Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Assalamu-Alaikum

As we get to the shore of the month of Mercy may we disembark on this day with our sins forgiven, our deeds accepted, our prayers elevated and our hearts filled with love and  mercy.

May Allah make our day of “Eid” an auspicious occasion, and let it be the best of day of all days that come to pass, which brings forgiveness in its trail, and wipes off the traces of transgression.

May Allah take a lenient view and overlook our those misdeeds, which we did in secret as well as those which we openly dared to venture.

O’ Allah bless us in this day of our festival and our fast-breaking, make it one of the best of days that have passed over us, the greatest in attracting Thy pardon, and the most effacing toward sins, and forgive us our sins. God, be pleased with us.  
(Sahifa e Sajjadiya)

May He alleviate the sufferings of all those in pain and agony around the world and reward and help those who work towards bringing comfort to them.

DATE:             October 01, 2008

PROGRAM:   10:00am Eid Namaaz, followed by refreshments.

FITRA:           Fitra is set for $10.00.

Our heartiest and most joyous EID GREETINGS to you and to everyone in the family and to all friends.

Please remember us in your duas.

Nadia Remtulla

Devout supplications to Allah (SWT) and repentance of one’s sins during Ramadan are the sources of Divine blessings and mercy. Some nights, among the last ten nights of Ramadan, are called the ‘Nights of Glory’ (Laylatul Qadr). These are the 19th, 21st, and 23rd nights. Muslims keep awake during these nights and offer special prayers. Even among these nights, the 23rd enjoys excellence over all the others. It is accompanied by great blessings, and he usually grants the supplications made to Allah (SWT) during this night.

On the 19^th of Mahe Ramadan of the year 40 A.H, Imam Ali (pbuh) came to the mosque in Kufa for his morning prayers. Imam Ali (pbuh) gave the call for prayer (Azaan) and became engaged in leading the congregation when he was dealt with a heavy stroke of the  sword, inflicting a deep wound on his head.  Thus they assassinated Imam Ali (pbuh) at his finest time - the hour of standing before Allah, the Exalted, during a prayer of submission, in the best of days, while fasting during the month of Mahe Ramadan; during the most glorious Islamic duties, and in the highest and most pure divine places, the Mosque of Kufa.  Imam Ali (pbuh) suffered from his wound for three days, and He (pbuh) passed away on 21^st of the Month of Ramadan at an age of 63 years

Such was the heroic end of this great man! The loss to the Mission and the nation was the gravest after the loss of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).

By the death of Imam Ali (pbuh) the nation lost:

A heroism that had become the song of the time;

A courageous history that has never dreamt of its like;

A wisdom no one can fathom, save Allah;

A purity, the like of which was only in the prophets;

An abstinence from the pleasures of life that could be attained only by the nearest to Allah;

An eloquence such as to be the echo of Book; and

A jurisprudence, and a thorough knowledge of the laws of religion, that made him the ‘gateway of the city’ of the Prophet’s knowledge, and the authority to whom the Islamic nation referred in all its affairs.

On the September 18th (19th night), September 20th (21st night) and September 22nd (23rd night Lailatul Qadr) we will have ammals / majalis on all three nights starting immediately after Iftar.

For the ammals for these nights please click on the link below or click on the PDF to download and print it.

http://www.duas.org/laylat_aamaal.htm    

Ammal PDF   

With Dua’s

Nadia

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Our 4th Imam in welcoming the Holy month of Ramadhan in Sahifa as Sajjadya in the Du’a 44 says:“And praise belongs to Allah who appointed among those roads His month, the month of Ramadhan, the month of fasting, the month of submission, the month of purity, the month of putting to test, the month of standing in prayer……..

Oh Allah caution us against what You have forbidden and help us to fast in it by our restraining our limbs from acts of disobedience toward You and our using them in that which pleases You, so that we lend not our ears to idle talk and hurry not with our eyes to diversion, we stretch not our hands toward the forbidden and stride not with our feet toward the prohibited. Our bellies hold only what You have made lawful…..

 Oh Allah:  fill this month with our worship of You, help us during its daytime with its fast, and its night with prayer and pleading towards You, humility towards You… so that its daytime may not bear witness against our heedlessness, nor its night against our neglect!” 

Program for this month is as follows:

September 4^th, 5^th, 6^th and 7^th - Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning with Namaaz e Maghrib followed by Iftar and thereafter Namaaz e Isha and Dua e tawassul.

September 11^th, 12^th, 13^th and 14^th - Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning with Namaaz e Maghrib followed by Iftar and thereafter Namaaz e Isha and Dua e tawassul.

September 18 until the 30^th, Iftar will be served everyday beginning with Namaaz e Maghrib followed by Iftar and thereafter Namaaz e Isha and Dua e tawassul.

The month of Ramadhan is a month that carries great blessings from Allah to the Muslims, and is the most joyous occasion for all. It is a season of tests and only those who pass these tests will be granted rewards - the test of keeping the fast, the test of paying zakaat, the test of saying the prayers, the test of reciting Qur’an, the test of remembering Allah, the test of good behavior with one’s neighbors, the test of demonstrating good character when dealing with others, the test of exhibiting high moral standards with one’s enemies, and the test of generosity and sincerity in the service of the community and people at large.

Ramadhan al Kareem Mubarak! I hope you all enjoy this Holy Month and ask Allah to make us who fast to attain his nearness and work for his pleasure rather than ours and please let us not forget all our marhumeen in our du’as.

With Dua’s

Nadia

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Ramadan Mubarak! The Mahe Ramadan moon has been sighted. Therefore, tomorrow September 1st 2008 is 1st Ramadan 1429.

The 15th of Shabaan is also known as Neema-e-Shabaan and it is also remembered as Shab-e Barat among Muslims. It is a highly virtuous night during which our last Imam Mohammad Mehdi(a.s.) was born.

Imam Ali(a.s.) relates from the Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) that the 15^th of Shabaan is a highly virtuous night and the believers should spend this night offering prayers and should observe fast on the following day. Verily during this night until dawn Allah(swt) inquires Malaik (angels) - is there anyone who repents his sins and I forgive him/her? Is there anyone who asks for increase in earnings (Rizk/Rozi) and I grant so.

Imam Zain-al-Abideen(a.s.) said that if someone wishes to meet the souls of the One Hundred Twenty Four Thousand Prophets, he/she should recite the ziarat of Imam Hussain(a.s.) during this night.  Since it is the night of the birth of Imam Zamana(a.s.), it is recommended to recite the ziarat of Imam Zamana(a.s.) as well.

The following Aamal have been recommended by Masoomeen(a.s.) for this night:

(1)     Take bath and put on clean clothes
(2)     Keep vigil the night long in prayers till dawn.
(3)     Recite Ziarat of Imam Hussain(a.s.)
(4)     Recite Dua-e-Kumail
(5)    Imam Mohammad Baqir(a.s.) said that whoever recites :
100 times “Subhan Allah”,
100 times “Alhamd-o-lillah”,
100 times “Allaho Akbar” and
100 times “La ilaha il-Allah”

during this night, Allah(swt) will forgive his/her previous sins and
will accept his/her prayers.

(6) The following dua is equivalent to the Ziarat of Imam Zamana(a.s.) and is recommended to be recited during this night.
ALLAHUMMA BIHAQQE LAILATINA HAZEHI
WA MOULUDIHA
WA HUJ-JATIKA
WA MO-OODIHAL LATI QARANTA
ILA FADLIHA FADLAN
FA-TAMMAT KALIMATUKA SIDQAN
WA ADLAN LA MUBAD-DIL BI-KALIMATIKA
WA LA MOAQ-QIBA LI-AYATIKA NURU-KAL MUTA-AL-LIQU
WA ZIYA-UKAL MUSHRIKU
WAL ALAMUN-NOORU FI TAKHYA-ID-DAIJOORIL GHA-IBUL
MASTOOR JAL-LA MAOLIDUHU
WA KARUMA MUHTIDUHU
WAL MALA-IKATU SHUH-HADUHU
WAL LAHUY NASIRUHU
WA MU-AI-YIDUHU IZA AANA MIAADUHU
WAL MALA-IKATU AMDADUHU SAIFULLAHIL LAZI LA YANBU
WA NOORUHUL LAZI LA YAKHBU
WA ZUL HILMIL LAZI LA YASBU MADARUD DAHRI
WA NAWAMISUL ASRI
WA WULATUL AMRI
WAL MUNAZ-ZALU ALAIHIMUZ ZIKRU
WA MA YANZILU FI LAILATIL QADRI
WA ASHABUL HASHRI
WA AN NIASHRI TARAJIMATU
WAH-YIHI WA WULATU AMRIHI WA NAHYIHI
ALLA HUMMA FA SAL-LE ALA KHATIMIHIM
WA QAA-IMIHIMUL MASTOORI AN AWALIMIHIM
WA ADRIK BINA AY-YAMAHI
WA ZAHOORAHU WA QIYAMAHU
WAJ ALNA MIN ANSARIHI
WAQRIN  SARANA BISARIHI
WAKTUBNA FI AAWANIHI
WA KHULASA-IHI
WA AHYINA FI DAOLATIHI NA-IMEENA
WA BISUHBATIHI GHANIMEENA
WA BIHAQQIHI QAAIMEENA
WA MINAS SOO-I SALIMEENA YA ARHAMAR RAHIMEENA
WAL HAMDU LILLAHI RAB BIL AALAMEENA
WA SALLE ALA MOHAMMADIN KHATAMIN NABEEYEENA
WAL MURSALEENA
WA ALA AHLI BAITIHIS SADIQEENA
WA ITRATIHIN NATIQEENA
WAL AN JAMEE AZ ZALIMEENA
WAHKUM BAINANA WA BAINAHUM
YA AHKAMAL HAKIMEEN

(7) Imam Mohammad Baqir(a.s.) and Imam Jafer Sadiq(a.s.) used to pray a 4 Rakaat Namaz in this night. In each rakat recite :
- 100 times Sura-e-Fatiha and
- 100 times Sura-e-Akhlas (Qul-ho-Allah-ho-Ahad).

After salam of the prayer, the following dua is to be recited :
ALLAHUMA INNI ILAIKA FAQEERUN
WA MIN AZABIKA KHAYEFUN
WA BIKA MUSTAJEERUN RABBI LA TUBADDIL ISMI
WA LA TUGHAYYER JISMI
RABBI LA TAJHAD BALAYI
RABBI LA TUSHMIT BIYAL AADAYI
AAOOZO BI-AFWIKA MIN IQABIKA
WA AAOOZO BIREHMATEKA MIN AZABIKA
WA AAOOZO BIRIZAKA MIN SAKHTIKA
WA AAOOZO BIKA MINKA
JALLA SANAAOKA ANTA KAMA ASNEITA ALA NAFSIKA
WA FAUQA MA YAQOOLUL QAEELOONA FEEKA

(8) It is also recommended to recite :
10 Rakaat prayer in sets of 2 Rakaat each.
In each Rakat recite once Sura-e-Hamd and
10 times Sura-e-Qul-ho-Allah-ho-Ahad.

After each 2 Rakat set offer Sajda and recite this Dua :
`ALLAHUMMA LAKA SAJADA SAWADI
WA KHAYALI WA BAYADI
YA AZEEMA KULLE AZEEMIN
IGHFIRLI ZAMBI-AL AZEEMA
FA INNAHU LA YAGHFIRU-HU GHAIRUKA YA AZEEMO

Best Dua during this night is “Dua-e-Kumail” and “Dua-e-Nudba”. In addition, recite Quran and other virtuous duas as you deem necessary and ask for the forgiveness of past sins and the betterment of the future.

Towards the end of the night, Momineen and Mominaat usually present their griefs, worries and desires to the last Imam Mohammad Mehdi(a.s.) called “AREEZA” which is in fact a letter to the Imam(a.s.). This letter is written with a lot of love and affection using Safron as ink and is traditionally wrapped up in flour or pure soil and sprinkled with scents (Itar) and is thrown in a river with the intention that it reaches our beloved Imam-e-Zamana(a.s.).

These aamals are also available on the site at http://www.ziaraat.com/.
Please also visit http://www.duas.org for more aamal and duas to be
recited during this auspicious night.

Wishing you all Khushali Mubarak on this most auspicious of the birth of our beloved Imam-e-Zamana [A.S.]. 

On Saturday August 16, 2008 we will hold the Wiladat Celebration and  A’amaal Shab-e-Baraat at the Imambargah Shah E Najaf starting at 8:00 PM

                                            
The Ariza is also attached as a pdf to this announcement for those who wish print it out. Ariza

“The world will not come to an end,” said the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), ” until a man from my family (Ahlulbayt) and of my name shall be master of the world, When you see a green ensign coming from the direction of Khorasan, then join them, for the Imam of God will be with the standards who will be called Al-Mahdi.”

Please be sure that you call our voice automated response system at (703) 663-8501 for the latest program announcements.

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With Dua’s
Nadia

Dear Brothers and Sisters
Asalaam Alaikum

After Rajab, Sha’baan is the second month of Ibadah (worship) in order to make preparations for the grand and majestic month of Ramadan - the month of Allah (SWT).

 Sha’baan is a month of high excellence and is dedicated to the Leader of the Prophets (saaw). He used to keep fasts during this month and join it with the month of Ramadan. He used to say, “Sha’baan is a month dedicated to me. Whoever keeps one fast during my month will definitely go to heaven”.

PROGRAM THIS WEEK:

The wiladats of Imam Hussein (a.s), Hazrat Abbas (a.s) and Imam Ali Zain-al-Abedeen will be jointly observed on Thursday, August 07, 2008 at the Imambargah Shah E Najaf at 8:00 p.m. all members are encouraged to attend on time.

This is the month of asking for forgiveness of sins, giving alms, charity and fasting. The Holy Prophet (saww) used to observe fasts during the whole month. Imam Ali ibn al-Hussein (as) has said: “Whosoever is in love with Prophet, wishes to seek nearness to Allah (SWT) and receive His bounties, favors and rewards in this world and in the hereafter, must connect Sha’baan with Ramadan in the matter of fasting and special prayers”.

It is also reported from the Holy Prophet (saww), “Whosoever observes nine fasts in the whole month of Sha’baan should not fear the interrogation of Munkar and Nakeer. Whosoever observes twelve fasts in the month of Sha’baan, 70,000 angels will descend over his/her grave on the first night of his burial, the night of Wahshah, to remove his/her fear and loneliness”.

Recommended Fasts:

1st, 2nd and 3rd of Sha’baan. 1st Thursday, Mid-Wednesday and last Thursday of Sha’baan. 13th, 14th and 15th of Sha’baan.

Any Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Sha’baan. The last three days of Sha’baan to connect with the Holy month of Ramadan.

Please be sure that you call our voice automated response system at (703) 663-8501 for the latest program announcements.

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With Dua’s

Nadia

Dear Brothers and Sisters

Asalaam Alayekum.

Kushali Mubarak on the Meraj un-Nabi!

The 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab commemorates the ascension of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) to heaven, where Allah instructed him on the five daily prayers required of every Muslim.

What is Meraj un- Nabi? Follow this link to find out more:
 http://www.ezsoftech.com/ISLAMIC/meraj.asp

On this miraculous night, our Holy Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) was awakened by the Angel Gabriel. With Gabriel,) he flew on the winged horse Burak from Mecca to Jerusalem. At the site of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, Mohammed prayed with Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and others. At the rock of the Temple Mount, Mohammed (pbuh) ascended into heaven. The messenger of Allah narrates “When I went to heaven for Meraj, I saw written on the pillar of Arsh…”There is no god except Allah, Muhammad is his messenger and I have aided him through Ali and helped him through Ali (a.s).

In this day and time we have to appreciate that the moon we may have reached, but our Nabi passed it by some distance on the night of Meraj. This is the superiority of the Prophet.

We thank Allah that He has created us and made us his followers. May Allah help us to maintain our relationship with the Holy Prophet and his progeny and between ourselves by being their ardent followers- AMEEN.

This night is observed with special prayers and ammals which can be found at the following link:

http://www.yazehra.com/AAMAAL.html

The program will begin at 8:00PM on Wednesday, July 30^th, 2008 at the           
Imambargah Shah E Najaf.

On Thursday at 8:00pm we will commemorate the Safar e Imam Hussain A.S.
What is Safar e Imam Hussain? Follow this link:

http://www.dartabligh.org/months/rajab/imam_leavesmadina.html

http://www.ezsoftech.com/ISLAMIC/journeytokarbala.asp

Dear Brothers and Sisters
Salaam AlaikumHoly Prophet (S) :
“Rajab is a great month of Allah, unmatched by any other month in the respect and significance (accorded to it); war with the infidels during this month is prohibited; Verily, Rajab is Allah’s month, Sha’aban my month and Ramadan the month of my Ummah; whosoever fasts a day in the month of Rajab will be granted the great reward of Ridwan (an angel in heaven); the wrath of Allah shall be distanced and a door of the Hell shall be closed.”

 Rajab marks the beginning of the spiritual season of every believer ending with the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. These three months (Rajab, Sha’aban and Ramadan) are unmatched in their importance. During these months Muslims around the world observe special prayers, A’amaals, acts of charity, worship and also contemplates and self-assesses one self.

Besides the Thursday program of Dua –e- Kumail, Friday Namaaz-e-Juma, the other events of significance during this month include the ME’RAJ un Nabi s.a.w and ROZ e BESATPlease note that all programs will start promptly 6:00pm and all members are encouraged to attend on time.

The program timings are as follows:

Saturday, July 19, 2008
6:00pm – Program/lecture - Maulana Siraj Hassan
7:00pm - Dinner and Magrib/Isha Namaaz

Saturday, July 26, 2008
6:00pm - Rajab ke kunde program followed by dinner thereafter.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008
6:00pm- The Beginning of the Prophetic Mission (Bessat-e-Rasool) and ME’RAJ un Nabi & Ammals for the night.
This night is observed with special prayers and a’amaals which can be found at the following link: http://www.yazehra.com/AAMAAL.html

What is Bessat -e- Rasool? Follow this link:
http://www.jaffari.org/link.asp?link=http://ezsoftech.com/islamic/infallible1d.asp#02

What is Me’raj? Follow this link:
http://www.jaffari.org/link.asp?link=http://www.al-islam.org/al-miraj/ Please note that there will be no Sunday School for the remainder of July and the whole of August.  Sunday school will resume after Labor Day.

Let us pray to Almighty to give us all Tawfiq to take advantage of this month by doing good deeds in our own little way, whether it is fasting, prayers, charity or helping those less fortunate than us.

We all at SIJVA extend our heartiest wishes to you all. May Allah (s.w.t.) grant us forgiveness in this month as He is the Most Merciful and Most Beneficent. Ameen!

With Salaams, Nadia Remtulla
Director of Publicity and CommunicationsPlease be sure that you call our voice automated response system at (703) 663-8501 for the latest program announcements.