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Dear sisters
here comes spring with its lovely flowers, colors and nice fragrant and its almost over but with the remaining days comes our opportunity to think of Allahs creation and how the trees and flowers come back to life after winter (subhan Allah ) .Its a high rank of worship to think of Allahs creation ,you feel humble and it gives you wisdom .Universe is an open book everyone can read from it and see the perfect in Allahs creation ,use all your senses to feel it ,and follow the steps of the prophets to find the hidden treasure within yourself ..... Allah said in Al-Imraan in the Holy Quran (190) indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding...

May 2012

In this issue:
Dears sisters Zohra Sarwari Performing her prayers properly Three steps to be a happy parent Tips for new sisters Sisters! Start stepping it up Walnut brain Upcoming events Announcements

Sister Zohra Sarwari lecture at OCRC

On March 30, The OCRC sisters committee organized their first event: The Power of Youth and The Power of Raising Kids by Sister Zohra Sarwari. The Power of Youth was an inspiring lecture for everyone. She has spoken about how our youth are so blessed by Allah (subhanahu waTala) and how they need to utilize their blessings.

She has mentioned that each person is gifted in a different way and need to know that no matter how small his dream might be, he needs to believe in it and start at once for the sake of Allah. She has also given them some examples of youth who had gone through much adversity yet with the help of Allah, they did great things. Then she talked to the parents telling them to believe in their children and to support them if they want to do something great, and to not belittle them or put them down. The goal was to motivate them, inspire them and teach them all of this within the boundaries of Islam. The Power of Raising Kids taught parents techniques on how to deal with their children with the issues that they are facing today. It was a workshop with teaching great techniques on how to get things done with their children. What types of issues their children are facing and how to deal with them according to Islam and today's society. Plenty of example and real stories were told. By the end of the workshop the parents were inspired and motivated to be a better parent.
Hadith of the month

" Allah does not look at your appearance or your possessions; but He looks at your heart and your deeds." (Muslim)

OCRC 22 Pleasant street Malden MA 02148 781-322-0864 www.dawahmasjid.org masjid@dawahmasjid.org

Performing Her Prayers Properly

Uthmaan ibn `Affaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam, say: `There is no Muslim person who, when the time for prayer comes, performs ablution properly, concentrates during prayer and bows correctly, but the prayer will be an expiation for the sins committed prior to it, so long as no major sin has been committed. This is the case until the end of time.'" The true Muslim woman tries hard to perform her prayers properly, with deep concentration, submission and precision of physical movements. She thinks about the meaning of the verses she is reciting, and the words of praise and glorification that she is uttering. Her soul is flooded with fear of Allah, and with gratitude to Him and sincere worship of Him. If the devil happens to whisper some idea to her during the prayer, to distract her from concentrating properly, to keep him away, she focuses on the words that she is reciting from the Quran, and the words of praise that she is uttering. The Muslim woman does not rush back to her housework and chores when she has finished her prayer. Rather, as the Prophet, sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam, used to do, she asks Allah's forgiveness by saying "Astaghfirullaah" three times, and recites the supplication: "Allahumma Anta AsSalaam Wa Minka As-Salaam, Tabaarakta Yaadal Jalaali Wal-Ikraam (O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes peace, Blessed are You, O Lord of majesty and honor.)" Then she recites the supplications and mention of Allah that the Prophet, sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam, is known to have recited after completing his prayer. There are many such supplications and mention of Allah, one of the most important of which is to repeat "SubhaanAllah" thirty-three times, "AlHamdulillaah" thirty-three times, "Allahu Akbar" thirty-three times, then to complete one hundred with "La Ilaaha IllAllah Wahdahu La Shareeka Lahu, Lahul-Mulk Wa Lahul-Hamd, Wahuwa `Ala Kulli Shay'in Qadeer." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] Then she turns to Allah humbly asking Him to correct all her affairs, in this world and next, and to bless her abundantly and guide her in everything. Thus the Muslim woman finishes her prayers, purified in heart and mind and reinvigorated with a dose of spiritual energy, which will help her to cope with the burdens of everyday life, knowing that she is under the protection of Allah.

Three steps to be a happy parent

Many parents are happy, but there are times of tension, and difficulty even as a parent. So how can a parent be happy in times such as those? There are three easy steps: 1. First step is look at the situation that has made you upset and turn it around. Ask yourself as soon as it happens, if this was you, and you made this mistake at the same age, how would you want your parent to react to you? This is a powerful question; we all know that if the tables were turned we would want mercywe would want care, compassion, and understanding. So if this is how we would want to be treated, then please treat your child the same way. Just remember that your children are also a test, and that Allah is watching how you are dealing with them. Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds, that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope. (The Quraan, Surrah Al- Kahf- Verse 46)

Announcement
The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Whoever seeks out a path to acquire knowledge (of the deen), Allah makes easy a path for them to Jannah!" Muslim Every Saturday at 3:00 pm, sisters halaka in English is held at the OCRC by Sister Aisha. This lecture designated to new sisters in Islam to get knowledge about their deen.

Although it all seems so strange and new at first, keep praying and reading the Quran. You will find peace and strength in doing that. Talk to the sisters you see at the Mosque. People are more than happy to talk to new Muslims but you have to approach them first. Don't be afraid to admit to other Muslims that you don't know things, and ask questions. Make Du'ua and ask Allah to guide you and give you strength.

2. Look at every difficulty as an opportunity to teach a lesson. InshAllaah only Allaah knows how many times this one lesson can benefit this child and others. Instead of reacting with anger, annoyance, or ignorance, use this opportunity to teach a valuable lesson in calm and relax voice. 3. Think about how many people have it worse than you. Always remember your blessings, and how it could always be worse, and that many parents have it worse than you. Prostrate to Allah, and ask for patience, perseverance, and be grateful. Remember Allah so that He may remember you.

OCRC 22 Pleasant street Malden MA 02148 781-322-0864 www.dawahmasjid.org masjid@dawahmasjid.org

Sisters! Start stepping it up

Allah Almighty Says what means: What comes to

you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil, is from yourself. [Quran 4: 79]
For some reason, womens health is a topic rarely talked about in our communities. Sure, we talk about menstruation and pregnancy... However, we do not bear a lot of discussions concerning general health issues, nutrition and specifically exercise. Many of us do not appreciate our health until we are faced with losing it as we know it forever. So, what message do we get as Muslim women about our daily living? Generally we are told to stay inside our homes and while our homes are the best and safest place to be without a doubt - many sisters who live in apartment buildings, and even those who live in duplexes or houses simply do not have a place to exercise. If you think in terms of our society - what are these messages teaching our young girls? If we do not talk plainly and openly about healthy living, and practice what we preach on the subject we are leaving many young girls to fall victim to eating disorders, such as over-eating, anorexia and bulimia. If you think no one you know has an eating disorder, look again... its more common than you think. We need to send the right message about womens health to our daughters, that eating right and exercising is also a part of a Muslim woman's lifestyle. We need to also lead by example and start stepping up to the plate. There are many forms of exercise that will fit into our Islamic lifestyle. Taking 10,000 a day There is solid medical evidence to prove that walking 10,000 steps a day can lead to significant health benefits. If done each day, it can not only make you feel better and more energized in everything you do, but it can also reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses such as heart disease, some cancers, diabetes and depression. Ready, set, run! On the authority of 'Aa'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, who reported that she was once on a trip with the Prophet (PBUH), while she was still a young girl. "I had not acquired excess body flesh,

HAPPY MUSLIM MARRIAGE Seven Important things to have and give in your marriage: 1. LOVE: The special feeling that makes you feel all warm and wonderful. 2. RESPECT: Treating your spouse as you would like to be treated. 3. APPRECIATION: To be grateful for all the good things your spouse does for you. 4. HAPPINESS: The full enjoyment of each moment spent together with a smiling face. 5. FORGIVENESS: The ability to let things be without anger. 6. SHARING: The joy of giving without thoughts of receiving. 7. HONESTY: The quality of always telling the truth

WALNUT BRAIN
The gnarled folds of a walnut mimic the appearance of a human brain - and provide a clue to the benefits. Walnuts are the only nuts which contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. It may also help head off dementia. An American study found that walnut extract broke down the protein-based plaques associated with Alzheimer disease. Researchers at Tufts University found walnuts reversed some signs of brain ageing in rats. Dr James Joseph, who headed the study, said walnuts also appear to enhance signaling within the brain and encourage new messaging links between brain cells.

Upcoming event
Building good relationship that build good marriage that
build strong families with sister Suzy Ismail Sunday May 20th 2012 from 2pm to 5pm. Babysitter and food will be provided.
Suzy Ismail is currently a Visiting Professor at DeVry University in North Brunswick, New Jersey and at DeVry University Online. She received her Bachelor's in English, Communication and Middle Eastern Studies, her Master's in Communication and Information Studies, and attended the School of Communication at Rutgers University as a doctoral student in the field of Intercultural Organizational Communication and Public Relations. She specializes in presenting a range of communication seminars and workshops that address issues such as marriage, divorce, unity, youth and women empowerment, and cultural and religious diversity in the workplace. Since 1999, she has been teaching, speaking and writing professionally on a national and international level. Suzy has been an active officer on her children's school Board of Directors for the past six years. She is the author of: 9 to 5: Muslims in the Western Workplace When Muslim Marriage Fails: Divorce Chronicles & Commentaries The BFF Sisters: Jennah's New Friends And several other pending works. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband of fourteen years and her three inspirational young children.

Announcement
Sisters indoor Swimming
Sisters committee would like to invite you to the indoor swimming activities every Saturday at Malden High school 77 Salem Street from 3PM to 6PM. Ages 7 and up, space is limited reserve your place by contacting sister liala at 781-354-5656 Please use the Holden st entrance.

Walk for hunger 2012

To Feed others is part of Islam Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (RA) A man asked the Prophet (saw), "What sort of deeds (or what qualities of) Islam are good?" The prophet replied, "Feeding the poor and greeting those whom you know and those whom you do not know." Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 1, Part 2, Chapter 6:11. On Sunday, May 6 (10 am to 2 pm), we will be participating in Project Bread's 2012 Walk for Hunger. This year's event is especially important, and we hope that you be there inchaa Allah! Please register for the Walk and join the OCRC team. Let us, as a Muslims, be part of the solution. For more information please contact Br abdelwahab at: 781-475-0407

Muslim Woman

nor had my body become large. The Prophet (PBUH), said to his companions, "Move on ahead." When they had gone on ahead of us, he, (PBUH), said, "Come, and I will race you." Then, I beat him in a foot race. Later on, I again was on a trip with him and he, (PBUH), said again to his companions, "Go on ahead". And then he, (PBUH), said to me, "Come, and I will race you." I had completely forgotten the previous incident. Moreover, I had become heavier. I said to him: "How can I race you when I am in this condition?" He, (PBUH), said, "You will race me!" So I raced him, and he, (PBUH), won the race. Then he, (PBUH), began laughing and said, "This is for that victory." [Abu Daawood)
Make a splash Swimming helps you lose weight and keep in shape, burning more calories than almost any other exercise. Join sisters group together in private pool a few times a month for a change of pace and bring the kids, it will be a hit!

The Muslim Woman values her dignity over her looks. her humility goes far beyond the way she dresses. It shows in her prayer, when she bows, prostrates, or raises her hands to her Lord. It shows in her speech, always soft, truthful, and meaningful. It shows in her conduct, in the way she behaves and lowers her gaze. It shows in her devotion to her husband, children, family and community. But foremost, it shows in her devotion to Allah the Exalted. Because in all she does its only His pleasure she seeks.

Suggestions comments or if you want to advertise in this newsletter you can contact us via email at: masjid@dawahmasjid.org

OCRC 22 Pleasant street Malden MA 02148 781-322-0864 www.dawahmasjid.org masjid@dawahmasjid.org