was Abu Abd al-Rahman Ahmad ibn The book is well known due to its Pakistan). He was born in 202 A.H. and Shuàyb al-Khurasani al-Nasaì. He authenticity and careful attention to passed away in 275 A.H. in Basrah. He was born in 215 A.H. in Nasa`, a city in mutabaàt (parallelisms) and shawahid began his journey to acquire Hadith Khurasan, and died in 303 A.H. He was (witnesses). when he was younger than 20 years of very accurate in his retention of Hadith. The author of this book is Abul Hasayn age. He travelled to Khurasan, Persia, He began his travels for study when Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj ibn Dawud ibn Iraq, Hijaz, Syria, Egypt, Tarsus, and he was 15 years old and travelled to Kaushad al-Qushayri al-Nishaburi. He Rayy. He lived a major portion of his Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Hijaz amongst other was born in the famous Khurasan city “It is considered one of the best cities. His teachers included Is`haq bin of Nishapur in the year 204 A.H. [The Rahawayh, Imam Abu Dawud, Imam years 202 A.H. and 206 A.H. have also and most comprehensive books Bukhari, and Qutaybah ibn Saìd. been mentioned.] He began his studies on the subject of legal Prophetic of Hadith at the age of about 14 and traditions.” Sunan Ibn Majah journeyed to Persia, Iraq, Hijaz, Syria This book is comprised of 32 sub- and Egypt. From amongst his teachers life in Baghdad while his last few years books, 1,500 chapters, and 4,341 were Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Imam were spent in Basra. He had more than narrations (3002 of which have Bukhari, and Is`haq bin Rahawayh. His 300 teachers which included Imam been recorded also by the authors students included Abu Isa Tirmidhi, Abu Ahmad bin Hanbal and Yahya ibn Ma’in. of the other five books). It is of the Hatim Razi, Abu Bakr Ibn Khuzaymah lowest grade of the six books in its etc. The cause of his death illustrates Jami’ al-Tirmidhi authenticity. However, it is unique in a glimpse into his engrossment and This book is comprised of 50 sub- its beautiful arrangement of sub-books obsession in knowledge. He was once books and includes 3,956 traditions. It and chapters and in containing very asked about a specific Hadith which was completed in 270 A.H. This book little repetition. The author’s name was he could not remember at that time. has 3 distinguishing features: 1. The Abu Abdillah Muhammad ibn Yazid ibn He returned home and while searching Prophetic traditions are collected Abdillah ibn Majah al-Ribì al-Qazwini. for the Hadith, he didn’t realize he systematically; 2. It mentions the legal He was born in 209 A.H. in Qazvin, a consumed a whole bag of dates. This opinions of early scholars concerning city in Iran, and died in 273 A.H.. His “Unlike Imam Bukhari, the focus the subject of the Hadith mentioned; travels for study included journeying to 3. It discusses the quality, grading Khurasan, Rayy, Iraq, Syria, Hijaz, Egypt of Imam Muslim was not legal [authentic or good or weak] and defect and other places. His teachers included extraction.” [if any] of the traditions. Muhammad al-Tanafasi (d. 233 A.H.). It is the famous work of Abu Isa led to his eventual death (Al-Dhahabi, Muhammad ibn Isa ibn Sawra ibn Musa Siyar A’lam Al-Nubala). He passed away al-Tirmidhi. He was born in 209 A.H To write or contribute please in 261 AH. and was buried in Nasir and died in 279 A.H. He most likely contact us by email: Abad, a place outside Nishapur. began his travels for study in 235 A.H. [email protected] and returned to his hometown before

The Monthly Observer / 7 Meet the Board - Br. Khaled Mahmood, EC Education Committee Chairman environment implement educational programs for for children to the broader MCA community, including learn to read, both youth and adults. Classes for memorize, sisters have been an important and recite priority for the year as part of the EC’s the Qur’an effort to meet the needs of women on Saturdays in the community with emphasis on and to acquire increasing women’s engagement in foundational the masjid. In March, sisters’ classes knowledge on topics of tafseer, hadith, and fiqh of Islamic will start, and, for younger sisters, sciences three levels of mentorship programs and Arabic were established. [Details are in the language EC Minutes Summary on page 9.] In on Sundays. addition, there are now programs The weekend lead by the Imam for brothers and school sisters including the tafseer class on program Saturdays, the 40 Hadith of Imam is meant Nawawi after Isha several evenings Brother Khaled Mahmood, the to foster spiritual and academic a week, and the brothers’ youth incumbent Executive Committee (EC) development. This program was program. Education Committee Chairman, is designed to help nurture an intrinsic an Environmental Engineer with motivation within the student to learn The monthly Community Potlucks are more than 20 years of experience. the basics of their religion and build also an important education series. Before joining the MCA community a strong moral character. At the end For February, the topic was civic he lived in Warren, Michigan, and of the program, the hope is that the engagement, with Representative Chicago, Illinois. He was one of the student will walk away embracing Abdullah Hammoud, eMgauge founding members of the Islamic their Islamic identity and loving the Michigan director Hassan Sheikh Center of Michigan (ICM) in 2004 Book of Allah (SWT). and Pittsfield Township Trustee before it merged with the Islamic Yameen Jaffer. The March 17th Organization of North America(IONA). During his previous term, Br. Khaled potluck program aims to educate the While in Chicago in 2007, he served on 1) updated the Arabic curriculum community about Palestine. the board of the Muslim Community to the “Weekend Learning Series” Center (MCC),managing and helping textbook series and supplemental The MCA is fortunate to have Br. to reorganize the Community Library materials; 2) extended instruction time Khaled lead the education efforts of the Elston Avenue location. by half an hour; 3) invited parents to at the masjid. His experience and be part of the school community by work at the MCA are an asset to As an officer of the MCA EC, the establishing an active Parent Teacher our community. His vision for the Education Committee Chairman’s Organization (PTO); 4) hired qualified community is to provide quality main responsibility is to direct the teachers capable of engaging students services at our Islamic Center in the education activities in coordination from diverse backgrounds; and 5) areas of Islamic education for children, with other EC officers and the imam. supported the implementation of a adult enrichment courses, and youth summer camp to keep our children engagement activities in a welcoming In the past two years, Br.Khaled has engaged with Islamic oriented atmosphere. made significant accomplishments, activities during the school break. particularly with regards to improving He is assisted in his work by his wife, the MCA Islamic School (MCAIS), In addition to the MCAIS, Br. Khaled Dr. Naznin Mahmood, a pediatric which is the weekend Islamic school is actively working with the Imam, neurologist at Henry Ford Health program. MCAIS aims to cultivate an the EC, and the Sisters’ Committee to System.

8 / The Monthly Observer February 11 EC Meeting Minutes Summary

The February Executive Committee Sr. Shazia will offer an English language their field of interest. (EC) meeting was the first this year tafseer class specifically for sisters with only the new board present. The starting Sunday, March 4th. Dr. Nagla To make masjid programming more proposed 2018 budget was emailed to will continue teaching the sisters’ accessible, particularly for the elderly the EC for review prior to the meeting. Arabic tafseer class Thursdays between and sisters caring at home for children, At the meeting, it was discussed dhur and asr. live streaming of the khutbas and and some modifications made. The Fiqh Class: On Tuesdays, the Imam lectures was also discussed. The Imam proposed streams of revenue, along with will teach a fiqh class following the has agreed to allow his programs to be associated expenses, were incorporated, traditional curriculum starting with live streamed, but the EC plans to look specifically, the expected news magazine Tahara, Salat, etc .The program will at the issue in greater depth, mindful advertisement income, Friday food and vending machine sales. Expenses alternate weekly between 11am and of privacy, risk, accessibility, and included the allocation of a part-time 7pm on Tuesdays (with the material consistency. Facebook’s live stream paid staff person to ensure successful repeating) to accommodate women’s option is one option, but Mixlr might implementation with regards to the food diverse schedules. Sr. Rula will assist also be a better solution. sales. Another new line item was funding with facilitation. Starting March 6th in the boys and girls youth activities. the morning. Another big area of need is childcare, Both the Treasurer and the President Hadith Class: - Sr. Jenn will teach not only during masjid programing, but encouraged the EC to control costs while a biweekly halaqa on the 40 Hadith for working families currently relying also seeking ways to increase revenue. of Imam Nawawi designed to foster on daycare services outside of the The EC unanimously adopted the revised sisterhood and spiritual growth from community. For the masjid programing, budget and it was sent to the Board of 3-5:30pm on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays the MCA is going to hire a group of Trustees (BT) for review and approval. of each month, beginning March 10th. babysitters who will provide daycare Tea Time: Srs. Jaye and Rula are during all of the sisters’ programing as Br. Abdelhakim, the outgoing treasurer, currently seeking three volunteers well as the all-community events such met with Br. Nusrat February on February to coordinate a monthly low/ as the monthly potlucks and jummah 10th to finalize the transition.The most non-programmed tea intended to services. Srs.Nargis and Iffat have taken pressing concern was the sending of strengthen sisterhood, on the 3rd the lead on remodeling the classroom the donation receipt letters .Donors Saturday of each month, starting April between the sisters’ entrance and the who made contribution through Paypal, 21st from 2:30 - 4pm. office for this purpose. They will be Comerica, or MOHID with address information should have now received MCA Sisters’ Mentorship: We will be installing storage cabinets for toys, letters; however, Br. Adnan is still working launching a three-tiered membership special split doors, wall-mounted toys, to extract addresses from the images series for female youth. (1) Sr. Noreen new carpet, and paint, with the goal of the processed checks. A motion was is coordinating a ‘Mommy and Me’ of making the room a safe kid-friendly passed to adopt the Joint Committee style program for pre-teens. (2) Sr. environment for infants through age recommendation of the 50/50 utility Soumia is leading the Girls Youth five. The primary initial goal is to make share between MIA and MCA. Dr. Ahmad Mentoring Network(YMN) for ages ten the masjid more accommodating to Mizyad was nominated and unanimously to seventeen, with nine volunteers mothers and families. The more long- approved to fill the EC secretary position who will plan weekly educational, term goal would be to offer professional left vacant by Br. Habib’s election as social, and mentorship activities. daycare services which could address president. Approximately a $1,000 budget an unmet need in the community. request was approved for this program Working in conjunction with the Sisters’ which will be supplemented by a $15 With regards to Ramadan planning, Committee and volunteers, the following participation fee. (3) Dr. Naznine is Dr. Ilyas will lead Taraweeh along with programs are being rolled out for sisters: organizing a professional mentorship a team of 5 hufaaz as backup. Imam Tafseer Class: While sisters are welcome program for college and graduate Abdullah is going to be organizing the to attend the Saturday after fajr tafseer students pairing the young women with month’s educational activities for the program conducted by Imam Abdullah, experienced professionals working in on Wednesdays and Sundays at 10:30am, Continued on page 11

The Monthly Observer / 9 Mar. 2 Mar. Mar. 23 Mar. Mar. 9 Mar. Mar. 30 Mar. Jummah Sponsors Apr. 6 Apr. Mar. 16 Mar.

10 / The Monthly Observer the carpet by Ramadan Khaled Mahmood, Shafeeq Shaikh, and upgrading the Nusrat Ali, Jaye Starr (substituting for facilities to make the Stephanie Darwish) masjid more usable for Absentee: Jamal Al-Aref, Ayoub Hassan, the community. There Stephanie Darwish, Tariq Ali, Hussam are already several Abu Shtayyah, Imam Abdullah requests for fundraisers. This year, the EC is going to prioritize fundraisers who are vested in the Jerusalem page 3 continued community and who are all a person’s sins, leaving them like the willing to take a longer term day they were born (An-Nasa’i and Ibn approach to marketing Majah) by advertising in the Importantly, the sacredness of the Holy newsmagazine. Land is associated with the whole place and land and not just with a building Dr. Ebraheem volunteered or the city of Jerusalem. We should for the office manager therefore pray for the preservation of position which will help the land, make a firm resolution to visit save the MCA the allocated the blessed land, and assist the land funds for the position. Br. and its people in whatever way we can. Tariq has been in contact May Allah increase us in our knowledge, with the city seeking a love and dedication to the Holy Land. permit for the new sign and Ameen. is in the final stages of the EC Minutes, page 9 continued process. masjid. The EC is planning on changing Attendees: Habib Hamidi,

The Monthly Observer / 11 Muslim Community Association of Ann Arbor and Vicinity 2301 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Telephone: (734) 665-6772 Website: www.mca-a2.org

جماد الثاني/ رجب -- March 2018 - Jumad Ath-Thani/Rajab 1439

Jumad Ath- March Day Thani/Rajab Fajr Sunrise Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Programming عشاء مغرب عصر ظهر شروق فجر جماد الثاني/ رجب االيام آذار 1 Thu 6/13 5:53 7:10 12:48 3:55 PM 6:25 PM 7:43 PM "Tafsir Al Quran" 2 Fri 6/14 5:51 7:08 12:47 3:55 PM 6:27 PM 7:44 PM Saturdays after Fajr 3 Sat 6/15 5:50 7:06 12:47 3:56 PM 6:28 PM 7:45 PM "Riyadh Al-Saliheen" 4 Sun 6/16 5:48 7:05 12:47 3:57 PM 6:29 PM 7:46 PM Everyday after Isha 5 Mon 6/17 5:46 7:03 12:47 3:58 PM 6:30 PM 7:47 PM Community Dinner! 6 Tue 6/18 5:45 7:01 12:47 3:58 PM 6:31 PM 7:49 PM Muslim History of Jerusalem

7 Wed 6/19 5:43 7:00 12:46 3:59 PM 6:33 PM 7:50 PM Dinner @ 530pm 8 Thu 6/20 5:41 6:58 12:46 4:00 PM 6:34 PM 7:51 PM Lecture @ 615pm 9 Fri 6/21 5:40 6:56 12:46 4:01 PM 6:35 PM 7:52 PM March 17th, 530pm 10 Sat 6/22 5:38 6:55 12:46 4:01 PM 6:36 PM 7:53 PM Islam 101 11** Sun 6/23 6:38 7:55 13:46 5:01 PM 7:36 PM 8:53 PM (for Non-Muslim friends) 12 Mon 6/24 6:36 7:53 13:45 5:02 PM 7:37 PM 8:54 PM Wednesdays at 7pm 13 Tue 6/25 6:34 7:51 13:45 5:03 PM 7:38 PM 8:56 PM Free Food 14 Wed 6/26 6:33 7:50 13:45 5:03 PM 7:40 PM 8:57 PM Distribution 15 Thu 6/27 6:31 7:48 13:44 5:04 PM 7:41 PM 8:58 PM 4-6pm Mar 13 and Mar 27 16 Fri 6/28 6:29 7:46 13:44 5:05 PM 7:42 PM 8:59 PM "Living Muslim" 17 Sat 6/29 6:27 7:45 13:44 5:05 PM 7:43 PM 9:01 PM Sisters Weekly Halaqa 18 Sun 7/1 6:25 7:43 13:44 5:06 PM 7:44 PM 9:02 PM Every Monday at 3pm

19 Mon 7/2 6:24 7:41 13:43 5:07 PM 7:45 PM 9:03 PM Brothers Youth -Open 20 Tue 7/3 6:22 7:39 13:43 5:07 PM 7:47 PM 9:04 PM Gym - Fridays after Isha*

21 Wed 7/4 6:20 7:38 13:43 5:08 PM 7:48 PM 9:05 PM Sisters Youth Mentoring 22 Thu 7/5 6:18 7:36 13:42 5:08 PM 7:49 PM 9:07 PM Network (YMN) 23 Fri 7/6 6:16 7:34 13:42 5:09 PM 7:50 PM 9:08 PM Sisters Classes

24 Sat 7/7 6:14 7:32 13:42 5:10 PM 7:51 PM 9:09 PM Tafsir Class :Wed & 25 Sun 7/8 6:13 7:31 13:42 5:10 PM 7:52 PM 9:11 PM Sun 10:30am Fiqh Class: Tue 3/6 26 Mon 7/9 6:11 7:29 13:41 5:11 PM 7:53 PM 9:12 PM 11am & 3/13 7pm 27 Tue 7/10 6:09 7:27 13:41 5:11 PM 7:54 PM 9:13 PM Hadith Class: Sat. 3- 28 Wed 7/11 6:07 7:25 13:41 5:12 PM 7:56 PM 9:14 PM 5:30pm 29 Mon 7/12 6:05 7:24 13:40 5:12 PM 7:57 PM 9:16 PM Brothers Quran Circle 30 Tue 7/13 6:03 7:22 13:40 5:13 PM 7:58 PM 9:17 PM Sundays between Maghrib 31 Wed 7/14 6:01 7:20 13:40 5:13 PM 7:59 PM 9:18 PM and Isha

Iqamah Table for 2/2018 Monthly EC Meeting Dates Fajr Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Sunday 1-10 6:15 1:50 4:15 8:05 March, 11th, 2018 11-20 7:00 1:50 5:20 10 Minutes after Adhan 9:15 11.00 AM - 1.00PM 21-31 6:40 1:50 5:25 9:30 1st. FRIDAY PRAYER: 12:00PM 2nd. FRIDAY PRAYER: 1:30PM Community Announcements Imam's Office Hours: Tue/Thr Fajr to 9am, Tue-Fri Asr-Isha MCA Office hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9am to 3pm MCA Membership Matters Please renew your MCA Membership in order to participate in the election and amendment processes. To apply online, please visit: http://mca-a2.org/forms/membership/

12 / The Monthly Observer