MESSAGE FROM THE CHAPLAIN
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,
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In the moments of uncertainty in the world, I direct my sight to the Holy Quran. Then I see light, I see hope, and I see the constant Mercy of Allah.
I hope this message finds you all in the best of state, having a productive and enjoyable semester. I would like to welcome everyone to this community, where we have an ample amount of resources geared towards helping out students adjust to a new environment. I am on campus every Wednesday in my office, in the Interfaith Center on the fifth floor of the library. My office hours are by appointment, but on Wednesday, you can stop by my office at any time. I will also be at our General Body Meetings every Wednesday in the conference room. I urge you all to come out to that, in order to not only meet your fellow brothers and sisters but also introduce yourself to me. I look forward to meeting everyone, both old and new insha'Allah.
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The Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) said that the believers are one body and if one part aches, the rest of the body feels the pain. My brothers and sisters, please look for that which will bind this body of faith together and not cause it harm. Let everyone strive in the way of righteousness and good deeds. Let us not stop or lose hope if the test is powerful and painful. Let us remember that the victory of Allah is always near to those who have faith, those who stand strong with yakeen, absolute surrender to the mercy of Allah.
Recently, there was a shooting of domestic terrorism by a lone shooter, killing over 50 people and injuring over 400 people. We pray for all the families of the people who have passed and for those wounded -- may they find solace. More than anything, we must pause and realize that we are living in a world where safety is always on the brink of the madness of those who choose to turn violent, be it through extremism around the world, mental health issues, or the laws preventing gun control. More than ever, we must always as a society work to ensure the safety of our environment, combat extremism, pay attention to the social justice issues, and be diligent.
We are a community that is continuously affected by current events. As we speak, there are horrific crimes being perpetrated against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. I urge you all to help your brothers and sisters on board and the campus community to bring attention to this awful situation. I am inviting you to attend events on campus in order to show solidarity with the campus in the efforts to help those in need. Continue to encourage your friends, suitemates, and campus community to come fast with us during Fast-a-Thon, break their fasts with us, and learn about and contribute to the charities we will be donating to.
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As an example, the footsteps of our Prophet (PBUH) have taught us the element of social justice by serving all communities, regardless of race, religion, and ethnic background. So, we purify our intentions and make the intent to please Allah (SWT) by serving humanity each and every day of our lives. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) says: “Then, whoever did (even) an atom’s weight worth of good, shall see it” [99:7]
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Islam is a way of life; the Prophet (PBUH) taught us so many etiquettes, especially the etiquette of treating others right. Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “It is a serious evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim.” [Muslim]. It is necessary in the foundation of a strong community to be able to care for people as we care for our own selves. A Hadith narrates that none of you believe unless you love for your brother/sister in Islam/humanity what you love for yourself. We must carry social justice further than our own limitations. In that context, we should be able to follow in the words of the Prophet (PBUH) in judging our egos before judging others.
Allah (SWT) promised 'Ina bada al usri yousra" - that with hardship surely ease will follow. Believe in the promise of Allah and join together all the sisters and brothers in humanity. As narrated by the Prophet (PBUH), “Someone said, ‘Allah will not forgive such and such person.’ Thereupon Allah, the Exalted and the Glorious said: ‘Who is he who takes an oath in My name that I will not grant pardon to so and so; I have granted pardon to so and so and blotted out his good deeds of all merits.’” [Muslim].
Once again, I wish you a well start to this new year and May Allah (SWT) accept our actions and our deeds in His name. If you wish to contact me, please email me at sissanaa@aol.com .
Sincerely,
Chaplain Sanaa Nadim