ALHUDA

Semester 1, 2012

south island brothers camp

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inside:

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alhuda

semester 1, 2012

contents
from the president your exec regular & upcoming activities brothers welcome gathering dear youth! 3 5 6 7 8

reaping the benefits of ramadan 9 south island brothers camp the true muslimah
cover: native bush, gunns bush, waimate background: alhuda mosque, dunedin published by Muslim University Students Association (MUSA) University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand contact details cell: 022 islam 2 u email: admin@otagomusa.com web: http://otagomusa.com written correspondence to MUSA c/o OUSA PO Box 1432 Dunedin 9054

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from the president

Assalam Alykum Wa RahmatAllah Wa Barakaatu everyone!

SA. MashaAllah, introduction of membership cards with discounts at Halal outlets around town, free branded totes and Halal meat & chicken discounts at the Mosque have all proven appealing initiatives, boosting our membership to record numbers from a floundering 20 in 2011, to almost 70 brothers and sisters in 2012! So, a big jazakumAllah khairan to all the brothers and sisters who helped with our stall during Clubs Day your input and contribution is greatly appreciated.

n behalf of MUSA, I would like to welcome you to the AlHuda Magazine for Semester one, 2012. In this issue, we capture all the excitement of the first half of 2012, which has so far been busy but fulfilling alhamdulilah.

Creativity and imagination have been top on the agenda for the MUSA Executive committee since election in October 2011. Firstly, we started with the successful purchase of our own domain, http://otagomusa.com, which is now up and running alhamdulilah, and is reg- Our first major event this year was the Brothularly ers welcome gathering, held at the Mosque in early March. Secondly, a paintball event was introduction of membership cards, also held in March, which was thoroughly en... free branded totes and Halal joyed by all the brothers attending. Our final meat & chicken discounts... have all highlight was the Brothers camp, held with proven appealing initiatives ... great success in mid-April alhamdulilah. updated with our various activities so Read on to find out and enjoy the photo highcheck out the above website and add it to lights and engaging recounts of the welcome your favourites! We also set about developing gathering and camp. a new MUSA logo, and after several drafts In collaboration with our Sheikh, our Dawah and unanimous agreement on one design, we officer has also put together a weekly educafinished with the stylish logo displayed on the tional programme at the Mosque which infront cover. Not only does it symbolize Islam corporates a range of activities, including Seeand Muslims through the minaret and dome, rah (Biography) of the Prophet SAWS, Quran but it also illustrates our connection to the Halaqah (circle) and Saturday video lecture University of Otago as a student association screenings. Many brothers and sisters are fathrough the University logo. miliar with and attend these activities reguJanuary 2012, and the dawn of the new aca- larly alhamdulilah. The timetable is available demic year was fast approaching. So, we con- in the Mosque foyer and can also be viewed centrated our efforts on membership and online, at http://otagomusa.com/regularstrategies to attract new and returning Mus- classes. lim students in Dunedin to sign up with MU-

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semester 1, 2012

o conclude, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all the brothers and sisters who have joined us this year, particularly those who are new to Dunedin. I would also like to take this opportunity to give some humble advice to myself and all the students, firstly by stressing the importance of staying close to the Mosque and attending the daily prayers in congregation. As the semester unfolds and study becomes foremost in our minds, we may be inclined, for instance, to pray at home rather than at the Mosque to save ourselves more time. We must always try to avoid such habits, especially during this blessed month of Ramadan, and instead try to set aside whatever time we can each day to recite some verses of the Quran, attend the daily prayers and Taraweeh at the Mosque, and make dua to Allah SWT. Be sure that only Allah SWT will grant you success in your studies, and if you please Him by remembering Him in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet SAWS, praying at the Mosque, and fearing Him SWT, then He will answer your prayers and supplication enshaAllah. Coming up in September is our annual Islam Awareness Week, where we will be organising an exhibition, mosque open days, a Muslim Food Fest, and other great activities enshaAllah. Please keep in touch as we will be needing plenty of volunteers. I ask Allah SWT to help us remain steadfast on His straight path, to make all our studies smooth and easy, and to accept our fasting and good deeds in this blessed month Aameen. Here I leave you to ponder over the beautiful meanings of this hadith of the Prophet SAWS, provided firstly in Arabic, and translated into English thereafter:
: : : ( ] [ :

Ibn Abbas RAA narrates: One day I was [riding] behind the Prophet SAWS, and he said to me: Young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask Allah; if you seek help, seek the help of Allah. Know that if the Nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried. [Al-Tirmidhi] JazakumAllah khairan, and I wish you all the best for the second semester. Wassalam

Mostafa Amer MUSA President

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your exec

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semester 1, 2012

weekly activities

ramadan
daily ramadan quiz musa fundraiser stalls daily islamic talks details in mosque foyer large & small prayer halls after fajr prayer and iftaar

coming up
quran competition * islam awareness week annual MUSA AGM & elections
* see p. 15 for more info page 6

sat 11th aug, after asr mon 3rd - sun 9th sept sun 30th sept (T.B.C)

brothers welcome gathering

alhuda mosque, 4th march by mostafa amer

A classic Dunedin day: a cool southerly on its way, ready to unleash a deluge of rain; an icy wind that rattles your bones; dense, menacing clouds preparing to mask the warm rays of the sun. Needless to say, initial plans to hold the welcome gathering outdoors at Forrester Park were quickly abandoned. So instead, the gathering was held at the Mosque after Dhuhr prayer, on Sunday the 4th of March, with a fairly large atMashaAllah, it was easy to see everyone was enjoying themselves and getting involved.

of the game and the pace began to pick up. To add flavour, Br Rajol also threw in some tricky rules like throwing the ball with your non-dominant hand and not being allowed to hold the ball more than 5 seconds. MashaAllah, it was easy to see everyone was enjoying themselves and getting involved. In the meantime, a tantalizing whiff of the BBQ being prepared on the Mosque doorstep had wormed its way into the hall, reminding brothers of their groaning stomachs. So with the BBQ ready, brothers settled in the foyer for lunch. Steaming sausages and patties, onions, tomato sauce and mustard this was definitely not the time to diet. With tummies full and satisfied, some brothers filed back through into the large hall for volleyball, while others left to return home. The volleyball continued for about half an hour, after which the gathering concluded. A big jazakumAllah khairan to all those who helped make the event a success, and I am sure all those who attended had a great time. I look forward to getting the new brothers involved in our activities this semester enshaAllah.

tendance (around 25 brothers) alhamdulilah. With everyone seated in a large circle in the small prayer hall, the gathering began with a welcome and introduction by the MUSA President. Each brother was then invited to introduce himself to the rest of the group in turn, giving his name, country of origin, and area of study. Senior brothers also had the opportunity to give advice to new students joining us in Dunedin this year. Ok, enough formalities. Now it was time to involve everyone in some sports. With everyone in the large hall, Br Rajol took the helm and explained the rules of dodgeball. Everyone quickly got the gist

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alhuda

semester 1, 2012
adapted from Young men be productive www.islamweb.net

dear youth!

Remember

ave you ever seen a man whose back has become hunched, his hair grey, his steps heavy and his teeth lost? He has difficulty in praying, fasting, eating and drinking. He was once a young man like you. He lived the life of young men. He walked, played and entertained himself as young men do. He thought that the days of young age will be long and the strength of youth will last forever... Today, after he has become old and weak, afflicted with many ailments, he cries over his past. He cries over the time he wasted in vain play and worthless actions. He cries over the strength which has departed him and wishes to regain it so that he would utilize it in the obedience of Allah. But it is too late. Every new day calls upon the son of Adam saying, O son of Adam! I am a new day, and will be a witness to what you do, so take advantage of me, because once I leave I will never come back until the day of Resurrection. the saying of the Prophet SAWS, There are two bounties to which people do not give their due thanks (do not utilize properly): health and spare time [Al-Bukhari]. You are in the age of strength and health, and have a lot of time to utilize, so why dont you take advantage of this time by using it to do what brings you closer to Allah and benefits you in the Hereafter? Abdullaah bin Masood RAA said, I hate to see a man not utilizing his time in something useful for his life in this world or the life in the

Hereafter. Ibn Shaybaan, may Allah have mercy on him, said, He who preserves his time and, does not waste it in what displeases Allah; Allah will preserve for him his religion and worldly affairs. Dear youth! Remember the following: Your life is a capital you possess, so do not waste it in unbeneficial things. Be selective in the company you keep and do not befriend evil people. Guard your prayers, because they are your rescuers. And do not sleep through the dawn (Fajr) prayer. Perform Wudhoo even when you find it hard to do so, attend the congregational prayer and spend time in the mosque waiting for the next prayer. Get yourself used to spending in charity because it relieves you from many hardships. Recite a portion from the Quran daily. Increase your remembrance of and supplication to Allah, because Allah loves those who remember Him and supplicate to Him. Attend sessions of knowledge, because seeking knowledge is an obligation. Be humble because arrogant people will not be admitted into Paradise. Obey your parents, because rebellious people will not enter Paradise. Avoid music and singing, because their love and the love of the Quran can never be combined in one heart. Lower your gaze, as it is the action of the pious.

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reaping the benefits of ramadan

adapted from http://www.huda.tv/articles

It is very important that we spend a few moments to understand some of the wisdoms and lessons that we can learn from this blessed month of fasting. We should use this month to reflect on and correct our behaviour, attitudes and intentions whether in relation to acts of worship, or in relation to our day-to-day life. Ramadan is a month where we should strive to move closer to Allah SWT, where we should recharge our Imaan for the subsequent 11 months of the year. This is why we need to reflect on some of these lessons.

][

ESSON 1: GAINING TAQWAA Allah SWT legislated fasting for gaining Taqwaa (piety). Allah says in the Quran:

"O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain Taqwaa." [Al-Baqarah V2:183]
Ramadan is a month where we should... recharge our Imaan for the subsequent 11 months of the year.

Taqwaa in this case means to make a shield between oneself and Allahs anger and Hellfire. So we should ask ourselves, when we break our fast, Has this fasting day made us fear Allah more? Has it increased our determination to protect ourselves from the hellfire or not?

LESSON 2: DRAWING CLOSER TO ALLAH SWT This is achieved by reciting and reflecting on the Quran, attending the Taraweeh prayers, remembering Allah, and sitting in circles of knowledge. Also, making I`tikaaf in the Mosque in the last ten nights of Ramadan, so as to leave all worldly pursuits and seclude oneself in an effort to bring oneself closer to Allah SWT. When one sins, one feels distant from Allah due to the burden of his sins, and loses the sweetness of Imaan and obedience. On the other hand, the obedient worshipper does not carry the shame of his sins and hence feels the happiness of worshipping Allah SWT and wants to do more good deeds to draw closer and closer to Him. LESSON 3: ACQUIRING PATIENCE AND STRONG WILL Allah has mentioned patience more than seventy times in the Quran and has commanded patience in more than sixteen ways in His

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Book. So when one fasts, and gives up ones food and drink, and all worldly pleasures for those hours, one learns restraint and patience. This Ummah needs men and women who are strong willed, who can stand behind the Sunnah and the Book of Allah and not waver in front of the enemies of Allah. LESSON 4: STRIVING FOR IHSAAN (RIGHTEOUSNESS AND SINCERITY) AND STAYING AWAY FROM RIYAA (SHOWING OFF) Ihsaan means to worship Allah as if one sees Him, and even though one does not see Him, He sees all. Hasan al-Basree said, "By Allah, in the last twenty years, I have not said a word or taken something with my hand or refrained to take something with my hand or stepped forth or stepped back, except that I have thought before I have done any action, Does Allah love this action? Is Allah pleased with this action?' So when one is fasting, one should gain this quality of watching oneself and also staying away from riyaa (showing off). This is why Allah SWT said in the Qudsee (Divine) hadeeth, "Fasting is for Me and I reward it." [Al-Bukhari] Allah singles out fasting from all other types of worship saying, "Fasting is for Me", because no one knows whether you are fasting or not, except Allah. For example, when one is praying or giving charity, one can be seen

semester 1, 2012
by the people, so one might do the action seeking the praise of the people. Sufyaan athThawree used to cry day and night, and the people used to ask him, "Why do you cry, is it due to the fear of Allah? He said, No. They said, "Is it due to the fear of the Hellfire?" He said, No. It is not the fear of Hellfire that makes me cry, what makes me cry is that I have been worshipping Allah all these years and doing scholarly teaching, and I am not certain that my intentions are purely for Allah." LESSON 5: REFINEMENT OF MANNERS, ESPECIALLY TRUTHFULNESS The Prophet SAWS said, "Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action, then Allah SWT has no need that he should leave his food and drink." [Al-Bukhari] Thus, we must pay attention to the purification of our manners. The Prophet SAWS said, "I was sent to perfect good manners." [Malik] LESSON 6: RECOGNIZING THAT ONE CAN CHANGE FOR THE BETTER The Prophet SAWS said, "Every son of Adam sins and the best of the sinners are those who repent." [Ibn Maajah] Allah provides many opportunities for us to repent to Him and seek His forgiveness. If one is disobedient he can become obedient. LESSON 7: BEING MORE CHARITABLE Ibn Abbas said, "The Prophet SAWS was the most charitable amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month" [Al-Bukhari]

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feature

south island brothers camp

gunns bush, 14th 15th april by shakeel mirza

One

might expect that a camp held 180 km away from Dunedin would not be received with much enthusiasm. Well, perhaps. But now looking back, I can say that this years camp was on the contrary a tremendous success alhamdulilah.
Firstly, a massive thank you to all brothers (and their families) involved in the 2012 South Island Brother's Camp. It was inspiring and humbling to see all the brothers working together, putting in that extra effort that was needed to carry the various responsibilities to completion from extreme marathon driving (Brs Hamza, Iqbal and others), to cooking for 30 40 people, to seeing what a Spartan is made of (Brs Rajol Kochlashvili, Aimal Barekzai and a few very bruised others ; p ) everyone, those I have mentioned and those I have not, rose tremendously to the occasion. This year we were privileged to have Sheikh Munir from Christchurch as a guest speaker, as well as Sheikh Asrarul Haque from

group photo

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alhuda
Dunedin; a big thank you to them for donating their time and knowledge to help increase our Imaan and understanding about our Priorities, Rights and Responsibilities as Muslims. I would also like to extend a wholehearted thank you to our brothers from Christchurch for coming and supporting our event it would not have been the same without you your youth and exuberance (most brothers from Christchurch were under 15) were appreciated, and your willingness and good cheer in the clean-up was MOST welcome!!!
... everyone... rose tremendously to the occasion.

semester 1, 2012

brothers gather in the main hall

So,

Day 1. The majority of brothers from Dunedin, up since Fajr prayer, arrived at the campsite towards Saturday noon, whereupon they unpacked and received their free branded MUSA camp t-shirts, which proved very appealing alhamdulilah hint: look at the photos : ) Needless to say stomachs were growling by this time, so a tasty BBQ lunch was promptly served. Group photos, Dhuhr and Asr prayers then followed. The rest of the afternoon was sport-focused, with the traditional football, cricket and volleyball trio, as well as some creative additions from Br Rajol, namely ball-rush and octopus. The Christchurch brothers arrived in the evening, and having completed registration formalities, all the brothers got together for a formal welcome and an ice-breaking session. After Maghrib and Isha prayers, our Sheikh and Sheikh Munir delivered a tazkirah and an Islamic lecture respectively.

Our experienced Pakistani chefs, who had been hard at work during this time, then served an appetising dinner a delicious curry with steaming rice and salad. Next, the brothers took part in a quiz with multiple rounds. From the excitement and competitive atmosphere, it was certainly one of the highlights of the camp mashaAllah. Finally, at around 11 pm, a video lecture was screened entitled First things first by Sheikh Bilal Phillips but with a contagious yawning outbreak, sleep quickly became foremost in everyones mind. Day 2. Fajr prayer and a tazkirah, followed by a Quran Halaqah (circle), with all the brothers huddled around the cosy fireplace. Towards 7.30 am, with the warm rays of the sun crawling over the hills, brothers went outside for an invigorating morning walk. An All Black breakfast was then served: left-over sausages, egg omelette, cereals, and peanut butter and jam on toast. Well, now it was time to digest. The brothers were organised into groups for Islamic charades, where each group acted out then explained a skit in front of the rest of the

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feature

rise and shine: morning rays flood the hall

gunns bush loop track

brothers. By the time this finished the sun was high in the sky, pumping energy into our aching bodies. The brothers were led out to a lovely 1.5 hr loop track abutting the campsite, with magical scenery native
It was a great privilege to be part of this event, and I sincerely thank all my brothers for... allowing me... to benefit from their company.

bushes and trees, fresh mountain streams, and elegantly dressed fantails tailgating in a whimsical fashion coupled with a crisp morning breeze. The rest of the morning, which involved casual indoor (table tennis and pool) and outdoor sports, was equally enjoyable. Dhuhr and Asr prayers, a lecture, and lunch then followed. With the day drawing to a close, the arduous task of clean-up began, but with a united effort, everything was finished quickly alhamdulilah. Finally, refreshing ice-cream was served to everyone before departure. Every year a South Island Brother's Camp is held by MUSA with the aim of pleasing Allah SWT our Creator, the Magnificent, the

All-Knowing and increasing our love and respect for one another for the sake of Allah SWT. It was a great privilege to be part of this event, and I sincerely thank all my brothers for encouraging me to overcome my scheduling difficulties with my studies, and thereby allowing me not only to witness the brothers strengths and humour, but also to benefit from their company. Please accept my apologies for any shortcomings on my part as Camp Leader as well. On the menu for this semester are Ramadan activities including a Quran competition and Islam Awareness Week in September, enshaAllah. Please do come and support MUSA, your Muslim Student Association. Brothers are also encouraged to provide advice, suggestions and improvements for further development of future camps please do so by either sending an email to myself or any of the brothers in the MUSA executive committee, or by arranging to see us in person. We are here to serve you. JazakumAllah khairan! Shakeel Mirza Camp Leader 2012

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the true muslimah

When news of the Roman army that had prepared on the horizons to wipe out Islam reached him, Abu Qudaamah Al-Shaamee moved quickly to the Mimbar of the Masjid. In a powerful and emotional speech, Abu Qudaamah ignited the desire of the community to defend their land, Jihad for the sake of Allah. As he left the Masjid, walking down a dark and secluded alley, a women stopped him and said, "As salamu alaykum wa Rahmatullaah!" Abu Qudaamah stopped and did not answer. She repeated her salam again, adding "this is not how pious people should act." She stepped forward from the shadows. "I heard you in the Masjid encouraging the believers to go for Jihad and all I have is this" She handed him two long braids. "It can be used for a horse rein. Perhaps Allah may write me as one of those who went for Jihad." The next day as that Muslim village set out to confront the crusader army, a young boy ran through the gathering and stood at the hooves of Abu Qudaamah's horse. "I ask you by Allah to allow me to join the army." Some of the elder fighters laughed at the boy. "The horses will trample you," they said. But Abu Qudaamah looked down into his eyes as he asked again, "I ask you by Allah, let me join." Abu Qudaamah then said, "On one condition, if you are killed you will take me with you to Jannah amongst those you will be allowed to intercede for." That young boy smiled. "It's a promise." When the two armies met and the fighting intensified, the young boy on the back of Abu Qudaamah's horse asked, "I ask you by Allah to give me 3 arrows." "You'll lose them!" The boy repeated, "I ask you by Allah to give me them." Abu Qudaamah gave him the arrows and the boy took aim. "Bismillaah!" The arrow flew and killed a Roman. "Bismillaah!" The second arrow flew, killing a second Roman. "Bismillaah!" The third arrow flew, killing a third Roman. An arrow then struck the boy in the chest - knocking him off the horse. Abu Qudaamah jumped down to his side, reminding the boy in his final breaths, "Don't forget the promise!" The boy reached into his pocket, extracted a pouch and said, "Please return this to my mother." "Who's your mother?" asked Abu Qudaamah. "The woman who gave you the braids yesterday." Think about this Muslimah. How did she reach this level of Taqwa where she would sacrifice her hair for the sake of Allah - when today some women are prepared to spend their wealth to do the same to imitate non-Muslim icons. What is even more remarkable is her willingness to sacrifice her son for the sake of Allah - when women nowadays would die so long as their son stayed home, in some cases preventing them from joining the congregational prayers at the Mosque.

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