Today’s Friday Prayer’s Sermons (Khutba)- Courageous & Right On Target

( Written and Posted by F.Sheikh)

Today at Islamic Center of Rockland, sermons ( Khutba) given by Mr. Muhammad Abbasi was not only courageous but right on target, especially at this time of crisis.I am paraphrasing his comments. He supported his comments by references from Quran.

He started his khutba by first sending his condolences to the victims of Boston Marathon bombing and then reminded the audience that it is our duty to fight the evil not just outside, but within our own community also. We have to face Boston Marathon Bombing head on. He added, we have difference of opinion with our government’s policies towards Iraq, Afghanistan and other places, and we have such right, but we have no right to violate the laws of this country. We talk about these differences at home with our children, riled them up, but we do not tell them what to do about it, and leave the conversation incomplete. In these conversations we also have to tell them that in order to make a change, we have to use legal means by expressing our opinion and use the power of voting. If we only rile up our children, but do not complete the conversation by emphasizing on using the power of political system to bring a change, then someone else will fill this gap with different agenda. He continued, at home we have to teach our children right from wrong, and if we don’t, someone else will fill this space with its own version of right and wrong.

He lamented the fact that how misdeeds of misguided few, malign the whole community. He said that in Muslim community, it is two-way street. If I see something wrong, I have the obligation to point it out, similarly if someone see something  wrong in me, it should be pointed it out to me. Just ignoring and going along is not the option.

He said, when we apply for visa and get a visa to enter this country, we take the oath to abide by the laws of this country. As a Muslim, we have to fulfill this obligation and abide by the laws. If you do not like it, leave this country, and you have no right to stay here. If someone is breaking the law and involved in harmful activities, it is like stabbing in the back, and it is a grave sin in Islam. You cannot take oath when you get the visa, and then stab in the back. He continued, we came to this country by our own choice and we have our children and grandchildren here. This is our country, and we have to live by the laws of this country. We have every right to criticize the wrong policies of the government, but we have to use lawful and political means to change it.

 

“Musharaf” By Mirza Ashraf

With due respect to those who still like Musharraf who damaged the country more than Zia. Gen Zia and his accomplice met their fate and were burnt to ashes. Time has brought Musharraf to the gallows. . . . I believe, “Qudrat ke lathhi bey aawaz hai magar sargram-e-amal rehti hai.” It is all matter of time.

زندگی وقت کے حصار میں ہے
وقت کب کس کےاختیار میں ہے

وقت لاتا ہے سوئے دار اُسے
ظلم جو دور ِ اقتدار میں ہے

اشرف 

Crossing The Line

 Interesting photograph and article. How the Airline allowed it ?  

 Adam Kirsch in Tablet

Huffington Post Photo

It’s not often that the subject of the weekly Daf Yomireading makes headlines in the blogosphere. But last week, the web—especially its Jewish corners—was buzzing over a bizarre photograph of an Orthodox Jewish man on an airplane, completely wrapped in a plastic bag. Many commenters on the photo assumed this had something to do with sexual purity or avoiding women, but in fact, as knowledgeable readers pointed out, it actually involved another taboo entirely.

http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/129136/crossing-the-line

 

 

 

Bombing During Boston Marathon-Statements of Condemnation

STATEMENT OF CONDEMNATION BY THINKERS FORUM USA

Josh NYT

“Thinkers Forum USA condemns in strongest terms the senseless and hideous bomb attack during Boston Marathon which took three innocent lives and injured many more civilians. We join all Americans to extend our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the victims and their families.We are sure the perpetrators of this hideous crime will be brought to justice swiftly by the Law Enforcement personnel as promised by President Obama”

Statement of Condemnation By ICNA     

JAMAICA, New York (April 15, 2013) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) expresses its outrage at the bomb attacks today on the Boston Marathon. The senseless attack left at least three people dead and many more injured including several who have lost their limbs.

ICNA joins Americans in prayer for the victims and their families during this horrific incident. ICNA also appeals all Americans to help the Law Enforcement to bring the perpetrators of this crime to speedy justice.

ICNA President Naeem Baig said “all Americans including American Muslims condemn this heinous attack on civilians and pray for the quick recovery of the injured.”

The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.

Statement of Condemnation By ISNA 

ISNA Expresses Concern and Offers Condolences After Attack at Boston Marathon

(April 15, 2013) ISNA is shocked and saddened to hear about the blasts at the Boston Marathon this afternoon.  Our prayers are with the victims and their loved ones.  We are especially saddened to hear that at least three people have been killed, including an 8 year old.

Boston’s first responders showed true compassion, courage and strength in the face of a crisis, and we are grateful for their hard work to rescue those who were injured.  We also thank all those bystanders whose first instinct was to run toward the chaos to help.

ISNA is in communication with members of the Boston Muslim community to offer condolences and support.  If anyone is searching for a loved one in Boston, a hotline number has been set up by Boston authorities: 617-635-4520.

While it is still unclear who carried out these attacks, we pray that our law enforcement officials will be able to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

 

Statement of Condemnation by Sound Vision & Radio Islam

“Sound Vision joins Muslims in America and our neighbors in condemning yesterday’s bombing at the Boston Marathon. We pray that God comforts the families of the deceased and those in pain.”

Statement of Condemnation by APPNA ( Association of Pakistani Physicians)

APPNA STANDS WITH BOSTON

APPNA leadership and members are deeply shocked and saddened by the highly despicable terror attack on innocent citizens in Boston. We are in solidarity with the affected people and families and express our heartfelt condolence to the near and dear ones of the victims who lost their lives.

This was a heinous and cowardly act which took place at an event celebrated by Bostonians, and renowned for bringing people together from around the world. We agree with President Obama’s pledged to find the perpetrators and bring the “full weight of justice” against them.

Though it is another sad event in the history of humanity, but we need to stay firm in our resolve to fight and defeat terrorism and to defend and uphold the values that define the United States of America. ”

Statement by ADC ( American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee)

“ADC’s thoughts & prayers go out to all our friends, family, community members, and anyone affected by today’s tragedy in Boston”