Download Volume 2 Issue 1

IN THIS ISSUE
Newsletter
Volume 2 Issue 1
April 2014
-
Jumadal Thanni 1435
Young Adult Summer Retreat
President’s Address
1
2
The First Migration in Islam
3
New NCNMO Logo
3
Board of Trustees
Chapter of the Month
5
5
‫اإلتحاد العام للمنظمات النيجيرية فى أمريكا‬
YASR 2014
The Young Adult Summer Retreat (YASR) is a four-day
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Welcome to the latest edition of the NCNMO
Newsletter after a long period of silence. InshaAllah,
we plan to publish monthly from now on. Expect to
see interesting articles from our scholars, news from
member chapters, tips & tricks, health advice, and
various updates on the activities of the organization.
Watch out for news about weddings, births,
graduations, and other good things happening in our
community.
The theme for this edition is Beginnings. It’s the
beginning for the recently elected leaders of the
organization – so we feature important messages
from the President and the Board of Trustees. We
also take you to the early period of the message of
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the first migration
to Abyssinia. We also selected a Chapter of the
Month. Keep reading to see which Chapter and why
it was selected.
Send us your articles, comments, news bits, and of
course upcoming events from your chapters. We will
be happy to publish them. You can contact us at
[email protected]. We look forward to hearing
from you! Meanwhile, enjoy this edition.
Editor-In-Chief: Alhaja Sikirat Adigun
Editors: Dr. Musodiq Bello, Sis. Ramat Jaji
getaway that promotes spiritual, social, and professional
interactions amongst young Muslim professionals between
the ages of 18 and 40. Different from the usual lecture-filled
Islamic conferences, YASR creates a harmonious accord
between formal learning and social interaction. Through a
unique set of programming, the Retreat seeks to rejuvenate
the participants physically, educationally, socially and
spiritually. Although YASR was primarily designed for Young
Nigerian Professional Muslims, we welcome people of all
nationalities to enjoy the non-cultural atmosphere at the
retreat. The Retreat is aimed at:
• Increasing our knowledge about Islam while networking
with our peers
• Exploring unique elements of our Islamic faith
• Building a positive American Muslim identity
• Setting the foundation for interpersonal relationships
• Experiencing the best of learning while having fun!
YASR program is scheduled to hold in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
from August 8th to August 11th, 2014. The theme for this
year’s program is “Finding Your Life’s Purpose.” Events for the
Retreat will include lectures, workshops, forum discussions
with peers as well as with guest speakers and social outings at
attractions throughout the Gatlinburg area. Lecture topics
include “Developing a Relationship with Allah,” “Following the
Rules of Islam for Professionalism and Business Conduct,”
“Getting it Right: From Courtship to the Altar,” and “Building a
Strong Ummah, One Family at a Time.” Social interactive
activities includes but not limited to; a Mini-Halaqa on getting
to know you, interactive jeopardy, candy hunt, sink or float
boat game, BBQ & socialization, and a ziplining outdoor event.
Registration is $180 per person, which will cover lodging, local
transportation, outings and meals during the program. Insha
Allah, the YASR 2014 planning committee looks forward to
your presence at this memorable event! Get more info at
NCNMO.ORG or email [email protected].
Page 2
NCNMO Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 1
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatul-Lahi
Wabarakatuh. The new administration was
ushered in last September 2013, and my humble
self was privileged to be selected to lead this great
organization to the next height. I was selected not
to lead, but only to be your humble servant. Yes. I
am your servant, and yes, we members of the
executive committee are here by the will of Allah
(SWT) to serve you, according to the Sunnah of
the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Brothers and Sisters, the guiding principle of this
executive can be summarized as HART: HONESTY,
ACCOUNTANBILITY, RESPONSIBILITY and
TRANSPARENCY. We will consult, collaborate and
cooperate with the Shura, Board of Trustees and
other NCNMO members on issues that will bring
honor and progress to this great organization that
we all cherish inshaAllah. The joint board
members all agreed that our constitution need to
be reviewed and amended. We are putting a
constitution review committee in place to start
work on this immediately.
Henceforth, the Platform brochure will be
handled by the executive committee. We plan to
invite businesses such as travel agencies, airlines
and telecommunication companies to advertise
their product during Platform as a means of
generating additional income for the program.
Brothers and sisters, our attitudes affect our lives
and also the lives of those around us - friends,
family, and coworkers. So let us believe and have
trust in each other as we move forward to the
new era of the organization leadership. May Allah
assist us and grant us success.
Hajji Teslim O. Olarinde
President
How many times is the picture of the
new NCNMO logo used in this
Newsletter? Send your count to
[email protected] for a chance to win
an Islamic Book and NCNMO
Stationery and T-Shirt.
Hadith of the Month
َ ُ ‫َعنْْ َأ ِم ِريْال ُمؤ ِم ِن َنيْ َأ ِِبْ َحف ٍص‬
ِ َ ‫ْهللاْعَنهُْقَا َل‬
ْ‫َْسع ُت‬:
ُ ‫ِض‬
َ ِ ‫ُْع َرْب ِنْالخ ََّط ِاب َْر‬
ِ َّ ‫َر ُسو َل‬
ِ ‫اْاْل َُعا ُل ِِْبلنِِّ َّي‬
َ ‫ْ"ْان َّ َم‬:‫ْاَّللْصىلْهللاْعليهْوسملْي َ ُقو ُل‬
ِِّ ُ ‫ْوان َّ َماْ ِل‬،
ْ‫ك‬
َ ‫ات‬
ِ ِ ‫ْاَّللِ َْو َر ُس‬
ِ ِ ‫ْاَّللْ َو َر ُس‬
ِ َّ ‫وِلْفَهِج َرتُهُْا ََل‬
ِ َّ ‫ْفَ َمن ََْكن َت ِِْه َرتُهُْا ََل‬،‫ام ِرئٍ ْ َماْن ََوى‬
ْ،‫وِل‬
ُ ِ ‫َو َمن ََْكن َت ِِْه َرتُه‬
‫ُِْلن َياْيُ ِصيُبُ َاْ َأوْام َر َأ ٍةْيَن ِك ُحهَاْفَهِج َرتُهُْا ََلْ َماْهَا َج َرْالَي ِْه‬
It is narrated on the authority of Amir al-Mu'minin (Leader of the
Believers), Abu Hafs 'Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased
with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be
upon him), say:
"Actions are according to intentions, and everyone
will get what was intended. Whoever migrates with
an intention for Allah and His messenger, the
migration will be for the sake of Allah and his
Messenger. And whoever migrates for worldly gain or
to marry a woman, then his migration will be for the
sake of whatever he migrated for."
Related by Bukhari & Muslim
Page 3
NCNMO Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 1
The First Migration in Islam
By Sheikh AbduSemi'h Tádéṣe LLB, MS
The first migration in Islamic history is as important as the
second Migration to Abyssinia and the third and final Migration
of the Muslims to Yathrib/Medinah during the lifetime of the
Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬. This first migration was embarked
upon by twelve men and four women to Abyssinia which is in
modern day Ethiopia. The migration was as important as the
other two subsequent migrations for the following reasons:
1. The spread of Islam: Up to the time of the migration from
Makkah to Medinah, the numbers of the Muslims in the
whole world was less than 200. According to the scholars of
Seerah, there were only about 113 Muslims who migrated
from Makkah to Medinah.
2. The Quraysh and their allies were making all effort to
eradicate Islam and Muslims.
3. Those who embraced Islam as a result of the migrations (first
and second migrations from Makkah to Abyssinia) were
regarded highly by the messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬.
For instance, when King Negus of Abyssinia (who hosted the
emigrating Muslims and who later became Muslim himself) died,
Allah subhaanaHu wata'ala sent Angel Jibreel to inform the
messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬. In addition, Allah subhaanaHu wata'ala
uncovered the barrier between Abyssinia and Madinah and the
messenger of Allah ‫ ﷺ‬was gazing at King Negus as he was laid
down in his palace. Then, the Messenger of Allah along with his
companions offered Salatul Ghaaeb Janaazah (funeral prayer in
absentia) on him. An Aayah was revealed to this effect:
"And indeed, among the People of the Scripture are those who
believe in Allah and what was revealed to you and what was
revealed to them, [being] humbly submissive to Allah . They do
not exchange the verses of Allah for a small price. Those will
have their reward with their Lord. Indeed, Allah is swift in
account." [Suratu Al-Emraan 3:199]
Sixteen companions of the messenger of Allah ‫ ﷺ‬departed
Shuaibah Port for the land of King Ashamah, Negus of Abyssinia.
However, these emigrants stayed in Abyssinia for only about
four months, from Rajab, the fifth year after the commencement
of the revelation until Shawwal of the same year. They were the
trailblazers who laid the foundation for our Islam today. They
made lots of sacrifices for Islam. Let us each ask ourselves: What
shall I do for Islam today?
Sheikh Tadese is currently the Director of Religious Affairs of the
Islamic University Center (IUC), Cleveland OH, and Pittsburgh, PA, USA
From the Qur’an
ٓ‫َىٓۚٓفَ َمنٓيَ ۡكف ۡٓر‬
ٓ‫َ ا‬
ِّ ‫ِّينٓۖٓقَدٓتَّبَيَّنَٓٓٱلرُّ ۡشدٓٓ ِمنَٓٓٱ ۡلغ‬
ِ ‫لٓإِ ۡك َرآهَٓفِىٓٱلد‬
ٓ‫ل‬
ٓ َ ٰٓٓ‫ّللِٓفَقَ ِٓدٓٱ ۡستَمۡ َسكَٓٓٓبِٱ ۡلع ۡر َو ِٓةٓٱ ۡلو ۡثقَى‬
َّٓ ‫تٓ َوي ۡؤ ِمنٓٓٓبِٱ‬
ِٓ ‫ٓبِٱلطَّ ٰـغو‬
ٓ‫ّللٓ َس ِميعٓٓ َعلِيم‬
َّٓ ‫صا َٓمٓلَهَآۗٓ َٓوٱ‬
َ ‫ٱن ِف‬
ُّ
ۡ
َّ
ٓۖٓ‫ور‬
ِٓ ‫ىٓٱل ِذينَٓٓ َءا َمنوآٓيخ ِرجهمٓ ِّمنَٓٓٱلظل َم ٰـ‬
ُّٓ ِ‫ّللٓ َول‬
َّٓ ‫ٱ‬
ِ ُّ‫تٓإِلَىٓٱلن‬
ٓ‫ور‬
ِٓ ُّ‫َٓوٱلَّ ِذينَٓٓ َكفَر اوآٓأَ ۡولِيَااؤهمٓٓٱلطَّ ٰـغوتٓٓي ۡخ ِرجونَهمٓ ِّمنَٓٓٱلن‬
ُّ ‫إِلَىٓٱ‬
ۡ َ‫تٓۗٓأولَ ٰٓـ آِٮكَٓٓأ‬
َٓٓ‫ارٓۖٓهمۡٓٓفِيہَآخَ ٰـ ِلدون‬
ِ ‫لظل َم ٰـ‬
ِ َّ‫ص َح ٰـبٓٓٱلن‬
Let there be no compulsion in religion.
Truth stands out clear from Error;
whoever rejects Evil and believes in
Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy
hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah
hears and knows all things.
Allah is the Protector of those who have
faith: from the depths of darkness, He
will lead them forth into light. Of those
who reject faith the patrons are the Evil
Ones: from light they will lead them
forth into the depths of darkness. They
will be companions of the fire, to dwell
therein (forever).
[Suratul Baqarah 2:256-257]
Meet the new NCNMO logo
The new NCNMO Logo
- incorporates American and Nigerian flags
without making it too obvious
- has a globe rotated in such a way that America
and Africa are visible; notice that the flags are
aligned with the respective continents
- has a crescent and star as symbols of Islam;
crescent is integrated into the globe
- has predominantly green color associated with
Islam and also with Nigeria
Please drop us a line at [email protected] and let
us know your thoughts about the new logo.
Page 4
NCNMO Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 1
Are you getting ready for Platform in December 2014?
Los Angeles, here we come!
To volunteer for any of the planning committees, please send a
mail to [email protected]
NCNMO Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 1
From the Board of Trustees
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, ever Merciful.
Surely there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, the
first without a beginning, the last without an end.
Our special thanks go to the Almighty Allah, the entire
members of our Miami Florida Chapter, the National Planning
Committee, the Joint bodies, and each and every one who
worked tirelessly towards a successful Platform 2013.
Through your support during the dollar-a-day program and
purchase of Islamic artifacts, coordinated by the BOT, about
$3800 was raised to cover Platform expenditure. We ask Allah
to reward all of us for our contributions.
One of the very important lessons from Miami is that our
Platform program is rapidly growing. We therefore cannot
afford to fold our arms and pretend it is business as usual.
Aggressive efforts, brilliant initiatives and ideas must be
explored by all of us. To this end, the BOT has been looking at
the following areas of fund generation:




Tapping from the Government’s Faith-based initiatives:
Without an iota of doubt, the NCNMO had implemented
programs and lectures aimed at developing our youth to
become responsible members of the society. We have,
and continue to guide our youngsters to shun drugs,
gangs, smoking, and terrorism; and there have been
career seminars, Financial Planning workshops. These are
signature programs that can get us some funding
assistance. The BOT is exploring the idea of Grant writing
to develop a funding request package.
Local Sourcing: Efforts are going on to contact the
Nigerian Consulates in the USA, as well as well-meaning
Nigerians, for sponsorship. It is important to know that
some of them are not aware of our existence, but are very
impressed by our programs, when notified.
Companies like retail outlets, and Organizations in the
United States should also be contacted for sponsorship
Collaborative efforts are ongoing to explore the
possibility of Aircraft Chatter for Platform 2014.
There is a lot more avenues to explore, and we must be
relentless. We need the support and cooperation of all the
stake holders to achieve these objectives. May the peace and
blessings of Allah be with us all.
Muyideen Ibiyemi
Yomi Sarumi
Muftau Akiniyi
Abd Fatai Koletowo
Abd Rasheed Adediran
(MEMBERS, BOARD OF TRUSTEES)
Page 5
Chapter of the Month
Official Name – Nigerian Muslims Association of
Greater Houston (NMA)
Also known as – Masjid-ul Mu’mineen
Address – 8875 Benning Drive Houston TX 77031
Website – www.masjidulmumineen.org
Email – [email protected]
Year Established – 1985
Estimated Membership – Around 10,000
Daily Programs
1. Teach Them Hifz (TTH) – Quran memorization
2. Teach Them Quran (TTQ) – Quran Recitation
Weekly Programs
3. Men’s Halaqah (Tafsir Quran) – Sundays 7am
4. Women’s Halaqah - Sundays 10.30am
5. Youth Halaqah – Fridays Maghrib – Isha’
6. Asalatu-Dhikr – Sundays 2pm
7. Aqeeda Class – Fridays: Magrib – Isha’
8. Teach Them Young – Saturday Islamic Class
9. Jumuah Prayer – 1.45pm
Monthly Programs
1. Family Halaqa – Last Sunday of the month
2. Fiqh Session – Second Sunday of the month
3. Community Iftar – Last Thursday each month
Annual Programs
1. Men’s Convention (May 30 – June 1, 2014)
2. Women’s Convention (June 13 – 15, 2014)
3. Grandmas’ Convention
4. Young Muslims Deen Convention: Age 14-20
5. Tafsir & Community Iftar (daily in Ramadan)
6. Eid’l Fitr prayer & community get-together
7. Eid’l Adha prayer & get together
8. Health Fair – free health screening
9. NCNMO Platform
10. Spring Break Umrah for School kids
11. Walimah Khatmul Quran (May 24, 2014)
Upcoming Projects - Infrastructure and building
construction on newly acquired 11 Acres land
(planned to feature School, Islamic Center &
Multipurpose Hall) & Data Warehousing & IT
infrastructure upgrade.
Page 6
NCNMO Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 1
The Imam and the Bus Driver
Several years ago an Imam moved to London, United Kingdom. He
often took the bus from his home to the downtown area. Some
weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the same bus. When
he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him
twenty pence too much change. As he considered what to do, he
thought to himself, you better give the twenty pence back. It would
be wrong to keep it. Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a
twenty pence. Who would worry about this little amount? The bus
company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it
as a gift from Almighty Allah (swt) and keep quiet." When his stop
came, the Imam paused momentarily at the door; he handed the
twenty pence back to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too
much change". The driver with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new
Imam in this area? I have been thinking lately about going to worship
at your Mosque. I just wanted to see what you would do, if I gave
you too much change." When the Imam stepped off the bus, his
knees became weak and soft, he had to grab the nearest light pole
and held on for support, and looked up to the heavens and cried: "Oh
Allah, I almost sold Islam for twenty pence!" [sunniforum.com]
Citizenship Day- 4/26
The American Immigration Lawyers
Association (AILA) is having its Citizenship
Day - a nationwide push to complete and
submit as many naturalization (citizenship)
applications to the United States Citizenship
and Immigration Services (USCIS) as there
are eligible applicants. What this means is
that attendees show up to a designated
location, sit with an attorney who
determines one's eligibility to apply for
citizenship, and if given the green light, we
assist attendees on location in preparing the
citizenship application to submit directly to
USCIS. The bonus is that this is a completely
FREE service.
This year the official date for Citizenship Day
is Saturday, April 26, and will be hosted at
different locations throughout the U.S. The
African immigrant population has
traditionally been under-serviced as it relates
to immigration issues, so AILA has teamed up
with similar organizations to make sure that
this goes round. For more information, visit
www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=2
4543
Meanwhile, between now and April 26, if you
would like to arrange for someone to come
and make a brief announcement at your
place of worship informing your members of
Citizenship day please email Loide Jorge
<[email protected]> or (202) 3701360
ext. 2
Graduation Edition
Next edition of the Newsletter
will inshaAllah be the
Graduation edition. Chapter
leaders, please send the names
of all your graduating members
(high school, college, Qur’an
and Islamic studies programs) to
[email protected] by April 25,
2014
Page 7
NCNMO Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 1
Website in Focus
Each month, we hope to recommend a website that we
have evaluated and found to be beneficial to Islam and
Muslims. Visit the site, add it to your bookmarks, and share it
with others. This month our favorite site is:
Advertise here!!!
We can help your business
grow! Send a mail to
[email protected] for
more information
www.islamicity.com
This is one of the earliest Muslim websites and has continued
to serve the Ummah. You can see the Qur’an verse by verse
synchronized with audio and English translation. You will also
find sections on Hadith, contemporary Muslim issues,
matrimonial, and bazaar. The site also features live TV and
radio stations.
Vote for Platform 2014 Theme
Assalaamu alaikum!
The lecture committee would like your input in
selecting a theme for Platform 2014. Please help
us by taking this quick, less than one minute,
survey to help us choose between three themes
for Platform:
1. Taking Our Deen to the Next Level,
2. Becoming a Productive Muslim, and
3. Akhira: What are we Doing to Secure it?
Every vote counts!! Just click or visit the
following link to cast your ballot:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R73L6YP
Voting closes very soon. Vote today!
NCNMO Exco
Alhaji Olatunji Olarinde - President
Alhaji Ola Disu - Vice President
Ishaq Kolawole Akinade -Secretary General
Sis. Kafilat Jinadu - Asst. Secretary General
Bro. Ahmed Akande - Financial Secretary
Alhaji Obafemi Akanbi - Treasurer
Alhaji Ahmed Opetubo - Auditor
Bro. Sulaiman Ajakaiye - Youth Coordinator
Alhaja Sikirat Adigun - Public Relations
Officer
Shura Board
Imam Yahya Nafiu - Ameer
Imam Monsur Ogun- Secretary
Imam Abdurrahman - Adesokan
Member
Board of Trustees
Alh. Muhydeen Ibiyemi - Chairman
Alh. Rasheed Adediran - Member
Alh. Koletowo - Member
Alh. Ganiyu Sarumi - Member
Alh. Mufutau Akinniyi - Member
Volunteers needed!!!
Do you have graphics design skills? Or can you write or edit articles? Can you commit some of
your precious time to serve other Muslims? Then we need you on the Newsletter team. Please
send a mail to [email protected] to indicate your interest. We need volunteers for the website
design and maintenance too. Write us if you can help. May Allah reward you as you volunteer.
The NCNMO Newsletter is published monthly by the National Council of Nigerian Muslim Organizations, USA.
Contacts: Http://NCNMO.ORG * [email protected] * P. O. Box 91736, Washington, DC 20090