A Liberal Artist's Diary

Start Spreading the Good News - Green Ramadan in Arabic

2011-09-16T22:02:00.000-05:00

Start Spreading the Good News - Green Ramadan: Here's More on Green Ramadan. Al-Basheer News (Arabic) covered the Green Ramadan Initiative.

The Green Ramadan Initiative is a program created by a group of concerned Muslims aiming to raise awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship and walking in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad, according to organizer Faraz Khan. The initiative calls for the implementation of new ideas and strategies that raise awareness, reduce waste, and promote healthy living.

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Buddhist & Islamic Perspective on the Environ...

2011-09-08T22:38:00.000-05:00

TAG - Think As Green: Buddhist & Islamic Perspective on the Environment:

Beacon Institute presents respected theologians for second talk in “Spirituality and the Environment” series Buddhist and Islamic perspectives.

―The environmental ethics in Islam are based on serving humanity and preserving the resources, whether animate or inanimate,‖ offers Faraz Khan. ―Preserving the environment is a communal obligation based on the Islamic paradigm of living a well-balanced life.‖

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Imam Zaid Shakir on Green Ramadan

2011-08-21T12:27:00.001-05:00

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Imam Zaid Shakir on Green Ramadan: Salam Alaikum Friends, Imam Zaid invites all of you to Work for a Better Future - better environment. We are making a concerted effort t...

www.ThinkAsGreen.com - Faraz Khan

TAG: Think As Green - Nouman Khan "It's part of what we owe the Earth"

2011-08-16T22:12:00.004-05:00

Think as Green - Nouman Ali Khan on the Environment

www.ThinkAsGreen.com

"It's a matter of concern about other creations of Allah and also leaving the world in better shape than you found it for those who are going to come after you." Nouman Ali Khan, Bayyinah Institute.

TAG: Nouman Ali Khan & Faraz Khan on the Environment in the Islamic tradition.

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Think As Green - "This is the World we are li...

2011-08-15T12:07:00.000-05:00

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Think As Green - "This is the World we are li...: "

TAG: www.Think As Green.com with Baba Ali & Faraz Khan - endorsing grassroots green activism in the Muslim community.

"They don't see that this is the world we are living in ... as a community we have to work together [to fix it] otherwise it won't just happen by itself".

Muslim Comedian Baba Ali on Green Mosques, Solar Panels, Curbing waste & Muslim Personality. http://www.halfourdeen.com/

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: 4Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & RAMADAN

2011-07-29T18:04:00.000-05:00

TAG - Think As Green: 4Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & RAMADAN: "ISCJ Begins Green Ramadan Initiative Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, the Islamic Society of Central Jersey hopes to inspire individual..."

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Shaykh Abdul-Nasir Jangda on the Environment

2011-07-29T11:27:00.000-05:00

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Shaykh Abdul-Nasir Jangda on the Environment: "'When we destory the environment, we're destorying the signs of Allah.' A convesations between Abdul Nasir Jangda and Faraz Khan, www.ThinkAsGreen.com "

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Can You Walk the Talk?

2011-07-29T11:26:00.000-05:00

TAG - Think As Green: Can You Walk the Talk?: "Green Ramadan, Can You Walk the Talk? www.ThinkAsGreen.com Faraz Khan Islam is a comprehensive way of life. It offers humanity not ..."

TAG - Think As Green: 4Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & RAMADAN

2011-07-29T11:14:00.000-05:00

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: 4Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & RAMADAN: "ISCJ Begins Green Ramadan Initiative Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, the Islamic Society of Central Jersey hopes to inspire individual..."

4 Ways to Become a Better Artist - ICNA Convention Art

2011-05-31T18:35:00.003-05:00

I gave a talk at ICNA Convention this year. There were many youth and adults aspiring artists to learn more about Islamic art. I loved the enthusiasm and shared a few lessons with the audience. It was a packed hall, around 200 budding artists and they were all listening. Many invited me to teach a class at their community (really cool folks at the convention).

I loved the story of my cousin's best friend. She requested that I would write her mother's name in a beautiful Arabic script. I let her pick her colors and managed to write the name in a very fluid way. She left and I didn't see her again. However, my wife told me that a young girl told her that when she presented my artwork (the name of her mom) to her mother. The mother started to cry and said this was the most thoughtful present she had received.

A couple of ladies at the convention also told me that they thought "the most beautiful thing" was my Arabic writing of the word God in green color depicting a heartbeat with the word Allah written on the black background. They saw the image on my facebook account under Faraz Khan (Rutgers). I will share more gems but here is what I talked about...

Four Ways to Become a Better Artist:

1. Learn your pen (brush).
2. Practice, and practice some more

3. Learn and study master artists within your field of art
4. But BE UNIQUE... create your own STYLE...

Best,
Faraz Khan

IslamicaEDU.com - upcoming programs

2011-04-16T13:55:00.004-05:00

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

photo: Faraz Khan giving a talk on Islamic calligraphy at Princeton Univ. Arab Society

Welcome to IslamicaEDU - Aspire to Inspire:

Program #1

THE MISSING LINK

IIS East Windsor, NJ

A Concise History of Islam

“Can You Afford to Ignore Your own History?”

Instructor: Faraz Khan – Institute of Islamic Studies,

April 24, May 1, & May 8 – Sundays: Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

MORE INFO click here

Program #2

THE DIVINE FRAGRANCE

A Concise Explanation of Short Chapters of the Qur’an

Zubaida Foundation, Yardley, PA

“You have a Right to Know the Qur’an!”

The meaning, recitation, pronunciation, application and relation of seerah to Short Chapters in the Quran

Instructor: Faraz Khan – Zubayda Foundation, Yardley, PA

April 23, April 30, May 7 – Saturdays: Time: 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

MORE INFO click here

Faraz Khan on Twitter, Facebook,

2011-03-02T19:27:00.002-05:00

I am back writing again on my blogspot account. I will also post updates on my website:

http://www.liberalartsforum.com

Feel free to check out my twitter page under ImamFarazKhan

My Facebook account is under Faraz Khan (Rutgers Staff - chaplain)

We have MOVED to a new site...

2009-06-28T17:14:00.003-05:00

al-hamdo lillah, I blogged on this site for almost three years and now like everything else, it is time to move to accommodate the growing needs. I will be posting new audios, art, and articles on the following site:

www.liberalartsforum.com

Sirah Class - ISCJ - Central Jersey

2009-06-16T22:47:00.003-05:00

A summer program for serious students
Sirah, the Intellectual Discourse

Time: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm (concludes w/maghrib)

Days: Tuesday & Thursdays - Date: July 14 – 31 (6 sessions)

INSTRUCTORS:

Sohaib Sultan (Chaplain Princeton University)
Omer Bajwa (Chaplain Yale University)
Khalid Latif (Chaplain New York University)

Faraz Khan (MSA advisor Rutgers)
Wasim Shiliwala (Princeton graduate NES Program)
Sarah Islam (Princeton University graduate student, NES Program)

Muslim Chaplains on Campus Bridging the Gap

2009-06-15T22:09:00.002-05:00

Thinking Anew:

Muslim Chaplains on Campus Bridging the Gap

By Faraz Khan

The MSA and mosque are two of the oldest Muslim institutions that have inspired many institution-building projects in the US. Muslim chaplaincy on campus is one of those phenomena that have developed in cooperation with MSA work in the last few years. Although a precise number of college chaplains remain in flux, there are about thirty dedicated individuals who have been on the forefront of campus chaplaincy. These chaplains are pioneers - a conglomerate of a very diverse and unique representation of American Islam. As a former Muslim chaplain at Rutgers University, I want to bring my readers up to par with the idea of Muslim chaplaincy on campuses across America.

CHAPLAINCY

Campus chaplaincy as I understand is competency in pastoral care, ministering, and counseling. A chaplain is a person who formulates a unique role as a religious leader, social worker, counselor, and is a staff or affiliate member of the university, able to act as a liaison between the administration and the students. However, a chaplain may or may not be a religious authority for example a "shaykh(a)" but s/he is knowledgeable on everyday practical religious issues. Ultimately, a chaplain is there to serve his/her constituents on a campus setting.

CULTURAL COMPETENCY

It is a known fact that many Muslim youth do find a communication gap with immigrant Imams and scholars. However, chaplains are able to fill that void due to their cultural competency. It has been my experience that these folks definitely know the culture of their respective institutions. Interestingly, not only do they understand their fellow Muslims but they can also associate with people of other faiths and are a source of solace to everyone. They are practitioners – bridge builders engaged in an active dialogue while remaining true to their faith. Chaplains give many talks on Islam but they are all-ears when it comes to student issues. I would very briefly mention the diverse background and skills of some of these chaplains to prove that each individual is a gem and an asset to the community in their own right.

WHO’S WHO?

Chaplain Taha Abdul-Basser, a Harvard alumnus and chaplain who has spent more than ten years in Islamic education is an expert in Islamic Finance and Arabic language. Chaplain Khalid Latif, an NYU alumnus and chaplain is a community builder with a $20 million dollar endowment vision. Chaplain Marwa Aly at Trinity and Wesleyan is a first-rated speech writer and excels in personal development programs for her students. Chaplain Abdullah Antepli at Duke is known for his charming “Turkish delight” personality and ability to engage students and faculty on many issues pertaining to Islam. Chaplain Najiba Akbar is passionate about counseling and social work with deep roots as an alumna and chaplain at Wellesley. Chaplain Naila Baloch has experience in a cross-culture work in Pakistan and the US, serving her community at Tufts. Chaplain David Coolidge at Darmouth and Omer Bajwa at Yale are known for their openness and prolific intellectual writings. Chaplain Sohaib Sultan is committed to building a comprehensive Muslim life program at Princeton. Chaplain David Fricke at Rutgers and Suheil Laher at MIT are well-experienced and have been committed to chaplaincy for a decade. Chaplain Tahera Ahmad is a bona fide Quran reciter and has used innovative role playing programs at Mount Holyoke. Chaplain Mary Lahaj at Simmons plays an active role in her community and does not shy away from dialogue. Lastly, Chaplain Salahuddin Muhammad at Bard maintains a focus on religion as actually practiced, rather than a superficial gesture of a good will. By all means, this is not an exhaustive list of chaplains but only a short insight into the world of college chaplaincy.

LOOKING AHEAD

I believe that as the Muslim community learns more about chaplaincy, better communication between local mosques and campuses will be established. The Muslim community needs to prioritize a commitment to college chaplaincy to establish a better representation of Islam in America. Needless to say, I am very optimistic about the future of chaplaincy. In a short time, Muslim chaplains have bolstered another institutional dimension to Islam in America.

In the Name of Honor

2009-06-05T16:29:00.002-05:00

Thinking Anew: The Making of a Hero!

By Faraz Khan

When modern Muslims discuss the notion of hero, there is often a deep look into history – a time long ago in a golden age, to caliphs and sultans, companions of the Prophet, the likes of Omar Al-Khattab, Ali ibn Abi Talib, Haroon Rashid, etc. Many think of great military leaders such as Tariq bin Ziyad, Salahuddin Ayubi, or Tipu Sultan as heroes. Others think of great scholars as heroes, the likes Othman Dan Fodio, Imam Al-Ghazali, Ibn Taymiyya, Ibn Sina and Al-Farabi. Interestingly, the thought of a hero is often related to a male figure that inspired generations of Muslims due to his scholarly or military accomplishments. Amusingly, according to an English proverb, “A hero is a man who is afraid to run away.” These men held their own for the sake of others and thus became heroes.

It is not difficult to recognize that self-sacrifice and altruism extraordinaire at great personal risk to transform the lives of many people are the underlying acts leading to a hero title. With this in mind, consider a hero who neither lives in fiction nor in history, neither a scholar nor a marshal man, but an illiterate, underprivileged, downtrodden woman. Moreover, this is a story of a hero who overcomes poverty, juvenile traditions, state political manipulation, intimidation, social abuse, illegal house arrest, and gang-rape to campaign for women’s rights, education, and empowerment against juvenile male chauvinistic traditions that have strangled many women in Pakistan.

Due to her courage and resilience, Mukhtar Mai was voted as Woman of the Year in 2005 by Glamour Magazine. She received North-South Prize from the Council of Europe and many accolades and praises from all over the world. She was invited to speak at the United Nations headquarter in New York. Her memoir, In the Name of Honor translated into French and English, was on the list of top-three autobiographies in France. The list of her accomplishments keeps growing.

Yet before the world opened its arms, like many victims of rape she considered suicide to evade shame in small village of Mirwala, Pakistan. Unfortunately, silence or suicide is the appalling reality of a rape victim in her locality. The village elders’ council, playing in the hands of a powerful clan approved of the gang-rape to settle a case against her family. In one night, her world changed.

After the gruesome and despicable act of rape, the villagers expected Mukhtar Mai to live no more. Conversely, she refused to bow down to injustice. Mai spoke to the local imam; she documented her nightmare to the local paper and filed charges against the village thugs. As a moth yearns for light, Mai searched for justice in a dark night. She petitioned to the highest authority, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Customarily, the criminals were exonerated due to their influential allies in local politics and the courts.

In the intervening time, Mai’s plea gained international exposure and a backlash at the criminals and the authorities. Upon invitations from international organizations, she reluctantly traveled abroad and exposed judicial hypocrisy and women’s plight in her native country. She blossomed into a women’s advocate by raising her voice in multiple forums, conferences and panels building a storm of support in dark tumultuous clouds.

Mai received many awards and recognition for her work. She donated these offerings to build a girls school and a women’s welfare center. In a twist of fate, as her movement for justice gained sails, she was debarred by the State from traveling abroad. President Musharraf saw Mai as an agitator and a campaigner whose case and the cause had defamed his authority. He severely criticized her work and travels as “washing dirty linens” outside her house. Intrepidly Mai responded, “I offer all the riches I've made out of the panchayat-enforced gang-rape to the president in return for justice.” The president buckled and lifted the ban on her travels.

Like a fledgling bird on her first flight, undeterred Mai kept speaking and campaigning for reforms. Although she gained recognition abroad, Mai lived in constant fear for her life from feudal lords, politicians, and the President who simply wanted her to accept the status quo on women’s conditions. Persistently, she confronted the corrupt ranks of the wealthy, powerful, and well-connected totalitarian politicians for justice.

Mai turned the backlash of the destitute and oppressed into a mass movement by declaring, “My slogan is to end oppression through education.” Soon battered women from distant towns flocked the women’s shelter to seek refuge from abusive husbands, forced marriages, rape victimization, honor killings, and compulsory prostitution. She welcomed them as her own. Further, she opened up three schools to educate more than 700 children from poor families and staffed the school and women’s welfare center with forty talented individuals.

Today, the shelter and the schools launched by Mukhtar Mai to combat illiteracy and oppression are thriving. These institutions teach youth and women about their rights, impart education, offer legal advice, and provide a safe haven. Ironically, this outstanding work was planted by a village woman who never attended school. However, she recounts an incident that made her endear education:

“I’ll never forget the words of that policeman who interrupted when I was ready to give my testimony to the district prefect: “Let me explain it to you! She doesn’t know how to say things…” But I spoke up. Because I have a strong character? Because I was humiliated? Because my tongue was suddenly free to speak? For all those reasons. But I’ll make sure girls learn to read, and I’ll learn to read too” In the Name of Honor p 76.

It is well-known that before Mai opened schools, villagers used to keep their daughters at home. Nowadays, they line up to enroll them. The courage and resilience of an individual can often turn the tides of xenophobia and a fresh discourse can be chartered for revitalization of a people. Mai is a true hero. In the words of the UN Under-Secretary General Shashi Tharoor, “I think it is fair to say that anyone who has the moral courage and internal strength to turn such a brutal attack into a weapon to defend others in a similar position, is a hero indeed, and is worthy of our deepest respect and admiration”.

Truly, Mukhtar Mia has been a voice of voiceless on women’s rights and education for the poor in Pakistan. Her message is simple and bold enough for many to pay heed. This is the making of a hero.

“May God protect the honour of mothers and daughters of Pakistan

and the whole world, and if someone is subjected to violence and they

should get justice, and they shouldn’t have to face the shame of dishonour”. Mukhtar Mai

The only thing that really matters...

2009-06-02T20:12:00.002-05:00

Our Relationship with Allah (((audio)))

ICMC - Lawrenceville, NJ
khutba: 5/29/09
Faraz Khan

Understanding the spiritual plight of our time.

Thinking Anew: The Missing Component!

2009-05-26T19:50:00.005-05:00

Thinking Anew: The Missing Component!
What is missing from our mosques?

By Faraz Khan

With the coming of spring, I want to dedicate this column to the beautification of our mosques. The house of God should be welcoming to all. The beautification process has an outward and inward component. Both factors are equally important and deserving of our attention.

This spring we must designate some time to give the mosque and our souls uplift. Lets plant a few flowers, work on a landscape plan, clean and paint the walls, put a welcome sign at the entrance, wash and shampoo the carpet, clean the furniture, hang new/clean curtains, discard junk and ripped books and old magazines, place trash bins, place air-fresheners, repaint the parking lines, so on and so forth. It is time to freshen up and let the mosques blossom with different hues of faith and cleanliness. I would ask the youth to simply "adopt a mosque" – your local mosque for cleanup. Lets have a clean up followed by a barbecue and a football game.

The Prophet's outreach (dawah) effort consisted of two essentials: cleanliness and good character. Mosques have to be beacons of light. They are a place where cleanliness (purification) and good morals should be inculcated.

This brings me to the second missing component from our mosques, the beautification of souls. Mosques should be places where the entire family is welcomed. They could contribute their time, talent, skills in a positive way. Contrary to common views, mosques are places of worship for an entire family.

The beautification of the soul is not an easy topic to understand and practice. It requires a conscience effort, knowledge, and an organizational structure. A community can be transformed by a handful of dedicated souls who are committed to the beautification of the inward and the outward.

What are some of the missing components that will make our mosques beacons of light? Following is my list of "missing components" that relates to beautifying the inner and outer core of our community:

Priorities – We need to have an understanding of our priorities. What is American Muslims' number one concern? What goals are we trying to achieve? Can we get over halal meat and hilal sighting issues? It is easy to be caught up in the controversial topics but we need to have a game plan for the future and a list of our priorities will determine where we stand and where we want to go as American Muslims.

Sisters – In many mosques, 50% of our community is MIA (Missing In Action). People often talk about involving more people in the mosque/Islamic centers so they can have "men power". Unfortunately, many of us often ignore educational and religious needs of our sisters. Perhaps they can give the mosques uplift with their presence and dedication. Perhaps they can succeed where brothers have failed. Women's participation can only improve our community's affair.

Youth - "I promise more activities for the youth," said the mosque president to a cheering crowd on mosque election day. Many old uncles and aunties talk about their concern for the youth. However, for the most part this talk fails to crystallize in anything solid. The talk about the "youth problem" is a good icebreaker in much adult conversation. However, there are over 100 mosques in the tri-state area and a handful of them have youth programs (especially for teenagers). Why have we failed to remedy this situation? How many years and young individuals will it take before the community will wake up to the horror stories about Muslim youth crying 'losing my religion'?

Social Workers - Sorry folks but most Imams are not equipped for this responsibility. We must have a team of experts such as psychologists, social workers, lawyers, and scholars to give advice to those who are in need.

Brotherhood – Huh! What does that mean? Do not give me quotations from Quran and hadith; I will believe it when I see it.

Imams who speak English! – I really do not know how to explain this one. In all sincerity, shura/boards must think twice about the consequence of having a religious authority who does not understand the culture, language, and the environment of his constituents. How can we teach Islam to the next generation of Muslims while we neglect the importance of communication?

Educational Programs - We have plenty of speakers and fundraising dinners but not enough educational programs and teachers. May Allah reward Sunnipath, Al-Maghrib Institute, Zaytuna, Bayyinah, and other organizations that recognized this need and took initiatives to develop educational programs for the Muslim community. The calendar of events is a good indicator of educational programs at the local mosque. Please do not confuse hadith a day or ten minute talks as educational programs that are going to transform the entire community. We need serious effort in designing a curriculum, having a schedule, and a roster of home run scholars to engage the community in understanding Islam. Remember, knowledge is key to all change.

Converts - Seriously, where are they? You probably recall shouting takbirs after every shahada at your local mosque. But did you ever find these converts in the mosque? Did you ever find out what happened to them? It is true that some of the best Muslims in the history of Islam were converts. How many of us can be compared to Abu Bakr, Omar, Khadija, Asma, and Ali (may God be pleased with them all)?

Final Thought - I would love to continue and suggest many other items for improvement. Nonetheless, I fear that I may bore the reader or spark cynicism that I am just another complainer. Indeed, it is easy to rant and bicker about our shortcomings. Nevertheless, I hope to inspire a generation of concerned individuals who will fill in the missing components and beautify the interior and the exterior in accordance with God's pleasure. Amen.

Finding God and the pursuit of the American Dream

2009-05-20T21:01:00.003-05:00

American Muslims, Finding God while living the American Dream

"The man who was a true believer, said: O my people, Follow me. I shall guide you to the right way. O my people, the life of this world is only temporary enjoyment while the abode of the hereafter is everlasting. The one who does evil shall be recompensed to the extent of the evil done; and the one who is a believer and does good deeds, whether man or woman, shall enter the paradise and therein receive sustenance without measure" (Koran 40: 38-40).

Nature a Masterpiece

2009-05-17T14:35:00.001-05:00

"It should be obvious that every masterpiece of art deserves not only
our attention, appreciation, and admiration, but also our protection. We are
quick to recognize that a masterpiece of painting deserves every sort of care
and appreciation. Nature, likewise, which is full of signs of God and is
furthermore a masterpiece of His creative effort, deserves our watchfulness,
gratefulness, and respect."

Ibrahim Ozdemir, Towards an Understanding of Environmental Ethics from the Quranic Perspective.

Environmental Lecture

2009-05-12T20:48:00.002-05:00

Towards Caring for the Environment
By Faraz Khan

at ICPC after 'Esha.
Friday, May 15, 2009

The Islamic sources on the preservation of the environment are very clear. There is ample evidence in the Quran - over 700 verses that relate humans to their environment. The Prophet Muhammad was reported to care for all the creation of God. The Qur'an quotes that he was sent only as a mercy to all the universe (not just mankind).

However, Muslims behavior have been very confusing if not dismissal in regards to the environmentalism and the green movement. Many Muslims perceive environmentalism as another Western agenda to conquer Muslim minds. However, a sad future looms over us if we fail to understand and act to preserve the very fabric of life we are destroying collectively as a human race. James Speth and other scientists have mentioned that in order to destroy life on this planet we simply have to continue living the way we live our lives today.

So how and where do Muslims fit into this environmentalism phenomena? Are these environmental threats such as global warming, deforestation, acid rain, desertification, real? What about recycling stuff, eating organic food, and lowering carbon footprint? How can American Muslims make a difference in greening of America and the world?

Find out more on Friday Night at ICPC (May 15th, 2009).
Muslim Environmental Ethics

Interfaith Readings...

2009-05-12T20:34:00.003-05:00

New Jersey Immigration Policy Network
Interfaith Immigrant Coalition

Presents

A Series of Readings Based on and Inspired by
Dr. Martin Luther King

1st Anniversary of Postville Raid at 2:00 pm

Trenton, NJ
State House
May 12th, 2009

The readings included the verse from the Koran and couple of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad:

"O people, We have created you from a male and a female and made you into races and tribes so that you may know each other. Indeed, the noblest of you in the sight of God are those who are the most pious among you." (Al-Hujarat: 13)

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves." (from Farewell Sermon)

"You shall not enter paradise until you have faith, and you will not have faith until you love each other. Shall I direct you to something which if you fulfill you will love one another? Spread peace among yourselves." (Sahih Muslim)

Support IC NYU

2009-05-10T19:04:00.000-05:00

support Islamic Center of New York University

Friday, May 29th @ 7 pm The Rose Garden 911 Arena Drive, Hamilton, NJ
Tickets: $10/Individuals, $30/Family

Speakers:
Imam Khalid Latif
Haroon Moghul
Zainab Wasti
Mehak Jamil
Nabil Mallick
______________________________

___

The Islamic Center at NYU serves the Muslim population at New York University, a private institution of higher education and research located in lower Manhattan, and falls within the Division of Student Affairs. Unlike most university-based Muslim organizations that are student run, the Islamic Center at NYU is overseen by the Office of the Muslim Chaplain and its volunteer staff and shares in NYU's 501(c)(3) tax-exemption/non-profit status. Inspired by the idea that America’s Muslim community will best develop in a supportive environment, the Islamic Center has not only seen tremendous increase in membership but has motivated its constituents to find new ways of harnessing their resources and expanding their relationships with the wider community. Today’s Islamic Center caters to a wide and growing audience, reaching not only Muslims in New York City but also individuals from other communities. The Islamic Center at NYU is dedicated to fostering a sense of awareness, activism and scholarship amongst the Muslim community both on and off campus. _____________________________________ We are a dynamic, resourceful and innovative organization. We realize the need for a fair picture of Islam and the Islamic world during these times. We understand, because we have ourselves experienced the many ways through which young Muslims have been exposed to their faith, and the different ideas, aspirations and attitudes they bring with them to New York University. Some Muslim students come to college with a deep connection to their faith. Many more arrive with little education in their religion and fragile connections to their community. We recognize this diversity, and are a product of it. We believe in an Islamic Center with multiple points of entry – an institution which provides a full spectrum of resources uniting a spectacularly talented and immensely diverse student community. We hope to provide a safe place for Muslims to learn, to pray, to communicate, to build bonds and to share their faith with the wider community. Our vision at the Islamic Center is to provide a space for a pluralistic future on and off campus for American Muslims. We hope that the Islamic Center at NYU will become a spiritual and intellectual crossroads of Islam and America, creating a deep and diverse community of ambitions and resources. Join us for dinner, a presentation, and a panel on how you can get involved in helping to build the first fully established University Center for Muslim Life in the United State. For more information or to purchase tickets please call 212.998.4712 or email admin@icnyu.org For more info on the Islamic Center and its activities please visit www.icnyu.org To make a tax-deductible gift to the Islamic Center please visit http://www.nyu.edu/giving/make.gift/campaign.html?id=25

Donate to IC NYU

2009-05-07T21:44:00.002-05:00

If I had a $1,000,000, I would donate to Islamic Center of New York University.

Here's the reason why!

Recently Imam Khalid Latif, Executive Director and Chaplain for the Islamic Center at NYU, was featured in a short documentary on Current TV. Please visit the Current TV website to post a comment on the video by clicking here

Islam in the NYPD

http://current.com/items/89995772_islam-in-the-nypd.htm

Khalid Latif is the Imam, or Muslim leader, for the NYPD. He is the youngest police chaplain in the history of the NYPD, and the only Muslim leader on the entire state force. This pod will take you into a day of his life.

Hafiz's work

2009-05-04T17:58:00.001-05:00

Then Winks
by Hafiz

...
Listen: this world is a lunatic's sphere
Don't always agree it's real

Even with my feet upon it
And the postman knowing my door

My address is somewhere else.

Planting a Good Tree - Columbia Univ.

2009-05-03T10:21:00.004-05:00

((( khutba audio )))

Planting a Good Tree:
A message to the MSA youth (and the elderly) on Islam in America By Faraz Khan

"Have you not considered how Allah sets forth a parable of a good word (being) like a good tree, whose root is firm and whose branches are in heaven, its fruit in every season by the permission of its Lord? And Allah sets forth parables for men that they may be mindful.

And the parable of an evil word is as an evil tree pulled up from the earth's surface; it has no stability.

Allah confirms those who believe with the sure word in this world's life and in the hereafter, and Allah causes the unjust to go astray, and Allah does what He pleases." (Koran 14:24-27)

Good Tree & Bad Tree parable (khutba)

- The Story of a Farmer and a Gardener
- Universal approach to Islam as opposed to tribalism
- Articulating Islam with an American identity
- Changing the discourse, from self indulgence to service
- Producing Muslim culture rather than consuming pop culture
- Changing disenfranchised culture for youth & women in mosques

Earth Day - Green Faiths

2009-04-22T17:13:00.004-05:00

Religious leaders have faith in green

by Madina Toure

published on 4/22/09 in Columbia Spectator

As part of Greenspiration—a student-led ten-day series of environmentally-focused events—a panel of religious experts discussed the relationship between religion and going green.

The event, moderated by Erin Lothes Biviano, Earth Institute Fellow, featured panelists who discussed the idea that religion is crucial to guiding people towards better environmental habits, strategies, or practices. The panel featured Dr. Ben Chaudhary, assistant commissioner in the Department of Environmental Protection, Lisa Sharon Harper, co-founder and executive director of NY Faith & Justice, Nati Passow, co-founder and director of the Jewish Farm School, and Faraz Kahn, wetland scientist and advisor to Muslim Student Associations at Rutgers and Princeton Universities.

“When I go back and I look at what is it that influences me in my work in environmental justice it is the understanding that I am made in the image of God,” Harper said. “When we break our relationship with God it affects the environment and when we break the environment our relationship with God is broken.”

Passow explained that Shabbat—the day of rest—is a tradition that can provide insight into understanding the environment.

“Even in the process of what could be considered doing some of the most holy work—even that work you’re not allowed to do on the Sabbath,” Passow said. “There’s this tremendous value in rest. ... There’s a lot of ecological wisdom that we can glean from it.”

Khan emphasized that the environment is constantly brought up in the Quran, asserting that “the Quran talks about the earth created for all living creatures. ... There are 700 verses that actually bring humanity to think about and reflect on the environment.”

Chaudhary spoke about the way in which human beings have become more neglectful towards the environment, referring to India’s transformation after it was colonized by Britain. The other panelists agreed that a wasteful culture has emerged.

“What we’re starting to see globally [are] systems that we have been pointing too and saying, ‘that’s not a sustainable system,’ are starting to collapse,” Passow said. “The problem is within us, the human thinking, that waste culture is a way of life, ... this is a modern phenomenon.”

The panelists also spoke about inequalities in wealth, stating that lower classes are particularly affected by the environment. According to Passow, “globally, you have 2 percent of the world’s population controlling some ridiculous percentage of the world’s wealth.”

“Issues of environment affect the poor and people of color,” Harper said.

The panelists also touched on the nations’ leaders lack of accountability concerning the environment, and how that affects its sustainability.

“We have to hold our leadership accountable,” Khan said, referring to the Bush administration’s “ten years of avoiding, not talking about environmental issues.”

Harper also discussed the environmental implications arising from decisions made by the country’s leaders, saying, “I was personally devastated when America pulled out of the Kyoto Accords,” Harper said.

Ultimately, Harper said, those who are most knowledgeable about environmental problems should guide those who are not.

“The reality is that the people who are under the burden of environmental justice understand it better than we do.”

Religious Perspectives on Environmentalism - Columbia University Panel

2009-04-19T22:19:00.002-05:00

Green Faiths: Religious Perspectives on Environmentalism

Presented by CU Greenspiration

Tuesday, April 21 @ 8:00 pm

Roone Arledge Auditorium, Lerner Hall (doors open at 7:30pm)

What is the relationship between religion and the environment? How do our centuries-old scriptures inform our views about nature and our interaction with the planet? Is there any intersection between our archaic traditions and the trendy green movement? Join us for a panel discussion with audience Q&A on these topics and more that will include four faith perspectives: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.

Brought to you by CU Greenspiration, The Veritas Forum, Hillel, The Hindu Students Organization, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, and The Muslim Students Association

With help from the Office of the University Chaplain and the Presidents and Provost Fund

10 Assurances - part II of II

2009-04-19T10:15:00.001-05:00

10 Assurances in an Economic Downturn ...contin..

By Faraz Khan

However, for those individuals who are rooted in God’s grace – directing their course with patience and gratitude, they have the enormous wealth of God’s favor. They have an opportunity to gain gold – a heart of gold. With this golden opportunity in mind, I share with you a genuine call to diversify your assets of good work and consider the following assurances.

God is in control (al-Qadir). He will not disgrace and disown those who hold onto His rope. The boat that capsize and the boat that sails smooth are both in the hands of God. This is only His way of reminding people that the market, employment, production, consumption all fluctuate so do not expect life on cruise control. One’s faith in God should not quake when “rock solid” investments tumble.

God is the Provider and sustainer (al-Razzaq). There is no reason to be anxious when one understand that one’s rizq, sustenance is not written on a paycheck received from the employer but is provided by God. A Muslim believes in God’s providence and not in the intervention of the Wall Street executives. I remember once receiving my paycheck a thought occurred to me, “This is what my life revolves around”. I immediately sought refuge in God from giving my check the status of god. Remember, provision is from God.

Everything is written (qadr) in a book with God. People will only have what is already portioned for them by Him. Neither a recession can deduct a penny, nor can a stimulus package boost one’s economic condition. It is already established. This is not to deny that one should strive in life to earn a livelihood but one should have faith that which God decides happen. A friend of mine once told me an anecdote. He said, “Do you know how to make God laugh”? I was perplexed. He replied, “You mention your plans to Him”. Again, it is not our desires that rule the world but God’s infinite grace.

Have trust in God. He is the best of all planers. Our shortsightedness may not be able to envision that which lies behind the obstacle but once we get around the challenge there is a great field of opportunities that awaits us. However, one must learn to trust God. Life is a learning experience.

Be patient - there is a reward with calamity. Everything that afflicts a believer could be a cause for reward. With patience, a person gains with God though he may lose a job, sales, stocks, savings, etc. I remember while talking with Imam Chebli of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey and another elderly gentleman, a bee stung the man. The Imam immediately replied may God reward you. I asked myself why the Imam said such a statement when this person was in pain. Later I realized that the Imam was telling the man that even though you suffered pain, God will write down a reward for your patience. A person feeling the stung of the downturn economy will also reap the reward. One may lose monetary valuables but gain God with patience.

The devil promises poverty. People think that it is the end of everything if they suffer a financial downfall. They become desperate and this is where the devil takes control. A person spends thousands of dollars on luxury and vacation but when he intends to give charity, a thousand excuses surrounds him. An individual only saves that which he gives away in the path of God. The devil is out to rob people of their good deeds. A Muslim should not distress because God promises His bounty and forgiveness for His followers. Do not listen to the doom and gloom financial forecast from the devil. Be positive.

Job loss does not equal to Iman (faith) loss. It is not the end of the world. It does not diminish a person’s self-worth. Many bright and talented people suffer loss of some sort in life but that is what life is all about. The ups and downs end with life itself. It is the nature of this world. There is an analogy of a child who went out to a market with his father. The child would demand and the father would buy for the child. The child kept asking and the father kept giving. The generous father even bought things that the child did not even ask for. Nevertheless, one time the father denied the child’s request. The anxious child bowed his head down in respect of his father’s decision. Dear readers, we are like that child who has been given everything. There are so many ways we have been blessed with but one time we have been told “no”. How are we going to react? Are we going to cry and scream “why me?” “But my friend has it too”. “I need it”. Or are we going to show gratitude for all that He has given us and understand that there is wisdom behind everything. Let us bow our head down in reverence to Him.

It could have been worse! Yes, we were hit by a financial downturn but we were not swept away by a tsunami or hit by 9.0 Richter Scale earthquake or suffered from a nuclear bomb in our backyard, or a hurricane that wiped all of our assets – life, family, house, etc. There is a feeling of remorse with any loss but one must not forget that we still have plenty to keep us busy with prayers and gratitude.

Count your blessings. This is a good way to recognize that there is plenty to be thankful for. One should not compare what an individual had in the past with what he has in the present or what others possess. Rather, one should thank God for possessing much – life, health, family, warm meals on the table, a roof on top. How many of us would trade a job for the loss of the aforementioned necessities? Who would like to trade stock investments for his health? Or would someone consider full-time work for a death in the family? What is the magnitude and ratio of our problems when compared with the fact that half of the world population does not have clean water to drink? Be thankful.

Opportunity in Calamity. It is a recorded fact that every recession is followed by a greater period of prosperity for the American people. A downturn revives entrepreneurial spirit. It gives us a better understanding of our priorities and needs. It prunes our frivolous spending. People become smart with their money. It is a great time to strengthen the communal bond and social networks. It is the time to learn who we truly are – a combination of strengths and weaknesses. This is the opportunity to bank on our strengths and be smart about our weaknesses. One must not think that the economic wave will topple and drown everyone but rather it is time to ride the wave high on your surfboard of skills. Another opportunity waits for those who embark on the journey. Muslim Americans have another opportunity to show charity, citizenship, and social activism to their fellow Americans. It is time to seize this moment and help people in need. Life is all about rock-solid faith in God, staying positive, helping others, and having gratitude and patience towards His decree.

10 Assurance article - part I of II

2009-04-19T09:55:00.001-05:00

Thinking Anew:

10 Assurances in an Economic Downturn

Adopted from the khutba given on April 3^rd, 2009 at New Brunswick Islamic Center, NJ

By Faraz Khan

Today a total of 13.2 million Americans are out of work. The first quarter financial report indicates a US Jobless rate of 8.5%, the highest in 25 years. Although talk of recession and depression looms over, nobody knows the breadth and depth of the financial crisis. The news is disturbing; companies like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were bailed out, AIG’s executive bonuses and golden parachutes are in the headlines, Madoff’s Ponzi scheme that has been called the largest investor fraud ever committed by a single person. Furthermore, financial giants and the vaults of Wall Street such as Bear Sterns, Lehman Brothers, JP Morgan, Bank of America, Merril Lynch seem to have eroded in an unprecedented financial tsunami. Today, American vernacular is gaining words like bail outs, stimulus packages, toxic assets, lay-offs, downturn, bankruptcies, foreclosures and trillions of dollars debt.

Not surprisingly, there have been 13 recessions since 1929 – the beginning of the Great Depression. However, this recession punch has knocked out the capital from capitalism. Unfortunately, many have been robbed of their life savings but there are no suspects and no arrests have been made. Nor, have any heroes have emerged from this crisis. Retirement funds and life savings disappeared like groundwater in a drought. Job loss is an ugly reality.

In these tumultuous times, when everyone is sensing the downpour of uncertainty, anxiety, frustration, fear, and a sense of loss, how can we uplift our souls and see these epochs as possible harbingers of prosperity that lay hidden from our sight? In what state of mind does one recognize that the free-dealing days of capitalism are over? And where does prayer fit into the grand scheme of financial uncertainties?

These are the inescapable questions for which each soul yearns to find an unwavering support. It is not the recession that sends panic but a wavering heart that is not grounded in reality. It is the realization that dreams based on greed and corruption laced with usury will only bring nightmares not peace to one’s mind.

Rutgers-Newark MSA lecture

2009-04-14T17:56:00.000-05:00

ISLAM: Faith of Reason

Special Guest Speaker:

Faraz Khan, Rutgers Alumni

Free Period 2:30pm

April 15th, 2009

On Recession...

2009-04-10T11:16:00.002-05:00

There have been 13 recessions since 1929 – the Great Depression. However, this recession punch has knocked out capital from capitalism. Unfortunately, many have been robed of their life savings but there are no suspects and no arrests have been made. Nor, any heroes have emerged from this crisis. Retirement funds and life long savings disappeared like groundwater in a drought.

In these tumultuous times, when everyone is sensing the downpour of uncertainty, anxiety, frustration, fear, and a sense of loss, how can we uplift our souls and see these epochs as possible harbinger of prosperity that lay hidden from our sight? In what state of mind does one recognize that free dealing days of capitalism is over? And where does a prayer fits into the grand scheme of financial uncertainties?

These are the inescapable questions that each soul yearns to find an unwavering support. It is not the recession that sends panic but a wavering heart that is not grounded in reality. It is the realization that dreams based on greed and corruption laced with usury will only bring nightmares not peace to one’s mind.

However, for those individuals who are rooted in God’s grace – directing their course with patience and gratitude, they have enormous wealth of God’s favor. They have an opportunity to gain gold – a heart of gold. With this golden opportunity in mind, I share with you a genuine call to diversify your assets of good work. The Quran simply states the reality:

"God wipes out usury and increases (the giver of ) charity" (al-baqarah)

faraz

2009-03-25T21:50:00.004-05:00

Image: Muhammad (in Arabic)
Image: Manzil (in Arabic) home
Image: Yasin (in Arabic)

Event MSA Rutgers - Newark

2009-03-21T14:07:00.001-05:00

.: LOVESTRUCK :.
(((audio)))

Warning: This is not your routine lecture on Marriage in Islam!

Searching for Love in Islam
Special Guest: Br Faraz Khan
Monday Feb 16th, 2009

And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.

Rutgers-Newark MSA

Here's a lecture on love, relationship, and Islam. I have been thinking about this topic from a youth's perspective i.e. all of the challenges that come with gender relations. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. In this lecture I am talking to college students about making sense of Dos and Dont's of Islam and "love".

Khutba: Sirah & Revelation

2009-03-20T21:27:00.000-05:00

Sirah & Revelation
(((audio)))

New Brunswick Islamic Center
March 20, 2009
by Faraz Khan
Photo: Haj 2008 by Faraz Khan

An important Khutba on Chronological order of revelation and the mission of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

Darul Islah event

2009-03-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

DARK REFLECTIONS:

The Promises of Allah

and the lure of Shaitaan
(((audio)))

No, this lecture is not a "blame the Shaitan" in you. A self-reflection on communal issues and the place of youth, women, and personal development in the American Muslim community.

speakers:

Muhammad Elshinawi

Faraz Khan

Darul Islah, Teaneck, NJ

sponsored by Big Brothers of Darul Islah

Saturday, January 26, 3 - 8 pm

* Snacks served.

ISCJ Arabic Calligraphy Class

2009-03-19T18:16:00.008-05:00

Salam Alaikum,

Here are a few ideas floating in my head that I have been able to convert in calligraphy. I hope that others will also catch art fever like me :)
I will be giving an introductory course in central Jersey within a few weeks. For those of you who are interested, please let me know.

I would like to go back and revive the
the Art Society 114 http://artsociety114.blogspot.com/

inshAllah.

I would like to present my work to larger audience by professionally producing this work and displaying in an art gallery in the very near future.

rab rakkha!

faraz

Concept of dua

2009-02-25T10:46:00.000-05:00

Concept of Dua' (((audio)))
Supplication in Islam

Rutgers University -New Brunswick

Faraz Khan
October 2008

If you have the following questions in regards to dua', You may want to listen to this audio file.

What is istikhara? and how do I make the right decision?
Are there specail dua' that are accepted?

How do I state my dua'?
Are there any special occassions when dua' is more acceptable?

How come my dua' is not answered?
Why are there so many difficulties in life?

Wesleyan University Environmental Ethics lecture

2009-02-24T22:05:00.002-05:00

The Faraz Khan Lecture

By Sara Swetzoff, on behalf of the Muslim Student Association

“But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters.” (Quran: 7:31)

On Friday February 20, at 4:30 p.m. in PAC 001, Faraz Khan will deliver a lecture entitled, “Environmental Ethics and Islam: Providing a Pragmatic Model.”

Khan is now a senior wetland scientist for the State of New Jersey, but he started his professional career as a teacher of Islamic Studies. He obtained a degree in Quranic Recitation (Qira’at) from the University of Damascus before then earning his B.A. in Environmental Geology at Rutgers University. Khan later became certified in wetland science through a program at Rutgers University’s Cook College, and he taught as an adjunct professor of environmental science at Passaic County College. In addition to his wetlands work, he currently serves as an advisor to the Muslim Student Associations at both Rutgers University and Princeton University.

Faraz Khan maintains a blog at http://liberalartsforum.blogspot.com:

“I find this blog to be another medium to convey a message, a responsibility that I feel on my shoulders—to call people to the Truth. I have been trained as a thinker/orator in liberal arts. My interest lies in history, philosophy, environmental ethics, sharia, Arabic calligraphy, and tajweed. Here is an attempt to delineate a path within the American social context.”

Khan will discuss the Islamic concept of khalifa, or “stewardship” over nature. Islamic law includes a specific category of jurisprudence called fiqh al-bi’ah, or “jurisprudence of the environment.” Law-makers take a number of the foundational concepts of Islam (such as rahmah: “mercy,” tawazun: “harmony,” andshukr: “gratitude”) and apply them to this ethico-juridical discipline which links ecological health to the psychological health of man. Environmental degradation is seen as a sickness of the human ego because man is unable to give up short-term gratification in favor of long-term prosperity.

Khan is concerned with our modern-day “waste culture.” In a recent lecture (posted as an article on his blog), he explains: “It is clear that environmental crisis requires more than a scientific quick fix. In reality it is not an ‘environmental problem,’ but rather a human problem. Furthermore, it is only a modern human problem because there is no connection to the sacred ethics. Consequently, no scientific gadget will solve the current environmental crisis unless the society unlearns the materialism that has become part of the global culture.”

“Secular” environmental ethics, according to Khan, assumes a dichotomy between humans and other living organisms and therefore frames all ethical questions in either biocentric or anthropocentric terms. Khan compares this approach to the holistic “sacred ethics” of sharia (Islamic law): “In essence, the nature or environment is a creation of God and any deviation from natural way (fitra) is a divergence from the way of God. This natural way or fitra is a Qur’anic concept that takes into account the harmony in creation and the balance that exists between living and nonliving creatures.”

Come to Friday’s lecture and hear more from Faraz Khan!

Swetzoff is a member of the class of 2009.

http://wesleyanargus.com/2009/02/17/the-faraz-khan-lecture/

khutba Remembering Allah

2009-02-22T19:33:00.000-05:00

Khutba: Remembering Allah (((audio)))
New Brunswick Islamic Center - Masjid Al-Huda, Jan. 2009

The Story of Habib Najar from Surah Yasin and last few ayat of Surah Hashr.

Khutba: Our Journey to Allah

2009-02-22T06:15:00.000-05:00

Khutba: Our Journey to Allah:
Islamic Circle of Mercer County
Duration: 33 min.

The khutba was based on Surah al-Baqarah 151-157, in reference to the Prophetic mission and the responsibility of Believers.

A Lecture on Environmental Ethics

2009-02-18T18:42:00.002-05:00

Be less virtual, more 3D

2009-02-15T11:24:00.004-05:00

Be less virtual, more 3D (((audio)))

The challenges at Home (the upbringing of youth, internet use, and pop culture) during downturn economy.

Life Cycle in the Quran:

Here is one aya in the Quran explaining away the challenges of life for all ages. The stages in one's life are the following:

childhood - play and amusement
youth - beautification
adult - mutual boasting
elder - increase in wealth and children

Quran Al-Hadid - 57:20
YUSUF ALI translation: "Know ye (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children.

Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away.

But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong). And Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the devotees of Allah). And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception?"

A Valentine's Day Special!

2009-02-10T17:05:00.001-05:00

Here's the next ISCJ Youth event...spread the word!

Al-Mishkat Institute, in collaboration with Al-Madinah Institute and ISCJ Youth Presents....

Love Takes Time

Lectures by
Dr. Muhammad Al-Ninowy
&
Sr. Saffiya Turan

A look at the concept of love in Islam and how to start, build, and maintain strong marital relationships. A lecture for both youth and adults, married, unmarried, in love, out of love, and all in between.

Venue: Islamic Society of Central Jersey
4145 Route 1 South and Promenade Blvd
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
Date: Friday, February 13, 2009
Time: 8:00pm
FREE ADMISSION

A Night of Remembrance - NBIC

2009-02-06T17:00:00.002-05:00

The Prophet said, "From amongst the seven whom Allah will give shade to on the day when there will be no shade except His shade, will be that person whose heart was attached to the masjid." (Bukhari)

A Night of Remembrance - 'ibadah

(FAMILY EVENT)

Friday, February 6, 2009

TIME: 8:00 PM (after Salatul Esha)

NEW BRUNSWICK ISLAMIC CENTER

167 REMSEN AVENUE

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

Program Details:

Lecture: Remembering Allah amidst Confusion - Faraz Khan

Lecture: Islamic Mannerism - Adab-e-ma'asharat - Imam Rauf (MCMC)

9:15: Quran Recitation Circles - Surah Yasin | Tafsir

9:30pm: Refreshments/Tea

10:00: Individual Session: Zikr/Ibadah/Dua'

10:45: Tahajjud & Dua' -

11:30: Conclusion

Thinking Anew: Explaining Gaza ... Part 3 of 3.

2009-02-03T19:25:00.002-05:00

Omar bin al-Khattab's Response:

In another example, before returning to Makkah Abu Sufyan, the leader of polytheist at Uhud taunted the Muslims openly and said: "This day (Uhud) in revenge for Badr". Omar replied back: "No they are not equal. Our dead are in heaven and yours in hell." Abu Sufyan was confounded. No doubt, Muslims look forward to expiation of their sins and a great reward for each hardship they suffer. God is great not only in good times but also in trying times. Those who have fallen in Gaza are not equal to a nation so morally bankrupts that they wage war on Sabbath - a day of prayers and rest (Genocide in Gaza began on Saturday, December 27, 2008). The Quran is clear on the character of such people and their war with God. They have nothing in the hereafter. This leads to the third principle of my discussion: the belief in the hereafter.

The third principle is the conviction in the Day of Judgment – the hereafter. A simple Bedouin came to the Prophet and he asked when the Day of Judgment is? The Prophet replied back with a question: "What have you prepared for it?" The Bedouin said: "I have not prepared much good deeds but I love God and His messenger". So the Prophet Muhammad replied back that "a man will be with those he loves" (Riyad al-Salihin). The point relevant to this discussion is that the Prophet asked the Bedouin about his preparedness for the hereafter. Modern Muslims frequently fall into the trap of judging success in worldly terms. Success of an individual or the entire Ummah is not based on worldly standards of position and possession.

Position & Possession:

According to the standards of the Makkan polytheists, the Prophet was amongst the poorest of poor. He had neither wealth nor male heirs to boost his name. Yet, he was the richest of rich through his most beautifully elegant character. On his deathbed he gave away all that he possessed – even the last six dirham in charity (Ibn Ishaq). What is the standard of success in Islam? Is it money, power, victory, luxury, entertainment? Wrong, the hereafter is the standard. Those who are successful in the hereafter are successful in this world even if they live in worst of conditions deprived of all the basic human needs without any justice. The poor Gazans have neither position nor possession within the geopolitical spheres of influence but those things do not count in the hereafter.

It would be wrong to compare and contrast the success of Ummah in worldly terms especially Gazans. To illustrate another example, a few days ago Muslim community commemorated 'Ashura - a day when Prophet Musa was given victory over Pharaoh and moreover in a separate incident the grandson of the Prophet, Husain ibn Ali was martyred raising the banner of truth against unjust authority. A worldview based on principles other than Islam may identify Musa as successful and Imam Husain as failure. However, Muslim worldview is that they were both successful. Why? Because God is pleased with them both and that is what matters.

No doubt, the martyrs of Gaza are the most successful within the ranks of Muslims today. There is no comparison between those Muslims who sit at home watching world news, ignoring prayers, and their obligations and those who sit in Gaza remembering God in the worst of plights. Quran confirms:

"Do not call those who have been martyred in the path of God as dead. Rather, they are alive but you do not understand."

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these three principals – belief in One God, sirah as guide, and success in the hereafter are the building blocks of any response or strategy for the Muslims. The source of everything "Islamic" is based in the Quran and sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. Any proposal or strategy offered by any think-tank or any leader must conform to the Islamic principals to receive any blessings from God. Therefore, a Muslim has to return to the sources of his/her religion before laying any plan of action. And God knows best.

For more articles and speeches by the author visit http://www.liberalartsforum.com

Thinking Anew: Explaining Gaza ... Part II

2009-02-03T19:17:00.003-05:00

The Lesson from the Battle of Uhud

To continue, there is a direct correlation between the message of the Quran and Gaza today. There was once a time when Muslims controlled much of the world. From Granada to Java, they opened up the world for a civilization that elevated God before everything else. Interestingly, the first thousand years of this ummah were like Badr – successful. Then after Badr, Muslims made a crucial mistake during Uhud.

The Quran comments on both, the victory and the defeat - Badr and Uhud in Surah Aal-'Imran. In Uhud, the Prophet stationed the army facing the enemy and placed around 50 archers on the Mount of Ruma behind them and told them never to leave their position even if the battle was over. Initially, the Muslim army routed the enemy and the polytheists started to flee. The Muslims started to pursue them and then started to collect the spoils of war. At that moment, the archers left their positions to amass the dunya – spoils. In no time, the Makkan cavalry successfully attacked the Muslim army in the rear where the archers had abandoned the mount. The fleeing Makkans regrouped and fiercely re-attacked the Prophet and his companions. The result was that Muslims were pressed between two forces and had to retreat to the Mountain of Uhud.

In the sequel of Uhud there is a lesson. The Ummah abandoned its position from the top of the mount as a leader and protector to run after the baser desires. So God left Muslims in abyss with empty desires while the enemy surrounded and assaulted Muslims. The cost of disobedience to the messenger of God resulted in great sufferings. Similarly, the Ummah kept collecting the dunya and the world shifted from around them. How else can Muslims explain the imperialist nations devouring Muslim lands for last 400 years?

Muslims were afflicted with grave consequences by their disobedience to God. Many great sahaba such as Hamza ibn Abi Talib and Mus'ab bin Umair were martyred and even the Prophet was injured and a false rumor circulated that he was killed. Muslims were confounded. However, this was a trial to sort out hypocrites and those opportunists who only accompanied the Muslims to gain in this world, and to teach a lesson that disobedience to the Prophet means loss in both worlds.

Muslims should not look at any calamity simply as a loss but remember what they gain with God when they are patient. For this reason, the Muslim worldview is based on the fact that every difficulty in the sake of God is compensated for the believers. God revealed:

"If you should be suffering - so are they suffering as you are suffering, but you expect from Allaah that which they expect not. And Allaah is ever Knowing and Wise" (An-Nisaa': 104).

The Story of an Ansari Woman:

The perseverance and suffering of the Gazans is observed in the story of an Ansari woman whose father, brother and husband were martyred in Uhud. One by one she heard the soul-shattering news of the martyrdom of all her male family members and yet she asked persistently "Tell me if the Prophet is safe?" As soon as she witnessed the Prophet safe and sound she uttered, "All sufferings are insignificant if you (Prophet of God) are safe and sound." Truly, as long as the love of God and His Prophet is safe and sound in the heart, all sufferings are insignificant.

...continue

Thinking Anew: Explaining Gaza - Part I

2009-02-03T18:52:00.003-05:00

Thinking Anew: EXPLAINING GAZA

Faraz Khan

Never leave your soul in despair
For God is our Hope and with Him is our affair

"Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allaah except the disbelieving people." (Yoosuf: 87).

"If Allaah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allaah – never will He waste their deeds. He will guide them and amend their condition. And admit them to Paradise, which He has made known to them. O you who have believed, if you support Allaah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet. But those who disbelieve – for them is misery, and He will waste their deeds." (Muhammad: 4-8)

Worldview:

Every community has a paradigm that projects its relationship with the phenomena world. Islam also provides a worldview based on faith in one God, Prophethood, and belief in the Hereafter. These three principles are the foundation of religious understanding in the Quran. Regarding the catastrophe in Gaza, I want to examine these principles and propose an understanding of the circumstances based on the Quran.

The Story of Khalid bin Walid:

The basis of the Muslim worldview begins with shahada – testimony to the oneness of God. Tawhid simply means that God is in command. There is no one worthy of worship except God. To illustrate this, during the campaign against Byzantine, Muslims were outnumbered by their enemies. When the commander Khalid Bin Walid sensed that despair may overcome the Muslims, he reminded them by shouting– "La hola wala quwwata illah billah" – "there is neither power nor might except with God". In response, the entire army heeded the call and started to repeat the statement. With trust in God and faith in heart they defeated a mightier opponent. This occurred because Muslims understood that success is from God and whenever they turn to Him they will indeed triumph. The Quran reminds the believers,

"Victory only comes from God, the Mighty, the Wise." (Qur'an 3:126)

The second principal that outlines the worldview of a Muslim is the belief in the code of conduct of Prophet Muhammed - the second part of shahada. In this context, God says,

"You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the praise of Allah". (Al-Ahzaab: 21)

The Story of the Missing Sunnah!

A classic example of success by following the footsteps of the Prophet is found in the story of a Persian campaign. The Muslim army laid an extensive siege to a Persian district but they were not successful against the enemy. The Muslims did some soul searching. In the past, whenever they laid siege to an area they succeeded in no time. They started to investigate the cause of the delay in victory. After much discussion and debate in the camp it was found that the entire army had neglected the use of tooth-stick (miswak) – a sunnah of the Prophet. Therefore, they rushed in fulfilling this sunnah. On the other side, when the enemy saw the Muslim army with this new practice, they trembled in fear thinking that the Muslim soldiers were sharpening their teeth to eat the Persians. Due to this fear, the enemy surrendered their will to fight and the Persian district was liberated due the practice of one sunnah alone.

This story may serve as an aide memoire that Muslims have a role model and any type of response that goes against the teaching of the Prophet is simply un-Islamic. Surely, "the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad" as the Prophet would relay to his companions during Friday sermons.

continue...

After all, what is liberal arts?

2009-01-29T23:23:00.004-05:00

Bismillah:

photo: Gibraltar

As I run towards the finish line, my M.A. in Liberal Arts I recall my very first class I was given a list of 20 books. I thought my advisor was joking. I told him that I have never read 20 books for my undergrad in Geology. He smiled and said, "You will get used to it."

I was told that with liberal arts education I will learn how to read, write, and think on another level. I was exposed to the Western thought with some sprinkling of the Eastern philosophies and religions.

Here and now, I think about great books series in the Islamic thought. The revival of knowledge through books in the Muslim world as it was done via Darul Hikmah. I think of the permanent faculty of a Muslim liberal arts school. I know Zaytuna had published a list of prominent Muslim scholars throughout the Islamic history for Tabari College.

How great is the depth of knowledge and scope of wisdom in the work of Sa'di Shirazi, Ghazali, Tabari, Subki, Farabi, Ibn Sina, Ibn Rushd, Maududi, Ibn Taymiyya, Nujaym, Rumi, Iqbal, Ghalib, Farahi, Islahi, etc.

Lets continue to read, write, speak, think, and give a vision until either we are inspired or we inspire others to do great work.

Faraz

Thomas Aquinas College:

on Liberal Arts

The term "liberal arts" is commonly used when discussing the kind of learning that characterizes the education of men and women suited to the privileges and obligations of a free society. But exactly what those arts are may not be so well known. The liberal arts are indispensable means for exercising the power of thinking and for gaining access to the intellectual tradition of civilization. They are traditionally divided as follows:

The Trivium ("the three ways")

Logic
Rhetoric
Grammar

The Quadrivium ("the four ways")

Geometry
Astronomy
Arithmetic
Music

"The liberal arts are not merely indispensable; they are unavoidable. Nobody can decide for himself whether he is going to be a human being. The only question open to him is whether he will be an ignorant, undeveloped one, or one who has sought to reach the highest point he is capable of attaining. The question, in short, is whether he will be a poor liberal artist or a good one.

The liberal artist learns to read, write, speak, listen, understand, and think. He learns to reckon, measure, and manipulate matter, quantity, and motion in order to predict, produce and exchange. As we live in the tradition, whether we know it or not, so we are all liberal artists, whether we know it or not. We all practice the liberal arts, well or badly, all the time every day. As we should understand the tradition as well as we can in order to understand ourselves, so we should be as good liberal artists as we can in order to become as fully human as we can."

-- Robert Maynard Hutchins, former president of the University of Chicago

Permanent Faculty for a Western Liberal Arts College:

(How many names do you recognize?)

Homer, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Herodotus, Euripides, Thucydides, Aristophanes, Archimedes, Plato, Euclid, DeKoninck, Fabre, Aristotle, Galen, Harvey, Linnaeus, Driesch, Gould, Marler, Tinbergen, Virchow, von Frisch, Porphyry, Vergil, Lucretius, Plutarch, Tacitus, Epictetus, St Augustine, Boethius, Dante, Chaucer, Spenser, Martin, Horace, Galileo Galilei, Cicero, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Apollonius, Kepler, Avogadro, Dalton, Gay-Lussac, Berthollet, Couper, Lavoisier, Mendeleev, Richter, Wollaston, Cannizzaro, Empedocles, Heraclitus, St. Athanasius, St. Anselm, St. John Damascene, Cervantes, William Shakespeare, Machiavelli, Bacon, Donne, Milton, Wordsworth, Keats, Lang, Santayana, Millay, Montaigne, Pascal, Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Swift, Gibbon, Corneille, Racine, Rousseau, Spinoza, Vico, Hamilton, Madison, Jay, Smith, de Tocqueville, Douglas, Mozart, Viete, Descartes, St. Thomas Aquinas, Griffin, Frege, Newton, Tolstoy, Leibniz, Kant, Goethe, Hegel, Feuerbach, Malthus, Marx, Engels, Darwin, Mendel, Nietzsche, Twain, Austen, James, Freud, Jung, Abraham Lincoln, Newman, Melville, Kierkegaard, Dostoyevski, Eliot, St. Pius X, Leo XIII, Pius XI, Pius XII, Taylor, Dedekind, Lobachevski, Einstein, Huygens, Maxwell, Gilbert, Ampere

Islamic Jeopardy at ISCJ

2009-01-20T21:46:00.003-05:00

Islamic Jeopardy
Because the Ummah needs a Winner!

Friday 8:00pm,
January 23, 2009

Hosted By:
Basem Hassan
Faraz Khan

credits: image Stony Brook MSA

Gaza - Don't Be Sad!

2009-01-19T08:44:00.003-05:00

Khutba: Gaza - Don't Be Sad
La tahzan, innAllah ma'ana
Friday, Jan. 16, 2009

New Brunswick Islamic Center
By Faraz Khan

“… Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allaah except the disbelieving people.” (Yoosuf: 87).

Never leave your soul in despair
For God is our Hope and with Him is our affair

“… And if Allaah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allaah – never will He waste their deeds. He will guide them and amend their condition. And admit them to Paradise, which He has made known to them. O you who have believed, if you support Allaah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet. But those who disbelieve – for them is misery, and He will waste their deeds.” (Muhammad: 4-8).

Our Worldview

Every community has a paradigm that projects their relationship with the phenomena world. Islam also gives a worldview which is imbedded in belief in One God, Prophethood, and a belief in the Hereafter. These three principles are the basis of religious understanding in the Quran. Looking at the current crisis in Gaza, I want to go back to these principles and propose an understanding of what is happening around us.

Gaza - Don't Be Sad (((audio)))

Gaza Fundraiser talk

2009-01-18T08:57:00.002-05:00

Understanding Our Plight - Gaza
(((audio)))

Emergency Fundraiser for Palestine
Islamic Relief
Sun. January 11, 2009

Speakers: Khalid Latif & Faraz Khan

Stand up for Justice!

2009-01-12T14:37:00.002-05:00

touche'

US Congress voted 309 to five to support Israel's war on the people of Gaza, with 22 abstaining. '

Allahu Akbar!

2009-01-06T22:14:00.004-05:00

Never leave your soul in despair
For God is our Hope and with Him is our affair

Quran Audio By Faraz Khan

2009-01-06T15:39:00.005-05:00

Quran Recitation:
Surah Tawba 9:38-40 (((audio)))

By Faraz Khan
Length: Five Minutes

O Believers, what is the matter with you that when you are asked to march forth in the way of God, you cling to the earth?

Do you prefer the life of this world to the life of the hereafter?

The comfort of this life is so little compared to that of the life of the hereafter.
If you do not march forth, He will inflict on you a painful punishment and replace you with other people, and you cannot harm Him at all, for God has power over everything.

If you do not help him (the Prophet), it does not matter: God did help him while the unbelievers drove him out of his town, the second of the two, while the two were in the cave and (enemy came to the opening of the cave) he said to his companion (Abu Bakr, first of the rightly guided caliphs), "Do not worry, God is with us."

So God sent down his serenity on him and strengthened him with forces which you could not see; thus, He made the word of the unbelievers lowest, while the word of God remained supreme. God is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

Why Gaza?

2009-01-03T15:28:00.002-05:00

"O you who believe seek help in patience and prayer. Surely God is with those who are patient."

Gaza & Sirah ((( audio )))
Jan. 2, 2009 - understanding Gaza through Sirah of the Prophet
May God lighten the burden of people of Gaza. I gave khutba this past Friday about the plight of our brothers and sisters. I am an optimist due to my hope in God. The khutba is about patience and lessons from Quran and sunnah.

The best way to see the plight of the Muslims in last 1400 years is to see the Sirah of the Prophet. First thirteen years of his message demanded patience and sacrifice. Then came Badr - victory in Medina. I believe first 1000 years of the Muslim history was Badr. Islam flourished and people wanted to take lead in their service to Islam. However, last 400 years has been a reversal like Uhud due to Muslims disobedience just like the archers disobeyed the Prophet on Mount Rumah. There are many lessons for Muslims.

Patience is the key to success. They say: "You want to sit down and do nothing". They have the wrong understanding of patience. Patience is that one adheres to what Allah and His messenger commanded and not go with the flow - even if people abuse. A patient person or nation is like a mountain (perhaps Uhud) that does not move from its position and it does not get riled up due to the obscene or sinful behavior of others.

With God lies success.

tune in Tuesday night 8:30 pm

2008-12-29T18:52:00.000-05:00

Salam Alaikum:

InshAllah tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8:30 pm I will be talking about my Hajj experience with The Tri-State Muslim. Please join me on a Live interactive Webcast at 8:30 pm.

"Al-hamdo lillah, it was a very inspiring journey. I felt that Hajj brought me closer to God. It was such a wonderful experience to see Muslims from the entire planet assemble in one place to worship One Lord. There is unity, peace, and servitude to God in Hajj like no place in the world".Faraz Khan

join in Tuesday 8:30 pm www.TriStateMuslims.com

for more articles & audios by Faraz Khan
http://liberalartsforum.blogspot.com

News \| Events \| Jobs \| and more! December 22, 2008 www.TriStateMuslims.com
You have heard Hajj described by others and perhaps experienced it yourself. Join Faraz Khan for a live online interactive Hajj discussion that would bring you first hand experience of the sacred journey. Topic: An American Hajj Experience Host: Salaudeen Nausrudeen When: Tues., Dec. 30th 2008 at 8:30 pm Where: www.TriStateMuslims.com Price: FREE!!! Format: Discussion about Hajj 2008 from an American Muslim who went to hajj for the first time. It is an interactive live online discussion where viewers like you can send comments or questions.

My Hajj Experience!

2008-12-23T20:37:00.002-05:00

A special FREE LIVE Webcast on Hajj:"Al-hamdo lillah, it was a very inspiring journey. I felt that Hajj brought me closer to God. It was such a wonderful experience to see Muslims from the entire planet assemble in one place to worship One Lord. There is unity, peace, and servitude to God in Hajj like no place in the world".

Faraz Khan

You have heard Hajj description from others and perhaps experienced it yourself. InshAllah Tuesday 8:30 pm, December 30, you will join our guests in a live online interactive Hajj Discussion on www.TriStateMuslims.com. A Hajj special that would bring you the first hand experience of the sacred journey.

Topic: An American Hajj Experience
Guest: Faraz Khan and You! Moderator: Salaudeen Nausrudeen When: Tues., Dec. 30th 2008 at 8:30 pm
Where: www.TriStateMuslims.com
Price: FREE!!!

1. TSM's first Live Webcast 2. Welcome Back to all Hajjis! 3. Find out more about new developments in Makkah and Medina 4. Hajj Stories 5. discussion on misconceptions about Hajj 6. It's interactive - you can send you questions and comments LIVE!

Format: Discussion about Hajj 2008 from an American Muslim who went to hajj for the first time. It is an interactive live online discussion where viewers like you can call-in or write in your comments. Are you a recent hajji? You too can call in or send us your experience. Don't miss this exciting 1-hour live online event!

A Haji's Dastan (story)

2008-12-23T19:32:00.005-05:00

A Haji's Dastan poetry

Dates I ate and zamzam I drank
Sorry but little I brought for my friends

Jainamaz from Makkah were made in China, I repent
So little did I find any attraction in tasbihs from Taiwan

All-Star hotels and all-star buffet
some stayed within the Haram, yet in the cafe

Just what did this Haji returned with in the end?
that every seeker shall have what he intends
And for friends, God's mercy that shall never end

Calligraphy

2008-12-19T15:23:00.001-05:00

Hasbiy Allah
God is Sufficient

Labaik Allahuma Labaik - calligraphy

2008-11-20T23:13:00.000-05:00

Five Lessons from Obama's Campaign

2008-11-18T21:54:00.006-05:00

Thinking Anew:
Five Lessons from Obama’s Successful Campaign

By Faraz Khan

As I pondered over the historical campaign leading to Mr. Obama's presidency, I thought about what I could learn from this election. Obviously there are many lessons for all of us and by now political pundits have delineated the essentials of the campaign.

Nevertheless, I wanted to pen lessons that the Muslim leadership and community could reflect upon from Mr. Obama's successful campaign. I want to be clear that I do not intend to confuse religion with politics. Yet I do want to study the organizational skills that brought change in American society. As a shrewd person once remarked, "How come we choose from just two people to run for President and 50 for Miss America?" I am not concerned with politics here. My goal is to observe the organizational wisdom and therefore communicate the message of Islam more effectively in the 21^st Century. Here are five lessons to implement change for good:

The Clear Message

Mr. Obama's message of change resonated with his audience. People paid more attention to the simple word "change" and were immediately motivated by the campaign. Other candidates also liked this simple concept but didn't build their message on a single foundation – rather they kept changing their lines and were not consistent. Obama's campaign slogan was simple and clear. The slogan motivated people to believe in themselves and gave hope for a better tomorrow.Muslim leadership can learn a great deal about focusing the message of their call. What is it that we want to convey to people? What is the motto of Masjid X? What is purpose of my youth organization? What is the focus of my Islamic school? The message has to be clear. People must not be confused with jargons or confused by the delivery of the message. Our community is very adept in recognizing melodramatic tones in Friday khutbas and fundraising speeches. Remember the brave claim of Mulla Nasiruddin. It was known that he once made an entire group of blood thirsty bandits to run in the desert. So some people inquired of the Mulla, how did you make these bandits run? Mullah said, "Very easy; I looked at them and they looked back at me, I ran first and then they ran after me". We should work to resolve the dilemmas with incoherent khutbas, lackluster fundraising speeches, bad sound systems, and lack of educational opportunities for adults and women at Islamic centers and schools. Fundraising speeches should not trump Islamic instruction. If things have been bad at your local masjid, join with others to change them for good.

Marketing Strategy

Another strong aspect of the winning campaign was to effective marketing and communication by means of technology. There were millions of emails and text messages that were sent to folks all over the country. The emails were not an ineffective barrage of "Dear Brother/Sister" but were rather addressed using then first name of the recipient. A real world example of a renowned Islamic organization and their marketing strategy will help us understand the existing problem. Whenever this organization held a lecture they sent me a barrage of emails. Although I never signed up for any e-mails, I received a storm of unrelated messages. It didn't matter if the lecture was being held on the East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, or Canada; I received an email reading "Dear Brother/Sister". I wish they could personalize the email a bit and not ask me to fly coast to coast every week for lectures held by esteemed scholars and organizations. Thereafter, I decided to unsubscribe from the list and received a generic auto reply email that read:
"Thank you for emailing us. We pray this message reaches you in the best of health and faith. You have received an auto reply because we want you to know that your email is important to us. We receive hundreds of emails, letters, faxes, and phone calls every day from supporters throughout the world and we try our hardest to respond to every correspondence as best as we can, and in a timely manner. Although, it is our hope to be able to accommodate all requests, it may take us some time to respond."Needless to say that I continued to receive spam emails and have never received a reply to my request from the organization. My point is that we should have a marketing strategy to go along with the data we have collected over the years to advance the Islamic cause.

Befriend Technology

John McCain, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Ron Paul, and Barrack Obama all launched websites seeking contributions, selling merchandise, and offering the latest news and videos about their campaigns. However, Mr. Obama went a step further; his campaign not only reached fans through Youtube but also other computer savvy young voters through Facebook, Myspace, Mybatanga, Flickr, Linkedin, Digg, and many other online networks. These networks provided an impetus for many young people to become engaged. For example, on October 12, 2008 Facebook listed 3,105,875 of Mr. Obama's supporters and 528,046 comments. The campaign reached out to these young voters and got them involved. Perhaps the Muslim leadership and community need to look into creating a presence on these networks and reaching out to the dissident voices. There are many people spreading evil using technology. We can employ the same technology to benefit others.

Befriend People

Another great attribute of this campaign was the number of small donations from individuals. People were made part of the "Change" campaign. The campaign endorsed these words from Mr. Obama "I am asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington… I am asking you to believe in yours." People felt that Mr. Obama was listening to them and were willing to support this common cause. Instead of looking for large contributions, the campaign tactically utilized the Internet and mobilized workers on the ground to win over the common folks. Many candidates used the traditional method for money collection - looking for big contributions and time consuming fundraising dinners. While Mr. Obama, recognizing that times have changed, utilized technology and his excellent oratory skills to gain a clear edge on his opponents. The campaign received around $640 million from three million donors. I believe that Muslim centers and organizations do not have to look for a few hefty checks in order to build anything. The proof is in the pudding: Mr. Obama raised a huge sum of money from everyday Americans. Unfortunately, a major portion of the Muslim community - whether you call them Eid Muslims or Ramadan Muslims - is simply not tuned in. They are interested in Islam but not involved in building Islam. There has to be a plan to draw this population back to serving our struggling Islamic institutions. We have to chart a roadmap to welcome everyday common folks, make them feel that they are a part of the Ummah, and convince them that their contributions, no matter how small or big, are needed to bring success to the community.

Recognizing the Goal:

From the very beginning the campaign performed like a well-oiled machine. There were ups and downs - the campaign had to fight an uphill battle against false allegations, balance fundraising efforts, death in Mr. Obama's family, political satires, stereotypes - but the campaign continued nonstop, never diverting from the issues, reaching out to millions under the hope of positive change. There were no public incidents of campaign managers' infighting or shouting or publicly ridiculing each other. They did not accuse each other of fraud, mismanaging money, or indecent living. They were a team focused on achieving the goal - and they did it. In conclusion, this team impacted millions if not billions of lives around the planet as Barrack Obama won the presidential election on November 4, 2008.Dear Muslim reader, how long will it take for us to focus on our goal? Why is there so much infighting within our community? Are we not all part of the same struggle? Why are the organs of a single body working against each other? Why are the players on the same team struggling against each other? Why are we so disorganized and far away from our goal? Where is our list of priorities?In conclusion, I hope and pray that Allah gives us the vision to see, the courage to stand, and the will to fulfill our obligations.

By Faraz Khan for more articles and speeches by the author visit http://www.liberalartsforum.com

Learning Calligraphy - Class Details

2008-11-03T22:50:00.000-05:00

Art Inscribed
Details on the Class

Learning Calligraphy - supplies for the class

2008-11-03T22:45:00.003-05:00

ART INSCRIBED
at Darul Islah
Nov. 7th & 8th
Sponsored by YM-Teaneck

Learning Calligraphy

2008-11-02T22:50:00.004-05:00

Art Inscribed
Nov. 7 & 8 - 2008
By Faraz Khan
Darul Islah, Teaneck, NJ

Arabic Calligraphy is a sacred art. It is the highest art form along with the recitation of the Quran in the Islamic world. Due to the religious prohibition on sculptures, Muslim artists concentrated their artistic skills in calligraphy and achieved many distinctive patterns and styles. As new cultures came in contact with Arabic script they adapted the writing style and added unique fonts or styles to Arabic script. This project is a consortium of deciphering old Arabic scripts and a case for new style of art in the West. The focus of the project is Arts and morality based on relevance to this course in order to seek a deeper meaning of sacred.

Art Inscribed at Darul Islah, Teaneck, NJ

2008-10-26T14:59:00.003-05:00

Ever wonder how people can write Quranic ayat in such a beautiful way?

InshAllah in this class YOU will learn the beautiful art of Arabic calligraphy.
The goal of this class is to get the interested students to start their journey to Islamic art. The students are given a quick background of aqlam as-Sitah: kufi, diwani, thuluth, naskh, nastaliq, and riq'a.
This hands on program will focus on recognizing, reading different writing
styles, and learning to engage in six basic styles, along with practical tips
on how to beautify one's calligraphy. This two day class will give students
everything they need to learn to start their venture into Islamic art. The
class includes tips on supplies, art styles, and art competition amongst
students.

When: November 7th, November 8th
Where: Darul Islah, 325 Fabry Terrace, Teaneck NJ

Time: 6-10 PM Friday, 1-5 PM Saturday
Cost: Refreshments will be served.

Class Fee $35 Supplies $10

Art Inscribed Calligraphy Class Taught By:
Brother Faraz Khan

Art Manifesto - Calligraphy

2008-10-19T18:55:00.008-05:00

Faraz Khan's Art Manifesto:

m&m’s (Morals & Meanings) in Art.

The case against Modern Art is a voice of many critics. Intention is crucial in giving meaning to any artifact. Art is human expression of intention and thus should reflect a purpose. In Modern Art many artifacts are created for the sake of art galleries and showcases that only a few can afford. Thus Modern Art has been limited to a circle of few rich elites. The society where this art is produced is deprived of any benefit except that the whole art industry is serving a minority. This is a deplorable condition given the fact that art is funded by tax dollars of average Americans. Modern art is not public but rather a private affair. Modern art has introduced memberships and entrance fees to exclude majority from experiencing aesthetics. There are many charges against Modern art:

Modern art is unintelligible to an average person.
Modern art no longer holds any meaning to an average person.
Modern art is in crisis and can only be interpreted by an "expert" not general public.
Modern art often has no connection to its past.
Modern art is not a matter of expertise.
Modern Art delineates between rich and poor.
Modern art is meaningless and often immoral.
Modern art is uninspiring.

Thus, time has come for a change and injection of spiritual life into the dying physical art forums in the West.
Modern art lacks a spiritual form.

Feeding the Hungry - A social responsibility

2008-10-16T18:52:00.001-05:00

AT THIS PARTY
~ by Shams-ud-din Muhammad Hafiz (c. 1320-1389)

I don't want to be the only one here
Telling all the secrets--

Filling up all the bowls at this party,
Taking all the laughs.

I would like you
To start putting things on the table
That can also feed the soul
The way I do.

That way
We can invite

A hell of a lot more
Friends.

(from The Subject Tonight Is Love: Sixty Wild and Sweet Poems of Hafiz,
versions by Daniel Ladinsky, Pumpkin House Press, 3rd ed, 2000)

Jeopardy at Rutgers-Newark

2008-10-16T18:37:00.003-05:00

thinkin' outside the box!

Rutgers-Newark MSA - Jeopardy!

If you missed out on the MSA’s exciting game of Jeopardy, we feel bad for you…

Want to know what happened?

The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Br.Faraz Khan. As the game began, brothers & sisters started pouring into the room to join in the fun. As you know, it was Brothers VS Sisters, so there was fierce competition at hand.

Alhumdulillah amidst laughter and smiles, brothers & sisters competed excitedly.

Brother Faraz Khan hosted the game itself & Br.Mustafa Gatallori provided humorous commentary as the game proceeded & the brothers’ score seemed to tower over the sisters The brothers aimed for the bigger points (400, 500, 1000!), while the sisters aimed for medium size ones. Then it seemed it was almost equal: 2600 brothers & 2100 sisters.

Then it was time for the Final Jeopardy Question:

In which surah does the last ayah have ALL the letters of the Arabic alphabet?

Know the answer?

Its Surah al-Fath (Chapter 26)

The brothers were unable to come up with the answer & were left with 500 while the sisters managed to get the right answer & won with a grand total of 3600 points.

MashaAllah!

Congratulations Sisters

& Good job everyone!

If you liked this kind of event & want more, drop us an email at

rutgersmsa@googlegroups.com

Princeton University lecture

2008-10-08T21:46:00.003-05:00

(((audio)))

Understanding the SIRAH -

Life and Message of Prophet Muhammad

By Faraz Khan

Princeton University, Summer 2008

Photo: students in a study circle at the Mosque of the Prophet, Medina.

Faith (iman) is more than creed ('aqidah)

2008-10-04T13:01:00.004-05:00

Improving Your Iman
By Faraz Khan

Darul Islah, Teaneck, NJ

This lecture is focused on iman and the difference between faith and creed. The increase and decrease in faith is a natural process. However, the way to keep the faith and continue this journey towards God is the central topic of this talk. In essence, faith (iman) is more than memorizing creed and we can only taste faith when we become faithful to Allah.

Nasiha to High School students

2008-10-04T11:02:00.002-05:00

The Concept of Nasiha in History (((audio)))

By Faraz Khan
Noor-Ul-Iman School H.S. graduation 2008
Time: 13 minutes

Aristotle, Plato, Cicero, Prophet Muhammad, Imam Ghazali, Shaykh Zarruq, men of learning and God have all given counsel to their students and have left valuable work for the students of knowledge to study. This lecture was given at Noor-Ul-Iman School twelveth grade graduation year 2008. The lecture encouraged students to remain "focused" on their goals.

Ramadan - Day 30, Eid Mubarak!

2008-09-30T11:16:00.006-05:00

Recitation of the Qur'an -

Ramadan 27, 1425

Surah al-Rahman, al-Qadr, al-Ikhlas

New Jersey Institute of Technology - Newark, NJ

By Faraz Khan

Ramadan - Day 29

2008-09-30T11:11:00.002-05:00

al-Andalus was Not a Failure!

NBIC

By Faraz Khan

Ramadan - Day 28

2008-09-28T13:07:00.003-05:00

Signs for People of Intellect.

"Truly, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day there are signs for people of intellect. Those who remember God standing, sitting, and reclining on their and contemplate in the creation of the heavens and the earth. Our Lord, you have not created this in vain therefore, protect us from the punishment of fire". (Qu'ran 3:190-91)

Location: NBIC

Ramadan - Day 27

2008-09-28T13:04:00.003-05:00

American Muslim Youth, Between Culture & Islam.

Khutbah

by Faraz Khan

Ramadan - Day 26

2008-09-25T10:56:00.002-05:00

Smash these Idols!

West Trenton Fire Company Trenton, New Jersey

"Neither their meat, nor their blood of your sacrifice reaches God, but what reaches Him is your devotion to Him (taqwa). Koran, Haj:37

Eid Khutba: Dec. 2007

Ramadan - Day 25

2008-09-25T10:41:00.004-05:00

A h, The Mosque in Cordova!

By Faraz Khan

NBIC

Ramadan - Day 24

2008-09-23T16:17:00.003-05:00

Institution Building

American Muslim community is in need of strong institutions that will train the next generation of Muslims as believers serving the humanity. In order to proclaim the message of Islam, believers must embody the prophetic model. How will Islam in America is going to shape in next 25 years; it all depends on what we do as believers today.

"If you build it, they will come".

Ramadan - Day 23

2008-09-23T16:10:00.004-05:00

The Description of Believers in the Quran

Audio by

Faraz Khan

ISCJ Youth - I'tikaf

2008-09-21T13:17:00.004-05:00

More on I'tikaf

ISCJ - Night of Remembrance Photo: Mobasshir P.

Midnight zikr

99 Names of Allah

Quran Quiz was a lot of fun. It was a candy shower. Most people got the answers to the quiz questions and were very upbeat 3:00 am! I thought all of the speakers did a great job. Br. Saffet's workout and Ramadan analogy was great. Br. Khalid's talk on Muslim identity was right on target. Br. Sohaib's speech on "Remembering Allah amidst chaos and confusion" was well received. The 99 Names of Allah and recitation of the Quran led by Br. Sami was very motivation and spiritually awakening. And not to forget, Br. Hisham Mahmoud's talk on spiritual dimensions of the fast was superb. I loved the linguistic approach in explaining the meaning of Saum and Ramadan. Imam Chebli and young hafiz's recitation and salatal tasabih gave strength to the overall program last night.Here, I would like to show my deep appreciation for all of the youth who worked really hard to organize this event. There was not a single bad incident. There were over 100 people and everything was organized - alhamdo lillah. Also, special thanks to the ISCJ Social Activities Committee; they were the backbone of the program. Much thanks and appreciation to all of the sisters who helped organize this event. Br. Saffet mentioned it correctly they stand by the pillars "because they are the pillars of our community".

May Allah accepts our good actions and dua's.

Faraz Khan

Ramadan - Day 22

2008-09-21T13:11:00.003-05:00

Hold onto this Book!

"This dunya by it's nature - it is going to break your heart. It will have a disastrous effect unless, you hold onto Allah and His book. If we are serious about this book and serious about this deen, it has to reflect in our understanding of Islam. We cannot be a nation without any knowledge of this book or without any knowledge of the Prophet...We have to go back, we have to be serious people. The time is given, the test is here, how do we respond - it's up to you and me".

Muslim Community of New Jersey - Woodbridge

Ramadan - Day 21

2008-09-21T13:05:00.002-05:00

Prophet Ibrahim, A Role Model

Islamic Society of Central Jersey, New Jersey

Audio by Faraz Khan

Ramadan - Day 20

2008-09-17T21:51:00.008-05:00

Living Islam In a Postmodern World

What does it mean to live Islam in a particular period? Is there any difference between us and our predecessors who practiced Islam in a different environment?

November 12, 2007 at NYU

Ramadan - Day 19

2008-09-17T21:51:00.003-05:00

Kindness With Women

In the Farewell Pilgrimage the Prophet Muhammad advised men to treat women in a gentle manner. Do we practice this sunna?

Audio by Faraz Khan

New Brunswick Islamic Center, NJ

Ramadan - Day 18

2008-09-16T20:22:00.002-05:00

((On Nasiha - Giving good counsel ))

The Prophet (s) said, "Ad-deenun Nasiha - Religion is sincerity. We (sahaba) said, to whom? He (s) said, This sincerity is for God, His Book, His Messenger (s), the leaders of the Muslims, and their common folks".

Islamic Society of Delaware

Ramadan - Day 17

2008-09-16T20:12:00.002-05:00

A Community Based on Principles

Tafsir Surah al-Hujarat

"Truly, believers are a single community so reconcile amongst your brothers and be God-conscious that you may attain mercy. O you who believe, let not a group of believers mock another..."

ISCJ

Ramadan - Day 16

2008-09-15T16:35:00.002-05:00

((Unity & Brotherhood))

We have to unite the Ummah on the way of our beloved Prophet Muhammad. He united the Muhajirin and the Ansar by building a community that was united under the Quran and the sunnah of Our Prophet. They were one brotherhood under God. It was a unity of hearts with diversity of opinions, races, colors, genders, languages, etc.

Let us remember that unity is an injunction in the Quran and not a prescribed position. We need to sacrifice our opinions for the sake of unity. We need to prefer others over ourselves and petty opinions and arguments. Unity is only achieved with sacrifice. We must recognize the diversity of this ummah and strive to achieve harmony and not discord.

Masjid Saffat, Trenton, New Jersey

Ramadan - Day 15

2008-09-15T16:24:00.004-05:00

The Last Public Speech

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute brotherhood.....

Night of Remebrance - Youth I'tikaf at ISCJ

2008-09-14T22:54:00.002-05:00

i'tikaf or "Night of Remembrance" on will be on Friday night9/19/08 at ISCJ. The tentative program inshAllah will include the following speakers:

-Khalid Latif, Chaplain New York University

-Sohaib Sultan, Chaplain Princeton University

-Saffet Catovic, Teacher, Noor-Ul-Iman School

-Hisham Mahmoud, Arabic Professor at Princeton University

-Faraz Khan, ISCJ Youth Coordinator

-Imam Chebli, leading Salatal tasabih

The Program will begin after ISCJ Tarawih

What to EXPECT?

*Quran reading

*Salatul tasabih prayer led by Imam Chebli

*coffee/snacks/suhoor

*Tahajjud Prayer

*Qur'an Quiz Competition
*Fajr prayer (conclusion of the Program)

***Age group 12 and above (Students under 18 must be accompanied by their parents - No exception allowed)
***Students who are unable to pray should not attend i'tikaf.

Sirah at Rutgers University

2008-09-14T22:51:00.001-05:00

An amazing narrative about the life of the most blessed one of God who walked on this planet. This talk is relating the two chronologies; the life of the Prophet Muhammad and the revelation of the Quran. This short biography will relate the events of the sirah with different chapters of the Quran. We will study the Quran in the order it was revealed thus, starting with Surah Alaq, Qalam, Muzzamil, Mudathir, Al-fatiha, and more inshAllah

There will also be Taraweeh afterwards as well!
Bring your Muslim/Non Muslim friends

"The Life of the Prophet (PBUH)"
Br Faraz Khan
Paul Robeson Cultural Center
(located next to Busch Campus Center)
Thursday September 18th 7:00 PM

Ramadan - Day 14

2008-09-14T11:40:00.003-05:00

The Race for Good

Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord and paradise the width whereof is as the width of the heaven and the earth, prepared for those who believe in God and His messengers. That is the Grace of God which He bestows on whom He is pleased with. And God is the owner of great bounty. (Qur'an 57:21)

New Brunswick Islamic Center

Ramadan - Day 13

2008-09-14T11:16:00.002-05:00

The Days of Forgiveness

The Second Ten Days of Ramadan

Audio by Faraz Khan

New York University

Ramadan - Day 12

2008-09-11T15:05:00.002-05:00

What will it take for us to become People of Allah - audio

Based on the explanation of Surah al-Fatiha. The khutba focus on our connection with Allah.

Islamic Society of Central Jersey

Ramadan - Day 11

2008-09-11T14:59:00.004-05:00

Marriage - A Life Partnership

"And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect." (Qur'an 30:21)

Audio by Faraz Khan

Ramadan - Day 10

2008-09-10T20:28:00.002-05:00

((Purification Process)) Audio

The spiritual science of Ihsan is based on excellence. A simple explanation of character development in Islam. as A person of ihsan or tazkiya puts God before everything. This Purification process begins with repentance. It leads a person to embodying the Prophetic character of "worship God as though you see Him and if you cannot reach that stage, then He surely sees you".

Princeton University MSA

Ramadan - Day 9

2008-09-10T15:10:00.003-05:00

Call onto the way of your Lord with Wisdom, good speech, and debate with them in the best of manner". (Qur'an)

The stories from the Life of the Prophet (s) and Imam Abu Hanifa (r) on how to call people to the way of God.

NBIC

By Faraz Khan

Ramadan - Day 8

2008-09-08T17:24:00.003-05:00

Ramadan: Pursuit of Excellence (Ihsan)

A practical guide to attaining excellence in the month of Ramadan. Br. Faraz covers many simple, yet highly virtuous acts, that anyone can perform to attain excellence.

Br. Faraz Khan at MSA Rutgers

Ramadan - Day 7

2008-09-07T11:33:00.006-05:00

Bringing Youth & Sisters Back to the Mosque

Why are they missing? How can we bring them back? A deeper look into a serious flaw within our community.

Audio by Faraz Khan

Ramadan - Day 6

2008-09-05T23:08:00.003-05:00

"Humanity is asleep, when they die they wakeup...What were we doing with our lives? What were we there for? What were we striving for? that's the question... calamities that come to your life they are signs saying, 'Go back to Allah' that's the right way"

((Go Back to Allah!)) audio by Faraz Khan

MCNJ-Woodbridge

A Liberal Artist's Diary

Start Spreading the Good News - Green Ramadan in Arabic

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Buddhist & Islamic Perspective on the Environ...

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Imam Zaid Shakir on Green Ramadan

TAG: Think As Green - Nouman Khan "It's part of what we owe the Earth"

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Think As Green - "This is the World we are li...

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: 4Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & RAMADAN

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Shaykh Abdul-Nasir Jangda on the Environment

TAG - Think As Green: TAG: Can You Walk the Talk?

TAG - Think As Green: 4Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & RAMADAN

4 Ways to Become a Better Artist - ICNA Convention Art

IslamicaEDU.com - upcoming programs

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Program #1

THE MISSING LINK

“Can You Afford to Ignore Your own History?”

Program #2

THE DIVINE FRAGRANCE

Zubaida Foundation, Yardley, PA

“You have a Right to Know the Qur’an!”

Faraz Khan on Twitter, Facebook,

We have MOVED to a new site...

Sirah Class - ISCJ - Central Jersey

Muslim Chaplains on Campus Bridging the Gap

In the Name of Honor

The only thing that really matters...

Thinking Anew: The Missing Component!

Thinking Anew: The Missing Component! What is missing from our mosques?

Finding God and the pursuit of the American Dream

Nature a Masterpiece

Environmental Lecture

Interfaith Readings...

Support IC NYU

Donate to IC NYU

Hafiz's work

Planting a Good Tree - Columbia Univ.

Earth Day - Green Faiths

Religious Perspectives on Environmentalism - Columbia University Panel

Presented by CU Greenspiration

10 Assurances - part II of II

10 Assurance article - part I of II

Rutgers-Newark MSA lecture

On Recession...

Event MSA Rutgers - Newark

Khutba: Sirah & Revelation

Darul Islah event

ISCJ Arabic Calligraphy Class

Concept of dua

Wesleyan University Environmental Ethics lecture

The Faraz Khan Lecture

khutba Remembering Allah

Khutba: Our Journey to Allah

A Lecture on Environmental Ethics

Be less virtual, more 3D

A Valentine's Day Special!

A Night of Remembrance - NBIC

Thinking Anew: Explaining Gaza ... Part 3 of 3.

Thinking Anew: Explaining Gaza ... Part II

Thinking Anew: Explaining Gaza - Part I

After all, what is liberal arts?

The Trivium ("the three ways")

The Quadrivium ("the four ways")

Islamic Jeopardy at ISCJ

Gaza - Don't Be Sad!

Gaza Fundraiser talk

Stand up for Justice!

Allahu Akbar!

Quran Audio By Faraz Khan

Why Gaza?

tune in Tuesday night 8:30 pm

My Hajj Experience!

A Haji's Dastan (story)

Calligraphy

Labaik Allahuma Labaik - calligraphy

Five Lessons from Obama's Campaign

Learning Calligraphy - Class Details

Learning Calligraphy - supplies for the class

Learning Calligraphy

Art Inscribed at Darul Islah, Teaneck, NJ

Art Manifesto - Calligraphy

Thinking Anew: The Missing Component!
What is missing from our mosques?