Archive for the ‘Fedwa Wazwaz’ Category

Help flood victims in Pakistan

By Fedwa Wazwaz, Engage Minnesota

I have been battling migraines and extremely tired to write much, so there is a backlog of articles that I will wrap up this next two weeks regarding Ramadan. We had quite a few events within the Twin Cities during Ramadan where Muslims struggled to reach out to the best of their ability to be a mercy and in the service of others. Read more »

Ramadan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadan)

By Fedwa Wazwaz, Engage Minnesota

Ramadan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadan)

Ramadan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadan)

“O who believe, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you; perchance you will guard yourselves.”

“The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for the people, and clear verses of guidance and criterion.”
Quran: Chapter 2, 183]

The fourth pillar of Islam is Sawm, or fasting in the month of Ramadan. Fasting is also practiced in many other religions and is mentioned in the Torah and Bible as well as in Hindu scriptures. Observant Christians fast during Lent by giving up a particular food. Hindus fast on certain days of the week or on holidays, and for Jews, the most important day of fasting is on Yom Kippur, which lasts a little over a day.

Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic Calendar. Because Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, it rotates through the seasons, moving back around eleven days each year. Last year, Ramadan started in August 22nd and this year, the Islamic Society of North America, declared Ramadan to begin on August 11th, 2010.


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Where Is God in Haiti?

Free online event with Sheikh Nuh Keller.

When trials and tribulations hit, many people struggle in search for meaning while others fall in despair or seek means of escapism.

Many faiths offer counseling on how to deal with trials and tribulations.  In Islam – trials and tribulations are expected to hit as a test of faith and growth, and in face of them, Muslims are to remind themselves and each other that: “Allah suffices us, and is the best to rely on.” (Qur’an 3:173)

The recent earthquake in Haiti is one such example.  The earthquake has destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure, and the Haitian government has now confirmed a death toll of 170,000 and estimated over 300,000 injured.  To add to the disaster, the rescue and relief efforts are severely limited by a shortage of resources.

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EID MUBARAK (BLESSED EID)

By Fedwa Wazwaz

EID MUBARAK (BLESSED EID)

EID MUBARAK (BLESSED EID)

 Eid ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice is one of the major Muslim holidays.  It comes right after the fifth pillar of Islam called the Hajj or pilgrimage.  The Hajj commemorates the life and trials of Prophet Abraham’s family, upon them peace and blessings.  Once in a lifetime, every adult Muslim who has the physical and financial ability is required to make a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, home of the Ka’bah, which Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael.

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Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid)

By Fedwa Wazwaz

EID MUBARAK (BLESSED EID)

EID MUBARAK (BLESSED EID)

Eid ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice is one of the major Muslim holidays.  It comes right after a pillar of Islam called the Hajj or pilgrimage.  The Hajj commemorates the life and trials of Prophet Abraham’s family, upon them peace and blessings.  Once in a lifetime, every adult Muslim who ahs the physical and financial ability is required to make a pilgrimage to teh holy city of Makkah, home of the Ka’bah, which Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael.
The Hajj pilgrimage is an extremely communal event as over two million Muslims, men and women of varied ethniticies and nationalities, dressed in simple white clothing symbolizing the equality of all people, perform identical rituals.

 

Eid ul-Adha celebrations are similar to Eid ul-Fitr with the addition of sacrificing a lamb, goat or cow to commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his sone, Ishmael, who Muslims believe was miraculously replaced by a lamb, similar to the Biblical story.  People share the meat of the sacrified animal with the poor and needy, relatives and friends.
The day begins with a special congregational prayer followed by a short sermon.  People are dressed in their best clothing, and children traditionally receive new clothing as well as other gifts.  Food, holiday congratulations, and festivities such as rides, balloons, and other fun activities for children follow the prayers.  The holiday lasts for four days during which people usually visit or invite each other.
We wish everyone in all places at all times a blessed Eid Mubarak. May Allah accept your good deeds and all your efforts during the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah. 
IT’S TIME FOR EID