A Message from Brother Ashfaq

Are we prepared for Ramadan?


With the start of the Islamic month Jamadi ul Awwal, we are less than four months away from the beginning of Ramadan. Let us put plans together to start getting prepared for Ramadan by engaging in the sunnah of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, along with a frequent recitation of Quran. May Allah make us among those who will be witnessing the month of Ramadan. O Allah, make us among those whose fasting and good deeds are accepted and be among those who have been forgiven. Ameen.


Do we have Bullying Problem in our Community?


In my December message, I talked about internal challenges the Muslim community faces. These challenges are often more demanding than the external challenges. Yet, we spend a lot of resources and energy in combating external ones and are very oblivious to the perils of what is happening in our backyard.


Parenting is a “cradle to grave” responsibility and cannot be delegated to others. Masjids and Islamic schools can serve as a complement and supplement to the efforts made by parents. I will address one of the many evils we face as we raise our children, bullying. I am not talking about the bullying by the racist and bigoted people, although that is a problem. I am talking about the subtler, and sometimes ignored, bullying that is a result of “self-righteousness”. Bullying is not just a phenomenon of physical and verbal abuse, but a result of an environment created to look down at those who in their physical manifestation do not appear to adhere to the religious practices. Our body language and demeanor are the reasons that are responsible for creating such an environment. Either directly or indirectly, we often pass on this trait to our children to be “self-righteous,” and sadly judging others has become the norm.


Surat Al-Hujra, a moral compass for the Muslims, among addressing many other moral values, give us a guidance on being humble.


Is it not time that the hearts of all who have attained to faith should feel humble at the remembrance of God and of the truth that has been bestowed [on them] from on high?” (57:16)


The best man who walked on the earth, Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) was never arrogant nor made others feel inferior by his actions, his demeanor or his words.


One of the golden rules that we should follow is, “Catch people doing right” instead of being the “Haram Police.”

To address this very important concern, BIS will be holding a “Bullying Prevention Workshop” on February 24. This workshop is for parents only, and will give us tools to prevent our children from being the victims and yes, the aggressors. Please register here to attend the workshop.