- MECCAONE M E D I A / ISLAM / www.meccaone.org -

Imam of America // Omair Ali interviews Imam Siraj Wahhaj

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:07:43 PDT

Born and raised in New York, he became a Sunday school teacher as at a young age, then later went to Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) where he studied biology education. In the 1960s he became attracted to the Nation of Islam and was taught under Louis Farrakhan at the height of the NOI's anti-Malcolm X rhetoric. He became a Sunni Muslim after the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975 and Muhammad's son Warith Deen Mohammed took over and reorganized the organization, urging members to come to orthodox Islam. Kearse then changed his name to Siraj Wahhaj. He was chosen to study Islam at the Umm al-Qura university of Mecca in 1978. He also briefly taught a course in Islamic studies at Howard University. In 1981 he started his own mosque, Masijd ul-Taqwa, in a friend's apartment in Brooklyn. Although it originally started out with only 25 people, today it is well-known. In 1988 he led his community in an anti-drug patrol in which they staked out drug houses in Bedford-Stuyvesant in the cold of winter for 40 days and nights, forcing the closure of 15 drug houses. This effort received high praise from the New York City Police Department and the media. Since that time, Siraj has been active in many Islamic organizations. He has been vice president of the Islamic Society of North America since 1997 and has served on the Majlis al Shura, a consultative council of Islamic scholars, since 1987. He is a member of the Board of Advisors for the American Muslim Council and has also served on the national board of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Siraj is a fairly prolific speaker in America. He makes many appearances at major North American Muslim conventions, and numerous forums and lectures in New England. His audio and video lectures are also popular in America's Muslim community. He is known to encourage Muslims to be God-fearing, enjoin good and forbid evil, practice regular charity, stay away from drugs, abstain from pre-marital relations, and other issues as well. He has also appeared on several national television talk shows and has had interviews with several media outlets. In 1991 Siraj offered an invocation (opening prayer) to the United States House of Representatives. He was the first Muslim to do so.

Viva Palestina! // Omair Ali interviews MP George Galloway

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:12:47 PDT

George Galloway (born 16 August 1954) is a British politician, author, and broadcaster, who has been a Member of Parliament (MP) since 1987 and is known for his outspoken socialist and anti-Zionist views. He was a Labour Party MP for Glasgow Hillhead, and for Glasgow Kelvin, before his expulsion from the party in October 2003,[1] and his subsequently becoming a a founding member of Respect. He currently represents the Bethnal Green and Bow constituency, having been most recently elected to that seat in 2005. Galloway is perhaps best known for his vigorous campaign to both overturn economic sanctions against Iraq in the 1990s and early 2000s, and to avert the 2003 invasion of that country, as well as for his speech before the then President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, in which he appeared to praise the Iraqi dictator,[2] although Galloway actively opposed the regime until the United States-led Gulf War in 1991 and has always stated that he was addressing the Iraqi people.

Proses are Read, Violets in Bloom (Part II) // Interview with Liza Garza

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:55:50 PDT

Liza Garza is a rare soul. As a poet and vocalist, she possesses the uncommon ability to keep listeners captivated while provoking social change and action in the community. Her words simultaneously whisper power and strength; peace and grace. A graduate of the University of Michigan, where she formulated her own degree in Performance Activism, Liza published her first book of poetry, You Never Knew Until I Spoke in 2005 and started 2006 with an Emmy Award nomination for a piece she wrote promoting university enrollment. During that same year, Liza caught the attention of HBO producers and was invited to perform on ‘Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry’. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan—a city most famous for its murder rate—Liza, a single mother of two young boys, used her experiences to pen her debut album ‘BloomBeautiful’. The release, a tapestry of poems, ballads and songs reminiscent of Mexican folk tunes, is gracefully infused with the spirit of hip-hop, a culture she claims whole-heartedly. Showing no signs of surrender in an art form overrun with machismo, Liza has remained humble and resolute in using her gift to teach, learn, inspire and be inspired. It is this determining spirit that influenced Rev. Jesse L. Jackson to invite her to perform along side Stevie Wonder and Roberta Flack at the Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition's national march. When asked about what she has accomplished, Liza is genuinely puzzled. “There is so much work to be done for the people," she replies. "I haven't even begun."

Proses are Read, Violets in Bloom (Part I) // Interview with Sofia Baig

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:11:13 PDT

A special interview conducted by MeccaOne co-host, Zari with spoken word artist Sofia Baig. "I am Not in the Business of Selling Love with My Words. I merely Pick the Fruit of Peace from this Earth & Raise it to your Lips. Pray that you Accidentally Swallow the Seed. So that it may Grow Within you. Cure the Poison of Belligerence." - Sofia Baig

Los musulmanes // Latin Muslims in America

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:32:10 PST

The number of Hispanic Americans converting to Islam is growing rapidly -- particularly in New York, California, Texas and Florida, which have the greatest concentration of Hispanic residents. Muslim leaders say interest in Islam has increased in the past few years, and they also note that Muslims and Hispanics, many of whom are immigrants, share a number of common concerns. Steve Mort reports from a mosque in Florida that has seen a steady increase in Latino worshippers. The al-Rahman mosque in Orlando opened in 1975 and is the oldest Muslim place of worship in the city. But over the years its membership has changed, and now increasing numbers of Hispanics, like Jesus Marti, are joining the congregation. "It's the right way to be worshipping God, and I love the Islamic religion. It really has given me a lot of knowledge, and I have learned so many things from Islam." Jesus, a Puerto Rican living in Florida, converted to Islam only a year ago. He is one of tens of thousands of Hispanic Muslims in the United States: estimates range from around 70,000 to 200,000. He says that while he has faced criticism for converting to Islam, he has found broad acceptance as a Muslim in America. "Islam is not a country. Islam is a religion. Islam is definitely a way of life, for discipline where you follow and you try to enhance yourself to get the most positive things out of yourself for the benefit of your own self and for the benefit of your own family and the society as a whole." Muslim leaders say Jesus Marti and other Hispanics choose Islam for a variety of reasons. They say Muslims and Hispanics face common issues and concerns, like finding their way in a new, unfamiliar country. The media focus on Islam since September 11th has also been factor. Imam Muhammad Musri is president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida. The society has about 40,000 members. Iman Musri says Latinos and Muslims find they have a lot in common. "There are so many common denominators between immigrant Muslims and immigrant Hispanics who see the issues common to both of them -- immigration issues, as it is a big discussion in the United States, and there are other issues of trying to find a job, keep a job, buy a home -- all the same struggles two groups of people happen to be going through creates this bond between them". Hundreds of worshippers attend Imam Musri's mosque, and there is an increasing demand for religious literature in Spanish. He points to Spain's historical ties with Islam. And that many Hispanics find Muslim culture and values similar to their own. Iman Musri says, "Many who come from Central and South America come with conservative values and, as well, Muslims come with conservative values. And here in the States they find that those values are put in question or are being challenged. So it is common to see Hispanics and Muslims working on similar projects in terms of family and education and reforms to protect their values, their conservative values they have." For Jesus Marti and his fellow Hispanic worshippers, the decision to convert to Islam is personal, but also part of a broader trend. He hopes greater diversity among America's Muslims will help strengthen understanding of Islam within the wider U.S. population.

The Muslim Passion For Christ // With Ibrahim N. Abusharif

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:30:53 PST

Muslims love and revere Jesus, and believe in him as a Prophet and Messenger of God, a great teacher and guide for people. But Muslims do not believe that Jesus was God or the Son of God. Nor do Muslims believe that he was slain on the cross, as some early sects of Christians had once believed. Jesus was sent to the Children of Israel to revive faith and a spiritual connection with God. All the miracles that Jesus performed were indeed true: raising the dead, healing the blind and the leper, and more. These miracles, however, occurred through the auspices of God's power and will, as it was with the splitting of the sea for Moses, Solomon understanding the utterances of animals, and many other suspensions of the natural order. God is the Creator, and when He determines something, He but says to it "Be" and it is! (as the Qur'an states). Muslims venerate Mary, the mother of Jesus. She indeed gave birth to Jesus though she was a virgin. She was a spiritual woman who was chosen among her people to the office of special contemplation and prayer. But Muslims do not hold her to be the "mother of God" and similar attributes. She too was fully human and was a beloved and important person in a remarkable series of miracles in a special time in human history. Every biology and miracle, the explainable and the inexplicable, whether it is the creation of Adam from clay or the conception of any given child of two parents, goes back to God. It is all the same to Him. All of it easy. All of it His. In Islamic parlance, Jesus (peace be upon him) is known by the venerable titles of "Word" and "Spirit," since the Qur'an tells us that God cast the "word" or "spirit" upon Mary, the Mother of Jesus. "Indeed, the angels said: 'O Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a word from Him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in this world and the Hereafter, and he shall be among those brought near [to God]. He will speak to humankind in the cradle and in manhood, and he is of the righteous" (Qur'an, 3:45). Also, the Qur'an states: "The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was but a Messenger of God, and His word which He conveyed to Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him" (Qur'an, 4:171). "And indeed God gave Moses the Book [Torah], and after him We sent Messengers in succession. We gave Jesus son of Mary clear proofs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit [Angel Gabriel]" (Qur'an, 2:87). The thought life of a Muslim with regard to all the prophets is best summed by the following verse of the Qur'an "Say [O believers]: "We believe in God and [the Book] sent down to us, and what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes; and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to [all] the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him do we surrender ourselves" (Qur'an 2:136).

A Time For Change // With Hamza Yusuf

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:04:46 PDT

"It's important that Muslims don't become Democratic or Republican or any other political group... Islam transcends political boundaries." A powerful and potent message to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Filmed at ISNA 2008

Question Time! Part I // With Imam Zaid Shakir

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:50:52 PDT

How can you explain the existence of god logically rather than spiritually to someone who doesn’t believe in god? May Allah preserve you! Sidra - UK I would like to ask Imam Zaid. The topic is forgiveness. Allah wants us to be forgiving. HE says that if you are not forgiving to others the HE will not be forgiving to you, I think that is pretty much how it goes. How do we know if we've sincerely forgiven someone? Does forgiveness mean that you try to put what someone has done to you in the past even though the same type of things keep on happening? How do you forgive someone when it seems that things are never resolved? Please explain what forgiveness means. Sister Shannon Hayward, CA How do we deal with a situation where one is living in an ethnic Muslim society that is dominated by its cultural background and norms that are not always compatible with Islamic teachings? Where do we draw the line between Islam and culture and to what extent may one seek dispensations in this regard? (I'm sorry if my question isn't entirely coherent. Please give my salaams to Imam Zaid if possible) Haris Zuberi, Karachi, Pakistan How far would you agree with the statement that "entrenched ulama and accreted cultural practices are a serious block on establishing functioning Muslim communities and spreading the message of Islam? The question is prompted by my reading this: "As the Shari'a is a blueprint for the harmonious cultivation of such values and this blueprint has not been followed correctly, Ibn Rushd's attack is directed at those responsible for conveying the injuctions of the Law to the people. Political reform, he maintains, is only possible by means of a reduction in the authority of those who have obstucted the correct implementaion of the law, namely the jurists and the mutakallimun" In the intoduction of "Ibn Rushd: Mujtahid of Europe". Ma`a salaama Kareem Abbas How would you encourage young muslims from around the world to participate and realise the importance of local community work and working with the 'under privelaged' (although I dislike that term) Zeshan - UK Does the imam have any suggestions for how native born American Muslims, whether converts or their adult children or the American born children of immigrants, can bridge the cultural gap between us and the converts who tend to be in charge of our masajid, the organizations, etc -- particularly the middle aged ones. B/C there is a lot of alienation and resentment -- esp. for converts, who are sometimes not considered as good or "real" Muslims, etc. (And maybe it goes both ways, I don't know). As someone who is working in da'wah, there seems to be a disconnect and a misunderstanding of American culture and ways of thinking in Islamic da'wah books, among some da'wah workers, and I know a lot of people want to try and improve that and work on that. The Oakland liquor stores incident was sort of illustrative of this disconnect, I think. So what can we do to work on this? Jazakh Allah khair. Umm Zaid As a black convert to Islam, one of the things that I've always had difficultly accepting, is the institution of Slavery in the religion. I understand that slavery in Islam is different from the transatlantic slave trade which resulted in my forefathers being sold and enslaved with the result that they ended up in the West Indies. How is it that Islam banned alcohol, interest, prostitution, fornication and other societal ills, but only 'encouraged' the freeing of slaves? How is it that a nafs is allowed to OWN another nafs? Incidentally I'm reading "Islams Black Slaves" by Ronald Segal at the moment - are you familiar with the book? jai byron Manchester, England

Love & Marriage // With Shaykh Yaser Birjas

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:38:20 PDT

"And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put Love and mercy between your (hearts) verily in that are signs for those who reflect." - ArRum 30:21 "Of Love--may God exalt you!--the first part is jesting, and the last part is right earnestness. So majestic are its diverse aspects, they are too subtle to be described; their reality can only be apprehended by personal experience. Love is neither disapproved by Religion, nor prohibited by the Law; for every heart is in God's hands." - Ibn Hazm Tired of being the bachelor or bachelorette of your town? Do you want to get married but are unsure of how to start things off in the proper Islamic way? Or, you’re already married, but you don’t know why you’re not enjoying it. Your husband doesn’t listen. Your wife doesn’t understand you. Do you both claim the same thing as your right and the other’s responsibility? And does it seem that you’re both confused and shy about what’s permissible and what’s prohibited in your bedroom? What are Islamic etiquettes of marriage? Then listen to this!! Yaser Birjas is originally from the holy land of Palestine and was born in Kuwait. He graduated as class valedictorian with the highest honors from University of Madinah's College of Shariah (Fiqh and Usul) in 1996. He had the honor to interact and learn from a number of highly respected scholars such as Shaikh Ash-Shanqitee and Shaikh Al-Uthaimeen (rahimahu Allah). After graduating from the University of Madinah, Yaser Birjas went on to work as a youth counselor and relief program aide in war-torn Bosnia. Thereafter, he immigrated to the U.S. where he is presently an Imam (spiritual leader and advisor) at The Islamic Center in El Paso, Texas. He is also an instructor at AlMaghrib Institute, an organization that provides trademark double-weekend seminars leading its students towards a bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies. His two most recent courses of instruction with AlMaghrib Institute are The Code Evolved: The Evolution of Fiqh, which focuses on learning the historical development of Islamic law; and the Fiqh of Love: Marriage in Islam which deals primarily with the etiquettes of engagement and marriage as well as the means of developing a deeper, more fulfilling and loving relationship with one's spouse.

The Shahada: The First Pillar of Islam // With Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:07:59 PST

Biography Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi al-Hassani was born in Damascus, Syria on the 13th of Dhul Hijja in 1382 AH. He accompanied his father, Shaykh Ibrahim al-Yaqoubi until his died in 1406 AH. He was his servant, his disciple and his student. His father trained him in the Sufi path. He studied under him the major works of the Sacred Knowledge, memorized many texts and didactic poems. His father gave him several ijazas. He also received several other ijazas from the top scholars of Syria such as: the Hanafite Mufti of Syria Shaykh Muhammad Abul-Yusr ‘Abideen; the Maliki]te Mufti of Syria, Sayyid Makki al-Kittan; Shaykh Ali al-Boudaylimi of Tlemsan; Shaykh Saalih al-Khateeb; and Shaykh Abdul ‘Aziz ‘Uyoon al-Sood. Lineage Shaykh Muhammad descends from a scholarly family whose lineage goes back to the Prophet Muhammad, salla Allahu 'alayhi sallam, through his grandson Sayyiduna al-Hasan, radiya Allahu 'anhu. He is also related to Mawlay Idris al-Anwar who built the city of Fes. Mawlay Idris' lineage is as follows: he is the son of Mawlay Idris the Great; who is the son of Sayyiduna Abdullah al-Kamil; who is the son of Sayyiduna al-Hasan, the Second; who is the son of Sayyiduna al-Hasan, radiya Allah 'anhu; who is the grandson of the Prophet, salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Education and Career In the summer of 1973, at the age of eleven, Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi started teaching at the Darwishiyya Mosque where he taught a regular Qur'an and Tajweed class . He began giving public speeches in Ramadan in the same mosque at the age of twelve. At the age of fourteen and a half, he started delivering Friday speeches. He wrote his first published article when he was seventeen years old in al-Majalla al-'Arabiyya in Riyadh, KSA and published his first book when he was twenty three. At the age of twenty, some of his Friday Khutbas were broadcast live on Syrian radio stations. Shaykh Muhammad studied traditional Islamic Sciences under his father. For over twenty years, he studied over 500 works in the sciences of Qur'an, Hadith, Jurisprudence, and Logic. His father, gave him full authority to narrate Hadith, to teach and to issue fatwas. Besides serving as a Friday speaker and instructor until 1990, Shaykh Muhammad pursued his academic studies at the University of Damascus, Faculty of Shari'ah, where he frequented some lectures and benefited from several professors between 1982-1985. He also received a degree in Arabic literature in 1987 and completed a two-year study of philosophy at the Arab University of Beirut. In 1991, Shaykh Muhammad joined the PhD program of linguistics at Gothenburg University in Sweden, Department of Oriental Studies, where he also worked as a researcher and a teacher of classical Arabic literature until 1996. While in school, Shaykh Muhammad studied French as a second language. It was in 1988 that he began learning the basics of English and German. At the age of 30, upon traveling to Sweden, he realized how vital is the English language in the work for Islam, so he moved to England at that time and completed the FCE, CAE, CCS, and CPE Cambridge courses in English within a year before returning to Sweden where he continued his studies in Swedish. Amongst the scholars who gave him ijaza were the Malikite Mufti of Syria Sayyid Makki al-Kittani, the Hanafite Mufti Muhammad Abul-Yusr 'Abideen, Muhammad Salih al-Khateeb, Ali al-Boudaylimi, Zayn al-'Abideen at-Tounisi, 'Abdul'Aziz 'Uyun as-Soud, and Muhammad Wafa al-Qassaab. Shaykh Muhammad is a leading scholar of hadith. To date he has taught Sahih al-Bukhari 4 times, Sahih Muslim twice, The Muwatta of Imam Malik 6 times, and al-Shama'il of Imam Tirmidhi 17 times.

From Super Model To Role Model // An Interview with Imam Dawud Yasin

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:37:22 PST

Wilhelmina Models is a modeling agency founded in 1967 by the supermodel Wilhelmina (Wilhelmina Cooper) in Manhattan. The agency was sold in the 1990s to Dieter Esch, who made his daughter Natasha President as a twenty-first birthday present. In 1999 Brad Krassner purchased 50% of the company and together with Dieter Esch now run the company. The Wilhelmina Guide to Modeling (ISBN 0-684-81491-9) was published in 1996 by Simon & Schuster, New York. Although authorship is attributed to Natasha Esch, actual writing credit is given to C.L. Walker, who was a Wilhelmina model at the time. At the time of its publication, the book caused something of a scandal in the industry because it revealed closely guarded secrets regarding the management of models and the realities of the business. The Wilhelmina agency has offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. In 2007, Wilhelmina came together with Charlotte, NC based agency, Evolution (founded by Scott Cooper) and Evolution became Wilhelmina-Evolution.

Imran Khan on Spirituality // An exclusive interview with the Pakistani Cricket Legend by Omair Ali

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:35:18 PST

Imran Khan Niazi (born November 25, 1952) is a Pakistani cricketer and politician. Khan played for the Pakistani cricket team from 1971 to 1992, and led them as captain to his country's first and only World Cup victory in 1992. With a record of 3807 runs and 362 wickets in Test cricket, Khan is known as one of the finest all-rounders in the modern history of the game. In April 1996, he founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice), a small and marginal political party, of which he is chairman as well as sole ever-elected member of Parliament. He became a member of the National Assembly from Mianwali in October 2002, but resigned from office on October 2, 2007, in protest of General Pervez Musharraf's presidential re-election as the Chief of Army Staff.

Businessman, Entrepreneur, TV Personality & Islamic Thinker // Omair Ali interviews Dr. Tariq Al-Suwaidan

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:25:10 PST

Dr. Tariq Al-Suwaidan is a well known scholar throughout the Muslim world. He spent many years of his life living in various locations throughout the United States, and received a PhD in petroleum engineering. He is well known for his management and strategic planning training, helping create effective leaders across the globe. He also pioneered the first Islamic youth leadership centre in Kuwait. He has been presenting many Islamic shows on Arab satellite Channels for many years. Furthermore he is the author of many works. His album, ‘Qasas al Anbiyaa’ (Lives of the prophets) is the highest selling Islamic album in the world with over 2 million copies sold. He is in the process of releasing this work in English in the near future insha-Allah. He is the Chairman of Gulf Innovation companies in Kuwait. He currently resides in Kuwait with his wife and children.

The Fast of Ramadan & the Furious Shaitan // With Imam Zaid Shakir & Imam Suhaib Webb

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 15:01:51 PDT

The benefits of the Ramadhan month of fasting are too many to be counted. If one does recognize them and realize their importance, he wishes to have the month of Ramadhan to be throughout the whole year.These blessings are given by Allah to the fasting Muslims, who are to fast with full faith and expectation. These blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan have been grouped and summarized into different categories. They are summarized here without commentary. It should be remembered that all of these blessings were taken directly from Holy Quran and Hadith. The following is a partial list for the blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan: 01. Taqwa: Fearing Allah(SWT) Practicing the Revelations of Allah(SWT) Accepting the little things that one has achieved Preparing for departure from this world to the Hereafter Self-discipline Self-control Self-restraint Self-education Self-evaluation By accepting these criteria and by practicing them, the Muslim will achieve the concept of Taqwa in his private and public life. 02. Protection: Avoiding Immorality Avoiding anger/outcry/uproar Avoiding stupidity Avoiding all makrooh/mashbooh/haram By achieving these good manners, a Muslim will come out of fasting a better human being in the society. 03. Revelation of Holy Quran: The Holy Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadhan. The Holy Quran is meant to be: A Guidance to mankind A Manifestation of right from wrong A Summation and culmination of all previous revelations A Glad-tiding to the believers A Healer A Mercy 04. Doors of heaven are open 05. Doors of hell are closed 06. Devils are chained down 07. Fasting with Iman (faith) and expectation: Such type of intention leads to forgiveness by Allah (SWT) to the individual’s sins. 08. Door of Rayyan: There is in Paradise a door called Al-Rayyan. It is for the fasting Muslims. Only those who fasted the month of Ramadhan are the ones to enjoy the bliss of Paradise inside that area. 09. Rejoices: There are two types of rejoices for the Muslims who fast. These are: When breaking fast When meeting Allah (SWT) on the day of Judgment 10. Mouth Smell: The smell of the mouth of the fasting Muslim will be better than the smell of musk during the day of Judgement. (Bad Breath) 11. Glad-Tidings: These glad-tidings are given to the well-wishers while the ill-wishers are to be stopped during fasting. 12. Ramadhan -to- Ramadhan: Whoever fasts two consecutive months of Ramadhan with good intention will receive forgiveness for the mistakes committed throughout the year. 13. Multiplication of Rewards: Doing good = 10x, 70x, 700x or more during the month of Ramadhan. 14. Feeding Others: Whoever invites others to break the fast, and whoever takes care of the hungry, needy, during the last ten days of Ramadhan will receive equal rewards to the fasting person(s). 15. Blessing of Iftar: Dua is accepted by ALLAH (SWT) at Iftar time. 16. Blessings of Sahoor (The late night meal): This meal time gives the opportunity for: Night Prayers Zikr, Remembrance, Contemplation Recitation of Holy Quran Fajr Salat in Jamaat Dua of Fajr 17. Night Prayers: Whoever performs the Night prayers with sincerity and good intention will receive forgiveness of his past mistakes. 18. Shafa’at (Pleading One’s Case for Forgiveness): Whoever fasts Ramadhan will receive on the day of Judgement the Shafa’at of: Ramadhan Holy Quran 19. Ihya (Passing Nights Awake): Last ten days of Ramadhan. When a Muslim makes this type of effort, he will get rewards, forgiveness, and multiples of blessings. 20. Itikaf (Retreat): A Muslim who performs Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan will get: Blessings and rewards Peace of mind Contemplation and evaluation Better citizen and more!

Don't Hate, Educate! // An Exclusive Interview with the Zero-Net Team

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 19:51:02 PDT

In September 2005, 12 cartoons of Islam's prophet Muhammad were published in a local newspaper in Denmark, as a result, a wave of negative feelings and actions followed on both sides; by mid January of 2006 a sever case of cross-cultural misunderstanding was apparent. Many level-headed people worldwide felt the need to do something positive in reaction. Sahar El-Nadi, Independent Culture Consultant from Cairo published an article explaining the cross-cultural lessons to be learnt from this clash and how to avoid similar situations in the future, she sent a short email to a small circle of her friends on 7 February 2006 explaining how multicultural and creative people should get together to encourage friendship and understanding across cultures. Soon many enthusiastic people worldwide responded to her call for constructive action. Thus a core volunteer group was formed, made up of young Egyptians in their 20's & 30's, all multi-lingual, successful professionals in many fields, with cross-cultural exposure, creative talents, and friendly nature. They were supported by many enthusiasts worldwide from various cultural backgrounds, ages, and faiths. Zero-Net was born: A unique Cultural Outreach Initiative under the slogan Don't Hate, Educate!

What You (Should) Look For in Finding a Spouse // With Amir Abdul-Malik

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 20:31:03 PDT

This talk was addressed to the Bay Area youth at MCA. With prom time fast approaching and the summer temperature on the rise, the pressures for girls not to dress modestly and young brothers/sisters to lower their gaze is even greater. This forum was to address the difficulties of this time period by reminding our youth to remain grounded in the obedience of Allah through this hard time, because this is the way they will eventually inshaAllah find the best spouse who they can spend the rest of their lives with in the dunya and in the akhira. Abdul-Malik Ali is an African-American convert to Islam and well known Islamic lecturer and activist in the United States. He is the Amir (leader) of the Masjid Al Islam mosque in Oakland, California and a graduate of San Francisco State University. Since the early 1990s he has been a frequent guest lecturer at several Muslim Student Association events and Islamic conferences. He is best known as a captivating public speaker whose oratory consists largely of lectures against Imperialism, unjust policies of the U.S. government, and the apartheid state of Israel. He is also a leading member of Imam Abdul Alim Musa's As-Sabiqun movement, which has Masjids throughout the US.

Imam Zaid.jpg [Flickr]

meccaone — Tue, 08 May 2007 12:52:13 PDT

meccaone posted a photo:

Dead Man Walking // Omair Ali Interviews Spoken Word Poet Amir Sulaiman

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Fri, 04 May 2007 18:05:05 PDT

"I am a poet, writer, speaker. In many ways writing is my most signifigant means to self discovery. God willing, the people find benefit in it. I also give lectures and workshops on Freedom of Speech and the Artists Sacred Obligation, Art & Spirituality, and Manifest Liberation: Liberty of the Body, Mind and Soul"

Priests & Preachers Enter Islam // Omair Ali Interviews Yusuf Estes

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 17:57:52 PDT

I was born into a very strong Christian family in the Midwest. Our family and their ancestors not only built the churches and schools across this land, but actually were the same ones who came here in the first place. While I was still in elementary we relocated in Houston, Texas in 1949 (I'm old). We attended church regularly and I was baptized at the age of 12 in Pasadena, Texas. As a teenager, I wanted to visit other churches to learn more of their teachings and beliefs. The Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Charismatic movements, Nazarene, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of God in Christ, Full Gospel, Agape, Catholic, Presbyterian and many more. I developed quite a thirst for the "Gospel" or as we say; "Good News." My research into religion did not stop with Christianity. Not at all. Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Metaphysics, native American beliefs were all a part of my studies. Just about the only one that I did not look into seriously was "Islam". Why? Good question. LISTEN TO THE PROGRAM FOR THE FULL STORY!

Black History Month & The Significance of Islam // With Imam Zaid Shakir

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 14:49:16 PST

Black History Month should be of interest to every Muslim – especially here in America. It is estimated that upwards to 20% of the Africans enslaved in the Americas were Muslim. In some areas, such as the coast of the Carolinas, Georgia, and parts of Virginia, the percentages of Muslims in the slave population may have approached 40%. The fact that the search of a random African American, Alex Haley, for his roots led him to a Muslim village in West Africa is indicative of the widespread Muslim presence among the enslaved population here in the Americas. At this critical time in the history of our country, it is important for Muslims, whose legitimate existence in this country is being challenged in some quarters, to connect to our American Muslim roots. As Muslims, our story in this country did not begin with the coming of Syrians, Lebanese, Albanians, or Yemenis at the turn of the 20th Century and later. It began with those courageous African Muslim slaves whose blood, sweat, and tears were instrumental in building this country. Their struggle is our struggle, and our struggle should be a continuation of theirs.

Allah Made Me Funny // Omair Ali interviews Azeem

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 19:39:24 PST

"Allah Made Me Funny - The Official Muslim Comedy Tour" launched in June 2004 in Washington D.C and according to Moss, the tour embodies a progressive attempt to tackle negative post 9/11 stereotypes about Muslims through the vehicle of comedy. The tour features three of America's best known Muslim comedians including Preacher Moss, the tour's producer and a former writer for George Lopez, Saturday Night Live's Darrel Hammond and Damon Wayans. Moss shares the comedy stage with nationally recognized stand-up comedians Azhar Usman (nicknamed the Ayatollah of Comedy) who is an attorney turned comedian and Azeem, a stand-up comic, activist and founder of Azeem's Kids Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping children who are in foster and juvenile care.

Struggles of the Muslim Student Activist // Br. Amir Mertaban & Sr. Marya Bangee

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 11:13:29 PST

A great interview for all Muslim students in North America.

An Ecstatic Exchange // Omair Ali interviews Author & Poet Daniel Abdal-Hayy Moore

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 16:02:08 PST

"For me the province of poetry is a private ecstasy made public, and the social role of the poet is to display moments of shared universal epiphanies capable of healing our sense of mortal estrangement—from ourselves, from each other, from our source, from our destiny, from The Divine."

Marriage: The Domestic Nucleus // With Shaykh Sulayman Mullah

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 19:35:08 PST

Shaykh Sulayman completed his Hifzul Qur'an at the age of 14 in the year 1989, thereafter continued his studies for 7 years in the field of Tafseer, Hadeeth, Fiqh, Aqaaid, & the Arabic language. Sheikh is presently a Lecturer/Ustaadh in Johannesburg/South Africa where he resides with his family.

Islam & Other Faiths // Omair Ali interviews renowned comparative religion expert Dr. Zakir Naik

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:03:38 PST

A medical doctor by professional training, Dr. Zakir Naik is renowed as a dynamic international orator on Islam and Comparative Religion. Dr. Zakir Naik clarifies Islamic viewpoints and clears misconceptionsabout Islam, using the Qur'an, authentic Hadith and other religious Scriptures as a basis, in conjunction with reason, logic and scientific facts. He is 37 years old. Dr. Zakir is popular for his critical analysis and convincing answers to challenging questions posed by audiences after his public talks. In the last 6 years (by the year 2002), Dr. Zakir Naik has delivered more than 600 public talks in the U.S.A., Canada, U.K., Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, South Africa, Mauritius, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hongkong, Thailand, Guyana (South America) and many other countries, in addition to numerous public talks in India. He has successfully participated in several symposia and dialogues with prominent personalities of other faiths. His public dialogue with Dr. William Campbell (of USA), on the topic, “The Qur’an and the Bible in the light of Science” held in city of Chicago, U.S.A., on April 1, 2000 was a resounding success. Sheikh Ahmed Deedat, the world famous orator on Islam and Comparative Religion, who had called Dr. Zakir, "Deedat plus" in 1994, presented a plaque in May 2000 awarded to Dr. Zakir Abdul-Karim Naik for his achievement in the field of Da’wah and the study of Comparative Religion with the engraving "Son what you have done in 4 years had taken me 40 years to accomplish, Alhamdullilah.” Dr. Zakir Naik appears regularly on many international T.V. Channels in more than 100 countries of the world. He is regularly invited for T.V. and Radio interviews. More than a hundred of his talks, dialogues, debates and symposia are available on video cassettes, video CDs and audio cassettes. He has authored books on Islam and Comparative Religion.

War for Civilization // Omair Ali interviews renowned war correspondent Robert Fisk

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 08:32:35 PST

MeccaOne Interview with Robert Fisk, chief Middle East correspondent for the London Independent. He is author of several books. His latest is "The Great War for Civilisation: The Conquest of the Middle East."

Robert Fisk at ISNA 2006

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:36:54 PST

Middle East correspondent of The Independent, is the author of Pity the Nation: Lebanon at War (London: André Deutsch, 1990). He holds numerous awards for journalism, including two Amnesty International UK Press Awards and seven British International Jour

Ramadan Resolutions // With Imam Suhaib Webb & Special Guests Chacha Saab & Imam Patrick Robertson

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 15:01:12 PST

If a Muslim continues to have the patience to do righteous deeds after Ramadaan, this is a sign that his (fasting) has been accepted by his Lord, the Most Generous, the Bestower of blessings. If he fails to do righteous deeds after Ramadaan, and follows the ways of the Shaytaan, this is a sign of humiliation, meanness, lowly status and being deprived of the help of Allah Thank your Lord for making you complete the fasting of this month. Enjoy your Eid by remaining consistent on the those good deeds and keep away from undesirable things that are capable of removing Allaah’s favors from you. One of our righteous predecessors said:"Each day in which no act of disobedience to Allaah is committed is Eid and each day a believer spent in acts of obedience to his Lord is Eid”

Ramadan Preparation // with Imam Zaid Shakir

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:24:54 PDT

The month of Ramadan is a golden opportunity for every Muslim to draw nearer to Allah. Only a few days left and the month will start. Have you asked yourself the following questions: Am I ready for Ramadan? How should I prepare myself for Ramadan? How should I welcome this month? What should I do to draw closer to Allah?

Where Is Our Emaan? Part 3 of 3 // With Imam Suhaib Webb & Special Guest Harry Potter

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 11:38:10 PDT

In each of our lives, our Emaan (firmness of faith) can vary in different levels. It goes from its highest peak, when things seem as if they couldn’t be better, to times when we feel down-in-the-dumps, at an all-time low. It is an aspect of our religion that we all should anticipate at one point or another, and it is something we should also prepare ourselves for. By understanding and acknowledging Eman (firmness of faith), we will ready ourselves for our own inner struggle when the time comes. It will give us strength, endurance and patience to ride out the storm. So then...Where Is Our Emaan? Tune in and find out!

Where Is Our Emaan? Part 2 of 3 // With Imam Suhaib Webb

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:59:19 PDT

Healing in Harmony With Nature // With Dr. Karim Abdullah, ND

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 14:54:23 PDT

Dr. Karim Abdullah received a BA in biology from Boston University in 1985 and an ND from the world renonwned Bastyr University Seattle, Washington in 1994. He earned an MS in acupuncture and Oriental medicine from Bastyr in 2001. Dr. Abdullah is a psychology faculty member at Bastyr University as well as on the clinical faculty at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. He sees patients in private practice in both Practitioner Care at the center and in the Seattle area. Dr. Abdullah practices family medicine with an interest in healing the whole person through traditional and advanced scientific methods developed in natural medicine, including Oriental, Ayurvedic and Arabic (Unani) medicine.

Reflect On This! My Conversion to Islam // With Christopher "Khalil" Moore

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sun, 07 May 2006 23:30:04 PDT

"These resonating questions have been posed to me, perhaps hundreds of times, since the unforgettable decision I made in the summer of 1994. Many question the reasons behind why a Caucasian, Catholic, middle-class, nineteen-year-old American would convert to such a “strange and mysterious” religion as Islam. These inquiries are all the more pertinent considering that this young man was born and raised in the West during the later part of the 20th century, in a world that is increasingly more hostile to, and abusive of, the sacred." - Christopher ‘Khalil’ Moore

How I Became Muslim & The Road Ahead // With Imam Suhaib Webb

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 14:14:27 PDT

Imam Suhaib Webb was born in 1972 and raised in Oklahoma, USA. During his teens he was a Hip Hop DJ and a member of a gang. Feeling spiritually bankrupt, Imam Suhaib Webb set out on a path of spirituality ultimately leading up to the acceptance of Islam at the age of twenty. He graduated from the Central Oklahoma University with a degree in Education. He currently serves as a Board Member at MeccaOne Media and resides in Egypt while studying at Al-Azhar university.

Where Is Our Emaan? Part 1 of 3 // With Imam Suhaib Webb

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 23:30:19 PDT

Asma'a Allah Al Husna // 99 Name's Of Allah

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 05:15:00 PST

The 99 (known) names of God

To Know Him Is To Love Him, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam // With Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 11:33:00 PST

Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi takes the listener through an amazing path of enlightenment, surveying in great detail the essence of why the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam is loved by creation, man, and Allah(swt).

Do You Really Love The Prophet? (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) // Shaykh Mumtazul Haq

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 01:15:00 PST

A serious question is posed towards the end of the talk. Khutba delivered on 02/24/06.

There Is No Calamity If There Is Certainty // Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 11:47:00 PST

This talk was delivered for SBIA on Eid ul Adha at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, January 11th 2006. "Nothing in this world is calamity if you have certainty." - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

Takbir!

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 04:15:00 PST

It is a sunnah to pronounce the takbirat on Eid days. Concerning the Eid of breaking the fast, Allah says "you should complete the prescribed period and that you should glorify Allah [i.e., say takbirat] for having guided you and that you may give thanks."

The Hajj // with Imam Zaid Shakir

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 08:35:00 PST

Here is an exclusive interview with Imam Zaid Shakir on one of the 5 pillars of Islam - The Hajj - Every year, millions of Muslims gather in Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage, called Hajj.

Ethnic Jihad // The Struggles of Muslims in America // Featuring Shaykh Hamza Yusuf & Imam Zaid Shakir

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Sun, 25 Dec 2005 10:55:00 PST

MeccaOne Radio special interview for the special Zaytuna Minara Program // For generations, the American Muslim community has continually grown and evolved. Beginning with the emergence of African Muslims in colonial times, followed by waves of diverse...

Patience Takes Courage // By Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 03:22:00 PST

Khutba Recorded at MCA on Friday, Dec 2nd. Zaytuna Institute is a non-profit, educational institute and school founded and run by people committed to reviving time-tested methods of educating and transforming human beings.

In The Shade of The Tree // Omair Ali interviews world renowned photographer Peter Sanders

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 06:22:00 PST

Peter Sanders is a world renowned photographer. Born in London, he established himself in the 1960s shooting many of the pop stars of that era including Jimi Hedrix, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and The Doors.

When Calamities Strike: Reflections on the Earthquake in Pakistan // With Shaykh Sulayman Mullah

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 07:17:00 PST

Understanding Calamities. Some Muslims ask - Why an Earthquake during the month of Mercy? The month of Ramadan?

Ramadan: A Time for Change // With Imam Suhaib Webb

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Wed, 05 Oct 2005 04:39:00 PDT

Fasting in Ramadan develops in a person the real spirit of social belonging, of unity and brotherhood, and of equality before God. This spirit is the natural product of the fact that when people fast they feel that they are joing hands with the World

Are You Ready For The Month Of Ramadan? // With Imam Suhaib Webb

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Mon, 03 Oct 2005 11:43:00 PDT

Are you ready for Ramadan? With Ramadan right around the corner, what have you prepared for it? We hope and pray that Allah(swt) grant us many more Ramadans, but what if this was your LAST Ramadan?

The Prophet Muhammad (s): Mercy To Humanity // With Shaykh Hamza Yusuf & Imam Zaid Shakir

info@meccaone.org (On The Air With Omair) — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 08:43:38 PDT

The Prophet Muhammad (s): Mercy To Humanity // With Shaykh Hamza Yusuf & Imam Zaid Shakir