Thursday, September 9, 2010

Liberal Arts Forum

Faraz Khan

Archive for October, 2007

Challenges we face as we move forward

Posted by admin On October - 12 - 2007

Following two Ramadan khutab are a response to where we should be spending our energies. There is a positive, constructive element amongst Muslims and there’s a negative, hair-splitting element that we need to be aware of. I have tried my best to focus on the primary issues that we must address in order to see a positive change in current state of affairs for the ummah here in America. The leadership needs to focus on priorities. What are Muslims in America all about?

I have always understood Islam, to submit oneself to God in order to attain peace, a relationship between God and His servant. One must surrender his/her will and seek the will (pleasure) of God. Without Islam, one is lost in finding the pleasure of God. The path is clear…we simply need to focus and prioritize our goals.

One Nation under God (((audio))) Yardley, PA

on Our relationship to God and responsibility to serve people – new mosque in Yardley.

“O People, exchange greetings of peace, feed people, meet with people, and pray at night when people are asleep, than you shall enter paradise with peace” (hadith).

Institution Building (((audio))) -New Brunswick Islamic Center; “If you build it, they will come”.

American Muslim community is in need of strong institutions that will train the next generation of Muslims as believers serving the humanity. In order to proclaim the message of Islam, believers must embody the prophetic model. How will Islam in America will grow in next 25 years; it all depends on what we plant today.

General

Institutions that Prophet (s) built

Posted by admin On October - 2 - 2007

Institution Building (((audio))) – “If you build it, they shall come”.

American Muslim community is in need of strong institutions that will train the next generation of Muslims as believers serving the humanity. In order to proclaim the message of Islam, believers must embody the prophetic model. How will Islam in America is going to shape in next 25 years; it all depends on what we do as believers today. In order to pass the baton, we must build institutions that will carry the work when we pass away. Alazhar, Qairawiyin, Zaytuna, and other institutes continue to teach scores of Muslims even after hundreds of years have passed since their inception.

Plant a seed and remember, the fruits are with God.

General

Posted by admin On October - 1 - 2007

Students partake in Ramadan meal

Pablo Abilal / Contributing Writer

Issue date: 9/17/07 Section: University

A line of hungry students who hadn’t eaten since sunrise stretched out the doors of the Multipurpose Room in the Rutgers Student Center on the College Avenue campus last Thursday evening, awaiting the first meal of Ramadan.

The meal, hosted by the Islamic Society of Rutgers University, saw an increase from 200 participants last year to nearly 300 this year, said ISRU Events Coordinator Nadia Sheikh, a University College junior. Sheikh attributed the unexpected increase in turnout to an influx of first-year participation.

“There is a strong student body and a need to get involved,” Sheikh said, adding that the event was open to anyone who wanted to experience a communal meal on the first day of Ramadan. “We wanted to make it a place where people from all walks of life can get together. That is why every other person had a non-Muslim friend.”

During the first night of the holy month on the Islamic calendar, an “Iftar” – or fast-breaking meal – took place in addition to speakers discussing guidelines to follow during Ramadan.

“It’s a month where people connect to God by performing good work, fasting, giving charity and being good in general,” said Imam Faraz Khan, the main speaker of the event. “It’s a training program where Muslims go back to their religious teachings.”

Over 300 hundred people gathered to drink water and eat dates, a similar custom Muslims did in traditional times. Before eating the meal, participants gathered in lines to worship and thank God.

David Fricke, the executive director and chaplain of the Office of the Muslim Chaplain at Rutgers University, said the large Muslim student population at the University – which accounts for at least 10 percent of undergraduates – has led to a greater support network. He said the event was a good example of outreach efforts from ISRU to create an environment of camaraderie and support for fellow Muslims on campus.

“Ramadan, with its demanding physical and spiritual sacrifices, is a particularly important time for Muslims, especially those in a minority situation, to come together,” Fricke said.

During the event, ISRU was also recruiting volunteers to take part in charity events during Ramadan.

Waleed Gabr, one of the speakers who came to the event to recruit volunteers for upcoming charity events, agreed.

“It is obligatory for every Muslim to give,” Gabr said. “It’s not for material gain, but for spiritual gain.”

General