Ten Blessed Days of Dhul Hijjah Mufti Mohammad Farhan

In the Noble Qur’an, Allah SWT takes oaths by numerous

things to emphasize their significance. From amongst these

things, one by which He SWT takes an oath is time. Time

is one of the greatest blessings of Allah SWT bestowed

upon humanity.

Time is a big gift. However, from amongst the twelve

Islamic months of the year, Allah SWT has made some

higher than others. Explaining this are the following verses

where Allah SWT which precisely makes mention of

certain important periods in the Islamic calendar:

Allah SWT says:

“Among them are four sacred months…”. (al-Tawbah:

V26)

And he says: “The hajj is known months”. (al-Baqarah:

V197)

In these virtuous days Allah SWT grants and bestows extra

compassion from His mercy. The blessed is a person who

improves himself in these virtuous days, months and

hours, by using them to attain the nearness of Allah SWT.

There are specific times, days, and months where the

rewards of righteous deeds are multiplied and achieving

the Rehmanh (mercy) in these days becomes easier. From

amongst these days are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah,

the last month of the Islamic calendar.

Dhul-Hijjah is the last month of the Islamic calendar.

Literally, it means "hajj." Clearly, this name of the month

suggests that the great annual worship of "hajj" is

performed in this month, which gives it unique

importance.

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the most

glorious days in Islamic calendar.

In the Qur’an, Allah SWT takes an oath:

“And the 10 nights” (Al-Fajr: V 2)

Ibn ‘Abbas RD and many of the great scholars state that

the ten nights mentioned in this verse refer to the first ten

days of Dhul al-Hijjah.

The ten nights by which Allah takes an oath are full of

virtues.

antry

Ibn ‘Abbas RD narrates: The Messenger (Allah bless him

and give him peace) said: “There are no days in which

righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days”

(i.e the first ten days of Dhul al-Hijjah). (Bukhari).

Jabir RD narrates: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him

and give him peace) said: “There are no days more virtuous

to Allah than the ten days of Dhul al-Hijjah”. (Ibn Hibban)

What to do on the first 10 days of Dhul al-Hijjah?

These are precious days where a believer can certainly be

forgiven and improved as well as achieve the closeness of

Allah SWT.

Some of the actions one can perform are:

1. Fasting the first nine days or as many as one can keep.

Hunaydah ibn Khalid narrated upon the authority of his wife

who said, “Some of the wives of the Messenger of Allah

(Allah bless him and give him peace) told me that the

Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace)

used to fast the Day of ‘Ashurah, the first nine days of Dhul-

Hijjah, and three days out of every month”. (Ahmad, Nasa’i)

2. Dhikr (the remembrance of Allah).

This can be done by saying the takbir (Allahu akbar),

the tahmid (al-hamdu li-Allah), the tasbih (subhana al-

Allah) and the tahlil (la ilaha illa al-Allah).

Allah says, “…and recite Allah’s name in specified days”

(al-Hajj: V28).

The specified days refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

By remembering Allah in these days, one will be directly

following the recommendation in this verse.

3. Repentance.

During these blessed days there is a great opportunity to

benefit from the extra generosity shown from Allah,

therefore; one should set side time to repent for all sins-

minor and major.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him)

said, “The one who repents from sins is like he who has no

sin”. (Ibn Majah, Bayhaqi)

4. Refraining from sins.

It is important that each Muslim acknowledges that in order

to gain the maximum benefit from righteous actions, it is

essential to abstain from sins. Even if a person cannot

perform any excess acts, the least one should do is refrain

from sin. One must be mindful of every type of sin, from the

violation of the rights of Allah, to the rights of the creation

of Allah, including sins of the physical body and sins of the

tongue.

Ten Blessed Days of Dhul Hijjah

Mufti Mohammad Farhan Executive Director, Islamic Center Of Long Island

In the name of Allah most Gracious most Merciful

Islamic Center Of Long Island

Summer Newsletter 2021

5. Recitation of the Qur’an.

Often after the month of the Ramadan one loses the habit

of reciting the Qur’an regularly. Use these days to increase

in the recitation of the beautiful words of Allah to re-

establish daily recitation.

6. Maintain ties.

When one becomes busy with work or studying,

maintaining good relationships with family, neighbors and

friends becomes difficult. These days are a prime time to

maintain good ties.

7. Praying (Duaa) to Allah SWT.

This is a believer’s link to conversing with Allah. One

should use these days to express one’s gratitude and ask

for one’s lawful worldly needs as well as salvation in the

hereafter.

8. Giving in charity.

May Allah SWT grant us all the strength and ability to

appreciate the virtue of these blessed days and the ability

to do righteous deeds. Ameen Ya Rabb.

Islamic Center Of Long Island - Salaam Group

On behalf of the Salaam Group Committee, I would like to

take this time to briefly outline some of the

accomplishments of the committee this quarter,

Alhamdulillah.

I. To date, the Salaam Group committee has been working

collaboratively with the administration of ICLI to

personally contact by email and phone our list of 80-100

new Muslims on ICLI’s contact list dating back to 2013 to

provide any support they may need.

II. The committee has provided a sense of community

amongst the group by sponsoring social gatherings such

as:

1. Virtual iftaar May 5th with over 20 people joining in.

2. Post Eid get together after Eid Salah at Br. Moizuddin

and Sr. Hala's house.

3. Post Eid Picnic at Eisenhower Park where over 60

people from the community came together for great

food, company, and games such as football, frisbee and

cornhole in which the whole family enjoyed,

Alhamdulillah.

III. We are planning a summer open house for Muslim and

non-Muslims, so stay tuned!

IV. We are also partnering with other dawah

organizations such as, ICNA to set up dawah tables in our

local area to invite the local community to get to know us

and our faith.

Attached for your review are some photos of our events.

The Salaam Group is here to support the new Muslim

community; therefore, please feel free to circulate

committee team member’s emails to anyone who would

like to reach out to our group for guidance and support. I

pray Allah swt puts barakah in this work and accepts it,

Insha’Allah.

Best regards,

ICLI Salaam Committee:

Br. Arif, and Br. Sohail, Co-Chairs

Sr. Hala, Br. Moizuddin EC Liaison, Br. Nasir, Sr. Zaiba, Sr.

Zainab

July 2021 / Dhul Hijjah 1442

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh!

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most

Merciful

Dear Respected Brothers and Sisters,

Alhamdulillah! ICLI is back to Normal Operations!

With over 75% of Nassau County Adults having had at

least 1 vaccination as of June 2021, ICLI initiated the re-

normalization process of getting back to pre-covid

operations through a phased in approach. Alhamdulillah,

as of July 6, 2021, we have allowed for mask wearing and

the utilization of a personal prayer rug to be optional for all

congregants as we restarted the prophetic sunnah of

resuming shoulder to shoulder during salah. Jazakallah

Khairan to the entire community’s cooperation and

assistance in following through with all the safety practices

over the past year in making the center a place of solace

and comfort for all. However, we continue to encourage

all congregants and participants of ICLI programs and

activities to maintain a level of caution for the safety of all.

If you have travelled outside of the country, are not

vaccinated and/or your immunity is compromised, we

encourage you to please wear a face mask and continue to

bring your own prayer rug. May Allah SWT grant us

and the entire ummah and humanity success against the

implications of this virus.

Highlighted ICLI Summer Programs:

Summer Camp:

After not having Summer Camp at ICLI last year due to

COVID, ICLI resumed Summer Camp programs on July

6th thanks in large part to the volunteer Summer Camp

Committee in organizing and facilitating the program

activities. Alhamdullilah, we have over 120 of our

community students from kindergarten thru 8th grade

attending an assortment of activities that are academic,

engaging, fun and most importantly that reconnects our

young generation to the masjid.

Summer Quran:

Our Summer Quran program which runs concurrently with

our Summer Camp schedule focuses on immersing our

younger generation and all interested in learning the

fundamentals and or improving their tajweed in the

recitation and/or memorization of the Holy Quran.

Alhamdulillah, ICLI has over 40 students engaged in this

most important and foundational program to increase the

literacy of Quranic recitation.

Stay Engaged:

ICLI is Now on WhatsApp:

“ICLI Announcements” WhatsApp is a messaging Group

created by ICLI. This group was created to keep the

membership and community informed about ICLI’s alerts,

updates, latest events, and activities. It is a direct and

effective messaging service that keeps the community

informed and engaged in all ICLI programs and activities.

Monthly Programs Calendar:

On a monthly basis, ICLI publishes the list of all activities

and programs scheduled for the month. It is an intuitive

calendar with links to all the flyers and details of the events.

Please download the monthly Programs Calendar and keep

connected and engaged to the center’s robust activities.

Your participation and contributions grant each of these

programs the success needed to continue the nourishment

of spiritual growth.

Coming Soon:

7th Annual Summer Family Dinner Event:

Join us on Sunday, July 25th at 6 PM Inshallah, at ICLI as

we Celebrate the Legacy of Past Leadership of ICLI.

Based on the research completed by Dr. Ihsan Bagby in

his report of the US Mosque Survey 2020, ICLI stands as

a leader on many fronts of which includes the

establishment and implementation of its Constitution and

Bylaws and elections every three years to a body of Board

of Trustees and an Executive Committee. The past

leadership of ICLI’s BOT and EC has allowed ICLI to

blossom to one of the most vibrant and robust Islamic

Centers, by the Grace of Allah (Swt). Inshallah join us to

honor our past leaders.

ICLI Full Time Hifz Program / ICLI Weekend School / IC

Kids:

September 2021 is only a month and half away. As we

prepare for our 2021 – 2022 School year, please take the time

to re-evaluate your Child’s connection to his/her faith, the

masjid (The House of Allah SWT) and to friendships that will

foster positive outcomes, Inshallah.

Full Time Hifz Program: The Islamic Center of Long Island offers

a Full-Time Hifz program that caters to a small, dedicated

group of students for the passionate focus of memorizing the

Holy Quran.

ICLI SUMMER CAMP Started in full swing.

ICLI Weekend School: The Vision of the ICLI weekend school is to create and maintain a secure and engaging learning

environment while promoting the Islamic Development of our youth and aid in transmission of Islamic knowledge, and to

help our children develop as upright American-Muslims of high moral character. The Weekend School is offered on

both Saturdays or Sundays as an option for both parents and students.

IC Kids Preschool: A learning experience for 3-5 year old toddlers meant to promote children in getting ready for

Kindergarten. A fun and creative learning environment that also instills Islamic teachings and principles.

Have a Question or Need Help:

Spirituality questions and/or concerns:

Contact Mufti Farhan at (516) 333 – 3495 “option 5” or email: [email protected]

Financial Help: In need of Zakat or Sadaqa

Contact the ICLI Office at (516) 333-3495 or email: [email protected]

Zakat application available online at http://icliny.org/services/zakat/

If you are not an ICLI Member or your membership has expired, please fill out a Membership Application. At the

minimum, please make sure that your contact information is on file at ICLI so to receive the latest alerts, updates, and

program and activity notifications via email or WhatsApp Text Messaging.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, we pray that Allah (swt) showers the community and ICLI with the blessings of

this awarding month, Dhul- Hijjah, which include the best days of the year. We wish everyone a joyous and

celebratory Eid-ul-Adha.

Jazakum Allah Khairan,

Amin Khwaja

President, ICLI

ICLI’s Summer Camp 2021 July 6th - Aug 12th

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam,

Assalamu ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

For more information, please contact ICLI Office at 516-333-3495

Hall Rentals Available at ICLI for Weddings, Walima, Aqiqah….

Weekend School Graduation Held at ICLI on

Jun-26-2021

Membership Committee Of ICLI:

The Membership Committee meets regularly and come up with new suggestion/ideas on how to increase the members of

ICLI. Alhamdulillah 50 new members were signed up during the Ramadan.

It is important to know that there are a lot of benefits in becoming the member of ICLI. Few of those benefits are below.

- Discounts on Weekend School tuition fee (Non-members = $500/year, Members = $450/year)

- Discounts on IC Kids tuition fee (Non-members = $450/month, Members = $400/month)

- Discounts on grave plot purchase (Non-members = $1200, Members = $1000

- Access to general Membership meetings to discuss goals and plans for the masjid.

- Discounts on the Sports Program Registration fee (for example – Basketball League).

- Yearly Calendars and Newsletters sent to your home.

- Enables you to participate in ICLI standing committees (Weekend Seminars, Health, Khutbah, Newsletter, Shura,

Volunteers, Sports and Funeral Committee).

Any ideas or feedback is welcome. Email Committee Chair: Seema Rahman [email protected]

Zakat Committee OF ICLI:

Alhamdulillah Zakat Committee meets every month. We now have a new Zakat application. Individuals can submit

applications online, fax/phone or submit by hand to ICLI office. Each month the committee reviews on average 50-100

applications.

Pantry Committee OF ICLI:

Alhamdulillah, The Pantry Committee is working very hard to keep up with the demand. Pantry committee has been

distributing lots of grocery bags to the families in need in the tri state area. In the month of May and June more than 250+

families were served.

ICLI Food Pantry Volunteers Distributing groceries in the Community.

Islamic Center of Long Island's Beautification Service in the Westbury Community

It is with honor and pride that the Islamic Center of Long Island helps to maintain the

Westbury community.

The center's beautification service is conducted by volunteers under the botanical leadership of Br. Habeeb Ahmed.

The volunteers, including Br. Habeeb, Board Chair and our Resident Imam Hafiz Ahmad, meticulously plant and maintain eye-catching flowers on Jericho Turnpike and Powells

Lane for the Village of Westbury.

This annual initiative helps to bring joy and accentuate the beauty of the entire community.

What a beautiful sight!

“

Crescent School's Graduation held at ICLI on June

14, 2021.

Kevin Thomas, member of the New York State

Senate from the 6th district, shown above was the

Keynote Speaker.

From Left: Sajid Shah(ICLI Board Member),

Habeeb Ahmed (ICLI Board OF Trustees Co-Chair)

at the Crescent School Graduation Ceremony

Ongoing Events & Programs at ICLI

Ramadan Iftar: Services organized for the

local community every evening during the month of

Ramadan.

Dawah: Distribution of literature on Islam and

Muslims. Masjid open house

IC PASS: To make it convenient for our

community and well-wishers to donate funds, ICLI

has initiated this Auto Donation Program. Please call

the office for a copy of the form.

New Muslims (Shahadah) Program:

To provide a strong support system and a welcoming

environment to facilitate the transition of new

Muslims and their families to the Islam.

Event Booking: One of the services offered

by the Islamic Center of Long Island is Space rental

services. The Community can rent the facility for their

family and athletic events.

General Events: General events such as

Nikah, Aqeeqah etc. can be held at the Masjid/Lower

level which can accommodate a maximum capacity

of 175 people. The courtyard (open air)

accommodates 200 people approximately. The

Basketball court accommodates 250 people maximum.

Athletic Events: Youth can rent the space in the

evenings for the Basketball game with hourly charges.

Food Drives and Disaster Relief

Support: Provides non- perishable foods to

community food shelters and more than 3,000lbs of

“qurbani” meat following Eid-ul-Adha to local soup

kitchens.

Blanket Drives: Every winter ICLI donates

more than blankets and warm clothing for the needy

in NY metropolitan Area.

Funeral Arrangements for Islamic

Burial: At ICLI we value a proper Islamic burial and

the needs for the grieving family and we will do our

best to serve your rights. Our services include full

burial, washing of body, Kafan, Janaza prayer and

grave plot. ICLI also provides funeral services

through Saint James Funeral Home.

Quran Program: We offer a Full

time Maktab program (Mon-Fri: 4-7:30 pm) and Part

time Hifz program (Mon-Fri:4-7:30 pm) and Full

time Hifz program (Mon-Fri: 8 am-12:30 pm).

“IC” Kids Preschool: Designed to

meet the needs of a growing number of parents who

are looking for a head start in the English curriculum

as well as an Islamic education for their child. The

teacher provides structured, well-planned and fun

activities in a safe and caring environment. Available

for children between the ages 3 and 5.

Weekend Seminars: Lectures and

presentations on various Islamic topics together with

the Ahadeeth sessions are offered every Sunday

throughout the year, 11-1 pm.

Programs with Mufti Farhan:

- Weekly Ahadeeth session on Sundays at 12

pm -1 pm

- Riyadul Saliheen Reflections after isha, Mon-

Wed.

- Dua Reflections, Every Sunday after Zuhr.

Marriage Services: The Islamic Center of

Long Island offers Nikah Services for the

Community. If you are interested in inquiring about

our Nikah services, we welcome you to call the ICLI

main office at (516) 333-3495.

Marriage Counselling: ICLI offers secure

and confidential counseling services. Executive

Director Mufti Farhan conducts Marriage

Counselling by appointments.

Jummah Services: Based on the tradition

of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the

weekly congregational prayers for Muslims are held

on Fridays. ICLI welcomes visitors-

women/men/school children-to observe the services,

which include a khutbah (sermon) in English

followed by prayers, which are always in Arabic.

ICLI Sports Program: ICLI is currently

offering Spring Basketball league for 7-9th Grade and

10th-12th Grade.

Salaam Group Sisters Halaqa: Establish

an organized and efficient system that provides the

educational, intellectual, social and moral support in

the transition of those accepting Islam, Every Sunday

10 am-12 pm.

Sisters Halaqa: A forum for sisters to

learn the Qur’an, hadith and issues related to day to

day life in Urdu, every Monday 10-1pm. English

Halaqa- Every Thursday 11-1pm.

Weekend School: Education is one of the

key components of ICLI’s overall mission to

strengthen and nurture our present as well as future

generation. Its mission is to provide a well-rounded,

comprehensive religious knowledge to all its student

body, from age 4 to high school age. The curriculum

is designed to balance all aspects of Islamic learning

including Arabic language and Qur’anic recitation.

Summer Camp: The camp runs

from July 6 through August 12 for children from

Kindergarten through 8th grade. The children are

given a healthy balance of Quranic instruction and

recitation, academic instruction and support, arts and

crafts and structured sports activities. Lunch, snack,

fruit, & juice are provided. Members-$575,

nonmembers $625 and Sibling Discount Available.

Summer Quran Program: Starting from

July 6 to Aug 12, Mon to Thursday- 9 am to 2 pm

and Friday- 9 am to 12 pm. this program aims at

developing the skills required to recite and

memorize the Quran. Registration - $225 per child,

lunch is included. Program includes Nazirah,

Tajweed, Hifz.

ICLI Cub & Girl Scouts: In accordance

with the Nassau County Girls & Boys Scouts of

Long Island, we build girls & boys of courage,

confidence, and character who make the world a

better place. Call the office for time and location of

meetings.

Zakat: The collection and distribution of

compulsory donations from able individuals to the

needy.