Community Wide Graduation Celebration by Khaled Sakalla

On Sunday, August 6th, the Birmingham Islamic Society and Islamic Academy of Alabama co-hosted a graduation party at the Pelham Civic Center to recognize and honor of the graduates of the community.

The celebration began with guests arriving and being instantly attracted to the festive games all lined up on one side of the hall. Games such as pin the tassel on the graduate, miniature bowling and bean bag toss were lined up ready to take new players. To keep all ages entertained, henna and face painting tables were available as well.

As the women and men took turns playing the games, door prizes kept the all the guests entertained and on edge. The three lucky raffle ticket winners won a 31 pack sharpie set, a double portable battery set and a book light set.

After all guests enjoyed games, face painting and henna to their heart’s content, a traditional Indian/Pakistani dish, biryani, was served.

As the guests finished food, the ceremony began.  To start off the celebration, graduates and families were surprised with a entertaining  video made by high school students of IAA and students of UAB. The funny video gave recent high school graduates “tips” on how their college experience would be.

The theme of the video was set as college “expectation” vs “reality” where viewers laughed and enjoyed as the actor college student excitedly thought he has earned more freedom starting college but was heartbroken when his mother called him demanding him to be home by maghrib.

After the video, graduates; Tayyab M Barra, Omar Abu Hamdeh, Hamza Abu Hamdeh, Mohammad Zuaiter , Omar Jaber , Syed T Imam, Manar Sakalla , Yasmin El-Husari , Lama Qashou , Tala Samour , Aiyah Ashouri , Sahlah Wright , Nazia Khan,  Mohammad Awad and Farah Jiwani were recognized and celebrated for their hard work  in their academic career.

IAA representative Br. Osama Khanfar and BIS Representative Br. Tariq Hamid spoke to the graduates and their families. Both speakers mentioned the importance of seeking knowledge for the sake of Allah (swt) and being the best contributor of society as they can.

“Knowledge is the life of the mind,” was cited by Br. Tariq as a wise saying by Abu Bakr r.a.  

As the successful celebration ended, all graduates were once again celebrated and everyone else was reminded that this inshaAllah annual event will now be a part of Birmingham’s community’s culture, where we will be able to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our youth every year.

Our sincere thanks and appreciation goes to our talented team that planned and executed such an amazing, creative and successful event.  With the help of Allah SWT, our talented team consisting of Yasmin El-Hosary, Menet Elbahrawi, Sufia Alam and Manar Sakalla worked diligently by meeting weekly to plan and ensure that the event was going to be successful.  We also thank the BIS and IAA leadership for nominating this talented team to be responsible for planning this event.

Children's Book Suggestions for Hajj and Eid ul-Adha

With Eid just around the corner, it is a great time to teach our little ones and review with our older children, why this holiday is so significant.  Many children remember and relate better to fictionalized stories and characters, and alhumdulillah the Jefferson Public library system can help if you don’t have a large selection at home to choose from.  If you are willing to purchase books the genre is growing and many are available easily online, not just from islamic websites, but also on Amazon, Walmart.com, and Ebay, just to name a few.  As a former teacher, children’s school librarian, and mom of four, here are my suggestions, Happy Reading!

Books about Eid Al-Adha and Hajj:

The Perfect Gift by J. Samia Mair illustrated by Craig Howarth

Is there anything sweeter than a little girl feeling sad that she doesn’t have an Eid gift for her mother and then finding the perfect gift in nature? Probably, but it is still a great premise for a sweet story about a young girl named Sarah and how remembering the hadith “Allah is beautiful and loves beauty” starts a new Eid ul-Adha tradition for her family.

The Perfect Gift is simply written with adequate pictures that move the story along.  The text is short and clear leaving the reader or listener with a clear message about Allah’s perfection and gifts, but keeps it on a preschool to first or second grade level.  The book is 28 pages and has a few words defined at the end for clarity.  While the book takes place close to Eid ul Adha, there is no mention about what the holiday is for and how it is celebrated, the focus is on the beauty of nature and perfection of Allah (swt). The book is available at the Jefferson County Libraries.

The Best Eid Ever by Asma Mobin-Uddin illustrated by Laura Jacobsen

For some this book may have a lot going on it’s 32 pages: Eid ul Adha, parents at Hajj, refugees, charity, Pakistani culture, but if you are reading this book to Muslim children (or they are reading it independently, it has an AR level of 3.8) i think it is delightful.

Aneesa wakes up on Eid morning missing her parents who are in Saudi Arabia performing Hajj. Her grandma, Nonni, surprises her with three new outfits complete with bangles and shoes for each of the days of Eid, and is preparing her favorite dinner, lamb korma, for them to eat after Eid prayers.  At Eid prayers Aneesa meets some refugee girls and wants to do something to make their Eid a little brighter.  Nonni and Aneesa come up with a plan and the result is “the best Eid ever!”

I love that it has morals and plot and sparks dialogue.  The message is so simple yet beautiful, that it stays with the reader, adult and child alike.  The illustrations are beautiful and warm providing a nice balance to the long passages.  There is an author’s note and Glossary in the back, but I think this book is really intended for a Muslim audience familiar with Hajj, Eid, and Paksitani culture.  It wouldn’t be lost on someone new to the vocabulary and customs, but definitely wouldn’t be as magical or memorable.

My 3rd grader loved the book and we were able to talk about it and reflect upon it long after the initial reading.  My younger boys enjoyed it, but didn’t get as much out of it.  I think this book works better in smaller groups rather than story time, or simply to have on the shelf to sweep the reader up and allow them to draw their own conclusions on what it means to do something for someone else.

The book is available at the Jefferson County Libraries.

Hamza Learns About Eid-ul-Adha By Asna Chaudhry

Hamza returns in this book to learn about Eid, and the story is hilarious, and on point for ages three or four and up.  The sentences and paragraphs are short, the pictures are bright and colorful like always, and the basics of Eid are conveyed.  The age of the reader or listener will greatly depend on what they get out of the story, as some may need help understanding concepts like sacrifice, slaughter, sacred, commemorate, counting sheep to sleep, and why the book is silly.

Hamza sees his older sister Aisha decorating the house for Eid-ul-Adha and wants to learn more about the holiday.  He goes to find his mom who starts to explain that it is a day of feasting “to commemorate when Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) was going to sacrifice his son according to Allah’s command.”  Unfortunately for Hamza, mom then gets a phone call and Hamza runs for his life thinking that he too will be sacrificed.  When Hamza’s brother Ali finds him hiding under the bed, Ali explains that only animals are sacrificed, and tells him about how Allah swt commanded Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail.  Hamza then worries about the animals that are sacrificed and Ali explains that when done in an Islamic manner they feel little pain and that the meat is to be shared.  With his heart at ease, Hamza is ready to enjoy Eid-ul-Adha.

The Lost Ring: An Eid Story by Fawzia Gilani-Williams illustrated by Kulthum Burgess

This is a good little story about Eid ul-Adha for 2nd through 4th graders.  It is 29 pages, and it balances information about Islam and Eid with a simple little story that keeps the target demographic interested.  It isn’t great, but for a book that would probably be a level reader equivalent of a three, it suffices in being a bit of a mystery, a bit of a comedy, and bit of a lesson on why and how we celebrate Eid.

Rahma’s Grandma and cousin, Muslimah, are visiting for Eid. The girls start off the story trying on their beautiful dresses and feeling like princesses.  The girls and Grandma then get to work on making samosas for Eid.  Rahma sees her grandmother’s ring next to the bowl of dough and tries it on. The story moves fluidly and the girls take turns helping  with the folding of the samosas.  Some more adults come in and add tidbits to the story about giving gifts on Eid and getting ready for Salat and depicting a typical practicing family.

The story shifts to dad asking the kids what they remember about Eid-ul-Adha and what they know about Eid-ul-Fitr, the Festival of Sacrifice. On the day of Arafat the children fast, visit the hospital and take gifts to people in the community and the neighbors.  After Salat-ul-Maghrib dad reviews some of the sunnah acts for Eid as well.  It doesn’t get too preachy, or overly detailed, it is more highlights and brief summary revisions.

Eid day is fun and exciting, but when night falls and the family prepares for people to come over, Grandma can’t find her ring.  The kids want to be detectives, but Rahma suddenly realizes that the ring must be IN one of the samosas. So the children decide to eat them all to check. When the ring doesn’t turn up, Rahma and her cousins recite Ayat-ul Kursi, ask Allah for help and decide to tell Grandma the truth.  Just then Mum yells and the ring is found in her samosa, the truth is revealed and they all enjoy a good laugh and resolve to “always remember this as the Samosa Eid.”

There is a lot of text on the page, and a fair amount of “foreign” words that I think the book is probably meant for Muslim children, or those familiar with the basics of Eid.  There is a Glossary in the back, but it still might be a bit too much for non Muslim children to grasp without someone to answer their questions. The illustrations have the elder females with hijab and the girls uncovered when not praying.  The small pictures are detailed and complimentary, but the younger readers will wish they were a bit more engaging.  Overall, a good book to have in a classroom, and a great one to check out from the library to encourage young readers, or just to enjoy before Eid-ul-Adha.

The book is available at the Jefferson County Libraries

.

Going to Mecca by Naima B. Robert illustrated by Valentina Cavallini

With Hajj starting in the next few days, this is a wonderful book to share with children (and adults) of all ages. The simple text flows, although it doesn’t rhyme, and is action oriented as the reader is encouraged to accompany a family on the rituals of Hajj.  The short sentences keep the book flowing and give the Arabic terms for the actions being performed.   The pictures show what each step looks like and are large, inviting, and colorful.  While the text doesn’t give abundant detail to someone unfamiliar with Hajj, there is basic information about Hajj at the end of the book.

Overall the book, in my opinion, works best for those familiar with Hajj and Islam. For those who are not, they will understand the basics, but probably be at a loss to delve much deeper or to answer any questions without further research.  Most Muslim second graders should be able to read it independently without trouble.

Zaahir & Jamel the Camel  Hajj by Amantullah AlMarwani

This book is a great read for explaining the different parts of Hajj in a linear, easy to follow, fun way to children.  The author gives facts in a fictionalized story with Zaahir and his camel, Jamel,  getting ready for, and performing the hajj.  The illustrations are also engaging and give plenty to talk about in both one-on-one reading scenarios and in larger groups.  For story time the book works well to read a page then reflect upon and discuss what it is showing and telling us. By stopping on each page the rhyme scheme doesn’t get too forced as well, as some lines are forced and awkward, making the rhythm hard to maintain.

Overall the book is effective and enjoyable.  The kids can see from the pictures and the simple words the importance of each step, and get an idea about how they are to be performed.  There is a quiz at the end to see how much they retained.  It works for all ages, toddlers will enjoy the pictures and rhyme, older kids will  take in some of the information.

The Hajj Adventures of Jamila and Fasfoose by Ediba Kezzeiz illustrated by Abd al-Hayy Moore

The book isn’t much to look at with its black and white with a little yellow thrown in cover, and its 40 pages bound with a staple, but for independent readers between 2nd and 5th grade or so, the book actually is pretty good.  In many ways it is an older kids version of Zaahir and Jamel, adding a fictional story to the learning about the steps of hajj.  

The setting is hajj and all of its different rituals, but the story is that Jamila and her pet mouse Fasfoose get lost.  Along the way to finding Jamila’s parents and performing the requirements of Tawaf, Sai, Arafah, Mina, Muzdalifa, Jamrah, and Eid, a few duaas are thrown in, friendship with people of different nationalities and lessons in patience, speaking with your heart and finding your internal compass of wrong and right all come to light.

There are illustrations to break up the text and not overwhelm the young reader, and the story is divided into seven chapters.  The font and size are all age inviting and even older middle school kids would probably pick it up if they saw it, read it in about 20 minutes and be glad that they did.

For more Islamic Fiction ideas you can go to www.islamicschoollibrarian.wordpress.org

A Message from Brother Ashfaq

Alhamdulillah, we are very close to reaching our goal for the Ramadan fundraising. InshaAllah, we are going to contact the architect for the conceptual development of the projects at the HCIC.  Based on the needs and the funding, BIS Board has approved the priority as the completion of the parking lot between HCIC and the Running Brook Condominiums along with the creation of storage space.  This will be followed by the preliminary work for the expansion of classrooms for the Weekend islamic School.  

We are in the month of Dhul-Qi'dah and will soon be entering the month of Hajj.  I pray that for those who have not performed this obligation, to make sincere intention and plan to perform Hajj soon.  

Hajj includes rituals that are very simple, but more importantly we need to go beyond rituals and understand the true essence of Hajj.  It should be our goal to make our Hajj, “Hajj Mabroor”. Scholars have explained that Hajj is Mabroor when we make a momentous change in our obedience to Allah after our return.

In Surat Al Baqarah, verse 197, Allah describes three requirements for those who are performing Hajj.  (1) No sexual relations with your spouses (2) No disobedience and (3) No dispute.

Of the three, be very mindful of the last two.  It is very easy to fall in the trap of Shaitan and sometimes justifiably, get into arguments and disputes.  Remember that the challenges you face during Hajj are tests from Allah.

Thank Goodness I'm Fed by Dala Eloubeidi

On Friday, June 23rd, the last Friday during Ramadan, a group of eight volunteers from the BIS worked with Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM) to pack snacks for elementary-aged children in the Birmingham area through the "Thank Goodness I'm Fed" program.

Through this program, children whose families struggle to put food on the table during the summer are given free meals. As Muslims, caring for the less fortunate in our society is a crucial component of serving Allah (SWT), and there is no better time to work with others than during the blessed month of Ramadan. We look forward to participating in this project next Ramadan, Inshallah,  and are thankful for the wonderful work being done by GBM in our community.

Ramadan Storytime and Crafts by Sakeena Ahmed

Alhamdulillah, we completed a successful and fun, second year of Ramadan Story and Craft times for our children. Children under 10 and their mothers met every Thursday in Ramadan for Dhuhr at the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center, before listening to stories and participating in a craft.  Each week had a theme related to a different aspect of Ramadan.

• Week 1 - Introduction to Ramadan themed books with "shrinky dink" handprint magnets
• Week 2 - Moon stories with fun thaumatropes with moon and star shapes
• Week 3 - Drum theme with toy drums. The kids loved making this craft the most and some said they would be using it to wake their parents up for sahour each morning.
• Week 4 - Eid theme with Eid treats of dipping pretzels in chocolate and decorating them with sprinkles.

There was a regular crowd of over 30 children each week, as we made new friends and shared our love of Ramadan with each other. Insha'Allah, we plan to resume our monthly story time for children. Stay tuned for details in the coming weeks!

Ramadan Guests by Rita Taufique

Every year, the Birmingham Islamic Society invites people from the larger Birmingham community during Ramadan, to come to our center and learn the the true meaning of Islam. The host most years has been Brother Ashfaq Taufique along with some additional community leaders; this year Imam Sameh and Ali Pabani joined in.

With the expansion of the new conference room at the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center before Ramadan, BIS was able to host 40-60 guests nightly. In the past, the maximum was 15-20.  And even with the extra space, it was amazing how quickly the room filled up. Enthusiastic individuals and groups who wanted to attend would call and email, and BIS hosted everyone from students, conservative church groups, the Jewish Community Center, to liberal individuals.

Br. Mahmoud Elqishawi, Br. Asad, and volunteers, would set the chairs and tables nightly, along with putting out the English Transliteration of Qurans and brochures for each guest.  Then around 7:30 pm, the dates and water were distributed for Maghreb, followed by the curry, rice and vegetables. The guests greatly appreciate the food, and clearly enjoyed it, based on their praise and empty plates.

This year’s Ramadan Outreach has surpassed all previous years, but I'm sure the best is yet to come, insha’Allah. Alhumdullilah!

New Muslim Eid Breakfast Celebration

Sunday, July 9, new and revert members in our area were given the opportunity to experience a community Eid celebration breakfast at a nearby Hoover, IHOP, hosted by BIS and Sisters Mariam Hammoud and Monica Khalaf, reverts themselves and long standing members of our local community.

Imam Sameh and several other brothers attended, as well as numerous sisters and children.  In attendance, were also residents new to Birmingham and those who had just recently said the shahada, all coming together to share gifts, play games, and engage in meaningful conversation.  Much of the dialogue reflected on the month of Ramadan and the mercy of Allah (swt).

May Allah (swt) continue to bless our community, our nation, and our entire, Ummah by allowing us this type of important, needed, and enjoyable fellowship.  And reward the efforts of all who made this beautiful time together possible including our newest brothers and sisters in Islam.

If you are interested in our new member outreach, wish to participate, or to volunteer please contact the BIS office at 205-879-4247 or send an email to bisoffice@bisweb.org.

MyGroup Girls Ramadan Update by Dala Eloubeidi

With the grace of Allah (SWT), the MyGroup Girls, the BIS high school and college-aged girls' group, was able to accomplish much during the holy month of Ramadan. The various activities planned included: two halaqas led by Imam Sameh that focused on issues of judging others and the practical aspects of Ramadan, two qiyam ul-layl opportunities held at the Homewood Masjid, and a potluck Iftar.

Through these opportunities, our sisters were able to strengthen their relationship with existing and new friends, through shared worship and fun activities in an Islamic environment.

If you would like more information about future activities or would like to become involved with our group, then please contact Hala Sabatto at bhamgirlsgroup@gmail.com.

MyGroup Boys (Feeding the Homeless, Helping with the Toy Drive, and 3 on 3 BBall) by Rashid Almuntharee

MyGroup Boys has been very active this last month, mashaAllah, and the fun continues with their overnight camp at the end of the month that will include: swimming, archery, canoeing, boxing lessons, soccer, basketball, and much more.

In June, Muadh Sabahi, Khair Hakim, Omar Abuhamdeh, Ihsaan Khalaf, Bashar Khalaf, Colin, Sam Sabahi, and others came together to pack food up to feed the homeless, mashaAllah.  

MY Group Boys assisted with the BISCIC Toy Drive as well. Those present were: Jihad Al-Muntharee, Salaam Qashou, Bashar Khalaf and AhsanAisha Khalaf, and Colin.

The winners of the 3 on 3 basketball tournament were:

Junior Division- Laith Gambino, Rafay Hamid, and Muhammad Sakalla.

The Senior Division- Salaam Qashou, Bilal Ahmed, and Muadh Sabahi.

Loving Allah and Its Impact on Our Behaviors: Imam Sameh's Eid Khutbah

Loving Allah and Its Impact on Our Behaviors

Loving Allah is the spirit of our worship and it is the essence of our Imaan. Loving Allah means endearing ourselves to Him and attaining His pleasure.

Brothers and Sisters!

We can only taste the sweetness of Imaan if we truly love Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (PBUH), more than anyone and anything else including our own selves.

The Prophet (SAW) said, “There are three qualities, whoever possesses them will relish the sweetness of Imaan through them:

1. Allah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than others.

2. When he loves someone, he loves them only for Allah’s sake.

3. He hates reverting to disbelief as much as he would hate to be thrown into a fire. [Bukhari]”

Why Should We Love Allah?

- We love Allah because of what we know of Him, and what we know of His names and attributes. Imam ibn al-Qayyim (Rahimahu Allah) said, “Whoever believes in Allah, believes in His names and attributes, and knows Him, loves Him more than he loves others, enjoys the closeness to Him and aspires to see Him, after he enters Jannah, and listen to His speech.”

- We love Allah because of the favors and bounties that He has conferred upon us. It is inherent in our natures to love those who are kind to us and who do us favors. We love Allah because everything we have is from Him. We owe Him our creation, our life, our health, and all the bounties and blessings we are enjoying. This all moves our hearts to love Him. Allah (SWT) says:

"وما بكم من نعمة فمن الله."

“And whatever you have of favor - it is from Allah.” (An-Nahl: 53)

- Allah (SWT) created us and fashioned us in the best proportions, endowed us with intellects, tongues, vision and hearing. He subjected for us what is in the heaven and what is one earth, the day and the night, the sun and the moon, the rivers and seas.

- Allah sent to us the seal of His Prophets, Muhammad (SAW) with the Qur’an, the final revelation to mankind. We turn to Him for forgiveness and repentance when we sin.

- Allah is the One Who made for us mates from ourselves to find tranquility in them, and he placed between us affection and mercy.

His bounties are countless. Allah (SWT) says:

"وإن تعدوا نعمة الله لا تحصوها  إن الله غفور رحيم."

“If you tried to number Allah´s blessings, you could never count them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (An-Nahl: 18).

Brothers and Sisters!

We need to ask ourselves an important question: Is our love for Allah a true love? It is easy to claim love but one has to prove his claim. To examine the genuineness of our love for Allah, we need to ask ourselves some questions:

1- Do we maintain our five daily prayers on time or we prioritize other matters over them. Do we pay Zakah on the money we have? Do we give Zakah passionately or do we struggle to do that?

2- Are we keen on doing more Nafl and recommendable acts of worship that are extra so we can get closer to Allah and earn His love?

3- Do we follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (SAW) and emulate him in our worship, in our character, are we keen on applying his Sunnah or we are reluctant in doing it or do it with difficulty in our hearts?

4- Do we always love to read Qur’an, and reflect on its meaning, and implement its instructions in our daily life?

5- Do we seek to Allah day and night, and in all affairs?

6- Do we humble ourselves to our fellow Muslims brothers and sisters? Do we seek to give dawah to non-Muslims and care for them?

7- Do we practice the teachings of Islam with sincerity and passion or we hide our identity out of fear of criticism?

8- Do we love whom we love only for the sake of Allah, and dislike whom we dislike only for His sake?

If the answer is yes, then we should rejoice and be thankful to Allah for the true love for Him, and we should seek to always nourish this love in our hearts with righteous deeds that please Allah. If the answer of any of the above is in the negative, then our love for Allah is deficient and we need to work harder to achieve it.

How to Strengthen the Love for Allah in Our Hearts:

1- Perform the obligatory acts of worship with sincerity and humbleness, as this is the best way to get closer to Allah.

2- Perform nawafil as much as we can so that Allah loves us. Allah (SWT) says in the Sacred Hadith: “My slave does not seek to get closer to me with something better than what I have obligated for him, and my slave continues to get closer to me with supererogatory acts of worship until I love him.

3- Follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (SAW) and adhering to his Sunnah.  Allah says what can be translated as, “Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."

3- Love the believers and humble yourself to them and be patience with them.

4- Practice Islam with love and pride do not accept compromise about your deen.

Allah says, “O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth [in place of them] a people He will love and who will love Him [who are] humble toward the believers, powerful against the disbelievers; they strive in the cause of Allah and do not fear the blame of a critic. That is the favor of Allah; He bestows it upon whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.”

5- Love Allah and His Messenger more than you love anyone else.  And give priority to the command of Allah and the command of his Messenger in case of conflict.

6- Love whom you love for the sake of Allah not for any worldly reason.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever loves for Allah’s sake, dislikes for Allah’s sake, gives for Allah’s sake and withholds for Allah’s sake, then his Imaan is perfect.”

The Impact of Loving Allah on the Behavior of the Muslim:

Our love for Allah should be translated in actions and behaviors.

- The one who loves Allah cares for everyone and everything. He fulfills Allah’s commands of gentleness, kindness to others, regardless of whether he receives the same treatment or not. He helps others and gives them regardless of whether he gets compensated for that or not.   Why? Because He loves Allah and wants to please Him

- He loves his parents, treats them with kindness, obeys them, shows humility to them, bears any hardship for them to make them happy. He always prays for them. He does so because he loves Allah and he knows that being thankful to them means thankfulness to Allah Himself.

Allah says, “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small." (al-Israa: 23-24).

- A Muslim who loves Allah cares for his wife, loves her, treats her with kindness and fulfills his duties to her regardless of whether he receives his rights or not. And so does a Muslim wife. Why? Because they love Allah and fulfill His commands whether they are compensated or not

If they both have a conflict their reference is the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger.

- A Muslim who loves Allah cares about his/her kith and kin. He loves them, cares for them, and supports them when they are in need and shares their happy occasions as well as their times of sorrow. He gives them without expecting any compensation even if they are not kind to him he is always nice to them. He seeks only to please Allah regarding them.

- A Muslim who loves Allah is humble to his fellow Muslims and fulfills his duties to them because he is connected with them with a strong bond: Slavery to Allah and obedience to Him. So he loves them due to that.

- He feels for the suffering of his fellow Muslims all over the world, prays for them, supports them and seeks to help and alleviate their suffering in every way possible. The words of his beloved Prophet (SAW) are always echoing in his ears: “The example of the Muslims in their loving one another, showing mercy to one another and showing sympathy to one another is like one whole body; if one organ of it has an ailment, the rest of the body shares the ailment through sleeplessness and fever.

- A Muslim who loves Allah shows kindness and caring to his neighbors, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims because Allah commanded so:

“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side…”

“Jibril kept reminding of the neighbor's right, until I thought that he was going to give him a share of the inheritance.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

- A Muslim who loves Allah treats his fellow non-Muslim citizens and friends with kindness and justice and gives them da`wah, because Allah commands him to do so. In his ear echoes always the words of Allah:

“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”