The Dalail al-Khyrat Fund for Fes: Take Part!

Dalail al Khayrat books for Fes

as-salamu 'alaykum,

A friend has set up a website in aid of a special request after a recent trip to Morocco. He is to supply the many blessed gatherings of Dalail al Khayrat in Fes (Morocco) with copies of a particular high quality, more durable version of this great book.

He was very fortunate enough to attend gatherings where the blessed Dalail al Khayrat is recited from cover to cover (taking around two and half hours each time), by the pious elderly and the pious young people of Fes. The Dalail al Khayrat is recited every Friday after ‘Asr at the Maqaam and Masjid of the founder of Fes, Mouley Idris II, who is also one of the grandsons of the Prophet sallalaa hu 'alaihi wasallam (with only a five generation gap between him and our Prophet, sallalaa hu 'alaihi wasallam).


As you may already know Dalail al Khayrat is composed of Iyahs from the Quran and famous darood sharifs, such as the one we recite in our daily prayers. It is a tradition that has existed for centuries from the Morocco to Malaysia and beyond and is famous for the benefits it brings to those connected to it in this life and, more importantly, in the life to come, inshallah. All the info about the initiative is on the Dalail Fund website.

Please visit the Dalail Fund website and share in this blessed initiative. Insha'Allah you and anyone whose name in which you sponsor a book in will benefit every time it is used in the gatherings.

http://www.dalailfund.org.uk/

We have already gathered enough donations for almost half of the books needed and would like to offer this once in a life time opportunity to you. Please don't let it escape you! Become part of this blessed tradition by investing in it and reap the rewards of it as it is practiced for decades and centuries to come, Insha'Allah.

wa'as-salam

Mas'ud
www.masud.co.uk

BEWARE 419 Scam!

as-salamu 'alaykum,

Nigerian style advanced fee frauds or 419 scams are common but people still get duped into them. I received the email below that seeks to dupe unsuspecting Muslims into helping this poor terminally-ill, childless, cancer ridden widow and in the process to help her donate a substantial amount of money to some Muslim organisation or an individual (i.e. the unsuspecting you). Don't be fooled, this email has been going around for years, it's obviously worked for them since it is still doing the rounds. The language of the email hits all the right buttons to stimulate the emotions of Muslims:

• She has cancer
• She suffered a stroke
• She has 6 months to live
• She is a widow
• She is childless
• She wants to donate to a Muslim organisation or a Muslim individual who will do good work with the "money" by "funding mosques, orphanages, widows, and also propagating the word of ALLAH and to ensure that the society upholds the views and belief of the Holy Quran."
• She repeats Allah in caps "ALLAH" over and over
• She emphasises what the Qur'an says
• She tells us that she fears the money will be used in "an unholy manner" if she doesn't take this "bold step" as her "husband relatives are into some radical organisations" in previous emails they were Christians!

---

Bismillâhi-r-Rahmâni-r-Rahîm,

Al-Hamdulillâhi Was-Salâtu Was-Salâmu 'Alâ Rasûlillâh,

Wa Ba'd,

As-Salâmu 'Alaikum Wa Rahmatullâhi Wa Barakâtuh,

Wasalaam to you,and how are you doing?. My intention of contacting you is
to solicit your assistance for a project, which will be mutually
beneficial. Though I know my decision to contact you is to a large extent
unconventional, the prevailing circumstances necessitated my action. I am
Haleema Hamza from Libya. I am married to Late Mallam Mustafa Hamza of
blessed memory was an oil explorer in Libya and Kuwait for twelve years
before he died in the year 2000. We were married for twelve years without
a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four
days.Before his death we were both devoted Muslims. Since his death I too
have been battling with both Cancer and fibroid problems. When my late
Husband was alive he made a huge deposit in millions of US dollars with a
Deposit Company in oversea. (I will tell you the amount as we proceed).

Recently, my doctor told me that I have only six months to live due to
cancer problem. Though what disturbs me most is my stroke sickness. Having
known my condition I decided to donate this fund to either a Muslim
organization or devoted Muslim individual that will utilize this money the
way I am going to instruct herein. I want this Muslim organization or
individual to use this money in all sincerity to fund mosques,orphanages,
widows, and also propagating the word of ALLAH and to ensure that the
society upholds the views and belief of the Holy Quran.The Holy Quran
emphasizes so much on ALLAH'S benevolence and this has encourage me to
take the bold step. I took this decision because I don't have any child
that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are into some
radical Organizations and I don't want a situation where this money will
be used in an Unholy manner. Hence the reasons for this bold decision. I
know that after death I will be with ALLAH the most beneficent and the
most merciful. I don't need any telephone communication in this regard
because of my health, because of the presence of my husband's relatives
around me always. I don't want them to know about this development.

With ALLAH all things are possible (second Sura, ( verse 257) which says:
"There must be no coercion in matters of faith").As soon as I receive your
reply on Email:(), I shall give you the contact
information of the Deposit Company in oversea where the money was
deposited. I will also issue a letter of authority to the Deposit Company
authorizing them that the said fund Have being willed to you and a copy of
such authorization will be forwarded to you. I want you and the Muslim
community where you reside to always pray for me. My happiness is that I
lived a true devoted Muslims worthy of emulation. Whoever that wants to
serve ALLAH must serve him in truth and in fairness. I will not stipulate
any precise amount to reward you, as it will have to be on pre-negotiated
terms, based on your level of involvement. Please always be prayerful all
through your life. Any delay in your reply will give room in sourcing for
a Muslim organization or a devoted Muslim for this same purpose. Until I
hear from you by email, my dreams will rest squarely on your Shoulders.

"And I (Allah) did not create jinns and humans except that they worship
Me(alone)" Qu'ran 51:56

May the Almighty ALLAH continue to guide and protect you.

Allah Hafiz.

Haleema Hamza.

---

You have been warned, make sure you inform others of these types of scams as people have and do fall for them!


wa'as-salam

Mas'ud
www.masud.co.uk

COMING SOON: Mihrabi Rugs: handmade prayer rugs

Beautify your sacred space with a handmade prayer rug from Mihrabi Rugs!

COMING SOON!

Take Part in Zaytuna's Website Survey

as-salamu 'alaykum,

Zaytuna are conducting a questionnaire on improving their website and online services and are keen to get your feedback on how to improve this service, go to the Zaytuna website where you will find a link to the questionnaire (see image to the left).


wa'as-salam

Mas'ud
www.masud.co.uk

EVENT: Our Orphans, Our Prophet

Our Orphans, Our Prophet

Friday 23rd February, 6:30 pm
Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, Westbourne Park
With Sidi Abdullah Trevathan
Nasheeds by Muhibbe-e-Rasul
3 Course Dinner
Auction of Original Artwork
Tickets £25 via www.mpn.org.uk
More info & donations via www.justgiving.com/orphanage

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "I and the one who looks after an orphan and provides for him will be in paradise like this," putting his index and middle fingers together.

Ulfa Aid has launched an appeal to complete the Kitengela Orphanage, Kenya. This is a unique project – neither the unpaid committee in Kenya (who have 23 years experience at the Muthurwa Orphanage), nor Ulfa Aid here, will take any “administration” charges out of your donations. We seek to finish construction of classrooms and dormitories at this new site to give more street children a chance of rebuilding their lives.

With the month of the birth of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) soon upon us, Ulfa Aid and the Muslim Professional Network invite you to put into practice the prophetic message of caring for the orphan. Join us for an evening with Sidi Abdullah Trevathan, an opportunity to purchase original artwork, and an audience with Muhibbe-e-Rasul.

* Sidi Abdullah Trevathan is a respected academic and educationalist. He has had a variety of roles in British Muslim society, including as headmaster of Islamia Primary School. Amongst his current responsibilities is lecturing in Religious Education and Theology at Roehampton University. He resides both in London and Andalusia, where he recently hosted the forthcoming BBC documentary, “The Retreat”.

*Muhibbe-e-Rasul are a traditional group of qasaid and nasheed singers. Their use of traditional rhythms, techniques and poetry combine to create a unique sound, rarely heard in central London.

Please donate generously at www.justgiving.com/orphanage. A small sacrifice by all of us here will change the lives of generations of children, who are forced onto the streets by poverty, orphaned by AIDS or abandoned by their parents.

Please forward this e-mail, and attached flyer onto your mailing list(s) and encourage everyone to attend!

Look forward to seeing you all there!

WRITER WANTED

as-salamu 'alaykum,

This is for a project that my brother-in-law and cousin are involved with:

Brother/sister required to write essays on a range of topics regarding Islam (e.g. History, Sufism, Architecture, etc) to an Introductory level (A level). Various levels of notes will be available to direct essay development. Renumeration is provided – if interested please contact – alsakhra786@yahoo.co.uk

wa'as-salam

Mas'ud
www.masud.co.uk

Sh Nuh Keller visits Lahore - Details

as-salamu 'alaykum,

Sheikh Nuh Keller
The Divine Context:
The Living Reality of Sufism

Lahore Suhba 2007
Khorshed Mahal, The Avari, Lahore
________________________________

Friday, February 23, 2007
Sheikh Nuh: 800 pm – 900 pm

Saturday, February 24, 2007
Sheikh Nuh: 1030 am – 1200 noon
Lunch: 1200 noon – 100 pm
Q&A: 100 pm – 200 pm

Sheikh Ashraf and Ustadha Hedaya
Hanafi Fiqh: 200 pm – 300 pm
Hanafi Fiqh Q&A: 300 pm – 330 pm
Break: 330 pm – 630 pm
Sheikh Nuh: 630 pm – 800 pm

Sunday, February 25, 2007
(same as Saturday)

You and your guests are invited to attend all the talks and lunches.
This gathering is open to all and does not require any fee. The talks will be
given in the English and Arabic languages. Where Arabic is spoken, it will be
expressed in English as well.

For hard copy invites, queries as to accommodation for visitors outside
Pakistan, details on weekly gatherings in Pakistan, or other information,
please write to atifrkhan@hotmail.com or call 0322 467 8139.
Callers from outside Pakistan, please dial: 0092-322 467 8139

The Suhba will be held at the Khorshed Mahal, The Avari, Lahore Hotel.
(The Khorshed Mahal is a hall within the hotel). Various books, including
the Reliance of the Traveller, will also be on display.

wa'as-salam

Mas'ud
www.masud.co.uk

The rise and fall of the ’salafi dawah’ in the US

as-salamu 'alaykum,

This is an excellent personal analysis of the Salafi movement in the US from an ex-Salafi. It is about how Salafism gained prominence and then how it tore itself apart by accusations of others not being Salafi enough...

The rise and fall of the ’salafi dawah’ in the US by Umar Lee

wa'as-salam

Mas'ud
www.masud.co.uk

Death of our cat Henry.

as-salamu 'alaykum,

Inna lillah ilayhi wa inna ilayi rajioon.

A little over two weeks ago, on a Tuesday night I put our pet cat Henry out for a few hours before bedtime only for him never to return. Henry was a pure black British Short Hair X and we named him after our favourite football player Thierry Henry of Arsenal. Henry was nearly 7 months old so was an adolescent cat. In the 5 or so months we had him he had firmly become a part of the family and much loved. My 2 year old daughter, Sumayya, seemed to have a special bond with him, not matter how much she manhandled him and pulled his tail or picked him up, he did no more than paw her away. He was very frisky and very entertaining, chased everything and was very curious.

My two sons Yusef aged 12 and Binyamin aged 9 were also very fond of him and have been very upset and in some ways it is a lesson in life and a lesson in how to deal with grief. Both are very tearful and very sad.

Personally, I am having feelings of guilt. I was trying to "wean" him off the litter tray so that he would go outside. For a few days he had gotten used to going out and doing his business then coming back. But on the night in question I called for him just before going to bed, usually he comes running, but that night nothing. It also snowed that night as well so I was very worried.

Just today a neighbour from across the road knocked on the door, he was very subdued in his tone and immediately I was worried. "Could I have a word?" he said solemnly and making sure my children were out of earshot. I initially thought my kids had gotten in to trouble and then he said that he had heard that our cat was missing and that he had found him but, he was dead in the bushes in his front garden. A very uneasy and empty feeling came over me. He offered to deal with disposing of him but I insisted that I'd like to take a look to make sure it was our cat. Part of me was hoping (quite obviously) that it wasn't and part of me was sure it was. There he was poor Henry lying under the bushes, lifeless, devoid of the friskiness that we had gotten so used. I was consumed with grief, I did not imagine that a death of a pet could have such an affect on me.

I broke the news to my kids and they would not believe me at first, they thought I was joking but when they saw the expression on my face they relented and burst into tears. They wanted to see Henry but I insisted that they didn't and told them that Peter, our neighbour, was going to bury him in his back garden. They protested and wanted him buried in our back garden, he was our cat, part of our family why should he be buried in a stranger's garden? So I dug a hole in our back garden by our apple tree for his final resting place. The neighbour brought Henry over in a box and placed him in his grave. I covered him over and told my kids that this is a lesson in life, everything dies and we should remember the happiness the thing brought us. I placed a few rocks over the grave and then we recited the fatihah.

Henry, we shall miss you.

Here are some recent photos of Henry that my kids took:













wa'as-salam

Mas'ud
www.masud.co.uk