In the Name of , the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate ISLAMIC CENTER OF ROCKLAND 481 Mountainview Avenue, Valley Cottage, NY 10989

Tel: 845-353-2330 www.icrmuslim.org

ISLAMIC CENTER OF ROCKLAND’s Inaugural Newsletter Issue 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430, Volume I: Issue I

Alhamdulillah, this is the first issue of a Newsletter from the Islamic Center of Rockland (ICR), New York. The purpose of writing and publishing the ICR Newsletter is to achieve several goals. First, to inform the current status of the construction of ICR ; sec- ond, to communicate the planned events and activities at ICR Mosque and ICR School, and third to seek active participation from all congregation members by their attendance at the Mosque for performing all five obligatory prayers. We plan to continue this publica- tion on a quarterly basis throughout the coming years, Insha’Allah. May 16th, 2009 Inside this issue: ICR Mosque

“It is only those who believe in Allah and the Last It took many years from the time we purchased ICR Management 2 Day, who establish prayer and pay Zakat, and fear the land with the intention of building a Mosque to none but Allah, who are worthy of maintaining the its completion today. In 2002, plans to construct a of Allah”. (Sura 9 At-Tauba, Ayat 18) Mosque were drawn up but were not implemented ICR School 3 due to lack of resources. After satisfying several The Prophet (PBBUH) said: “The prayer is the local building code requirements and obtaining pillar of Islam, whoever keeps it builds the religion, Prayer Table 4 every conceivable permit from Rockland County and whoever forgets it destroys the religion”. authorities, we got the approval in August 2005 and finally the Mosque construction project The Islamic Center of Rockland (ICR) was formed ICR Committee’s started. 5 in 1989. We purchased 15 acres of land in 1989 on the highest hill in Rockland County in Valley Foundation was laid in early summer of 2006 and ILM (Knowledge) 7 Cottage, for $350,000. In August 1991, the Trus- as of today we have built a two-story building. A tees of ICR established a charitable, non-profit Mosque of 9,600 square feet capacity is fully op- religious Trust and named it Rockland Muslim erational with capacity of 4800 square feet on Student Accomplish- 8 Trust (RMT) for the exclusive purpose of to own, each floor. The Mosque is earthquake and fire ments develop and operate the properties of ICR. The proof. The foundation is reinforced concrete and Trust is incorporated pursuant to section 191 and the entire structure is of steel beams and con- Classified Ads 9 192 of the Religious Corporation Law of the State crete. Two parking lots are under the final stages of New York. of construction to accommodate the growing park- ing needs. An elevator system linking the two floors of the Mosque is fully operational to accommodate handicapped and those con- gregation members who prefer to avoid taking the stairs. The first floor has class rooms, kitchen, bathrooms and facility for potential funeral preparation which is currently not used as additional approval and permits are required. The second floor has prayer area for approximately 475 people and it is completely covered with beautifully designed Turkish carpet. The building is designed to allow maximum sunlight. The entire premises are fully secured via high powered security cameras constantly monitoring and recording ac- tivities inside and outside the Mosque.

The ICR Mosque opened on the first day of ,1429 AH coinciding with September 1, 2008. A temporary Certificate of Occu- pancy from the Township was obtained for the month of Ramadan. This blessed occasion was attended by many local congregation members as well as several Rockland County executives including Mr. Alexander Gromack (Town Supervisor), Mr. Peter Noonan (Police Chief), Mr. Mark Papenmeyer (Fire Chief) and Mr. Carlucci (Town Clerk). The event was extensively covered and su- perbly documented by Peter Applebome in the September 24, 2008 issue of the New York Times.

Throughout the month of Ramadan, Travee Prayers were held each night and attended by a large number of . Arrangements were made to have Qari Sheikh Muneer Ahmed lead the Travee Prayers. We celebrated the two Eids - Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha with hundreds of families attending prayers at the Mosque. As of today, we are pleased to inform you that by the Grace of Allah, the ICR Mosque is open for prayers 5 times a day.

...continued on Page 2 PAGE 2 ICR NEWSLETTER May 16th, 2009, 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430 ‘continued from Front Page - ICR Mosque History

Prayer times are posted and updated at the their intense personal efforts to seek fur- We are especially grateful to two sources: first, Mosque. For Friday prayers, we follow a strict ther donations from friends and families. Br. Junaid Dar and his wife Sr. Shama Dar for schedule; the Khutba starts exactly at 1:00 pm Again by the Grace of Allah, we have not providing a large amount of personal funds; and the prayers are held at 1:30 pm sharp. It is incurred any loans from any bank or finan- second, Management of Darul Islah Mosque in a beautiful sight to see a large group of Muslims cial institution whatsoever; nor have we Teaneck, NJ for their timely monetary assis- arrive at the Mosque on time and leave the paid a single penny in Ribah or interest or tance to ICR during the construction of our Mosque on time to go back to their offices and usury to anyone towards the construction Mosque. Alhamdulillah, both loans have been business. Boxed lunch is also available at a of this beautiful Masjid. However, we do gratefully re-paid by ICR thru internal funding modest cost. acknowledge owing Qarz Hasna to sev- within the congregation members. We are look- eral Muslim brothers and sisters within the ing forward and hope to accumulate enough It should be noted with genuine humility of ac- congregation and we certainly intend to revenues thru the annual Fund Raising Event complishment that the ICR Mosque was built pay them back by the continued support scheduled on May 16, 2009 to absolve the entirely by generous donations raised within the and generosity of the Muslim Umma dur- Mosque completely from its current obligation of community by the congregation members and ing our Fund Raising efforts, Insha’Allah. $361,150 loan, Insha’Allah. AZEEM FAROOKI ICR Management The ICR management has 19 Board Members including 13 Board of Trustees of RMT and 6 Board of Directors of ICR. Several Working Committees are estab- lished to carry out specific activities. A Working Committee is headed by a Committee Chair who must be a Board Member. The Committee Chairs plan activi- ties and budgets and get approval from the Board to carry out their plans. Each Working Committee consists of several participants. It is not necessary for a participant to be a Board Member. Current management listing is as follows:

Board of Trustees (RMT) Board of Directors Chair of Committee Committee Name 1. Mohammad Ziaullah (Chairman) 1. Muhammed Aminullah Building Management Ezz Hamza (President) 2. Khaja Fasihuddin 2. Gami Mostafa Mosque & Religious Affairs 3. Jamal Kibria Azfar Farooq (President Elect) 3. Meherban Syed Education 4. Aftab Dar 4. Ezz Hamza Fund Raising 1. Seema Kibria 5. Gami Mostafa 5. Azra Fasiuddin Social Activities & Food Mgt 6. Mohamed Bhana 2. Mona Syed 6. Seema Kibria Youth Group 7. Ezz Hamza 7. Junaid Dar Event Planning 8. Meherban Syed 3. Yasar Inanc 8. Mohammad Ziaullah Funeral & Cemetery 9. Junaid Dar 4. 9. Naila Uddin Library & Newsletter 10. Azra Fasihuddin Abdul Rehman Khan 10.Mohamed Bhana Family Social Services 11. Azfar Farooq 5. Eric Shamsid-Deen 11.Mona Syed Finance & Record Keeping 12. Muhammed Aminullah 12.Azeem Farooki Interfaith & Dawa 13. Azeem Farooki 6. Naila Uddin A note from… Congratulations on publishing the first issue of the I would like to take this opportunity and thank Allah Welcome all to the very first issue of ICR Newslet- ICR Newsletter. (swt) and all of you for continued support for the ICR ter. Three years ago Islamic Center of Rockland plans and Masjid project. After a long struggle, but with the help Once a dream …of our own mosque along with a drawings were just a dream. Today with Allah’s Grace of Allah (swt) and our dedicated community we are community center came to life last Ramadan, after and your support this mere drawing has turned into a able to confirm the success of a promise we made 25 years of hard work and determination, with the visible reality: a Mosque and a Community Center at long ago; our Masjid is fully functioning and operating help of generous contributions from early Rockland ICR. at a successful level with Prayer services 5x/day, resident to our relatively new members. My sincere The ICR Mosque provides a welcoming worshipful envi- weekend adult class as well as Sunday school gratification to all the generous contributors from ronment where both men and women pray with peace of classes for students aged 4-18+. Now the second early 80’s up until now. ICR is fully functional from mind and a sense of home. In this sacred place, hun- phase of our struggle starts, we need to ensure the holding daily prayers to Sunday Islamic school, dreds of young people will learn the morals and ethics of ICR Masjid remains fully operational; this can be done my very special thanks to our ICR Principal Brother Islam, the needful will seek refuge and the troubled will by diversifying programs we are offering and increas- Meherban Syed and Vice-Principal sister Seema find help, Insha’Allah. ing our involvement in both Muslim and non-Muslim Jamal. First, it was our belief in Allah SW, then our team-work, community activities (Blood Drives, Food Drive, Cloth- I would like to commend previous and present ICR dedication and positive attitude that enabled us to fulfill ing Donation, Interfaith meetings etc). We are very management teams for their selflessness, highest our dream and make ICR one of the most active organi- humbled and grateful for all the support you have degree of integrity in providing coordinated accom- zations serving the needs of Muslims from all back- shown in the past. We ask that you and your families modations to all schools of thought. grounds. please continue this show of support and make this a Reminder …please saves the date for ICR Fund team effort. This cause is greater than just you or I, it Raiser on Saturday May 16 th at Holiday Inn Suf- Now, united together we are reaching for our goals to is to please Allah and make this house of Allah (swt) a fern. Bring family and friends to a memorable - have at ICR: A resident Imam, NY State certified Islamic successful and thriving one for our future generations ning of Islamic entertainment, donate generously Elementary and Middle school, Day Care Center for to come. May Allah (swt) bless you and your family. and enjoy wide variety of food. Muslim Children, Muslim Youth Sports and Recreational (Ameen). Need of the time: To propagate progressive Facility, Guidance Council of multi-disciplined profession- Islam without modifying the fundamentals. als to help youth and new Muslims achieve better under- I would like to congratulate all the dedi- Thank you to all who responded and offered feed- standing of Islam. cated individuals for the hard work they have done to be able to deliver this great news to the ICR commu- back. This information is helpful in understanding United we were in building the Center, United we are in our progress in creating a culture that promotes making the Center one of the most active Muslim Organi- nity. May Allah (swt) continue to bless them and re- ward them in this world and hereafter. (Ameen). We all tolerance and harmony. zations in the area, and United we will be to achieve our -Naila Uddin Chair of the Communication goals and hand over the ICR flag to the next generation look forward to working with you on upcoming projects Committee to advance it further. for the continued growth and success of the Islamic Center of Rockland. -Ezz Hamza President of ICR -Mohammad Ziaullah Chairman of the Board of Trustees of RMT May 16th, 2009, 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430 ICR NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 ICR—School "Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who A list of Teachers is as follows: created, Created man from clots. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who Category Level Regular Teachers taught by the pen. He taught man that Elementary Level 1, 2, 3 Syeda Ayesha Abubaker, Qosia Ah- which he did not know" - ( Sura 96 Al- med, Shirin Ahmed, Mohamed Bhana, Alaq, Ayats 1-5) Junior Level 1, 2 Azeem Farooki, Farooq, Gami Mostafa, Safia Hamza, Azra Khan, My Lord! Increase me in knowledge. (Sura Senior Level 1, 2 Seema Kibria, Fozia Mujahid, Shabana 20 Ta-Ha, Ayat 114) Qureshi, Meherban Syed, Naila Uddin, Advanced Level 1, 2 The ICR School has been in operation for Abida Naz. a number of years in rented facilities in Currently, the following courses are of- Student Teachers Rockland County. However, effective fered for all four categories: Saima Ahmed, Danish Chawala, Komel September 2008, we have started the school classes on Sundays at ICR, 481 Languages – and Urdu Mian, Salman Mian, Mona Ziaullah Mountainview Avenue, Valley Cottage, Quranic Studies NY. Classes begin at 11 am after a and end by 1:30 pm as Zuhar prayer start. Islamic Studies A total of 125 students ranging from age 3 to 17 are enrolled. The annual registra- ICR School staff includes 15 Regular tion fee is $500 per family. During the Teachers and 5 Student Teachers. All enrollment period, all students are tested teachers devote their time and energy in their basic understanding of Arabic and Fee Sabeel Allah . Br. Meherban Syed Urdu Languages, Qur’an recital and Is- and Sr. Seema Kibria are the Principal lamic religious studies. Based on the test and Vice Principal respectively. results, students are divided into four categories: $$ Annual ICR Fundraising Event $$

The annual ICR Fund Raising event is and good deeds. “In houses that Allah has permitted to scheduled on Saturday May 16, 2009 at be raised up and His Name to be men- the Holiday Inn, Suffern, New York. ICR is offering – a prayer spot – Mus- tioned, glorify Him therein in the morn- Sheikh Moutaz Charaf is the guest salla - for a $1000 donation to Muslim ing and in the evening. Men who are speaker. This is a significant event for families to earn Sadaqah Jaria - the not diverted by trade or commerce from ICR as the history of this event shows blessings. So far, 140 prayer spots are remembrance of Allah, and from estab- that donations provided by the atten- taken. You can have more than one lishing prayers and paying the Zakat dees during the evening enabled ICR to prayer spot in the name of parents, sib- fear a Day when hearts and eyes shall start and almost complete the entire lings, or self. Some congregation mem- be turned about”. (Sura 24 An-Nur , construction of the ICR Mosque without bers have donated for several prayer Ayats 36-37) borrowing any monies from financial spots for family members. The belief is institutions and thus avoiding incurring anyone who prays at your donated spot Prophet Mohammed (PBBUH) said: Ribah or interest. As of today, ICR will get Sadaqah Jaria for as long as the “Whoever helps build a Masjid, Allah owes $361,150 to individuals for their Mosque exists and this particular ICR will build him a house in ”. Qarz Hasna to the Mosque. Mosque located on the highest elevation in Rockland County next to the tallest “The prayer is the pillar of Islam, who- Donating money, time and resources to Police Communications Tower will be ever keeps it builds the religion, and build a Mosque is one of the most re- standing forever for generations to whoever forgets it destroys the relig- warding ways of earning Sadaqah come, Insha’Allah. ion”. Jariah which is the source of continuous The Qur’an reminds us: good deeds till the end of time. When “Do not prevent female Muslims from we donate to build a Mosque, we get “ The likeness of the ones who expend coming to the Mosques”. reward for every thing that happens at their riches in the way of Allah is as the that Mosque. For example: we get Sa- likeness of a grain that grows seven wab – blessings - when anyone who ears, in every ear a hundred grains. performs prayers and recites Qur’an at ICR humbly thanks everyone for their (Sura 2 Al-Baqarah, Ayat 261) ongoing support and urges everyone to that Mosque. This reward multiplies if a please, Donate Generously. person who learned at the Mosque will teach other people. It is indeed an ever- May Allah accept. Ameen. lasting multiplication of earning rewards PAGE 4 ICR NEWSLETTER May 16th, 2009, 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430 Importance of Prayers

"Do you not realize that to Allah pros- med (PBBUH) during his journey of trates everyone in the heavens and the Isra and Mairaj . Remember, it is the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and first thing you will be asked on the Day Daily prayers are offered the stars, and the mountains, and the of Judgment - if prayer is accepted then at ICR: trees, and the animals, and many peo- all good deeds are accepted and ple?" (Sura 22 Al-, Ayat 18) if prayer is not accepted then nothing is accepted. "Recite what has been revealed to you Fajr 5:00 AM* of the Book, and keep up the Prayer gives us a prayer. Surely prayer keeps one from direct connection to Zuhar 1.30 PM the great sins and evil deeds" (Sura 29 Allah and reminds us Al-Ankabut, Ayat 45). of the purpose of our creation. Prayer pu- Asr 6:00 PM* The Prophet Mohammed (PBBUH) said: rifies the heart and The nearest a servant comes to his Lord helps us attain spiri- Maghrib 8:00 PM* is when he is prostrating himself. What tual devotion and lies between a man and atheism is moral high ground to abandoning prayer. achieve patience, Isha 9:30 PM* humility and sincerity. Prayer is the Prayer is the second pillar of Islam and means of repentance and keeps us in fact is the only Ibadat that was di- away from sinful acts. *Times subject to change rectly given by Allah to Prophet Moham- -AZEEM FAROOKI

1. The Morning Prayer ( SALAT-UL- FAJR ) It can be performed at any time between the breaking of the dawn till just before sunrise.

2. The Noon Prayer ( SALAT-UL- ZUHAR ) Its time begins after the sun declines from its zenith until it is about mid-afternoon.

3. The Afternoon Prayer ( SALAT-UL- ASR ) Its time begins soon after the time for ends and extends to just before sunset.

4. The Evening Prayer ( SALAT-UL- MAGHRIB ) Its time begins just after sunset and extends to a period of an hour and a half.

5. The Night Prayer ( SALAT-UL- ISHA ) Its time begins about an hour and a half after sunset and extends to dawn. May 16th, 2009, 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430 ICR NEWSLETTER PAGE 5 ICR Working Committee’s

Building Management Education Committee Library and Newsletter Committee A great deal of routine maintenance and ICR School Mid-Term exams were held The first ICR Newsletter of 2009 is being upgrade is regularly performed by mem- during March and April. After the ex- issued on May 16 2009 coinciding with bers of the Building Management team ams, the Parents-Teacher meetings for 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430. saving significant expense to ICR. Sev- the school rear 2009 were conducted. eral Security Cameras are installed in and Comments and recommendations re- around the perimeter of the building and ceived from parents are being evaluated Family Social Services Committee monitored (24/7) round the clock. Audio for potential changes and implementa- and video facilities are fully operational tion. Members are actively participating in inside the Mosque. Dedicated telephone meetings to review various topics of lines provide direct connections to the concern. A questionnaire is being pre- local Fire and Police Departments. Fund Raising Committee pared to survey the community priorities concerning their needs in this important

As indicated earlier, the annual ICR area of service to adults and teenagers. Mosque and Religious Affairs Commit- Fund Raising event is scheduled on Sat- The Committee is planning to invite pro- tee urday May 16, 2009 at the Holiday Inn, fessionals as guest speakers to provide Suffern, New York. guidance and share their expertise with The Committee is diligent and responsive the congregation members. in distributing Zakat, Fitra, Sadaqah mon- ies collected by ICR to eligible individuals Social Activities and Food Manage- and organizations. As mentioned earlier, ment Finance and Record Keeping we do not have a permanent Imam identi- fied for the Mosque yet. Therefore for On Sundays, light refreshment (snacks, The Committee maintains accurate fi- Friday prayers, we request congregation juices and tea) is provided at no cost to nancial records. Receipts are promptly members and various people within com- students. Lunch if available is also pro- issued for donations received by checks munity at-large to devote their time and vided with an optional $5 donation. and funds are deposited in the appropri- come to ICR Mosque to lead the prayers. ate ICR account. Monthly income and Alhamdulillah, so far we have scheduled expenses are meticulously recorded and an Imam through the end of September relevant reports are provided on a Funeral and Cemetery Committee 2009. We owe especial gratitude to Br. monthly basis to the Board. Gami Mostafa who has agreed to lead ICR Funeral services are available for Interfaith and Dawa Committee Friday prayers once a month by regularly the community. Currently, ICR has a taking time off from his work. designated area (off of Rt. 303, south of The mission of ICR Interfaith and Dawa Hafiz Habeebur Rehman and his wife, the Palisades Mall) located at the Rock- Committee is to promote understanding also a Hafiz, will teach recitation and land Cemetery in Sparkill, NY. of Islam through education, communica- tion and dialogue with other faiths. memorization of the Holy Qur’an for $100 per person per month. Starting In May, a In pursuit of this goal, a congratulatory new class is offered on weekends from Event Planning Committee 2:30 – 4:30 pm to the congregation for the note was sent to the newly appointed Recitation and Memorization of the Holy On Sunday, April 5, 2009 a Barbeque Archbishop of New York. Archbishop Qur’an. The class will focus on learning was held at the Mosque for a community Timothy M. Dolan responded by letter the correct pronunciation and rules of Ta- get together as well as to generate reve- and on April 15th at his inauguration jweed. To enroll in this class please con- nues for the Mosque. It was attended speech at St Peter’s Cathedral in New tact Br. Meherban Syed (845 429 0876) or by several families and turned out to be York City elegantly referenced Islamic Br. Gami Mostafa (845 639 9155). a very successful event. Based on the Community and its importance. positive feedback, the Committee plans Correspondence on Page 6... Tajweed and Hadees Halaqas are held to schedule this event frequently during every weekend at the ICR Mosque after the summer months. Fajr prayers. Br. Ezz Hamza is giving the Tajweed Halaqa on Saturday and Br. Gami Mostafa is giving the Hadees Ha- laqa on Sunday. Attendance is increasing Youth Group and significant improvement in recital and ICR Mosque grounds require periodic pronunciation is evident. Attendees also maintenance and cleaning. On bright enjoy a sumptuous breakfast provided at sunny days several young members the Mosque. actively participate under supervision to complete these tasks cheerfully. See recent photograph—right. PAGE 6 ICR NEWSLETTER May 16th, 2009, 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430 ‘continued from Interfaith and Dawa Committee March 16, 2009 His Excellency, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan The Archbishop of New York 1011 1st Avenue N.Y. N.Y 10022

Your Excellency,

On behalf of Interfaith and Dawa Committee of the Islamic Center of Rockland, New York, I welcome your arrival to New York.

Our mission at ICR Interfaith and Dawa Committee is to promote understanding of Islam through education, commu- nication and dialogue thereby achieving harmony, understanding and relationship between people of all faiths.

I believe your spiritual support is highly needed and cherished by all New Yorkers facing stress and anxiety espe- cially during these economic turbulent times. With deepest regards and respect,

Azeem Farooki Chairman, Interfaith & Dawa Committee, Islamic Center of Rockland, New York May 16th, 2009, 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430 ICR NEWSLETTER PAGE 7 The Importance of ILM (Knowledge) Our religion Islam has great importance The Prophet (PBBUH) said: Khawarizmi born in Khiva, also known on learning and acquiring ILM – knowl- as Khorezm, Uzbekistan. In recogni- edge. No other religion places so much “He who leaves home in search of tion to his contributions to astronomy emphasis on learning. The very first knowledge walks in the path of Allah." and geography, another crater on word Prophet (PBBUH) was asked to Moon is named al-Khwarizmi . Also, a "The men of knowledge are the inheri- speak was IQRA – Read. stamp was issued by the Soviet Union tors of the prophets". in honor of his birthday 1200 years ago. In the Holy Qur’an there are: 704 ref- "The acquisition of knowledge is incum- According to Hamilton Mor- erences on KNOWLEDGE; 230 refer- bent on every Muslim." gan in his latest book “Lost History – ences on BOOK; 319 references on Tareeq Zayey ” “ al- Khwarizmi WRITING. "Seek knowledge even if you have to go showed the way of not only building to China". of 100 story towers and mile long The Qur’an reminds us: bridges but the very essence of de- "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the Just as We have sent among you a signing the modern computers; cal- grave". Messenger of yourselves, to recite Our culating the point at which a space Ayat to you, and to cleanse you, and to Islamic civilization has always empha- ship will intersect with the orbit of teach you the Book and the Wisdom, sized and cherished acquiring knowl- Jupiter’s moon; the reactions of nu- and to teach you that which you did not edge. In the past, every Muslim city had clear physics; the cellular processes know. (Sura 2 Al-Baqarah, Ayat 151) libraries and the scholar has always of biotechnology; pharmaceutical been held in the highest esteem. and marketing He has enumerated everything in num- In 830, Caliph al-Mamun estab- research; the bers. (Sura 72 Al-, Ayat 28) lished the famous House of Wis- calculus of global econ- And that those who have been given dom (Bayt al-Hikma) in Baghdad. The House of Wisdom consisted of omy; the lan- knowledge may know that it is the truth guage and intel- from your Lord, so that they may believe an extensive library, an academy, a translation bureau and several ligence of com- therein and their hearts may submit puter software humbly to Him. Surely! Allah is guiding astronomical observatories. All manuscripts from the House of and the confi- those who believe to a right path. (Sura dentiality of 22 Al-Hajj, Ayat 54) Wisdom were later on translated from Arabic into Latin (English) and modern phone Surely the right number of months in the also in Hebrew thus providing the conversations ”. sight of is 12 in a year – so or- fundamental knowledge in philoso- What dained by Him the day He created the phy and science to European Mohammad Ibn heavens and the earth; of them four are scholars. In the tenth century Musa al- sacred. (Sura 9 At-Taubah, Ayat 36) Baghdad was considered the intel- Khwarizmi, an lectual center of the world. In recogni- extremely reli- It is not permitted for the Sun to over- tion to the Caliph al-Mamun’s contribu- gious Muslim, did was indeed a super take the Moon nor does the night out- tions to astronomy, one of the craters on human effort. ICR is looking forward to strip the day. They float each other in Moon is named al-Mamun . One of the honoring likes of al-Khwarizmi from the an orbit. (Sura 36 Ya-Sin, Ayat 39) most famous scholars at the House of young Muslim generation of Rockland Wisdom was Mohammad Ibn Musa al- County, Insha'Allah. -AZEEM FAROOKI

“Woww”

"Time to get up" called my mother. It was Sunday! Time to go to the new Mosque! I was so excited! I got out of bed and got dressed. Then I ate my breakfast. Finally it was time to go. We piled into the car and were off! We drove for fifteen minutes. The mosque is located at Valley Cottage, NY 10989. We call it the ICR (Islamic Center of Rockland). Fifteen minutes seemed like a long time. It always does. Finally we were there. "Woww!" I gasped as I stepped out of the car. It was beautiful! It was as colorful as a rainbow. The windows were as smooth as ice. The landscaping looked beautiful too. There were plants everywhere. We went inside. I walked into the Prayer hall...... it looked amazing. I was standing on a soft green carpet. It's called a Prayer rug. It looked probably 20 sq. yards. Two sections (men and women) were being separated by a velvety green curtain. There were small book shelves filled with the Holy books and the translations (Qur’an). I went downstairs. It was completely different. It had a white, black, and grey marble floor. There was a kitchen (for food on every Sunday and special occasions), a couple of classrooms, two staircases for men and women each and a boiler room. We had a of fun. We played and prayed all day. But then we had to go home. "I can't wait until I come back tomorrow." I whispered over my shoulder. (The above article is written by Fatima Farooq, 4 th Grade student and she won a First Prize in literature “Reflections” at Elmwood Elementary School on 10/09/2008) PAGE 8 ICR NEWSLETTER May 16th, 2009, 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430 Community News First , we like to point out the joyous events celebrating Ameen – complet- Adeel Dar has been accepted into the Danish Chawala received the Aca- ing the recital of Holy Qur’an - that Mentor Talented Student Honors Pro- demic Awards at North High School. were recently held for two young stu- gram at RCC. dents: Sofia Chawala received Academic Fatima Farooq, 10 years old com- Bari Dar is placed on the Honor Roll at Awards at North High School. pleted her Qur’an recital in March 09. Nanuet High School. Aleena Dar , 12 years old completed Gia Chawala is enrolled in Honor her Qur’an recital in April 09. Shahrukh Ajazuddin is enrolled in Classes, recipient of Star Wars and Honor Classes at Clarkstown High participant in the National History Second , we are extremely pleased to School North. Day at State level. announce the accomplishments of the following students during the aca- Sara Beg has been inducted in the demic year 2008-2009 : ICR is very proud of our young National Honor Society at Pascack and talented congregation mem-

Hills High School. bers and their outstanding aca- Mishal Aminullah, from Clarkstown High School South is placed on the demic accomplishments. We Zoha Mian is enrolled in Honor Principal’s High Honor Roll. She is a congratulate them as well as their Classes at Pearl River High School. recipient of: Social Studies Excellence parents for their diligence, pa- Award; Academic Excellence Award tience and perseverance in moti- and Certificate of Excellence for Out- Mona Ziaullah has been inducted into vating their children in following standing Achievement in American the Science Honor society, Foreign the teachings of Prophet Moham- Sign Language. She was also hon- Language Honor Society, English med (PBBUH) and accomplish ored at “Celebration of Academic Ex- Honor Society, Social Studies Honor the goals. May Allah bestow His cellence” ceremony. Society, and on the Principal’s List., Blessings upon them and may the also accepted into the Mentor Tal- ented Student Honors Program at Holy Qur’an be their guidance in Maimuna Rashid, from North Rock- RCC (early admit). life leading them always on a land High School is placed on the Sirate Mustaqeem. Ameen . Principal’s List and on the Honor Roll. Usman Ahmed from Nanuet High School has been inducted into the Na- Syeda Sundus Mujahid, from North tional Honor Society. Rockland High School is placed on Principal’s List and has been inducted in the National Honor Society as well Mohsin Ahmed from Nanuet High as the Mathematics Honor Society School has been inducted into the Na- and Science Honor Society. tional Honor Society.

Labiqa Mujahid has been inducted into Saima Ahmed from Nanuet High the National Junior Honor Society at School has been inducted into the Na- Fieldstone Secondary School. tional Honor Society.

In other news, Dr. Alima Farooki also received their participated in a Conference on at the Spring Valley Mosque Alhamdulillah, in the month of Gender Equality and Women’s location. Empowerment at The Rosa Park March 2009, the first Shahada Human Rights Center. She repre- at the ICR Masha' Allah. sented Islamic Culture on Mosque was Women’s Panel Discussion and taken by Br. was a recipient of Heroes of Hu- James. In ad- manity Award from Rockland dition, Br. Lu- County Commission on Human qman and Br. Rights. Abdul Rehman May 16th, 2009, 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430 ICR NEWSLETTER PAGE 9 Classified Ads The following advertisements reflect the respect and affection towards ICR organization by local professionals. Please note that the entire cost of printing the ICR Newsletter is paid by the following professionals and business establishments in Rockland County. We certainly appreciate their support and hope that you will recognize them and use their services when needed.

Healthcare:

Continued on next PAGE 10 ICR NEWSLETTER May 16th, 2009, 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430 Classified Ads—continued’

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Retail

Continued on next page… May 16th, 2009, 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430 ICR NEWSLETTER PAGE 11 Classified Ads—Continued…

Party Rental: Home Improvement:

Automotive :

Phone: 845.371.3072 Emergency: 845.222.8530 May 16th, 2009, 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430

Volume I, Issue I

Editor: Azeem Farooki

This brief note is to express my grati- tude for the opportunity to compose the first issue of ICR Newsletter. I sincerely hope that we can continue this effort by receiving ongoing sup- port from our congregation members, especially the young students by their contribution of new ideas and interesting articles for the forthcom- ing publications. I am grateful to Br. Gami Mustafa and Br. Ezz Hamza for their guidance in my selection of Ayats from the Holy Qur’an.

-Azeem Farooki-

The first issue of the ICR Newsletter, Volume 1, May 16, 2009 / 21 Jamadi Awwal 1430 is composed and edited by Azeem Farooki. The layout, setting and artwork was designed by Adnan Ziaullah. Printed at Minuteman Press of Nanuet, NY and published by the Islamic Center of Rockland, 481 Mountainview Avenue, Valley Cottage, NY 10989

**Disclaimer: Views expressed in this Newsletter may not represent views of the ICR; ICR and its’ constituents are not liable/responsible for the accuracy and/or content. Content must be approved by Editor in Chief, articles may print differently than submitted because of formatting. ICR Newsletter strives to be objective and does not represent any persons personal view. ICR Newsletters objective is to be informative for the local community.