Newsletter. PRAYER TIMINGS effective 07/28 AL-QURAN HADITH. Dhul-Qa`dah 14, 1439 July 27, 2018

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1 PRAYER TIMINGS effective 07/28 MCA NOOR Newsletter Fajr 5:20 5:20 Zohar 1:30 1:30 Asr 5:45 6:30 Maghrib Sunset Sunset Isha 9:50 9:50 Juma1 12:15 12:15 Juma2 1:30 1:30 Published Weekly by the Muslim Community Association of San Francisco Bay Area Dhul-Qa`dah 14, 1439 July 27, 2018 MCA Women s Committee presents AL-QURAN The MCA Women s Committee presents its annual Eid-ul-Adha Bazaar where we will be hosting many vendors selling scarves, abayas, shalwar kameez suits, jewelry, toys and handicrafts. Don t miss this opportunity to support our local vendors and do a little shopping for Eid! Sunday, August 5 11am - 5pm at MCA Khadija Banquet Hall The vendor application will go live on the MCA website on Wednesday, July 25th at 10 am. All vendors may apply at Each vendor may only apply for one slot. O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed. Indeed, those who disbelieve - if they should have all that is in the earth and the like of it with it by which to ransom themselves from the punishment of the Day of Resurrection, it will not be accepted from them, and for them is a painful punishment Al-Maeda (5:35) For questions, please contact: Michelle Lee at bazaar@mcabayarea.org HADITH Abu Hurairah (RA) reported the Prophet (peace be upon him) as saying: If anyone pursues a path in search of knowledge, Allah will thereby make easy for him a path to paradise; and he who is made slow by his actions will not be speeded by his genealogy. Sunan Abi Dawud, Book 26, Hadith 3 TO ADVERTISE WITH US, VISIT OUR WEBSITE: MCA, c/o Newsletter, P.O. Box 180, Santa Clara, CA newsletter@mcabayarea.org (408) X416 JOIN THE MCA MAILING

2 Women s Committee presents Holistic Nutrition Workshop with Ruby El-Haddad Ruby is a speaker, coach, and Certified Nutrition Consultant. She studied Public Health Sciences at UC Irvine and later specialized in holistic nutrition, completing her training at Bauman College in Berkeley, CA. By focusing on food and viewing health holistically, she helps empower her clients to reach their optimal health. Sundays, July 15, July 22, and August 5 starting at 7:00 pm at MCA Maryam Hall Register at For questions: faiza.javed@mcabayarea.org WIS Open Enrollment: WIS is now taking students grades K-8 for enrollment for the school year. We have only a few spots left, so please enroll now. If we are full at the time of your enrollment request, we will be happy to put you on our waiting list. Please contact our office at wis@mcabayarea.org or mca.wis@gmail.com for forms. Please note that students must be 5 years old by September 1st 2018 to enroll. Job Opening at MCA Part-Time Position Plan, coordinate and execute programs for new Muslims. Classes for new Muslims to help them build a strong understanding of the basic tenets of Islam. Mentorship program to help new Muslims practice the faith in accordance with mainstream understanding of Islam. Social events for new Muslims to help them integrate into the Muslim community at large. Develop and to be available to a pool of presentations covering selected topics about Islam and deliver presentations when requested, to schools, libraries, mosques visits and any other requesting organization/institution. Curate relevant information on key and current topics on Islam. To be available for the Outreach team in case of general inquiries on Islam Prepare annual budget for Outreach activities and keep track of all expenses associated with Outreach events and activities. Work with the other MCA committees in a team work environment to finalize programs. Coordinate sub-committee team meetings and facilitate logistics for sub-team needs. Coordinate community night programs with the Dawah committee and/or coordinator plan and execute community night programs when needed Event preparation and including advertising using social media. Work together with churches, synagogues, temples and places of worship for other religious traditions to collectively organize programs/events and build bridges of mutual understanding and respect. Answer questions about Islam through phone, and in person meetings and all forms of social media. Prepare annual budget for Outreach activities and keep track of all expenses associated with Outreach events and activities. Plan and execute community service opportunities serving the greater community. including partnering with other faith groups during the year for interfaith service. Lead a team of Outreach volunteers and help train them in outreach work and convert support. Send your updated resume to hr@mcabayarea.org Job opening for Male Hifz Instructor (Noor Academy Hifz School at MCA) The program is 5 days a week from 7:30am to 1:30pm (until 12 noon on Fridays). This instructor will teach boys (ranging from 9 years of age to high school age). Job Description and General Responsibilities The Hifz Instructor will be responsible for mentoring, guiding and administering the Hifz program and be a role model for the Hifz students Listen to the students and make sure that students recite with proper Tajweed and teach them proper recitation Perform administrative duties such as student evaluation and routine updates of student progress Maintain good relationship with school administration, parents, students, and co-instructors Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Passionate about teaching Quran Excellent Tajweed (knowledge and application of Tajweed rules) Hafiz of Qur'an is highly preferred Proven track record working as a Hifz instructor in the U.S. and Ijazah preferred Experience working with young children (8 years and older) Fluent in English and be able to communicate with children Strong Islamic Character with good communication, organizational abilities A strong understanding of Islamic etiquette and appropriate behavior A thorough understanding of challenges and situations related to youth Knowledge of computer applications such as MS Word, Excel will be a plus Job Title: Hifz Instructor Compensation: Salary based on experience and qualifications Resume may be sent to hifzschool@mcabayarea.org 2

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4 Shura in the family: Why and how? Abdul Malik Mujahid Gender relations in Islam are not based on male-female competition as is seen in a number Western societies today. Rather, this relationship is based on gender cooperation. (Quran: 4:32). In the context of the family, God has made father the leader of the family while mother is in charge when father is not available. However, there are limitation God has put in place for this leadership position. The power of this leader, like that of all other Islamic leaders, is limited on the one hand by the Quran and the Prophet s teachings, and on the other by Shura or mutual consultation - amruhum shura bainahum (Quran 42:38). Shura in this verse is mentioned by God as one of the essential characteristic of a believer along with prayers and justice. The Muslim family, therefore, like all other Muslim institutions, formal or informal, must be run with mutual consultation. One major cause of problems in the Muslim society today is the absence of Shura. The Shura process, if adopted as a personal behavior and nourished by the family as a way of life, will benefit the Ummah in the long run. Some Guidelines for Informal Shura Informal Shura is like talking to each other. It may happen at any place and at any time. Here are some examples of informal Shura and tips you can use: Listen attentively: no TV shows, games, books or newspaper should be in your way if your spouse or child wants to talk to you Shura doesn t have to be about family affairs: mutual consultation in the family could be about any topic. It was the advice of Umm Salamah, the wife of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and may Allah 4 be pleased with her, which the Prophet followed when Muslims were reluctant to obey him at the end of Hudaybiyah A serious topic could be introduce gradually if Shura is not the norm of the family Many women are afraid of bothering their husbands with domestic stuff. But take some time to think about how you d like your husband to contribute. Spouses should brief each other about work, neighborhood, Masjid, and each other s activities. Mutual information is necessary for mutual consultation A family calendar will help tremendously for family time and Shura. In family meetings, go over next month s dates (teacher conferences, games, next family meetings etc.). A large month-by-month calendar in the kitchen, next to the phone may work well. A family leader must encourage Shura by being positive. If your wife or children are afraid of your reaction, they will not participate in Shura. Shura in a restaurant: Spouses may meet each other everyday without ever actually discussing issues. Set a time to go out and talk. Walking Shura: What about an evening walk to discuss a topic? Formal Shura Formal Shura is a process to reach an agreement on an issue of mutual interest. Everyone should participate in Shura with an open mind. Some pointers on how to do this are: Begin the Shura with Allah s Hamd, Sana and Salawat on our Prophet you have to be willing to sacrifice your opinion if it is not accepted even if you are sure of its soundness Learn the details of the topic under

5 consultation before you speak Listen attentively to what others are saying Be respectful in discussing each other s point of view Remember that the process of Shura involves abiding by what is agreed upon Involve all children in the formal Shura of the family. They come up with brilliant ideas Avoid being defensive or sarcastic. Be rational and reasonable Make Dua (supplication) for Barakah (blessings) in your decisions at the end Consider a name change My children suggest that Family Meeting or Family Circle is a better title for family Shura since Shura feels too serious. They suggest that this forum should include discussion of any topic from the Quran, Sunnah or current affairs. Nonverbal communication Shura is about communicating effectively, both verbally and nonverbally. Here are some basic pointers on nonverbal communication: Frank and clear conversation with Taqwa (God consciousness) is the key for success (Quran 33:70) Nonverbal criticism (gestures, silent treatment etc.) can cause more problems then we normally realize Clearly communicate what you mean. Don t expect your spouse or others to magically read your mind, then be disappointed when they don t Nonverbal communication, however, works well in a show of love, thanks, or appreciation. Nevertheless, verbalizing it when you really mean it is better Criticism is a type of Shura as well Shura does not just entail basic discussion and positive comments. It can also include criticism. However, it should be remembered that there are some etiquettes of giving input and feedback in Islam. Some of these are: Check your motives (Niyyah) first before opening your mouth. You should be giving constructive criticism only to help someone, not to make yourself feel better than others Make Dua for yourself and the person you are approaching before you actually do it Think beforehand and choose appropriate words Don t sound critical, condescending, or judgmental Timing is important: don t do it when the fight is on Criticism is best received when done one on one Remember the Prophet said A Mumin (believer) is a mirror to another Mumin. So just state what you see. Don t exaggerate. Keep in mind that your information or even your conclusions may be wrong Listen to the explanation attentively and accept it even if it is partially correct in your view Avoid debating the point Know when to stop. Don t drag out the discussion if it s not going anywhere Just as it s important to know how to give criticism, it s crucial to know how to receive it. Here are some etiquette suggestions: Thank the person who considers your improvement important enough to help you with his/her thoughts. Welcome the feedback. Ask advice about how it could be improved Explain if there is any misunderstanding Admit mistakes Bad timing should not deter you from listening and benefiting The person criticizing should not be stopped because of location, language, or manners. Do not turn the table and start criticizing that person in the same sitting. Make Dua for the person who is criticizing you. Involving children in Shura Children are intelligent, thinking beings who have much to contribute to discussions. Too often, parents dismiss the opinions and thoughts of their kids, thinking their youth and inexperience mean they are too young for Shura. Not so. Doing Shura in the family helps kids learn how to communicate effectively in a safe, comfortable environment. Parents need to remember that their love is crucial in raising their children, but it s not enough to raise a well-adjusted, happy child. Communication is the key for successful development. Here are some tips to help you encourage your kids to communicate effectively and participate in Shura in the family: When they are very young, get them into the habit of talking with you about their day and their feelings Shura is among the choice characteristics of a Mumin. (Quran 42:38) Inculcate it early on. (My youngest child sits down during family Shura with a pen and paper and takes notes, although he doesn t t know how to write) Children should be full participants of any formal or informal Shura in the family unless the issue at hand has to be between the father and mother exclusively Children open up informally more than formally. Two minute sound bites from them in a car may provide more important insight into what they feel than forced conversation Children love to ask questions. Answer their questions with one of yours: what do you think? Think of their questions as the start of a two-way conversation (mutual Shura may pop in any time). Let children come up with solutions. Instead of giving advice, ask so what would you like to do about this? or How do you think this should be handled? Delegate an area of responsibility to your child instead of adopting a do this, do that style of communication with them. Avoid electronic overload: TV, stereos, computers etc. are a convenient way for kids to close off from their parents. Set rules for TV (check out these 21 tips by the author that can help you do this) Keep your sense of humor. Laughing won t undermine your authority or sabotage the lessons. Rather, it will enhance your capacity to communicate Respect children s opinion Carefully listen to what your kids say without being judgmental or critical Reward a good idea 5

6 Will or Trust? Why creating a Trust is far more important than a Will Is Islamic Wasiyya same as creating a Will? Things to resolve if you want to create an Islamic Wassiya in California Must have documents for elderly parents, special needs individuals Learn 6

7 Aisha Bint Abu Bakr (RA) Note: For ease of reading, the author has not inserted May Allah be pleased with her (RA) each time Aisha s RA name or the name of each Companion is mentioned, but please take it that the salutations apply to all of them, may Allah be pleased with them all. Narrated Amr bin Al-As: I came to the Prophet SAW and said, Who is the most beloved person to you? He said, Aisha. I asked, Among the men? He said, Her father. I said, Who then? He said, Then Umar bin Al-Khattab. He then named other men [Bukhari]. Who is Aisha ibn Abu Bakr? Out of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, two have received prominence above the others. The first was Khadija, and the second was Aisha. Aisha was the favourite daughter of one of the Prophet s favourite companions, Abu Bakr, and was the most beloved wife of the Prophet SAW after Khadijah. Sawdah, the Prophet s SAW second wife, and Aisha entered the life of the Prophet s SAW household after the death of Khadijah. If we recall, the Messenger of Allah SAW never had another wife for over two decades during the time he was married to Khadijah. He was deeply grieved by her death, and it is acknowledged that he still felt sorrow at her passing years later. Those around the Prophet SAW understood the sadness that he faced, not just for the loss of his lifetime companion, but also for the other turbulent events that happened in what we now call the Year of Sadness. While many were concerned and offered their support in their own individual ways, Khawlah bint Hakeem was the one who took the initiative and broached the subject of marriage with the Prophet SAW. Khawlah was the wife of `Uthmaan ibn Math`oon, both of them being among the first persons to embrace Islam. It was Khawlah who originally suggested that Abu Bakr should offer his daughter Aisha for marriage to the Prophet SAW. For the sake of completeness, it is worth mentioning that it was also Khawlah who initiated the marriage of Sawdah to the Prophet SAW, however we shall not be covering this aspect in this article. The suggestion to marry Aisha, while well received, proved to be diplomatically delicate for Abu Bakr, for the six year old Aisha was already engaged to a non Muslim, Jubayr ibn Mut im. It would have been socially unacceptable for Abu Bakr to have broken the engagement. However, with the will of Allah, the engagement was repudiated by the potential groom s family on account of their disbelief in Islam, enabling Aisha to be engaged to the Prophet SAW. Allegations against the marriage We pause at this juncture to deal with a sensitive topic, which is the age of Aisha during marriage. Of late, this has created unnecessary controversy. However, if we look at the historical accounts of the social structure of the time, Aisha was already engaged to another man prior to her marriage to the Prophet SAW, indicating that it was socially acceptable for marital alliances between families to be forged at an early age. Also women during that time reached maturity relatively quickly psychologically, emotionally and physically due to their upbringing and surroundings. In the case of Aisha, she attained intellectual, physical and emotional maturity exceptionally fast compared to her peers. If we look at the various claims made against the Prophet SAW during his lifetime and after he was called a madman, a liar, a magician, possessed by the devil yet not one of these claims, even by his own worst enemies, touched upon his marriage to Aisha. Had the marriage been controversial, his enemies would have scandalized and sensationalized the event. Yet no claims of this sort were raised for hundreds and hundreds of years, whether by the pagan Arabs, the Romans, or any of the subsequent societies, until very recently. If allegations were made against the Prophet SAW in respect of abuse or impropriety during the marriage, then one would expect all these claims to surface after his death, when Aisha was free to speak without fear of repercussion from the Prophet SAW. Yet, even after his death, there is not a single recorded account of any complaint or statement about their marriage, save that the Prophet SAW was the best of husbands and that the marriage was an extremely happy and harmonious one. In today s society, very few, if any, women would describe their husbands in such unequivocal terms. Aisha was nineteen when the Prophet SAW passed away, and until her own death over forty five years later, she spoke of him lovingly. The aspersion cast upon the marriage by the modern media is totally unsubstantiated, as there is not a single recorded statement to support any of these those claims. Life after Marriage Although the engagement took place while Aisha was six or seven, they were only married around three years later, shortly after she migrated to Medina, by which time she had reached puberty. She moved into the household of the Prophet SAW. It was not luxurious by any means, the room was barely six feet wide, built beside the mosque out of clay and palm trees. The ceiling was so low that a person standing upright could touch the roof. The room was sparsely furnished with a mattress of palm leaves which lay on a mat. It was not a room of worldly wealth, but it was rich in spiritual treasures. The Messenger of Allah SAW later told Aisha, You have been shown to me in (my) dreams on three nights. An angel was carrying you in a silken cloth and said to me, `This is your wife. And when I uncovered it; behold, it was you. I then said: `If this dream is from Allah, He will cause it to come true. [Bukhari and Muslim]. Aisha said I have been given nine (virtues) that were not given to any woman after Maryam bint Imran (the mother of Nabi Isa AS): Jibril AS descended with my picture in his sleep until Allah s Messenger SAW was commanded to marry me; he had married me when I was a virgin and he never married any virgin besides me; his soul was 7

8 taken while his head was on my lap and he was buried in my house. The angels had surrounded my house, I am the daughter of his Khalifah and his Siddiq; my excuse was revealed from the heaven. I was created pure. I have been promised forgiveness (of sins) and noble provision. Thus, this was a marriage between two exceptional people the last of the Prophets who was nearing the end of his life, and a woman still at the beginning of hers. Aisha was a very intelligent and observant young girl with an extremely sharp memory. Due to her proximity with the Prophet Muhammad SAW, she was able to recount and educate the ummah on intimate details regarding marital relationships, personal grooming, medical prescriptions and behaviour within the household. Aisha spent approximately nine or ten years of her life with the Prophet SAW. Her greatest asset was not her youth or beauty, but her piety, extraordinary generosity, ability to record the sayings and behaviour of the Prophet SAW, her accurate memory, and her intimate knowledge of the Qur an. She absorbed knowledge like a sponge and this ability made her the educator and transmitter of the sacred knowledge to men and woman. A great deal of the knowledge that we still have today, about how our beloved Prophet SAW lived and behaved, was first remembered and then taught to others by Aisha. Aisha became so wise that one of her contemporaries used to say that if the knowledge of Aisha was placed on one side of the scales and that of all other women on the other, Aisha s side would outweigh the other. She used to sit with the other women and transmit the knowledge that she had received from the Prophet SAW long after he had died. As long as she lived, she was a source of knowledge and wisdom for both women and men. Abu Musa once said, Whenever a report appeared doubtful to us, the Companions of the Prophet SAW, and we asked Aisha about it, we always learned something from her about it. As the prophetic guidance continued to be revealed through Prophet Muhammad SAW during the years of their marriage, Aisha s way of life along with that of all the Muslims was gradually reshaped and refined. It was during this time that Islamic jurisprudence was established and when the rites of worship in Islam were finalised and clarified. In other words, it was during their 8 marriage that the teachings of the religion of Islam were perfected. Aisha was once asked to describe the Prophet SAW, and she replied that he was the Qur an walking, meaning that his behaviour was the Qur an translated into action. She did all that she could to do likewise. Thus she not only knew and embodied the Sunnah, but also she memorized the Qur an by heart, understood it and lived it. Such knowledge was eventually compiled in various Islamic literature, providing an encyclopaedia for generations to come, supporting the Muslims and even the Caliphs of the later generations. It was during the course of their marriage that, amongst others, the battles of Badr, and Uhud, and Al-Khandaq (the Ditch) were fought. These were the three major battles against the Quraish, that shifted the balance of power out of the hands of the disbelievers and into the hands of the Muslims. Although she was still very young, Aisha participated in them all, bringing water for the Muslims warriors, and helping to look after the wounded. She witnessed life, and she witnessed death both in the way of Allah and in the way of the disbelievers and she understood both. Indeed one of the meanings of her name, Aisha, is life. Aisha s knowledge was like a beacon that illuminated the hearts and minds of Muslims for generations to come. This is not surprising, for she is one of the four people who have transmitted more than two thousand hadiths, the others being Abu Huraira, Abdullah ibn Umar, and Anas ibn Malik RA. Al-Haakim said in his book, Al-Mustadrak. One fourth of the rule of Sharee`ah was narrated on the authority of Aisha. Umar Ibn Al Khattab, during his own Caliphate said that without Aisha, he would be lost and destroyed, in every small and big issue, he used to ask her for advice and consultation. How many Muslim men today seek consultation from a woman if she has more piety and knowledge than them? How many Muslim men today respect their wives, spouses, or daughters or anyone in society for their knowledge and calibre, regardless of their gender? How many Muslim women today are authorities on religious knowledge and texts? The Fitnah If there was a dark cloud in Aisha s life, it was when the hypocrites conspired against her and made accusations regarding her honour and fidelity to the Prophet SAW. An accusation of adultery is a very serious charge, and this slander created a huge deal of strife and discord in the household. The details of her personal anguish and the events that transpired can be found in all reliable biographies of her life. Suffice to say, however, that Aisha remained steadfast in the belief that Allah would reveal the truth, and she was eventually acquitted, not though a trial of men, but by Allah Himself in the clearest terms, through the following revelation: Surely those who fabricate the lie are a group from among you. Do not think it is bad thing for you; no it is good for you. Every man will receive what he has earned for this sin, and whoever had the greater part in it will have a great punishment. Why did the men and women believers, when they heard it, not think good in their selves and say: This is clearly a lie? Why did they not produce four witnesses? Since they did not produce witnesses, they are certainly liars in the sight of Allah. If it were not for the grace of Allah, and His mercy on you in this world and in the next world, an awful doom would have overtaken you for what you repeated. Since you received it with your tongues, and repeated what you did not know anything about with your mouths, you thought it was a trifle, but in the sight of Allah it is serious. Why, when you heard it, did you not say: It is not for us to repeat this, Glory be to You (O Allah), this is a serious rumour. Allah warns you to never repeat anything like this again, if you are indeed believers and Allah makes the signs clear to you; and Allah is Knowing, Wise. Surely those who love to spread around slander about those who believe will have a painful punishment in this world and in the next world; and Allah knows and you do not know. (Qur an 24:11-19). The fact that Aisha s honour and reputation had been protected by a revelation from Allah could not be ignored by anyone, and from then on everyone was more aware of her high station with Allah. Her Generosity and Simple Lifestyle Aisha endured poverty and hunger with the Prophet SAW. It is authentically related that months went by without the fire in the hearth being lit, i.e. without any food being cooked, during which time they simply survived on dates and water.

9 Once the Prophet SAW stayed away from his wives for a month because they had distressed him by asking of him that which he did not have. This was after the Khaybar expedition when an increase of riches whetted the appetite for presents. Returning from his self-imposed retreat, he went first to Aisha s apartment. She was delighted to see him but he said he had received revelation which required him to put two options before her. He then recited the verses: O Prophet, say to your wives: If you desire the life of this world and its adornments, then come, and I will make you content, and I will release you with a fair release. But if you desire Allah and His Messenger and the abode of the next world, then truly Allah has prepared an immense reward for those of you who do good. (Qur an 33:28-29) Her reply was: Indeed I desire God and His Messenger and the abode of the Hereafter, and her response was followed by all the other wives. Once, when the Muslims were favoured with great wealth, she has given a gift of one hundred thousand Dirhams. She was fasting when she received the money, and distributed it to the poor and needy, even though she had no provisions in her house. Shortly after that, her maid servant said to her, Couldn t you have brought a dirham s worth of meat with which to break your fast? If I had thought of it, she replied, I would have done so! She developed the nickname the Mother of Fragrance, for every time a beggar knocked on her door, she would touch the money with perfume before giving it to him. When asked why, she explained that the charity would reach Allah before it reached the beggar s hands, and she wanted the charity to be given to Allah in a fragrant condition. In another report, a needy person knocked on the door. She only had one grape, and gave it to him. When asked what the value of a single grape was as a charity, she quoted the following verses from the Qur an: So whoever does an atom s weight of good will see it, And whoever does an atom s weight of evil will see it. (Qur an 99:7 99:8) She rationalised how many atoms are there in a grape? How many of us are of such a status, where our vigilance, thinking and even the smallest action is completely for the pleasing of Allah, and reflected by the Qur an and teaching of the Prophet SAW. The death of Muhammad SAW and after While the Prophet SAW was fair in the treatment of his wives and loved all of them, Allah is the owner of the hearts, and the Prophet s SAW heart was inclined towards loving Aisha the most. There are many accounts which indicate that Aisha was the favourite wife of the Prophet SAW after Khadija. The Companions noticed this and reserved their presents to the Prophet SAW when it was his turn with her. Naturally this inspired some jealousy amongst the other wives, however, Aisha was gracious and never belittled them, nor did she view them as her rivals. The only wife that she was truly jealous of was Khadija, the Prophet SAW s first wife, who had passed away before she was married to him. Aisha said: The Prophet s SAW wives sent Fatimah, the Prophet s SAW daughter to him. She asked permission to enter while he was lying down with me in my woollen blanket. He permitted her to enter and she said: `O Messenger of Allah, your wives sent me to you demanding for fairness concerning (your treatment of) the daughter of Ibn Abu Quhaafah (meaning Aisha, daughter of Abu Bakr). And I was there (listening but) silent. The Messenger of Allah SAW told her, `O daughter, don t you love whatever I love? She said: `Yes. He then said: `Then you should love this (lady). Hence, it was fitting that Allah chose for the Prophet SAW to breathe his last when in her house. Narrated Aisha: During his sickness, Allah s Apostle SAW was asking repeatedly, Where am I today? Where will I be tomorrow? And I was waiting for the day of my turn (impatiently). Then, when my turn came, Allah took his soul away (in my lap) between my chest and arms and he was buried in my house. [Bukhari] The room in which he died is the only room of his wives which is preserved up to today. Two years later, his Companion, Abu Bakr, Aisha s father, was buried beside him. Later, as Umar Al Khattab was in his death throes, he appealed to Aisha to be buried next to Muhammad SAW. Aisha had actually reserved that space for herself, for she wished to be buried next to her husband. However, the love that the Prophet SAW bore for Umar caused her to honour Umar by sacrificing her beloved burial ground for him. Such was her generosity and nobility. Her chaste nature was such that she used to say (before Umar was buried there): It is only my husband and my father that are here. But after Umar was buried there, she said: I do not longer enter the room but with my garment fastened because I was shy (of being in the presence) of Umar. After the death of Prophet Muhammad SAW, Aisha was readily involved in continuing his messages. She was present through the reigns of at least the first four Caliphs. She continued commitment to the memory of her husband and her firm belief about being reunited with him in the Paradise. In the month of Ramadhan in the year 58 A.H. Aisha had her fatal illness and she said in her will: Do not follow my bier with a fire nor lay a red velvet piece. She then surrendered her soul in the night of 17th of Ramadhan at the age of sixty six. Aisha s life after the death of the Prophet SAW is evidence against all the stereotypes of how Islam treats women, and accusations of how women in Islam have no status. We can read the detail of all the stories of Aisha and realise the wisdom of Allah and His Messenger, to have, for over forty years after the death of the Prophet SAW, the highest and most authentic level of knowledge from Aisha. Look at the ultimate wisdom of Allah. Abu Bakr sacrificed his entire life in the path of Allah, and Allah granted him a beautiful gift which was to let his daughter be the most beloved wife of Rasulullah SAW after Khadija, and decorate his daughter Aisha with the charm, intelligence, integrity and memory, and make her the library of knowledge and source of wisdom for many generations to come. She carried the in depth legacy and knowledge of Rasulullah s SAW memory. One cannot open Islamic books about the Qur an, the biography of Muhammad SAW or jurisprudence, without finding Aisha s name referenced in there. What a great honour for such a woman. 9

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12 Home Ownership the Shariah Way #1 U.S. Islamic Home Finance Provider Financing founded on faith Certified by Independent Shariah Supervisory Board Endorsed by Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA) Funded Over $4.9 billion in Shariah-compliant Financing Low Down Payment as low as 5% For Free consultation and get pre-qualifed in 10 min, contact Munther Qtaish Account Executive I NMLS # Office: munther.qtaish@guidanceresidential.com 1 AAOIFI: Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions is the world renowned global regulatory body for Islamic Finance institutions. Guidance Residential s contracts are supervised and approved by leading Scholars of Islamic Legal Jurisprudence who have been members of AAOIFI. 2 Trading in Debt is forbidden in Shariah. Guidance Residential s contract is Musharakah which is an equity partnership, co-ownership contract. It is permissible to sell what is owned according to Shariah Murabahah and Ijarah are loan contracts and according to the majority consensus of the Fuqaha it is not permissible to trade debt in secondary market. This uniquely differentiates Guidance Residential s contract from any other home financing contracts in the U.S. market. 3 LLC is formed to create the co-ownership structure that allows Guidance Residential to repudiate trading in debt and offer its clients a truly Shariah Compliant home financing contract and the benefits such as capped late payment fees, no prepayment penalties, non-recourse policies where personal assets are safe in case of default. These benefits outweigh the small fee ($18.75) charged for covering the actual transaction costs of administering the LLC structure. 12

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14 CLASSIFIEDS To advertise with us, visit our website: Disclaimer: MCA does not endorse and is not responsible for products and services in the ads section of the MCA newsletter. MCA holds the right to reject or accept ads submitted. No ads dealing with a business deemed to be in conflict with Islamic principles will be accepted. 14 DENTISTS/MEDICAL SYED DENTAL CARE GENERAL DENTISTRY Dr. Rafia Syed, Dr. Farhan Syed, Dr. Samia Naeem Open Sundays! Most insurances accepted Scott Blvd. Ste A2, Santa Clara, CA Located near MCA and Masjid An-Noor. For appointments visit our website: or call SYED MOHSENA AHMAD, DDS, Family Dentistry with a caring approach. Most Insurance accepted. Open on Saturday. 259 Meridian Ave., Ste 12, San Jose, CA (Between W. San Carlos St. & Park Ave.) Please call: (408) HESHAM AMER, DDS, MSD Board Certified Orthodontist Assistant Professor at UOP Offering braces & Invisalign for children and adults Meridian Ave #10, San Jose, CA CALL (408) SARAH AZAD, MD El Camino Women s Medical Group 2500 Hospital Dr. Bldg 8A Mountain View, CA LUBNA AZEEM, DDS General Dentist 2016 Forest Ave, Suite 4, San Jose, Near O Connor Hospital, Open Saturdays, Visit our website for coupons (408) ORTHODONTIST Dr. Zahra Ammari, DDS, MDS. Braces and Invisalign for adult and children. Saturday open. Please call: DR ZAKIYYAH HYATT, PSYD Psychologist Advocate Consultant Life Coach Building Productive Marriage. Parenting Your Child s Strength. Drzhyatt@gmail.com 1650 Zanker RD., Suite 230, San Jose, CA (408) , (408) SNYDER TRADITIONAL MEDICINE Cupping/Hijama/Acupuncture/Herbs/Nutrition Amy Snyder, Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist 1361 S. Winchester Blvd., suite 206 San Jose, CA , SnyderMedicine.com BUSINESS SERVICES AUTO HAUS EL CAMINO Complete Auto Repair & Service All work guaranteed (20 % Discount) 3100 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA , Saranmoe@yahoo.com PIONEER TECH ACADEMY Technology Courses at MCA Courses in Database Technologies Cassandra, Oracle, MySQL Courses in Internet Technologies: PHP & MySQL, Ruby & Rails, Java Programming. Register now at: register@pioneertechacademy.com ADAM GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION, INC. General Contractor Lic # Contact : Alaaeldin Adam , aaldin.adam@gmail.com For all your Construction need : home addition, home remodeling, kitchen & bath remodeling, construction projects mangment. PRINTING SERVICES (Business cards, Flyers, Brochures, Banners, Trade show displays) AT Quick Printing Center - We do Standard and Custom print jobs and bulk mailing. Call: (510) or info@qnrprint.com EDUCATION DARUL-EEMAAN This summer take an opportunity for making your kids learn Quran with Tajweed. classes are held by certified Hafiza with 10 years of experience.we Guarantee you that your child will read Quran with Tajweed in 8-12 weeks( IN SHA ALLAH)call for information (510) or daruleemaanhafiza@gmail.com INSURANCE CONCISE NEED AFFORDABLE COVERAGE? AUTO HOME COMMERCIAL HEALTH For a quote call Salah Visit us 1 block from MCA Walsh Ave, Ste. B-2, Santa Clara (408) STATE FARM INSURANCE GET ALL THE DISCOUNTS YOU DESERVE Free Complimentary Insurance And Financial Review. Get 35% Discount on All Lines; Auto, Home, Life, Disability & Business. Call Sister Laila at s Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA Laila.helmy.i47x@statefarm. com ISLAMIC HOME FINANCING ARE YOU THINKING OF BUYING A HOME OR REFINANCING THE ONE YOU CURRENTLY OWN? Call today for a free consultation. Salim Vasani NMLS # salim.vasani@guidanceresidential.com Home Ownership, the Sharia Way. JOB OPPORTUNITIES HOUSE KEEPING W/COOKING (FREMONT AREA) House Keeping Full Time or Part Time Required a Housekeeper interested in cooking generally for one retired person. Work location Fremont Bay Area. Good compensation, private accommodation & benefits. Call May write at PO Box 897, Newark, CA NON-PROFIT HIDAYA FOUNDATION Donate Zakat and Sadaqah for the poorest of the poor. Read about our 30+ projects at (408)

15 RAHIMA FOUNDATION Help Us To Help The Needy Houret Ct., Milpitas CA Phone: MOONLIGHT HUMANITY Orphans and Poorest of the Poor. Countries we Currently Support. Burma. Rohingya Refugess in Bangladesh. Cambodia. Cham-Vietnam. Office base in San Jose and Fremont REAL ESTATE SHAN SAIGAL-BROKER Pl. Call Shan to Buy/Sell/Property Management. 20+Years Experience in this area. Referral Realty Silicon Valley Bre# GAMAL HALIM, REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS Commercial & Residential Sales Foreclosure, Short Sales&probates License# , 20 Y Experience jimisinca@yahoo.com (925) TASNEEM FATIMA, REALTOR Direct: Cell: BRE# Coldwell Banker, Residential Brokerage, 630 Ramona Street, Palo Alto, CA ADAM ATITO TEAM FOR REAL ESTATE & MOBIL NOTARY Years Experience in the Bay area. CSR Real Estate Services aatito@gmail.com Bre# INSURED and BONDED ALAI HANBALI, REALTOR AT REALTY EXPERTS Fremont, Serving the Community for all your Real Estate needs. Thinking of Buying or Selling a Property, Home, Condo, etc., Feel free to call, text or Alai at alai@realtyexperts.com, DRE# WALID HAZIN, MBA REAL ESTATE Specialist. Residential and Commercial walid.hazin@kw.com (408) CalBRE# KELLER WILLIAM REALTY SARATOGA BAY AREA ESTATE TAX / ACCOUNTING Micro Tax, Audit, & Accounting Services, LLP Certified public accountants Tax preperation (e-file), audit, accounting, & payroll services. Call: M. Amin Haroon CPA, FFCA (UK) Ph: support@microtaxcpa.com ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS AMERICAN CPA SERVICES. FILE YOUR TAXES WITH SAQIB AMIN, CPA or samin@americancpaservices.com We bring high level of knowledge, experience and education to analyze your specific situation for tax saving opportunities. FREE MATH AND SCIENCE TUTORING MCA - Every Sunday, 2-4 PM, Men s Prayer Hall. No appointment needed. Just show up. Call (408) for more info. YOUR AD HERE! ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICES, GROW YOUR BUSINESS, GET NEW CUSTOMERS newsletter@mcabayarea.org 15

16 FOUNDATION P.O. BOX 5481, Santa Clara, CA (866) 2.HIDAYA Qurbani / Udhiya South Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar), East Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan), and West Africa (Cameroon, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Togo, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Benin). Cost of Qurbani Ox/Buffalo $80 per share animal $560 (7pershares) Goat/Sheep $150 per animal ( 1 s h a re ) Each year for Eid-ul-Adha, Hidaya Foundation performs Qurbani/Udhiya on behalf of our donors, and distributes the meat among some of the poorest people in the world throughout South Asia and Africa. Due to extreme poverty, for many of the recipients, this is the only time of year that they enjoy the luxury of eating meat. Donate your Qurbani/Udhiya for the poor and help make Eid special for them. Donate online via check or card at call us at (408) , or donate at one of Hidaya s Jumah Tables in MCA Banquet Hall or in New Hall mail@hidaya.org Hidaya Foundation is a non-profit 501(C)(3) charitable organization with Tax ID #