This email newsletter is brought to you by
Cambridge Muslim Community
Services (CMCS).
10th November 2003 RAMADHAN Weekly Update
====================
1. Ramadhan: Concentration in Prayer
2. Ramadhan information
- Download the Ramadhan 2003 Time-Table
- Performing Daily Prayers in Cambridge
- Performing Jumah Prayers in Cambridge
- Tarawih Prayer Information
3. Muslim Women's Slimming Support Group
4. Lectures and Presentations
- The Heart Of Kashmir
- Islam in Mexico: Past, Present and Future
- LECTURE & VIDEO: Islam in Mexico: Past, Present and Future
5. Dates for your Diary
- CUIS Sisters' Islamic Study Circle
- NO Tuesday Sisters Islamic Study Circle!
- Ladies Fitness Classes
- Mother, Baby & Toddler Group
- NO Friday Brothers Islamic Study Circle!
- Abu Bakr Islamic School Week 7
- NO Qur'anic Classes for Children!
- Ladies Swimming
- Boys Youth Group
- Girls Youth Group
- CUIS: Islamic Study Circle
6. Local Community Announcements
- Parents! Help Your Kids!
- Karate for Kids
- Golden Opportunities!
- HELP! Do you know anyone who can teach drumming?
7. Did You Know?
- NEW! Al Masudi's Map of the World
- Medieval Islamic Coins discovered near Cambridge
- King Offa's Gold Coins
8. Contact Us
- See this section for a list of ways to contact us.
==== 1. Ramadhan: Concentration in Prayer ====
Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu.
The spirit of salah is intention, devotion, and contemplation. Without
contemplation, invocation is of no avail since this will be futile
utterance. By the same token, all other acts of salah will not bring forth
their desired fruits. The act of standing connotes service, and prostration
implies humility and glorification, which will never be attained without
attention. Allah Most High says, [It is not their meat or their blood that
reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him.] (Al-Hajj 22: 37)
It is now clear that what counts most in the Sight of Allah Most High is the
state of the heart, by which one submits to the commands of Allah. One is
required to be alert and mindful in salah, although Allah may pardon a lapse
of negligence as long as consciousness dominates the Prayer.
Nevertheless, the following three are the yardstick of any acceptable salah:
1. Consciousness. It means to show indifference to all worldly interests and
have absolute consciousness of Allah Most High. To have such consciousness,
you must have decisive intention and put your heart to it. Your
consciousness, in fact, differs according to your strength of belief in the
Hereafter and scorn of this world. Therefore, if you miss consciousness in
salah, you should know that the root cause of this is weakness of faith, and
so you should exert yourself to strengthen and bolster it.
2. Reflection on the words. This is the second step after consciousness,
which may be present without grasping the meaning of the words. You should
direct your attention to grasp the meaning by refraining from thinking of
other matters.
3. Glorification and fear of Allah Most High, which emanate from realizing
the majesty and magnificence of Allah, and looking down upon yourself, which
would result in humility and consciousness. Hope is also an important factor
in salah. When you offer salah, you should hope for the reward of Allah and
fear the punishment due to your imperfection.
The following will help you keep your concentration while praying,
insha’Allah:
1. Have the intention in your heart.
2. Seek Allah's help to maintain your concentration in Prayers.
3. Perform the Prayers at their due times.
4. Perform the Prayers in the way shown by the Prophet(S).
5. Reflect on the recitation and invocations.
6. Avoid sins.
From:
<http://www.islamonline.net/english/ramadan/1424/10/Fountain_of_Faith/piety_
School/article_08.shtml>
Wasalam
Elias Karim, News Editor, cmo@CambridgeMuslims.info
==== 2. Ramadhan information ====
Visit our Ramadhan webpage at http://www.CambridgeMuslims.info/Ramadhan/
- Download the Ramadhan 2003 Time-Table
Download the revised and updated Ramadhan 2003 Time-Table
See: http://www.CambridgeMuslims.info/Ramadhan/
- Meals at Iftar time
Iftar is served daily at Abu Bakr Mosque insha'Allah.For times check the
Ramadhan 2003 Time-table: http://www.CambridgeMuslims.info/Ramadhan/
- Performing Daily Prayers in Cambridge
The latest list of places to pray in Cambridge can be found at
http://www.cambridgeMuslims.info/Islam/Prayer/
- Performing Jumah Prayers in Cambridge
The latest list of places to pray Jumah in Cambridge can be found at
http://www.cambridgeMuslims.info/Islam/Prayer/
- Tarawih Prayer Information
Abu Bakr Siddiq Mosque
Tarawih prayers will be prayed after Isha at Abu Bakr Siddiq Mosque
insha'Allah. Isha prayers will begin at 8.15pm each night during the month
of Ramadhan.
Wolfson College
Arrangements have been made for Tarawih at Wolfson College in the Quiet Room
from Wednesday 29th October. Isha will begin at 8.00pm and Taraweeh will
follow. Prayers will take place throughout Ramadan with exception of the
following dates, when they will be held at Plommer House:
November 10th, 11th, 18th, 24th and 25th
Plommer House, is at the end of Selwyn Gardens (top right corner of the
map): http://www.wolfson.cam.ac.uk/JuniorMembers/Amal/Map.pdf
==== 3. Muslim Women's Slimming Support ====
This is a support group for Muslim women in Cambridge who want to be
healthier, fitter, and help each other achieve their goals. For more
information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/camslim/
==== 4. Lectures and Presentations ====
- The Heart Of Kashmir
Friday 14th November: Cambridge University Kashmir Society Presents World
Renowned War Photographer (short Listed for the British Book and Design
Award 2003): Gabriele Torsello. Gabriele Torsello presents his landmark
achievement "Heart of Kashmir", a collection of photographs depicting the
plight of ordinary people living under constant humiliation, poverty and
violence. Friday 14th November 2003, Physiology Lecture Theatre 3, 6.15 pm.
- Islam in Mexico: Past, Present and Future
Friday 14th November: Omar Weston, a da'ee from Mexico, will give a short
Presentation after 8 Rak'aat of Taraweeh (~9.00pm) in Abu Bakr mosque and
will collect donations. Organised by the Cambridge University Islamic
Society. Check www.isoc.co.uk for confirmation or e-mail info@isoc.co.uk.
- LECTURE & VIDEO: Islam in Mexico: Past, Present and Future Saturday
15th November: By Omar Weston, a da'ee from Mexico. Organised by the
Cambridge University Islamic Society. Check www.isoc.co.uk for confirmation
or e-mail info@isoc.co.uk.
==== 5. Dates for your Diary ====
compiled by Elias Karim
Any last minute updates and changes can be found at
http://www.cambridgeMuslims.info/Events
- CUIS: Sisters' Islamic Study Circle
Tuesday, 11th November at 6.00pm - 7.00pm. Arranged by Cambridge University
Islamic Society (CUIS): Room P5, New Court, Emmanuel College.
http://www.isoc.co.uk
- NO Tuesday Sisters Islamic Study Circle
Tuesday, 11th November: There will be NO Sisters Islamic Study Circle during
Ramadhan. The circle will restart Tuesday 2nd December 2003 insha'Allah.
http://www.cambridgemuslims.info/services/TuesdayLadies/
- Ladies Fitness Classes
Thursday 13th November between 5.45pm to 6.45pm. Weekly Fitness Classes run
at Ross St Community Centre each Thursday. Cost just £1 per session.
- Mother, Baby & Toddler Group
Friday 14th November 10.00am - 12.00pm at the Ross Street Community Centre.
Please support the Mother, Baby & Toddler Group or it may be forced to
close. http://www.cambridgemuslims.info/services/baby.htm
- No Brothers Friday Islamic Study Circle
Friday 14th November: Due to Tarawih prayers in the mosque, there will be no
Friday Islamic Study Circle during Ramadhan. The circle will resume on
Friday 5th December 2003 insha'Allah.
http://www.cambridgemuslims.info/services/FridayCircle/
- Abu Bakr Islamic School
Saturday 15th November Week 7 at Abu Bakr Islamic School. Children should be
at school by 9.55am. NOTE: School will finish at 12:30pm during Ramadan!
Packed lunches will not be required for older children.
http://www.cambridgemuslims.info/services/school/
- NO Qur'anic Classes for Children
Saturday 15th November: No Qur'anic Classes for Children in Abu Bakr Mosque.
Classes resume after Ramadhan insha'Allah.
- Ladies Swimming
Saturday 15th November, 7.00pm - 8.00pm at the Leys school.
http://www.cambridgemuslims.info/services/LadiesSwimming/LadiesSwimming.htm
- NO Qur'anic Classes for Children
Sunday 16th November: No Qur'anic Classes for Children in Abu Bakr Mosque.
Classes resume after Ramadhan insha'Allah.
- Boys Youth Group
Sunday 16th November, 10.30am - 1.30pm. Meets at The Barn on Sundays. For
boys aged 11-18 years come together and learn more about each other and
Islam, whilst enjoying sporting and creative activities.
http://www.cambridgemuslims.info/services/BoysYouthGroup/
- Girls Youth Group
Sunday 16th November, 1.30pm - 4.00pm. At Romsey Mill (at corner of
Hemmingford and Mill Road). For girls aged 11 plus to come together and
learn more about each other and Islam, whilst enjoying sporting and creative
activities.
http://www.freewebs.com/girls_group/
- CUIS: Islamic Study Circle
Monday 17th November, at 5.30pm. Arranged by Cambridge University Islamic
Society. Topics: Abu Bakr As-Siddiq Part 4 by brother Omar Mahroo. Venue:
N7, Pembroke College. The circle is open to both brothers and sisters.
http://www.isoc.co.uk
==== 6. Local Community Announcements ====
from the Community Announcements page located at
http://www.cambridgemuslims.info/Announcements/
Parents! Help Your Kids!
"The Big Sib Scheme"
Cambridge University Students in conjunction with CMCS are
re-establishing the very successful mentoring/befriending scheme that has
run in previous years. The idea behind the scheme is to pair up a university
student with a youngster in the community, who will be like a big brother or
sister, helping, guiding and socialising with them and insha'allah acting as
positive role models of high achievers who haven't compromised on the deen.
In return, apart from the barakah (blessings) from Allah, the students will
have the benefit of a local 'family', who will insha'allah take an interest
in their general welfare, including the provision of the occasional home
cooked halal meal! Yummy!
Interested in Karate for Kids?
Sister Umm Asadullah says: Interested in Karate for children aged 4-6
years? I have asked a sister in Cambridge about the possibility of starting
Karate classes for Muslim children aged between 4-6 years. Right now I just
want to find out how many people are interested (and will be committed!) in
this, insha'Allah. The idea would be to rent a cheap hall for one hour
during early evening time, one-day-a-week, insha'Allah. I am willing to
"organize" these Karate classes if I get enough committed people. The
classes will not be free. Currently I have six children on the list. If you
are interested or want to know more, then please contact me:
kstarbuck@hotmail.com
Golden Opportunities!
Any brothers or sisters interested in FREE training to be any of the
following: Life Guard, Aerobics Teacher, Childminder, Youth Worker; (all of
which pay very well once trained)? Contact services@cambridgemuslims.info
HELP! Do you know anyone who can teach drumming?
Does anyone know of a sister who can teach drumming to young people as
part of an ongoing project working with youngsters who are drifting or have
drifted away from the Islam? Alhamdullillah we already have a brother who
has volunteered for drum teaching, but anyone who'd like to get involved in
this very important work to guide our young people back to the 'siratul
mustaqeem' would be most welcome. Training is available. Contact
services@cambridgemuslims.info
==== 7. Did You Know? ====
See http://www.cambridgemuslims.info/DidYouKnow/ for some interesting
bits of history.
- Al Masudi's Map of the World
showing Ard Majhoola or "unknown territory" (the Americas). The Muslim
historian and geographer Al Masudi died (957CE) some 500 years before
Columbus set sail!
- Medieval Islamic Coins discovered near Cambridge
Evidence of Muslim presence in the Americas before Columbus. These
Medieval Islamic coins were discovered in 1787, during road-building
excavations between Cambridge and Malden, Massachusetts, USA (not Cambridge
UK!).
- King Offa's Gold Coins
They were minted between 758-796 CE by King Offa of Mercia, Kent. The
first side of the coin contains Arabic inscriptions which reads: There is no
god [worthy of worship] except Allah who has no partner or associate.
==== 8. Contact Us ====
We very much value any comments and opinions you may have, and we would love to
hear from you.
About the e-newsletter -- cmo@CambridgeMuslims.info
About the CMCS
-- contact@CambridgeMuslims.info
About the CMCS website -- webmaster@CambridgeMuslims.info
About Services in Cambridge -- services@CambridgeMuslims.info
Advertising & sponsorship -- ads@CambridgeMuslims.info
Telephone voice mail -- 0871 242 9696
Fax number -- 0871 242 9696
Meet face-to-face -- Friday Islamic Study Circle at Abu Bakr Siddiq Mosque,
Mawson Rd, Cambridge. After Isha prayers (~8.30pm)
====================
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