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Prophet Mohammad Peace Be Upon Him

God sent Prophet Mohammad صلي الله عليه وسلم (PBUH) as a Mercy for all creatures, Humans and Jinn, which mean that he was sent for all nations on earth for all times.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الْرَّحمَنِ الْرَّحَيمِ : (وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِلْعَالَمِينَ) الأنبياء:107
We have not sent thee (Mohammad) But as a universal (Messenger) To men, giving them Glad tidings, and warning them (Against sin), but most men Understand not.
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ) سبأ : 28‏)
Say: “O men! I am sent Unto you all, as the Apostle of God, to Whom belong The dominion of the heavens And the earth: there is no god But He: it is He that give Both life and death. So believe In God and His Apostle, The unlettered Prophet, Who believe in God And His Words: follow him That (so) you may be guided.”
قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا الَّذِي لَهُ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ ۖ فَآمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ النَّبِيِّ الْأُمِّيِّ الَّذِي يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَكَلِمَاتِهِ وَاتَّبِعُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ ) الأعراف : 158

Prophet Mohammad صلي الله عليه وسلم (PBUH) was born an orphan, his dad, Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib, died when his mother, Aminah Bint Wahhab Ibn Abd Manaf Al- Zuhri, was pregnant with him. He was born on Monday, 12th Rabi Al-Awwal, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. So, he was born on April 20, 571 AC. The Prophet Mohammad was suckled by Haleema Bint Abu Dhuaib, best known as Haleema Al Sadiyah. His mother died when he was six years old. His grandfather Abdul Muttalib, the chief of his clan Bani Hashim, took care of him after his mother’s death. And when his grandfather died, his uncle Abu Talib took care of him. When Mohammad was twelve, Abu Talib took him with him to Syria for a trading expedition and taught him trading. Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy merchant of Mecca heard that Mohammad was trustworthy, and truthful. She hired Mohammad and sent him on a journey. He was to sell her goods in Syria. Mohammad took her servant, Maysarah, with him. They joined a caravan of traders from Mecca. It was Mohammad second trip to Syria. In Syria, he put all his goods for people to see and asked them how much they should pay, which surprised the buyers. They had never seen such an honest man, so they bought all of the goods. When he returned to Mecca, Khadijah had been told by Maysarah what had happened in Syria. She sent someone to ask Mohammad to marry her, which he did. She was the first woman to believe him, and she entered Islam. The Prophet Mohammad died on Monday, 13 of Rabi Al-Awwal, 11 Hijjri, which was June 8, 632 AC.
Prophet Mohammad taught us Muslims to love and obey God. He taught us to be kind to each other, to respect our elders, and care for our children. He taught us that it was better to give than to receive. He taught us to love for our brothers and sisters what we love for ourselves. Prophet Mohammad taught us that families, neighbours, and communities are essential.
Prophet Mohammad is the only prophet who will ask God on the Day of Judgment the Shafaaa’ for his Ummah (الشفاعه يوم القيامه ( , when he will say (يا رب أمتي أمتي). Mohammad was the last messenger of God. He was sent as a Mercy to all humankind at all times and places on earth.

Trading Intentions

One day a prince was wandering in his kingdom. He found a beautiful orchard that belonged to one of the people. He entered the orchard. He found a small girl. He asked her who the orchard belongs to. She said, “It belongs to my father.” He asked her if she has anything to drink. She went and returned with some nice pomegranate juice. The prince took a sip and he liked it, it was tasty and sweet. He asked the girl, “Where did you get this juice?” She said that she picked it from her pomegranate tree. Then, he asked her how many pomegranates it took to make this juice. She said that she squeezed only one pomegranate.
He asked her again to get him some more juice. While she went to get more juice, the prince thought to himself, “This tree should be in my garden, when I leave I will send for my soldiers to take this orchard for my own.” The girl returned with the drink. The drink was half the amount of the first one, and it tasted bitter. He asked her if she used the same tree. She answered that it was. He asked her how many pomegranates it took to make the drink. She said that she used five pomegranates. He asked why it tasted bitter, and why it took five pomegranates to make half the amount of the first drink. The girl told the prince that perhaps the prince’s intention has changed.

Conclusion:

Do not spoil your good deeds with bad intentions. An old saying states, “Trade with intentions like Trading with scientists.” Earn good people around you, and do not mistrust people who give you their trust and treat you with good intentions.

Hajj plays a significant role in strengthening Muslim unity and solidarity as millions of Muslim faithful gather in Makkah and other holy sites wearing the same dress and reciting the same slogan — Labbaik Allahuma Labbaik, Labbaik La Shareeka Laka Labbaik (O Allah, here I am answering your call and I bear witness that You have no partners).
Hajj teaches the faithful lofty values, principles and objectives upon which Islam molds the qualities and character of an individual.
It is the climax of a Muslim individual’s spiritual life and an embodiment of Islamic unity, which is based on a brotherhood in faith that towers above the narrow considerations of race, nationality, color or language.
Hajj is a marvelous exercise for believers to strengthen their faith as they focus fully on activities that make Allah happy.
They rise above day-to-day preoccupations and casts off what men ordinarily cherish.
This also reflects in the deep symbolic meaning of the clothes they wear during ihram (the state of consecration).
It symbolizes his inner state, which makes him leave behind his family, home, wealth, position and everything dear to him.
Millions of Muslim faithful meet in Makkah and other holy sites to live a spiritual life on a special level, enacting a rite that exposes the exalted value of Islam and where equality, brotherhood and unity among the faithful is embodied, where response to the call of God comes before any other call: “And proclaim among men the pilgrimage: They shall come to you on foot and upon every lean beast; they shall come from every deep ravine.” (Qur’an 22:27)
The Hajj pilgrimage is a unique gathering that gives the pilgrims an experience unavailable to them at home in their usual life. There is an exercise of strict self-discipline and control where sacred things are revered and the life of even plants and birds is made inviolable. “And he that venerates the sacred things of God, it shall be better for him with his Lord…” (Qur’an 22:30); “And he that venerates the Symbols of God, it surely is from devotion of the heart” (Qur’an 22:32); “And when We made the House (in Makkah) a resort for men and a sanctuary…” (Qur’an 2:125)
Hajj offers a rigorous training in self-control: “The pilgrimage is in the well-known months. He that undertakes the duty of the pilgrimage during them must abstain from coition, ungodliness and acrimonious dispute, and whatever good you do, Allah is aware of it. Take provision (from it) for yourselves, for the best provision is piety.” (Qur’an 2:197) “Take provision” indicates that the effects of this experience should extend to the conduct of the Muslim in his normal life afterward, and that he should live and conduct himself by the values that manifest piety, “the best provision.”

P. K. ABDUL GHAFOUR | Arab News Staff
Published — Wednesday 9 October 2013

The 1st of Dhul Hijjah 1434 AH started on Sunday October 6th, 2013. So, Eid Al Adha will be on Tuesday October 15, 2013 (10th Dhul Hijjah 1434 AH.
Sarnia Muslim Association has the pleasure to announce that Eid Al Adha will be on Tuesday Oct. 15, 2013.

Takbeer will start at 8:30 am.
Prayer will start at 9:00 am.

Please bring some food or sweet to celebrate the Eid and share the food with the rest of the community members.

May this Eid and every Eid brings us strength and unity.

Eid Mubarak to everyone.

Najah Shuqair
General Secretary
Sarnia Muslim Association

There have been confirmed sightings of the new crescent in the parameters of the Hilal Committee(moon sighted with naked eye in chile) on the eve of Wed August 7th, 2013 (29th Ramadan 1434), therefore the Hilal Committee of the GTA officially declares the completion of the blessed month of Ramadan. The 1st of Shawwal (Eidul Fitr) will be on Thursday August 8, 2013,

EID FITR MUBARAK.

This year, Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims began in the second week of July. Muslims across the world have started fasting each day from dawn to sunset. With a long day of fasting and limited time to eat, it is important to ensure we nourish ourselves properly. The quality of food we choose is far more important than the quantity of food. Good nutrition during this month can help prevent fatigue, low blood sugar, headaches, muscle aches, indigestion and heart burn. The following are some nutrition suggestions to consider during this month.
• Meal Schedule

Weight loss or planning to change your weight during Ramadan should be avoided. Your goal should be trying to maintain your weight. Having good meal structure can contribute towards maintaining your weight. Continue to try and have three meals or having the two main meals (Iftar and Suhoor) and an evening snack. Some examples of the evening snack/night meal may include a sandwich, or piece of fruit and ¾ cup of yogurt or a bowl of cereal.

• Hydration
To keep hydrated adult men may need up to 12 cups of fluids each day, while adult women may need up to 9 cups. Ramadan falling within summer this year, it is important that you try to consume enough fluids between Iftar and Suhoor.
Not only it is important to take fluids, but it is also important to include minerals, or electrolytes to make sure you will be adequately hydrated. These “hydration minerals” are included in fruits and vegetables. A recommendation for Suhoor is including a bowl of mixed fruit, or including a fruit smoothie. The fruit smoothie can include blended mixed fruit, milk, and yogurt. Having a smoothie or fruit bowl in addition to the other food you usually eat at Suhoor will help to keep you hydrated and full longer throughout the day.
• Eating food that will help keep you full longer

There are certain types of food that can help keep you full longer throughout the day. These foods include high fibre food and protein food. Fruit, legumes (kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils), high fibre breads and cereals are a few high fibre foods. Not only will these foods keep you full longer but will keep your energy levels higher longer as well; therefore, it is important to eat them at Suhoor. With high fibre breads and cereals try to aim for products that have more than 2 or 3 grams of fibre per serving. You can determine this by reading the fibre content on the nutrition label. Including these high fibre food help the sugar from the food be released into your blood stream slowly; consequently, the energy you receive from the food will last longer.

It is also important to consume protein (meats, eggs, fish, peanut butter, and nuts) food at all your meals during Ramadan, especially at Suhoor. Protein food can help keep you full longer also. As well when combined with bread or bread products the energy from the food can last longer.

• Moderate Portions

Try not to over consume, especially at Iftar, it will prevent you from experiencing some of the common symptoms discussed earlier. When breaking the fast having dates, water, fruit salad or soups firs can “warm up” your digestive system. After, you move on to a balanced meal which can include vegetables, protein and grains (rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread). Regarding portions, if you visualize a plate, ¼ of your plate can be grains, ¼ plate can be protein and ½ your plate can be vegetables, this is a guide to ensure you include a variety of food in your diet.

-Sunbal Mumtaz, BSc (Hons), MS, RD, CNSC

The Sarnia Muslim Association hosted the Culture Connection for the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) council for the month of June. LIP council members visited with the SMA Outreach Committee on Thursday, June 20, 2013. The visit ran from 10 am till 11:30 am. The program included a poster session about Islam, Muslim Culture, Islamic Heritage and Contributions to Science and Society. It also included a PowerPoint presentation (Islam & Muslims in Sarnia), a tour of the prayer area, prayer demonstrations, and a Q (Question) & A (Answer) period.

The SMA Education & Outreach Secretary conducted an opening prayer at the Sarnia City Council meeting on Monday, June 10, 2013. The prayer focused on the unity of the human race and encouraging the council to persevere in serving its constituents.

Alhumdulillah, Allah SWT has once again blessed us with the opportunity to reap the enormous benefits of the month of Ramadan. In the Chapter 2, Aya 185 of the Holy Quran, Allah SWT tells us that:
The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.[Quran 2:185] Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar and Insha’Allah this year, it will begin after Maghrib on July 9th, 2013. Alhumdulillah, the Sarnia Muslim Association is once again offering a number of activities and events for local Muslims, in order to make the most of this most significant and blessed month.
Taraweeh prayers will be held at the Masjid every night after the congregational Isha prayers. These prayers will be led by visiting Huffaz and insha’Allah the entire Quran will be recited before the end of Ramadan. Opportunities are also available to host iftars at the masjid for the Huffaz, and also any family, friends, and community members who you may wish to invite. If you are interested in hosting an iftar, please contact Br. Feroz Ahmed, SMA President, for more information.
Weekly community Ramadan iftars will also be held at the masjid every Saturday. These potluck iftars are a longstanding tradition in the community and are a wonderful opportunity to share food and company with our brothers and sisters in Islam, Alhumdulillah.
With Ramadan falling during the Summer vacation, there are also some great opportunities for youth in the community to make the most of this blessed month- Insha’Allah Quran classes will be held for youth at the Masjid three times a week: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2-4 pm. Students will recite and memorize Quran Insha’Allah and this is an excellent opportunity for the children in the community and their parents, Alhumdulillah.
Insha’Allah at the end of Ramadan, the Sarnia Muslim Association invites the whole community to come and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr together. Insha’Allah once the new moon is sighted the Association will set a date and time for Eid prayers and festivities, which will be held at the Masjid.
We look forward to celebrating and observing Ramadan with the Sarnia-Lambton community. The Sarnia Muslim Association would like to wish everyone a very happy, blessed, and fruitful Ramadan- May Allah SWT help us to make the most of this month and its countless rewards and blessings. Ameen.

Our first Islamic lecture for this year by Br. Abdulmannan Mulla was very successful Alhmdulelah.

The event was held to commemorate the “Israa & Miraj (night journey of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him)” and to prepare us for the spiritual journey towards the month of Ramadan.

Many families got together for this occasion and shared a Community dinner before listening to the lecture.

Br. Abdulmannan’s talk was very engaging for the youth and the young at heart. His talk touched on the many difficulties that Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, encountered before the journey, the importance of patience in life, and the gift that the Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him, received during his night journey which was “The Salat”, the five times prayers.

May Allah, (Subhano Wata’ala) reward Br. Abdulmannan the best for his enlightening words. We hope to have him over more often Insha-Allah.

We look forward to having many more events in the future to nourish our minds and souls with Islamic knowledge and spiritual sustenance.