ISNA Weekly Newsletter

Ways to Join

Join us for "Faith Behind Bars: Lessons from Prophet Yusuf and Modern-Day Incarceration," a live event in collaboration with Tayba Foundation. We will explore the themes of injustice, resilience, and redemption through the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and the struggles faced by modern-day Muslims like Imam Khalifa from Missouri. Prophet Yusuf’s experience of unjust imprisonment and eventual rise to leadership provides timeless lessons on faith and perseverance, offering profound inspiration for those dealing with similar challenges today. The event will highlight the transformative power of spiritual resilience in overcoming adversity.

We will also compare the moral and spiritual lessons from Yusuf’s story with the struggles of contemporary incarcerated Muslims who face systemic oppression, racial profiling, and religious discrimination. Figures like Imam Khalifa exemplify how unjust imprisonment can serve as a platform for advocating justice and promoting positive social change. This discussion will emphasize the role of faith, patience, and activism in navigating these challenges, offering a unique perspective on how historical narratives can inform and inspire modern-day struggles for justice and dignity.

Watch Session 10 Here!

A session will be featured each week in the newsletter. Make sure to hit the Youtube subscribe button and notification bell so you are notified when a new video has dropped. Session videos are being added daily!

Muslim American Empowerment via Education: Main Session 10 at the 61st Annual ISNA Convention

Speakers: Habeeb Quadri, Muzammil Siddiqi, Tamara Gray & Safaa Zarzour

Moderator: Mona Islam

The first divine decree was to read and educate ourselves in the name of God (96:1) because education is the key to enlightened minds, fostering courage to harmonize religion and nation without conflict. It shapes our minds and hearts to embrace differences while collectively pursuing shared resolutions. Muslim Americans carry a proud legacy of Islamic institutions, seminaries, and educational platforms for decades on American soil. Engaging with and expanding upon this legacy further is imperative to

ensure a timely contribution to society.

Yusuf Kahloon - Bound by Belief: Holding Firm to the Rope of Allah

Abdullah Waheed - Bound by Belief: Holding Firm to the Rope of Allah

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The November/December issue of Islamic Horizons is here! Make sure to get your copy by subscribing today!

Escaping the 9-5 Burnout

Muslim Family Moves to Spain for a Slower Pace of Life

By Amal Omer

“Something has to change,” recalls Isra Hashmi telling her husband as she lay in an emergency room hospital bed. 

Hashmi, who had gone to the doctor that morning with heart palpitations and shortness of breath, was sent to the emergency room after an electrocardiogram showed she was having an arrhythmia... 

Building a Network of Future Leaders

MYNA's Annual Summer Leadership Summit

By Alaa Abdeldaiem

Every summer since 2014, a remarkable event unfolds that shapes the future of Muslim leadership across the U.S: The Muslim Youth of North America’s (MYNA) Annual Summer Leadership Summit (SLS). This July, the highly anticipated event gathered around 60 youth from across the country, each poised to take on significant roles as executive committee and regional executive committee officers... 

Daily Struggles in Prison

Muslims Need to Step Up to End Discrimination Against Muslim Inmates

By Emily Duncan

“They try to make practicing Islam as hard as possible. We cannot hold ta‘leem (a weekly prison study group), nor can we wear hijab,” said Gloria, an incarcerated Muslima. “We take turns leading salah. It is so hard for Muslim volunteers to get approved to come lead the prayer and teach us.” A sad mix of ignorance, bias and lack of support has left incarcerated Muslims in a dismal state...

Teaching Children Their Mother Tongue

Build Vocabulary and Boost Confidence

By Kiran Ansari

“If we don’t speak to our children in Urdu, the language can die with us.” This realization hit hard for Nadia Siddiqui from San Jose, Calif. Twenty years ago, there were not many online resources. With no extended family nearby, she was worried that her children – and grandchildren – would not know how to speak their mother tongue if she didn’t put in the effort...

Are you over the age of 19? Are you passionate about working with youth, spending time outdoors, and making a positive impact? Apply to be a MYNA counselor for our upcoming winter camp today! As a Camp Counselor, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Mentor and support campers, fostering their personal growth and building lasting friendships.
• Get creative and help lead engaging workshops that inspire curiosity and learning.
• Explore the great outdoors and create unforgettable memories in nature.
• Gain valuable leadership and teamwork skills that will benefit you in future endeavors.
• Brush up on your Islamic Knowledge as you hear from renowned speakers and scholars.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 19 years old (previous camp experience is a plus but not required).
• Passion for working with youth and providing a safe, inclusive environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Connect with youth in your community and make a difference in their lives! Apply today 

The Diversity Merit Scholarship was founded with the intention of investing in enlightenment and personal, spiritual, and educational development of Diverse Muslim Youth across North America. It is open to African American youth only. Scholarship recipients may be subject to verification of eligibility. 

Health specialists onsite help by:

 - Administer first aid and manage minor injuries or illnesses for campers and staff as needed.

 - Maintain health records and ensure confidentiality of camper medical information.

 - Provide guidance on health and safety best practices during camp activities.

 - Respond promptly to medical emergencies and coordinate with local healthcare facilities when necessary. 

- Conduct health checks and ensure camp facilities meet health and safety standards.

 - Collaborate with camp advisors and staff to promote a healthy and safe camp environment.

The MYNA Bay Area Local Executive Committee is thrilled to invite you to an unforgettable Youth Night at MCC East Bay! This special evening is all about coming together for meaningful community bonding, spiritual growth, and fun.We’ll begin the night with a short and impactful halaqa, diving into Islamic topics that resonate with our daily lives. Following that, we will be having a delicious dinner from Dave’s Hot Chicken, and then get ready for an evening filled with exciting games designed to connect and unite Muslim youth.This is a fantastic way to strengthen your bonds with fellow young Muslims in the community and create lasting memories.Registration is only $15, so don’t wait — reserve your spot now through the link below. This is an event you won’t want to miss! Register here: https://fs8.formsite.com/isnayouth/x6pw6meoq1/index

NORTH CENTRAL x MIDWEST PRESENTS

Embodying The Quran

This very special collab between the North Central & Midwest regions will dive deep into the importance of the Quran and how we can integrate its teachings into our daily lives.Details:

- November 15th - 17th, 2024 - OVERNIGHT

- Flint, Michigan

- $100 - Use code “FLASH20” for $20 off (valid until Nov 8th)Speakers:

- Sister Jenan Jondy

- Doctor Khaled Hammoud

Register asap using the QR code and link : https://fs8.formsite.com/isnayouth/zvr9ovzojf/index

The Islamic Institute of Raindrop Foundation, Houston, TX

We have begun a few programs to promote environmental awareness within our community. One of our key initiatives is the “Fajr Nature Walks”, nature walks by Palin Unal, a Texas Master Naturalist, sharing insights about the local environment and dispelling common myths, such as the misconception that all snakes should be killed on sight. These walks are followed by a 30-minute session for nature/Quran journaling or personal spiritual reflection time. Additionally, a Muslim Community Brunch was hosted at the Turkish Center, which emphasized green practices. During this event, discussed environmental awareness and introduced our Green Team initiative, aimed at promoting nature education, reducing waste, and adopting eco-friendly practices—especially as we prepare for Ramadan. Insha’Allah, we plan to organize a Family Picnic that will once again emphasize eco-friendly practices with the goal of a zero-waste picnic.

Du’a for Comfort and Peace

- Arabic:

‎ "حَسْبُنَا اللهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ."

- Transliteration:

"Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel."

- Translation:

"Sufficient for us is Allah, and He is the best disposer of affairs."

- This is a powerful reminder to place complete trust in Allah and feel at ease knowing that He is in control of all situations.

"While prayers and recitation of Quran can bring peace and relief, professional mental health support is also essential, especially for those with intense or long-lasting struggles.

Stress and anxiety often have complex roots, including life events, and professionals trained in therapy and counseling can offer additional tools and treatments.

Islam encourages seeking knowledge and assistance when facing hardships. Working with mental health professionals does not diminish faith; it complements the holistic approach to well-being that Islam supports."

-Imam Mohamed Hag Magid

ISNA is Hiring!

Outreach and Engagement Coordinator

Email Resume To Basharat.saleem@Isna.net

Community Outreach And Engagement Coordinator

Job Type: Full TimeReports to: Executive Director

Location: ISNA HQ, 6555 South 750 East, Plainfield, Indiana 46168

ISNA seeks an enthusiastic and organized Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator to join our team. In this role, you will develop and implement outreach strategies to engage with our target audience and promote our programs and services to Masjids, Islamic Schools, and communities. The ideal candidate is passionate about community engagement, possesses excellent communication skills, and thrives in a dynamic environment.

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