IRUSA Ramadan
-
Eid an Exhale for Many
A blessed time of celebration in COVID-19 year 2 Still a new normal Millions around the world fasting and worshipping during the second Ramadan we’ve experienced as a global community yearned to return to some sense of normalcy. In 2020 our Ramadan was housed in our homes, isolated, introspective, and far from the usual folksy vibe that the month belonging to Allah provides. We virtually met, prayed, and remembered Allah. The way we administered charity dramatically changed as well. Our infamously fulfilling Ramadan Pack-outs were now at distance,heavily disinfected, and dealt an emotional blow. The high-fives of a station being done with their box count was no more. The cherished…
-
Ramadan Food Pack-Outs a Massive Success
Co-written by Christina Tobias-Nahi IRUSA’s volunteer-driven food pack outs return in full force across the nation It was back! A warehouse in Springfield, Virginia was teeming with excitement, dedication, and a sense of mission. Volunteers, of all ages and sizes, were decked out in royal blue Islamic Relief USA T-shirts, ready to — as we say here– make a difference in the world. The event, basically an annual ritual, did not take place last year, due to the then-novel coronavirus pandemic. While the pandemic is still upon us, requiring all to be masked and socially distanced, the precautions are sufficient to safely put on the event. Several long tables were…
-
Ramadan Congrats from Congress
Islamic Relief USA Thanks Members of Congress, and Vice Versa, During Ramadan Ceremony An evening of empowerment Islamic Relief USA held its 10th annual Capitol Hill Ramadan Welcoming ceremony Monday evening, April 12. Brother Anwar Khan, president of the organization, wished the participants Ramadan Mubarak. The holy month of fasting officially started for many Muslims on April 13. Khan said the month is about so much more than abstaining from water and food. “We will be fasting from some of the habits that are not the best habits,” he said. Muslims are encouraged to be nicer, donate more to help people in need, and feed those who have little access…
-
Safe Landing in Ramadan
Simple steps to make this Ramadan count When Ramadan greeted us last year, the world was in a panic. Everything we knew to be normal was turned on its head. People lost loved ones. They lost livelihoods. Our overall balance was lost. At that time no cure was in sight and it seemed as if COVID-19 would never slow its steamroll through communities. We made the best of Ramadan 2020. Some have said that the seclusion sometimes brought a different source of peace. Now we enter Ramadan 2021 can be a triumphant despite our trials. Here’s how to have a safe landing in the greatest month we know. 1. Qur’an…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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…
