In the wake of the catastrophic 7.8 earthquake and resulting aftershocks that have claimed thousands of lives in Türkiye, Syria and the surrounding region, ICNA Sisters would like to extend our deepest condolences to those impacted by this tragedy. ICNA Sisters grieves
the loss of life, and we stand in solidarity alongside our sisters and brothers in the affected region.

As the people of Türkiye and Syria assess the scale of the devastation, we make dua’a that Allah (SWT) accept those who have died as martyrs and grant them the highest level of Jannah. We pray that Allah (SWT) grant healing and ease to the survivors, and we pray that those still trapped under the debris and rubble are rescued safely.

Whenever any part of our community is tested by calamity, it is our duty as an Ummah to answer the calls for help selflessly and swiftly. This earthquake is the deadliest ever to hit Türkiye, and one of the strongest to hit anywhere in the world. For the war-torn Syria, this
is yet another compounding tragedy for the people there. There will be a long road to recovery ahead for those affected, and we call upon our community here and abroad to respond promptly by donating, providing aid, and continuing to keep our brothers and sisters in your dua’as.

​

Another year has come to honor the Hijab, it is time to reflect and ponder on how the hijab helps shape our lives.  As it is constantly stated that 'hijab is much more than a piece of cloth. Hijab is a way of life that is followed by both Muslim women and men. Yes!! When the Quran talks about Hijab it addresses both Men and Women. Hijab is being modest in every aspect of our life; it is a barrier and a distinguishing factor from right and wrong while submitting to Allah SWT.
 
So, the hijab represents a set of codes that we, Muslim women (and men), follow that regulate our day-to-day life. These codes are an embodiment of modesty and morality: it is a combination of how we represent ourselves, behave, speak, and treat others.
 
For me, wearing the hijab is something that is extremely personal, yet it is the most visible and the very first thing people see about me. It’s a reminder to myself that my hijab isn’t just what I’m wearing—it’s also what I do, what I say, how I interact with people. It reminds me that every day, I am lucky to be able to choose to wear something that outwardly represents my morality, modesty, and my pride in being a Muslim woman. My hijab does not restrict me or puts limitations on my ability to achieve my goals instead it empowers me, it gives me strength. I have complete belief that my Lord Allah SWT is guiding me to how I show myself to the world. My hijab serves as a constant motivator to try to break the associated stereotypes whenever I can.
 
In a narration of Sahih Muslim: Messenger of Allah SAW said, "All of modesty is good."

The hijab gives us strength to act according to the boundaries prescribed by Allah SWT. It is a constant reminder for us on the type of life we want to lead, it gives us direction, it helps us to stay the course and focus on the ‘Straight Path’.

#MyHijabMyStrength
#WorldHijabDay

We all strive to live a well-balanced life, some due to health problems, and others for
personal goals. Some reach for self-help books while others turn to meditation. As Muslims, it is vital to indulge in some form of tazkiyah, or purification of the soul. Science teaches us how to achieve physical balance which is often hand in hand with the teachings and guidelines prescribed by Allah to mankind. However, Islam also provides one with spiritual cleansing, therefore resulting in a much greater balance.

Researchers from Harvard Medical School conducted numerous studies and provided the general public with guidelines for adopting a healthy lifestyle. The significant recommendations began with a focus on a healthy diet based on increased intake of healthy foods and limited intake of processed foods, along with at least 30 minutes of moderate/vigorous physical activity daily. Limiting alcohol intake to less than 15g/day for women and 30g/day for men while avoiding smoking to maximize healthy outcomes. These would aid one to obtain a healthy body weight
defined as a BMI (body mass index) between 18.5 and 24.9. Similar to modern day science, these five fundamental guidelines have been embedded into Islam in everyday practice. Islam’s version of these ‘lifestyle guidelines’ are as follows: For a
healthy diet, it is prescribed to, “...eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not those who waste by extravagance.” [7:31] This verse instructs Muslims to consume whatever Allah SWT has provided but refrain from committing excesses which includes eating too much or too little.

Neuroscientists have conducted studies that show that the brain transmits electrical signals to other bodily organs, in the case of the stomach, the transmission is delayed and therefore once an individual feels “full,” it’s already too late. In line with this, Islam preaches that the correct way to eat a balanced diet is to stop before one gets too full. Ibrahim ibn Adham said: “Anyone who controls his stomach is in control of his deen, and anyone who controls his hunger is in control of good behavior. Disobedience towards Allah is nearest to a person who is satiated with a full stomach, and furthest away
from a person who is hungry.”

The five daily prayers are prescribed and fulfill our physical activity requirements and help those battling with mental ailments such and anxiety and depression by providing a form of meditation. As Quran says, “And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides. But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon
the believers a decree of specified times.” (Surah Nisa, verse 103). What is important to note here is that Salah has been established five times a day.

On average if one were to take 6 minutes to pray each prayer, and spend a decent amount in each respective position, that would equate to 30 minutes a day of moderate movement and reflection (5 prayers x 6 minutes = 30 min/day). Salah is a unique way to achieve physical prerequisite alongside obtaining spiritual fulfillment. Given that the respective time for each Salah is intricately allocated, one can reflect throughout the day and night to find meaning of oneself and actions throughout their lifespan. In the moment of prayer, these self-guided reflections are a means to speak to Allah SWT and ponder on His Mercy, Grace, and Might.

It goes without saying that having a scientifically healthy body and BMI goes hand in hand with eating in moderation and refraining from foods that are harmful to the body. Our bodies will soon be returned to the rightful owner, Allah (SWT), and it is our duty to ensure that our bodies are in mint condition.

It is written in the Quran, “Oh you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.” (Surah Nisa, verse 43).

Though this verse is referring to the refrainment of alcohol it can also be used in the context of other drugs that deter the human mind from rationality. Again, Islam advocates for a healthy lifestyle and being cognizant of what we, as humans, are placing in our bodies.

Secular education alongside Islam has taught us how to live a balanced life in terms of our bodies. As Muslims we must be mindful of the fact that our soul must also live a balanced life. In the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to forget that our final return to our Lord, our bodies will be nothing but a mere shell and it is our soul which will be at question. Most science answers the question of spiritual wellbeing with mediation, yoga, or in the form of a gratitude journal. I believe that Islam has a more applicable approach.

Noor Magazine II 2022
By: Suha Imran Moten
Lincolnwood, IL

All Praises are for Allah Lord of all that exists and peace and blessings of Allah be on His final Messenger and his household.   
ICNA mourns the passing of one of the most renowned contemporary Islamic scholars Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.  He was the Founding President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) and only recently stepped down from its presidency. He was 96.
The death of Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi is a great loss to this Ummah and particularly to Islamic Movement. The Ummah has lost one of the most brilliant minds. Dr. Qaradawi was honored in 1994 with the prestigious King Faisal International Prize, recognizing his exceptional service to humanity in religious scholarship. Then again in 2000, he was given an international award as the “Islamic Personality of the Year” in Dubai.
He spent his entire life calling Muslims both leaders and followers to come back to the Hukm of Allah SWT. In the process he challenged rulers including of his own country where he was jailed three times and subsequently stripped of his Egyptian citizenship driving him to seek exile in Qatar. 
He had strong determination, insight and a pragmatic approach in dealing with the problems facing the Muslim Ummah; qualities that are not given to many. His goal was clear; to please Allah SWT. He was not preoccupied with criticism but was very focused in solving the issues of the Ummah.
His thoughts will live with us in the 120 books which he authored and from which millions have benefitted.
May Allah SWT grant him the highest paradise of Paradise and grant patience to his family.

Issued on: 5/24/2022
It is with great sadness that ICNA learns of the massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that leaves 19 innocent children and 2 adults dead and several injured. It leaves us once again searching for answers and depressed at the collective state of our American culture. Why such mass shootings happen over and over again? What actions are our lawmakers taking to stop such atrocities other than offering “prayers” and long emotional speeches?
As investigations are underway, ICNA takes this moment to send condolences to the families who have lost near and dear ones and for those injured, a speedy recovery. No words can wipe out the tears and sadness for the loss of these innocent lives. How sad it is for parents never to see their children return from school and tell their little stories! How sad that they will not ever see their children walk the halls for their graduation! How dreams are shattered by such acts of terror.
With so much hate and hate speeches increasing by the day from political leaders, our society is simply heading in the wrong direction. So far this year almost 200 mass shootings have taken place. This is about 1.45 mass shooting per day.
ICNA calls on officials to make every effort to stop this culture of murder that is taking root in our country. Hate speeches from officials must be taken seriously and dealt with accordingly. They have direct effect on our souls of our nation. Why is there so little emphasis on the spiritually of our nation only to be substituted by hatred, bigotry, racism and arrogance?
It is hate and the accessibility of weapons that would lead an 18-year old to walk in a school and take his vengeance out on poor, little defenseless children. It is what causes a 19 year old just a matter a days before to travel several hundred miles to go to a grocery store and kill 10 people of color in Buffalo New York. How many more mass shootings in schools, places of worship, public spaces or elsewhere need to happen in our country before our lawmakers decide to take action?

Bismillah Hir Rahmanir Raheem
Assalam-u-Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah,
Allah swt has gifted us moments to celebrate joy and happiness, however he also tests us in this life through hardships and tests.  An occasion to celebrate happiness and delight is fast approaching. This is an event of immense value, and we hope to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with all the joy, and passion it deserves!
Eid-ul-Fitr is the gift of Allah swt to Muslims to reward us for our endurance as well as our obedience and devotion to Him during Ramadan. We have spent an entire month in ibaadah and self control to grow closer to Allah SWT, after which Allah SWT bestows his mercy upon us by giving us Eid-ul-Fitr. It is the occasion to rejoice at our spiritual growth, to wear the best, be at our best and to eat and drink the best, but as always in Islam, all in spirit of moderation!
The month of fasting represents the responsibilities and duties of the believers in this world and Eid-ul-Fitr represents the reward given to us in this life like what we will be given in the hereafter. InshaAllah!
Those who are afflicted with poverty, ignorance, disease and other misfortunate are not to be forgotten on this day; rather we should remember them, and give extra charity. Let us pray, reflect , celebrate and stay steadfast on the Ramadan resolutions we made to become more tolerant, endure social issues jointly, and lift the burden of hunger, poverty and injustice from our societies.
May this auspicious occasion bring a lot of happiness, joy, peace, and prosperity to you, and your family.
May Allah swt Accept it from us and you.
Eid Mubarak!

By: Sana Sardar​

I remember when I came to the USA at the age of 12 from Pakistan. I came with my immediate family. We had no family or friends here. Going to school in the final semester of 7th grade was tough. The kids picked on me and my sister for the way we dressed and talked. The teachers, however, were pleased with our homework, because our dad helped us.

​Our dad was the Chief Planning Officer for the Board of Education in Pakistan, but in the USA he had to take on two full-time jobs and often fell asleep during his job or at the red light. My mom, who was so pampered in Pakistan, with many servants cooking and cleaning and handling the kids for her, now had to take on a full-time job as well.

​One day while walking home from school, some kids started throwing pebbles at me and my siblings from across the street. Being the eldest sibling, I told them to stop and they attacked me while holding my siblings’ hands behind their backs. I got punched around a few times before they ran off. That day I decided that I no longer wanted to be different. I didn’t want to be the immigrant kid in the school any more. I tried my best to speak English without an accent and blend into society.

I quickly realized, however, that there were limitations to adapting an American lifestyle, because my parents would not let me. For example, my classmates openly danced in front of the class, they had boyfriends and girlfriends,​ and spent weekends hanging out at the mall with mixed genders. This created frustration inside me. I was lost about my identity.

​When I entered college, I saw some women wearing hijab and I asked them if they were following an Arab culture or if it was part of Islam. I was reassured that Islam taught us to cover ourselves. I started thinking about my identity and what I was trying to become.

In my class, I once heard someone towards the back of the room talk about Islam and about the beauty of the Qur’an. He was saying that Surah Noor, for example, teaches us proper etiquettes of entering and leaving a house, of dressing inside and outside the house. I bought a CD of Surah Noor the same day after school and heard its translation for some time. I didn’t understand much and turned it off quickly. However, I fell in love with Qari Abdul Basit’s recitation of the Qur’an and started playing it more and more while playing games on my computer.

Another day, the same person was inviting some classmates: “let’s go and pray,” since there was a mosque right behind our college. I said I couldn’t pray because I had no scarf. He offered me his hat, and said it’s better than skipping the prayer altogether. I was alone in the women’s section and prayed peacefully. I felt so calm and loved it. I started coming to the mosque, bringing a scarf in my book bag to use during prayer. I often stayed there between periods and studied there as well.​

One day during Ramadan, after praying, I thought to keep the scarf on instead of putting it back in my bookbag. I was surprised to find that it was not a big deal and some Muslims greeted me on the streets. It was a nice feeling and it made me realize that while some people will always reject you because your identities clash (for example you are a Muslim and they are not) you can find belonging in your community instead.​

​I was once walking from one class to another and noticed a person praying underneath the college’s stairwell. I was so surprised and thought to myself, these are real Muslims. They know what’s told in the Qur’an and they offer their prayers wherever they are. Ramadan that year was a wake-up call to my identity.

I finally understood what I had to do to learn more about myself. I had to practice my religion! Next year when Ramadan came, I started wearing a hijab. I started ​offering my prayers, listening to the meaning of the Qur’an and started going to Taraweeh prayers regularly. I came to love this way of life and felt at ease in my own skin.

​Every year since that Ramadan, I feel like a reset button has come for me each Ramadan. It invites me to recenter my goals and my lifestyle to that of pleasing Allah as my priority. Each time Ramadan comes around, I buckle up. I start reciting the Qur’an more, focus on the meaning of the Qur’an, and make sure I don’t miss prayers.

I begin giving charity, try not to argue or lose my temper, and overall try to focus on the right mindset and live a healthy lifestyle. Ramadan impacts every aspect of my life inside and out. For example, I start eating very clean for suhoor, because if I don’t, I suffer during the day. If I eat oily things during suhoor, I get very thirsty during my fast. I also quit drinking tea and all caffeine before the start of Ramadan because I don’t want to have headaches during my fast. I also build my tolerance for my kids and husband because I don’t have the energy to waste on unnecessary stress. I spend most of my day in worship, rather than watching TV and wasting time. I let go of grudges and try to be sincere inside and out.

The reward of Ramadan is abundance all around us as well as inside us, by feeling the sweetness of faith, Iman. No matter how many sins we have committed and how far we have strayed from our religion, let Ramadan be your miracle reset button. Try your best for that one month to earn Allah’s pleasure and the aftereffects will last you all year long, In sha’ Allah. Ramadan is truly a miracle gifted to the believers.​

No matter how far you have drifted from Allah, no matter how few steps you have taken towards Allah, let this Ramadan be the new beginning for you. One step at a time, focus on becoming a better version of yourself. Learn daily to improve daily. Don’t beat yourself up over whatever is done and how much life has been wasted. As long as you are alive and you have this golden opportunity to earn so much more reward for each good deed you do, take advantage. In general, one good deed gives one good reward, but in Ramadan Allah gives us special sales where each good deed gives you at least 70 times the reward! Take advantage and run in this race for good deeds, earning Allah’s pleasure and taking the first step to starting over in your life. Put simply, reset!​

​(P.S. The guy who taught me about Surah Noor is now my husband, Alhamdulillah!)

By: Saima Shah ​

R​​amadan is a time where we give up many of the conveniences of our life, especially food and drink. In Ramadan we abstain from these blessings in order to strengthen our connection with Allah SWT, to focus on the soul instead of the stomach, and to comprehend the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us on a daily basis. However, for us to reap the rewards and the full potential of Ramadan, we need to be able to nourish our bodies at the right times: Suhoor and Iftar. With the right foods we can maintain energy and balance throughout our fasting days. This will allow us to feel energetic for a significant part of the day and perform our Ibadah at night without feeling the desire to fall asleep due to overeating and exhaustion. 

​When it comes to taking care of our physical needs in Ramadan, the key element to remember is to hydrate. Oftentimes, during Suhoor and Iftar we are focused more on eating than actually hydrating ourselves. Between 65 to 70% of our bodies are made up of water, and water helps to carry oxygen and other vital nutrients to our cells. Throughout the day, our body loses water through breathing, sweating, and going to the bathroom. As we lose fluids we become dehydrated, but there are several steps we can take to avoid any serious consequences from dehydration. First we need to make sure to drink plenty of water at Suhoor, Iftar, and throughout the night while awake. Water is the best way to hydrate our body. Second, eat foods with high water content such as watermelon, grapes, apples, cucumbers, and celery. Dairy such as milk and yogurt also contain lots of water. Be sure to avoid fizzy and/or sweetened drinks.

​These foods prevent your insulin levels from rising too quickly and then crashing; instead they maintain a steady stream of energy to your body because it takes longer for the body to process these foods. Examples are: eggs, meat, sweet potatoes, oats/oatmeal, whole wheat bread/roti, brown rice, quinoa, avocado, chia seeds, Greek or full fat yogurt, dates, and such. Diversify your plate so your body feels energized the rest of the day. 

​One of the benefits derived in Ramadan is controlling our bodies and our desires. This means that we learn to appreciate it and be grateful for our blessings, not that we eat to such an extent that we must roll ourselves to the musalla to pray and burp our way through the night prayers. Our bodies will make us feel like we need to eat a lot due to our day long fast, and that we must stuff ourselves to ensure our survival, but this is where we take control of our eating and eat as the Sunnah directs: slow, controlled, and with gratitude. 

Physical activity will help you feel more energized instead of sluggish. Try to incorporate either a walk (inside or outside the house) or some yoga in the early morning or a little before Iftar. Commit to just a few minutes, but get your body moving. While walking, do dhikr, recite or listen to the Qur’an, listen to a lecture or a book. Keeping ourselves active even while fasting helps pass the time and keeps us energetic throughout the day. 

​It is easy to go through Ramadan doing the bare minimum, but in this holy month we need to push ourselves to do the best in our worship. If we want to have energized fasts, spiritual qiyaams, and concentration in our recitation and understanding of the Qur’an, we need to make sure we appropriately nourish our bodies so that we can nourish our souls. 

The contribution of Muslim women in the establishment of Islam started at the time when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ peace be upon him, received prophethood may Allah SWT be pleased with all of them and they are still serving and achieving great success. Muslim women throughout the history played their role in the field of Dawah, education, government and were never afraid to shed their blood for the Deen of Allah, SWT.

They were the first to shed their blood for Islam. They facilitated the migration of the Prophet ﷺ, peace be upon him, from Makkah to Madinah. They helped protect the city of Madinah from the invaders. They memorized the Quran and Hadith of the Prophet. They donated for the cause of Islam and did not fear poverty. They were scholars who taught the Quran and Hadith. They were not shy to challenge the Khalifa of the time or helped a Qadhi to correct his legal verdict. They were the first to start an Islamic University. They were the ones to send their husbands, brothers and sons to fight for Islam against the Mongols or Crusaders or others. And, they are the ones, as mothers and grandmothers teach Quran to their little ones and instill in them the love for Allah and His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ, peace be upon him. They are the Jewels of Islam!​

For more information about the Women's History Month check
​https://www.icna.org/womens-history-month/