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Eyes on Yemen: Preventing a compounded Crisis
COVID-19 looms over Yemen As we in the Western world grapple with the realities of just how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected our lives. It can be easy to overlook the fact that we may have access to resources that lessen its impact. Some of us have seen this pandemic out, safe in the knowledge that we are protected by a functioning health care system as well as other vital services. Unfortunately, that is not the case for countless brothers and sisters all over the world. In particular, at this point in time, for brothers and sisters in Yemen. Dubbed by many as “The World’s Worst Humanitarian Crisis,” the situation…
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From Farm to Family: Your Qurbani is an Act of Love
It’s here! It only seems like yesterday we were celebrating Eid-al-Fitr, and fast approaching in the not too distant future is Eid-al-Adha. This truly is a special time of year, for everyone involved, so it’s time to get prepared. The blessings are around the corner. Which means it’s time to start thinking about Qurbani. The act of Qurbani is a time-honoured tradition of significant importance and holds a deep meaning to all Muslims. Each year we sacrifice an animal to feed those in need, honoring the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim made with his willingness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail, for Allah. The Qurbani sacrifice takes place during the Eid…
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POST-RAMADAN GOALS
The celebrations have come to an end, our special clothes tucked away and we’re starting to get used to eating during the day again. However, as Ramadan, and Eid-ul-Fitr depart for another year, we’re faced with a new challenge. How can we take what we’ve learnt during such a blessed month, and sustain it so that our lives as Muslims can improve throughout the year? It’s crucial for your faith to achieve sustained growth that you take all the lessons you’ve learnt during Ramadan and look to build on them. So whether you had been reading the Quran everyday, or learning new surahs, making extra prayers, doing addition dhikr or…
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A Grand Iftar We’ll Never Forget
Communities gather virtually to contribute to IRUSA’s emergency aid Islamic Relief USA held its first-ever “virtual” Grand Iftar on April 26. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the large in-person gathering was unable to take place at a hotel in the D.C.-area as it normally would. While the format was different, the program nonetheless provided viewers/guests an evening of enlightenment, reflection, and several opportunities to support various organization programs around the world. Projects in countries where Islamic Relief has a rather large footprint were highlighted, including Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen. Anwar Khan, president and cofounder of IRUSA, talked about the need to support immediate and long-term programs in Pakistan, particularly Balochistan and Rawalpindi,…
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EID DURING QUARANTINE
Ramadan is sadly coming to a close, the end of a blessed month for another year. However, with the end of Ramadan, comes another reason to celebrate…EID!!! This year, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt our usual routine, this Eid will certainly be one that many of us will never forget. Whilst we can’t follow our usual traditions of going to the mosque for Eid prayer or visiting friends and family. There are still many things that we can do to ensure that this Eid is memorable for the right reasons. That’s why at Islamic Relief USA, we’ve come up with tips to Insha’Allah make your Eid-ul-Fitr special. Dress…
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Community Support
As Ramadan begins to draw to a close, we’re reminded of the current situation that has affected all of us. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact all over the world, as well as in our communities. At Islamic Relief USA, we recognise the importance of supporting our communities through this challenging period so that Insha’Allah, we bounce back from this with as little repercussions as possible. It is only by sticking together that we will be able to do so, that’s why we’ve come up with some ways that you can help your community during this time. Be mindful This one is pretty obvious, but we figure…
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LAST 10 NIGHTS LIVE PROGRAM
Laylatul Qadr is fast approaching and we all want to make the most of the abundance of blessings and rewards on offer. That’s why at Islamic Relief USA we’re hosting live shows every night, during the last 10 nights of this Ramadan. Specifically created with you in mind, so that you can maximise this incredibly special time. During the last 20 days of Ramadan, we’ve been hosting our live show The Ten, over on our live channel. Our esteemed hosts have featured. Heba Al-Heddad Abelrahman Murphy Marwa Aly Suhaib Webb Maryam Amir Rania Awaad So far, Alhamdulillah, they’ve been covering the themes of mercy, forgiveness and salvation. Also, for your…
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THE NIGHT OF POWER
THE NIGHT OF POWER. Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power) is considered to be the holiest night of the year, a night where Muslims across the globe stay awake to remember Allah, and all the wonderful blessings that he has bestowed upon us. As well as to reflect and seek forgiveness from Allah for any misdeeds and misgivings that may have befallen us. Laylatul Qadr is an opportunity for Muslims everywhere to find peace and solitude, and to connect with Allah. Although believed to be on the 27th night of Ramadan, it is narrated in Bukhari that the Night of Power is during the last 10 days, on one of…
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10 things for the last 10 days of Ramadan
The last 10 days of Ramadan are here, can you believe it? It feels like the last 20 days have just flown by. True to the Muslim spirit, it’s been so inspiring to see that despite the Covid-19 pandemic uncertainty. We are all united by our trust in Allah, and our commitment to carrying out a successful Ramadan. As we enter into the end zone, the culmination of all that we have worked for this Ramadan is upon us. It’s time to make the most of it and maximise the blessings that are available to us during the incredibly special time of Ramadan. So that’s why, at Islamic Relief USA,…
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Pandemic
We know that Ramadan is a special time, a spiritual blessing. A time for reflection, for charity and sacrifice. A chance for us to strengthen our connection with Allah and to connect with those we love. However, this Ramadan, we have been faced with challenges that we’ve not had to face before. Challenges that have required our faith in Allah, and our charitable spirit more than ever. At Islamic Relief USA, we wanted to take a look at just how this Ramadan has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. With mosques shut, and social gatherings banned, for many, it may feel like the Ramadan spirit has been dampened. However, true…