A Message from Brother Ashfaq Taufique

By the time you get this, we will be in the month of Muharram and the new Hijri year of 1440. I pray that Allah showers His blessings upon our community in the coming New Year. This holy month of Muharram is one of the four months declared by Allah as sacred. In it is the day of Aashoora, fasting on the day of Aashoora expiates the sins of the preceding year. Let us take advantage of the gift from Allah.

As we count our blessings in the coming new year and beyond, let us remember the trials and tribulations the Ummah is facing all over the world. These trials reflect our deficiency in developing a global brotherhood. A brotherhood that is based on our total commitment to our faith. Each one of us is fifty one percent responsible for our conditions and it can only be mended with our firm resolve to implement a righteous way of living that is not only manifested in our fulfillment of the obligatory rituals, but also our interaction with Allah’s creations. Prophet Muhammad, PBUH taught that our deen is “Deen of Muamalat” (our interaction with the humans and all other creations).

Our civil rights are at stake and we must all revisit our erroneous past strategy of staying in our cocoons. Political activism for Muslims is no longer an option, but an obligation. Let us make the Muslim Community a political commodity, by turning out in droves to vote. Here are some of the dates to remember for the upcoming election:

Anyone who turns 18 on or before October 22 is eligible to vote.

Last day to register: Monday, October 22, 2018

Last day to submit absentee vote application: Thursday, November 01, 2018

Election date: Tuesday, November 06, 2018

Register Online Here

Download PDF Registration Form Here

Welcome Back Haji Dinner

Keeping up with our tradition, BIS held a Welcome Back Haji Dinner on September 7, 2018. Brother Ashfaq welcomed the Hajis and prayed for their hajj to be Hajj Mabroor. Hajj Mabroor is a a hajj that is accepted, and according to the explanation by scholars, is accompanied with the righteous changes one makes in his or her life.

Imam Sameh moderated the panel discussion and asked questions regarding the feelings one gets when seeing the Kaaba for the first time, and the feelings one gets as they say salaam to Prophet Muhammad (saw). Hajis reflected on their innermost feelings and some were in tears as they talked.

One of the most unanimously resounding advices hajis gave to the audience and the community at large, was that one should not delay the performance of hajj. If one can financially and physically afford to do so, it is better to perform hajj when one is young, inshaAllah.

BIS Graduation Party at HCIC by Khaled Sakalla

On August 11th, 2018, the Birmingham Islamic Society held its annual graduation party at Hoover Crescent Islamic Center. The event was yet another successful event in which our high school and college graduates were honored for their academic achievements. The graduates included several high school candidates who represented their schools as valedictorians , which is something that we all can be proud of. The talents that our graduates exhibited suggests a great future awaits our young and future Muslim leaders.

The event included guest speakers from BIS and IAA, as well as the Imam. Each of the graduates had the opportunity to speak about their future aspirations and their strategy that made them successful. The last part of the event included a question and answer session from the moderator of the event to the audience, in which small prizes were given for members of the audience who provided correct answers to the questions asked.

At the end, gifts were awarded to the graduates in recognition of their achievements.  The Imam of BIS concluded the event with a dua’ for all graduates asking Allah SWT to bless them and make success come their way.

Education, Children, and Parents by Rashid Almuntharee

Alhamdulillah another school year is upon us and Fall is quickly approaching. Allah (SWT) says in His Book “Indeed We alternate the days (some days are good and some are bad) between mankind. “ This alternation is a reminder that change is a constant occurrence in life, and it’s never the same.

As our children grow, develop and change we too must grow as parents. This is a major problem in the relationship we have with our children; as parents we have stopped growing. We have discontinued education as parents, and instead have chosen to rely on what we learned from our parents and our life experiences. This will not allow us to be victorious in our relationships with our children and our lifelong battle with Iblees (May Allah’s Curse be upon him).

“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have the best example to follow” [33:21].

In all matters concerning that which is best for mankind, Prophet Muhammad (saws) is the standard. We must take from his example regarding raising our children and continue to grow as parents- so as to leave behind righteous offspring. InshaAllah, we will bring forth a series of articles solely dedicated to the relationship between parent and child.

May Allah grant us tawfeeq in our affairs. Ameen.

Eid ul Adha Community Festival by Sakeena Ahmed

This year's annual Eid ul Adha Community Festival was held on Saturday, August 25 from 2-6 PM at the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center. It was a very hot summer day, but families still came out to enjoy the day with their brothers and sisters.

A delicious biryani lunch was served. BIS arranged for free rides for the children, including a mind-winder carnival spinning ride, bounce house, a choo-choo train, and a mechanical bucking bull. It was a fun day for everyone as we celebrated our holiday. 

May Allah reward the volunteers who organized the event and helped on the day of it. We are always looking for new ideas and volunteers for our events. If you are interested in helping out or have suggestions for future activities, please contact the BIS Office.

Eid Prayers

Eid ul Adha prayers were held on Tuesday, August 21 at 9 AM at the brand new Hoover Met Complex Finley Center. This was the first time BIS held prayers at this location, which opened in 2017. The community loved the new facility, especially the free and easily accessible parking. Everyone recited the takbeerat in chorus as the crowd gathered. Over 3,000 Muslims attended the ritual prayer and sermon given by Imam Sameh.

It is always a blessing to see the diversity of the community in their traditional clothes and attire as they greet one another wishing "Eid Mubarak". BIS is looking to reserve this facility for our future Eid prayers, pending availability, insha'Allah.

You can click here:

https://www.facebook.com/ziyad.awad.14/videos/1844565055596763/ to see the community gathered before Eid Salat and listen to the Eid Takbeerat. Video courtesy of Br. Ziyad Awad.