Sr. Chantal Carnes on Making Good Use of Ramadan

One of our local sisters and teachers, Chantal Carnes, speaks about taking advantage of the time we have in Ramadan.

Share the Ramadan Spirit

Ammar Amonette, Imam of the Islamic Center of Virginia in Chesterfield County

Imam Ammar Amonette of the Islamic Center of Virginia has written a very timely op/ed asking some important questions about Ramadan and American culture.

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What about Ramadan? Is it an exclusively Muslim holy season to be observed by members of the faith? Or is there a “Ramadan spirit” that may be shared with our neighbors and friends? Does this holy month of Islam have any meaning or value that could contribute to the overall American experience?

Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Quran — the Islamic scripture — as according to the Quran itself it was the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed. But according to the Prophet Muhammad, it is also the month in which Moses received the Torah and Jesus received the Gospel. Therefore, it is a month of contemplation of God’s divine guidance to all humanity:

“Fasting has been decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you, that you may acquire God-consciousness.”

Fasting is, therefore, a universal form of worship observed by all the prophets of God, and recognized by most world religions.

Through fasting we learn to give up things which may give us pleasure for the sake of higher principle. The Prophet taught us to spend Ramadan in acts of charity, feeding the poor, and assisting those who are less fortunate. In fact, the fasting is not complete until food or money is given to those in need.

The Prophet also spent the nights of Ramadan not in feasting, but in contemplation of the Quran through reading and prayer. Mosques are always full during the nighttime prayers in which the entire Quran is recited in a beautiful chant, followed by litanies of prayers on behalf of the community.

What a tremendous idea: the idea that the creator of the entire universe would actually care to guide us to a better way of life, a life of ethics and service to others. According to the Quran, we Muslims are not the only ones who have divine guidance, but the followers of the other faiths have also received revelation through their prophets. All of us agree on the basic message of universal brotherhood, peace, and charity toward others. Each prophet according to the Quran has taught his own particular “law and way of life,” yet they are all “one nation, one community.”

The Ramadan spirit should not be something exclusive, enjoyed within the confines of our private homes and in the assemblies of our mosques. It is a beautiful season with a message of unity for mankind. Let us wish a blessed Ramadan to all!

Muslims near Ground Zero?

A great op/ed in the Richmond Times Dispatch that makes some important points in this heated debate.

Critics are saying it would be disrespectful and insensitive to the 9/11 victims’ families since the proposed house of worship will stand as a reminder for those who practice the same religion as those who deliberately, intentionally killed innocent Americans at their place of work. Certainly it would be immoral to add any burden to the unimaginable pain already carried by these families for the past 10 years. However, this argument is in essence accusing all Muslims of participating in the 9/11 atrocities.

The reality is that Ground Zero is a sacred ground for all Americans and not a particular religious tradition. Indeed, numerous Muslims were among the innocent victims on 9/11. While it is hard to overlook the religious motivation of the 9/11 terrorists, it is critical to draw the sharpest possible distinction between Islam and a murderous terrorist organization that claims, but has no right or mandate, to speak in its name. Most American Muslims do not tolerate extremism in their mosques. They don’t want it, need it, or care for it. They are simply striving to practice their religion and get closer to God through the acts truly prescribed by Islam — charity, prayer, and justice.

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The constitutional rights of Americans and the cohesiveness of their communities must not be left in the hands of those who exploit and promote fear of the “other.” Our faith traditions call us to love our neighbors and remind us that God calls for compassion, justice, love, and peace. No doubt, our religious diversity is at its peak and one wonders how all these different religious groups will live, study, and work together in American cities and towns without creating large and deep conflicts and tensions.

While Americans are generally living in peace with one another, this peaceful coexistence came after difficult years of struggle and suffering. What is certain is that fear and anxiety will not help but will simply perpetuate a vicious cycle of hate, suspicion, and division.

Attend the Annual Muslim FunFest ’10

Attend the Annual Muslim FunFest ’10

Saturday ~ May 29th ~ 12pm

The 3rd Annual Muslim FunFest Family Carnival is organized in an effort to bring all DC Metro Muslim communities together. The Muslim FunFest is a great opportunity for everyone to come out and enjoy a day of out door fun with family and friends. The location is below:

High Point Farm
23730 Frederick Road
Clarksburg, MD 20871

We had about 5,000 people come out to the 2nd Annual Muslim FunFest last year. This year we are anticipating over 8,000 people, insha’Allah.

Islam & the Environment

The Imam of Masjid Bilal, Br. Muhammad Salaam, speaks about Islam and the responsibility towards the Earth in this YouTube video. Masjid Bilal is the oldest Masjid in the Richmond region and is located in the historic Church Hill area of Richmond VA at 400 Chimborazo Blvd.

VCU MSA CoffeeHouse: Islam Forever

Some of our local brothers at the VCU Muslim Student Association have created the music and video below. It was performed live at this year’s CoffeeHouse. Enjoy!

Grand Opening: Netoppew Halal Farm

Organically raised goat meat in local VA farm

delivered fresh at below-commercial price!

Our animals are organically raised in a clean environment, free of chemicals and growth hormones, always treated kindly, and hand-slaughtered humanely in accordance with the obligations of Halal — compared to the ‘commercial’ grade Halal meat produced in large scale commercial farms and available at grocery stores.

Introductory Offer:  Prepay for 200 pounds

— young goat $3/pound — baby goat $4/pound —

& take delivery in up to 8 installments over 12 months!

Regular Price — (in 2 pound packages or whole)

Young goat (around 1 year old – 30 pounds minimum) $3.75/pound

Baby goat (around 6 months old – 20 pounds minimum) $4.75/pound

We’ll bring it to you at NO charge (Northern VA & Richmond areas)!

Please call Mukit to place an order

703-507-7223 / net.halal@yahoo.com

Netoppew is the oldest known word for ‘friends’ in America.  During the time of the first permanent English settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, Captain John Smith recorded several Powhatan (of Pocahontas fame) Native American words in his journal – and Netoppew was one of those.