Road to Salvation

Islamic Education

for Adults Classes begin Sunday, July 7

See page 2 for more info

10TH ANNUAL ISLAM CONFERENCE SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2019

Youth of Ummah Weekly Programs

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7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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Saturdays (sisters only) 5pm

Islam 101 Saturdays

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IONA

Mustapha Elturk Ameer

IONA Masjid

Community Advisory Board

Naveed Ashraf Director of Operations

IONA Masjid & Learning Center

Mahreen Abid

Mirza M. Ahmad

William Antoun

Parwin Anwar

Farhan Baber

Mohammad A. Barlaskar

Irina Colakovic

Syed Mohsin Dedatt

Ashraf Jaigirdar

Rami Rashdan

Mohammad Sirajul-Haq

Syed T. Hussain

Announcements

IONA Islamic Bookstore

Qurans, Classic and Contemporary Islamic Books, CD’s, DVD’s, Children’s Books and Educational

Materials/Games, and more...

Titles in English, Urdu, and Arabic

New Business Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 12 pm to 7 pm

Friday - 1 pm to 7 pm Sunday - 2 pm to 6 pm

(Closed on Wednesdays and Saturdays)

Located at IONA Center, 28630 Ryan Rd., Warren

586-558-6900

ionabookstore.com bookstore@ionaonline.org

July 2019

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IONA Masjid and Learning Center is announcing its Road to Salvation summer semester. This is an Islamic Education program for adults and youth ages high school and up. The classes are held every Sunday from 10am to 2pm at IONA Center. The classes offered this semester are geared for students who want to learn how to read the Qur’an as well as those who have begun reading but want to improve and develop their reading proficiency by studying rules of authentic pronunciation of Qur’anic text. Three courses are offered: 101-Reading Qur’an for beginners, 102-Reading Qur’an for advanced readers, and 101-Qur’anic Studies. While two of the courses focus on getting the students to improve in their Qur’an reading, the 101-Qur’anic Studies course will focus on the understanding of the Qur’an and what it calls us towards, whether the student is able to read the Arabic text or not. It is a study of selected portions of the Qur’an that focus on the salvation and success of a Muslim individual. Students will learn how to live a successful life in this world and how to earn eternal success in the Hereafter. There is a modest one-time registration fee of $25 per student for this 8-week course, but financial aid is available for those in need. Classes begin July 7 and end September 8. Brothers and sisters ages high school and up are welcome to register, but those under 18 require a guardian to

register for them. Breakfast snacks are provided to study materials will be made available free of charge. Students can register by visiting ionamasjid.org or by e-mailing quran@ionaonline.org. For more information, please call or text (586) 822-4908.

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IONA

Repentance

Revitalization of Faith

Renewal of Covenant

ionaonline.org ionamasjid.org

Programs at IONA Center

IONA Masjid started a halaqa for converts/reverts and returning Muslims before Ramadan. It is an educational and spiritual class focusing on Iman and Qur’an geared towards convert, revert, and returning Muslims. This format includes interactive exchange with Imam Mustapha Elturk. The class will resume following the month of Ramadan and will be held every Wednesday, after Maghrib salah. Please call (586) 558-6900 for more information and how you can participate.

Registration is open for IONA’s Summer School. The school begins on Monday, June 24, and will end on Thursday, August 22, 2019, insha’Allah. Children ages 5 to 13 may enroll. School hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Qur’an, Hadith, Arabic, and Sirah will be taught. The tuition per child per summer is $400. The tuition for two siblings is $650 and $900 for three siblings (brothers and sisters only). There is a $50 non-refundable registration fee. Books will be supplied to students at no cost, to be returned by the end of Summer School. Please note that prop-er Islamic dress is required for both boys and girls. Girls must wear a navy Jilbab and a white scarf and boys must wear navy pants (or blue jeans) and white shirts or t-shirts. Shorts are not allowed. Register now, limited seats are still available. Registration forms may be obtained from the IONA Center and submitted to the Principal, Sr. Souad Soubra. For more information, please call: 586-558-6900 or e-mail Sr. Souad Soubra at suelturk@gmail.com

Try this delectable dip aside your favorite grilled lamb, chicken, or seafood; you’ll be strengthening up your immune system, preventing various health conditions from developing, and, reducing stress, all while still taking in how incredible this dip tastes!

Ingredients: 2 heads garlic, raw 3 onions 2 cups cauliflower florets, washed 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt 1 teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon ground rosemary ½ teaspoon dried dill ½ teaspoon ground mustard ¼ cup parsley or cilantro, freshly chopped (garnish)

Directions: Steam the cauliflower for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender. In a food processor, pulse all the ingredients, including cauliflower, until smooth. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides and pulse again. Pour into serving plates. Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and garnish with fresh parsley; serve aside steamed vegetables, grilled salmon, or your favorite grilled barbe-que.

by Noor H. Salem

4

IONA

Synopsis of Ameer Mustapha’s Friday Khutbah

In a hadith narrated by al-Abbas Bin Abdul-Muttalib (the Prophet’s uncle) recorded by Imam Muslim, the Prophet (SAW) said, “Indeed he who is pleased (and content) with Allah as his Lord (Rubb), Islam as his Deen and Muhammad as his Messenger has tasted the sweetness of faith (iman).” How can one taste the sweetness of iman? We perceive taste through sensory organs called taste buds located on top of the tongue. The taste sensation and flavors are produced and determined when a substance in the mouth reacts with the receptors of taste buds. Thus sweet and bitter tastes can be experienced by the tongue. Iman is neither a food nor a substance that can be tasted by the tongue. How would one then taste iman and which organ is responsible for that? The organ responsible for the taste of iman is the heart. The Prophet (SAW) once pointed to his chest declaring taqwa is here; indicating that iman is in the heart. We know from an ayah in surat al-Hujurat where, in response to the Bedouin Arabs who came to the Prophet (SAW) claiming iman, Allah (SWT) rejected their claim saying, “You have not yet come to believe, all you may say is ‘We have surrendered,’ and not until iman enters your heart” (al-Hujurat, 49:14). This ayah is a clear proof that the organ responsible for iman is the heart. If the heart is sound one may experience the sweet taste of iman. Otherwise, one’s iman is either weak or the heart is so corrupt and damaged that there isn’t a mustard seed’s weight of iman in one’s heart. The tongue among other functions is used to articulate one’s thoughts. One may express his faith by saying I believe, however it is the heart that may or may not confirm that profession of faith. To patiently endure the trials one goes through as a test of one’s faith is a sign of a sound heart. Allah (SWT) says, “Do people think that they will be left alone on saying, ‘We believe,’ and not be tried? We have certainly tried those who came before so that Allah may for certain know the truthful ones and the liars” (al-Ankabut, 29:2,3). To taste the sweetness of iman, one must be convinced of Allah’s existence having a firm belief in Him as the only Supreme Being and Deity who is worthy of worship. One must put his full trust in Allah (SWT) and accept Him as his Lord and Master (Rubb). Thus the statement, I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, (Raditu Bil-Lahi Rubba). The word, raditu, in the hadith comes from the root (Ra Da Wa), which carries several meanings. It means, to acknowledge, to accept, to confirm, to approve, to be satisfied with, to be content with and to be pleased with, among other meanings. The statement Raditu Bil-Lahi Rubba, conveys all these meanings and the implications of such a statement are: 1) Rida bil-uluhiyyah: To accept, be content and pleased with Allah (SWT) as the God, Ilah. In other

words, nothing in the heavens nor on earth deserves or is worthy of worship except Allah (SWT). This is called Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah, or Unity of God, i.e. to single Him out in worship with utmost sincerity. 2) Rida bil-Rububiyyah: To accept, be content and pleased with Allah (SWT) as the Lord or Master, Rubb. It is also to recognize Him as the sole Creator and Sustainer of everything and to firmly believe that He alone has the power to manage all affairs. Furthermore, to depend solely on Him and to seek help from no one else other than Him while accepting the Divine Decree He decreed for us. This can be summed up as Tawhid al-Rububiyyah or Unity of Lordship. 3) Another implication is to accept all His commands. One must be happy and content with Allah’s final rulings and judgments for He is the true Ruler and Sovereign. 4) Finally, to be pleased with Allah (SWT) as the Master (Rubb), one must have extreme love, respect and reverence for Allah (SWT). In describing the believers, Allah (SWT) says, “Those who (truly) believe, love Allah most passionately” (al-Baqarah, 2:165). The outcome of this contentment is for one to be happy and pleased with Islam as the only way of life Allah (SWT) decreed for His slaves and servants to follow; which confirms the statement from the hadith mentioned above, “I am pleased with Allah as my Lord and with Islam as my Deen.” To claim to be pleased with Islam as one’s deen means that one accepts Islam as the only legitimate way of life with the purpose of genuinely guiding individuals and societies. In other words, one is to accept the final divine legislation, the Shariah of Allah (SWT) in its entirety. Allah (SWT) completed His favor upon humankind. This declaration appears in surat al-Ma’idah,“Today I have perfected for you your Deen, completed My blessing upon you, and am well-pleased with Islam as your Deen (way of life)” (al-Ma’idah, 5:3). If Allah (SWT) is happy and pleased with Islam as our way of life, why can’t we then be happy with it as our way of life? After all it came from the One who knows and is Wise, (Hud, 11:1). It is noteworthy to mention that the progression of Shariah started with Nuh (AS) and then Ibrahim (AS). Musa (AS) received the Torah (al-Taurat) filled with guidance and light, the divine commandments and legislation, and the do’s and don’ts. The Prophets, Rabbis and scholars were entrusted to uphold and implement the Torah, so that the children of Israel may live with one another in peace and harmony and may prosper. Ending the legacy of Musa (AS), Isa (AS), the last messenger sent to the Children of Israel, was given the Injil or Gospel, which encompassed the Torah and confirmed the Shariah of Musa (AS). The Injil was again complete guidance to be followed. Allah (SWT)

Continued on page 6

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Assalamualaikum Brothers and Sisters. My name is Hadi, and today I will be discussing about choosing company. I am not talking about Apple, Samsung whatever there is, but I am talking about friends. This topic is very important to Muslim’s life. Choosing company is very important for anyone. Everyone wants to have friends; I mean nobody wants to be lonely. I don't know but at least most people don't. Let’s just start off by asking what is a friend? The definition of a friend in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is, one attached to another by affection or esteem. Which means someone who is attached to another person by a feeling of liking and caring for the person or their similarities. Here is a quote from Muhammad Ali, a fellow Muslim brother and known as one of the greatest fighters said this: “Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you haven’t learned anything. I brought up that quote because it is true and it tells that friendship is hard to explain, but everyone should know what it means.

Friends support you and they influence you in either a good way or a bad way. A good friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg even if you are a slightly cracked one. They influence us to do good acts, they help us out in many ways, and they support us in any way possible. They help strengthen our Imaan, they keep us out of sins. However, a bad friend damages our belief, they lead us to bad actions and bad things, ex: drugs. They will make you feel like you don't fit in because you aren’t doing the bad action. They make their problems sound bigger.

In order to have good friends you need to be a true friend. All of the brothers and sisters here should think, am I a good friend? It’s not like I am a perfect friend myself. So what is the best friend in the sight of Allah? In the Hadith it says, “The best friend in the sight of Allah is the well-wisher of his companions.” That means the best friend wishes well for his companions. Allah also advises us in the Quran in Surah At-Tawbah, ayah 119: O Believers, be careful of your duty to Allah, and be with the truthful people.

The company of truthful friends will encourage you to fulfill your duties to Allah. This will help you to keep on the straight path of Islam. On the other hand, bad friends will persuade you to do something wrong which will move you from the path of Islam. There is a saying which is “Birds of a feather flock together.” This means just as birds of the same kind fly together, humans also choose friends with common goals and

interests.

What makes a good friend and how do you choose

one? When choosing friends, one should think if that

person has admirable qualities. Qualities that are not

bad and people think this person is admirable. The

qualities should have high standard of Islamic Tahdhib

(Islamic Manners). If we have well behaving friends,

we may learn from them as well. A good friend does

not use you for popularity and benefits of their own.

Bad company will mislead you. They spread rumors

about people that may be innocent. They are cruel.

Some may be dishonest. Their main purpose is to have

fun even if it has to dispense others. Sometimes we

make friends with them to seem popular. I am telling

you, do not make this mistake. The reason is they are

unpopular in the eyes of Allah. If you can't make any

good friends, then otherwise it is indeed best to not

make friends at all. Yes, friends are important but

being the best person is more important. Therefore,

while having friends can be a good thing, you can

enjoy being by yourself sometimes.

Our Prophet Muhammad reportedly said, “One is

known by the company he keeps. Let’s take an

example; if a person has nice friends, people will think

he is a nice guy. Other way around. Being a good

friend is important for a Muslim’s actions and a

Muslim’s belief. Bad friendships can lead to

wrongdoings and that is why one should keep away

from them. That sums up about good and bad company

in Islam. Thank you for reading.

Hadi Mustafa, Age 12

IONA

Repentance

Revitalization of Faith

Renewal of Covenant

ionaonline.org ionamasjid.org

For all your Islamic needs

Visit IONA’s

Bookstore

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Friday 1:00PM - 7:00PM

Sundays 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Closed on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Call 586.774.0638

Youth Corner

6

emphatically in surat al-Ma’idah, ayat 44-47, declared that those who don’t judge by that which Allah (SWT) had sent (the divine law) are disbelievers, unjust, and rebellious. Muhammad (SAW), Allah’s final Prophet and Messenger, receives the last complete book of guidance, the Qur’an, that contains the final Shariah (law), from the Supreme Law-Giver Allah (SWT). This was the ultimate manifestation of Allah’s grace and mercy upon His servants. Allah (SWT) promises those who follow His guidance to never fall in despair, be in a state of fear or be grieved. Whoever upholds and adheres to Allah’s commands shall never go astray or be depressed, while those who turn away from His guidance, Allah (SWT) has assured them a miserable life (al-Baqarah, 2:38 and TaHa, 20:123,124). Hence, if anyone desires a life of contentment and peace, let him find it in Islam. While at the same it must be clear that, “whoever desires a deen other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him, and he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter” (Aal Imran, 3:86). Our faith and way of life should bring us utmost contentment and happiness. This joy comes only when we accept Islam in its entirety, “O you who believe enter into Islam totally” (al-Baqarah, 2:209). A true believer will never reject any of Allah’s commands in spite of his infallibility or inability to enforce all of Allah’s commands. The sweet taste of iman comes from the constant struggle against one’s baser self for the sole purpose of obeying Allah (SWT). Sadly, the Deen of Allah has been replaced by the deen of the king or the people. God has been stripped from His authority. The sweetness of iman may be tasted through the strenuous struggle exerting maximum effort to re-establish Allah’s authority in this world making Islam a concrete historical reality. Surat al-Shura lays this responsibility upon the believers, the same responsibility that was once enjoined upon the great willed and determined messengers. “In matters of faith, He ordained for you that which He enjoined upon Noah, that which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad), as well as that which We had enjoined upon Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, that you establish the deen and divide not therein” (al-Shura, 42:13). Conscious believers do their very best to uphold Islam in their lives wherever they may be. While recognizing our weaknesses one should never despair from Allah’s grace. One must implore Allah for help believing that He alone can help. One develops the sense of conviction (yaqin) and confidence that He, the almighty, will take care of him. Believers who are mindful of their duties promote and disseminate the ideology and world view of Islam to the masses sharing this great blessing as our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his noble companions did. It is through such efforts; treading the footsteps of Allah’s last and final noble, upright, honest and truthful Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (SAW), one may taste the sweetness of iman. Being pleased and content with Muhammad (SAW) as a messenger implies: 1) Complete obedience to him: Allah (SWT) has commanded the believers to obey Muhammad (SAW). Obeying Allah’s Messenger is in essence obedience to Allah (SWT) (al-Nisa’, 4:59 and 80). 2) Unconditional love for him: It is incumbent upon the believers to love Muhammad (SAW) more than anyone including oneself besides Allah (SWT). In an agreed upon hadith found in sahih al-Bukhari

and Muslim, he (SAW) says, “None of you attains faith until I become dearer to him than his own son, father and all mankind.” Another authentic hadith found in the two sahih says, “[There are] three traits and whoever possesses them shall experience the sweetness of iman; to love Allah and His Messenger more than anyone else; to love people only for the sake of Allah; and to hate to return to disbelief after Allah has saved him from it as much as he hates to be thrown into Fire.” 3) Follow his example: Contrary to obedience, one who is truly pleased and content with Muhammad (SAW) as Allah’s Messenger would want to follow him in every aspect of one’s life including the arduous journey he undertook to making His Lord Supreme. In one of His instructions, Allah (SWT) says, “Say (O Prophet): ‘If you love Allah, follow me, [and] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins;’ for Allah is Forgiving, Merciful” (Aal Imran, 3:31). 4) Defend him: It is not a choice to defend our noble Prophet (SAW). Allah (SWT) commanded us to do so, “O you who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn away from him now that you hear (his message)” (al-Anfal, 8:20). The Prophet of Allah survived many attacks in the past and will continue to triumph over the bigots and hate mongers who slander him and attack Islam. We must be proactive in our approach to dawah. The least we can do is convey to the masses one ayah on his behalf. The love of Allah's Messenger is connected with the love of Allah (SWT) and ranks second to it. The following ayah helps one appreciate the aforementioned hadith. “Say O Prophet! ‘If your fathers, sons, brothers, spouses, relatives, the wealth you have acquired, the trade which you fear will decline, and the dwellings you love are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and the struggle in His cause, then wait until Allah brings out His Decree.’ Allah will not guide the rebellious ones” (al-Tawbah, 9:24). Therefore, in order to taste the sweetness of iman, one must unconditionally be pleased and content with Allah as the Master and Lord, Islam as the only true deen and way of life and to be pleased with Muhammad (SAW) as the seal of all prophets and Messengers who continued the legacy of his predecessors and preached, there is no god but Allah. The Prophet (SAW) instructed the believers, “Whoever says, when one hears the call to prayer (adhan) I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Islam as my deen and with Muhammad as my Messenger, his sins will be forgiven” (Muslim). May this statement move our hearts whenever it is uttered.

IONA Research & Publications

How to Taste the Sweetness of Iman (continued)

Continued from page 4

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