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ITIKAF AT HOME
As we enter into the final 10 days of Ramadan, our level of reflection heightens as we approach the most blessed time, of the most blessed month. This is a time where we can seek additional spiritual knowledge, look to become even closer to Allah, and further purify our mind and soul during this hallowed month. For many of us, this means relocating to our nearest mosque to carry out Itikaf, a chance for us to seal ourselves off from the outside world. Devoting our time solely to the worship of Allah, amongst other likeminded believers. However, this year, as we all know, we have been faced with a Ramadan…
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My Ten Nights
As we reach the final third of Ramadan, this is where we get to the crescendo. The last 10 nights of Ramadan are packed full of opportunities for us to attain blessings and rewards from Allah swt. It could be from making special dua’as, performing voluntary prayers or it could be through dedicated remembrance of Allah by doing some dhikr. All whilst keeping an eye out for Laylatul Qadr. It was stated the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that, “Whoever spends the night of Lailatul Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.” Another way to maximise the rewards that are…
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RAMADAN Kareem
From all of us at Islamic Relief USA, we pray that your Ramadan is going well Insha’Allah. With everything going on in the world, this Ramadan has certainly been one that we’ll never forget. As we reach the halfway point of Ramadan if you hadn’t realised by now. Islamic Relief USA have put together a LIVE daily program. To ensure that you and your family can stay connected this Ramadan, because this is a time to rejoice and come together. We’re hosting multiple live events every day, specifically designed to whet your appetite for knowledge and keep your minds strong. Our daily line up consists of various shows, spread throughout…
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Why We can’t Forget Yemen
A look at where the world’s most devastating humanitarian crisis stands today. “We are needy people and this basket helps us to get the basic food and this is the situation of many needy families in the area..when I received the basket from Islamic Relief, the happiness spread among the family members and my children feel very happy…it is not a problem for us to sleep hungry or to eat bread all times but it is a problem for the children.” Hallah Ali Mohammed, Ibb province Still facing hardship It has been five years since the conflict in Yemen, one of the Arab World’s poorest countries, escalated in 2015. Up…
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They’ll Need Ramadan Food Boxes more than Ever
Because of the current public health crisis families will squeezed even more by food shortages It’s so near it’s basically here Ramadan is coming, can you feel it? The anticipation is growing as we contemplate the arrival of the most special month in the Islamic calendar. Everyone has their own special Ramadan traditions, whether it’s your mum’s cooking, or getting the chance to go to the mosque every evening with your dad for tarawih, or just spending iftar with your family and friends. There are some things we all share in common though, the chance to expand our knowledge, to improve our spiritual wealth and to deeply connect with Allah. …
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Revisiting the Syrian Refugee Crisis: Hopes and Frustrations with Marwa Aly
A journal entry from Trinity College Muslim Chaplain Marwa Aly during her time in Jordan with Syrian refugees IRUSA invited a group of dynamic women community leaders on a visit to Islamic Relief USA’s Projects in Jordan serving Syrian refugees. It expose them, and educate them first hand about IRUSA’s women’s empowerment projects in Jordan, as well as the refugee projects. It was an opportunity to not only meet the staff and volunteers who make the delivery of humanitarian aid possible, but to come face-to-face with the very people we serve. How Perspectives can Change Today was both an uplifting and perspective-shifting day as we traveled to both Ramtha and…
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A World Water Day, in a Challenging Time.
As the world pushes to wash hands, IRUSA reminds us of the privilege of water to do it with. A Growing Concern World Water Day this year has come during a time of extreme change for everyone: the outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19. Internet sites are showing no shortage of advice regarding proper hand-washing and sanitation techniques, and we are very thankful for all of it. Meanwhile, thousands of people are stocking up on bottled water in fear the pandemic could lead to an interruption of water supply. And grocery shops are resorting to extreme measures to face the panic buying urge of scared shoppers. A Daily Reality While advice on…
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4 Ways to Jumpstart Your Heart and Mind for this Ramadan
See how simple steps can make this coming Ramadan a success Fast now, ask questions later. Aishah (ra) narrated: “The Prophet used to try to fast on Mondays and Thursdays” [Tirmidhi, Nasai, and Ibn Majah]. You won’t find one olympian that will say they walked into a race unprepared. So on the days when no one’s watching, they practice starting, sustaining, and finishing. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is a simple way to attain blessings but also condition ourselves to take on those upcoming days of Ramadan. By the time Ramadan comes you’ll be a well-oiled machine. Starting a regimen of fasting now will make it easier to reflect on…
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The Right to Vote: Black History Remembered
IRUSA highlights past and present change-agents in the fight for voting rights in America. Fannie Lou Hamer “You can pray until you faint, but unless you get up and try to do something, God is not going to put it in your lap.” – Fannie Lou Hamer A Decision During the summer of 1962, a young African American woman made a decision to attend a local meeting held by the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which was responsible for organizing younger African Americans in the charge for voting rights. Her interests was piqued, and she would go on to become one of the most impactful advocates for equitable access to…
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One-on-One with Zaytuna’s Dawood Yasin
Dawood Yasin sits down for an insightful What-A-Relief podcast about the spiritual value of serving humanity There are many valuable things people learn while seeking a higher education. In the halls of universities across the world, most students are seeking opportunities to better their future, obtain meaningful careers, and build lifelong bonds. Naeem Muhammad interviewed our guest Imam Dawood Yasin of our latest podcast about where his passion for exploration has brought him and how he now teaches students to do the same and serve. At Zaytuna College, in Berkeley California, Yasin is an administrator that believes deeply in exploring the true meaning of education. He also provides a pathway…
