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02.05.2012
Zuhr Prayer
The Islamic Center's Prayer...

02.05.2012
Asr Prayer
The Islamic Center's Prayer...

02.05.2012
Maghrib Prayer
The Islamic Center's Prayer...

02.05.2012
Isha Prayer
The Islamic Center's Prayer...

02.09.2012
Dala'il al-Khayrat Reading Circle in Rabi al-Awwal
The month of Rabi al-Awwa...

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Fajr	05:45 AM
Sunrise	07:02 AM
Dhuhur	12:10 PM
Asr	02:56 PM
Maghrib	05:18 PM
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Huffington Post: The Islamic Roots of Parental Affection.

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Recently, Imam Khalid Latif, Executive Director and Chaplain of the Islamic Center, wrote an article published by the Huffington Post entitled The Islamic Roots of Parental Affection. To read the entire article in full, please click here.

Please share with your contacts and leave a comment on the Huff Post website.

Imam Khalid Latif

HuffPost Jummah: The Islamic Roots of Parental Affection

My parents, sister, wife and I had gone to Dubai recently to attend some weddings and one night we went to a well-known South Asian restaurant called Ravi for dinner. As we were waiting for our food, I looked out the window and noticed two very large Pakistani men strolling down the sidewalk, holding hands. They then began speaking to a third man who also joined them in their hand-holding and then walked away. When my father noticed me looking out the window, he told us of how when he first came to the United States from Pakistan in the 70s after finishing medical school, he and his friends would often walk on the street holding hands as well and, quite often, were also met with stares. But, he said, "In our (Pakistani) culture, no one had a problem with it."

It's easy to find similar practices normalized in many Muslim-majority countries. Men of all ages from a variety of Arab, South Asian and Turkish backgrounds walk together holding hands, sit together and hold hands and kiss each other on each cheek as a form of greeting. Its always been interesting to me that this type of affection is seen as acceptable amongst grown men, but the same cultures fail to emphasize any really outward expressions of affection from fathers toward their children.

Somehow the idea has been introduced that authority cannot be established or maintained if gentleness in any form enters into the picture. Mothers can display compassion and forgiveness, but the father affirms his position by being tough....to continue reading please click here

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Weekend Intensives

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From Pages to the Pulpit - A Workshop on The Fiqh of Jummah with Khalid Latif and Zaid Khan
Saturday, February 4th
10am to 6pm
The Islamic Center at New York University
Location: 238 Thompson Street
New York, NY 10012

Free and Open to the Public but registration is required
To register, please click here

We will be focusing on the following topics

How to approach the day of Jummah
The fiqh of the Jummah Khutbah
How to prepare a Khutbah - choosing and researching a topic
Public Speaking Strategies
Tafseer of Surat Al Jummah

To register, please click here

Imam Khalid Latif is a University Chaplain for New York University, Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU, and a Chaplain for the NYPD.

He was appointed the first Muslim chaplain at NYU in 2005 where he began to initiate his vision for a pluralistic future on and off campus for American Muslims. He was also appointed the first Muslim chaplain at Princeton University in 2006. Spending a year commuting between these two excellent institutions, he finally decided to commit full-time to New York University's Islamic Center where his position was officially institutionalized in the spring of 2007. Under his leadership, the Islamic Center at NYU became the first ever established Muslim student center at an institution of higher education in the United States. Imam Latif's exceptional dedication and ability to cross interfaith and cultural lines on a daily basis brought him recognition throughout the city, so much so that in 2007 Mayor Michael Bloomberg nominated Imam Latif to become the youngest chaplain in history of the New York City Police Department at the age of 24.

Imam Latif has not only managed to solidify the basis of a strong Muslim community at NYU that seeks to emphasize inclusiveness and understanding of others without compromise, but has also worked tirelessly to foster dialogue with people of other faiths in order to clarify misconceptions and encourage mutual education. Through his work Imam Latif has demonstrated not only an exceptional dedication to gaining and disseminating religious knowledge and values, but has begun to carve out a much-needed space for young American Muslims to celebrate their unique identity and have their voices heard in the larger public sphere. He is a sought after speaker, having lectured throughout the United States and in various parts of the world and has been quoted, featured and appeared in numerous media outlets including the Huffington Post, BBC, NPR, CNN, the NY Times, Katie Couric New York Magazine, The Colbert Report, Newsweek,Time Magazine, BET and GEO TV. Amongst many awards and distinctions for leadership and community service over the last few years, Imam Latif has been named a Global Interfaith Visionary by the United Nations Temple of Understanding (2010), one of 100 NYC Luminaries by the New York Public Library (2011), one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by Georgetown University's Prince Alwaleed Bin Talaal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding and The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (2009 & 2010), and most recently a Millennial Leader for Social Justice by Auburn Seminary (2011)

Shaykh Zaid Khan was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He completed his hifz (memorization) of the qur'an in his hometown and went on to study for seven years at Darul Uloom Azaadville in South Africa. He currently is completing his associates degree at BMCC and has begun teaching classes and delivering jummah khutbahs regularly throughout NYC.

Announcement: The IC is Moving This Monday! Important info on our new space

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as'salaamu alaykum

Alhamdulillah, it is with great pleasure that I announce to you all that the Islamic Center at NYU will be moving into it's new space this Monday, January 23rd!

The building that we will be moving into is NYU's brand-new "Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life" and is located on the south side of Washington Square Park at 238 Thompson Street, right next to NYU's Kimmel Center. The IC will be moving into the 4th floor of this building and we are excited to share space with the various religious communities on campus. By embracing values of dialogue, personal responsibility, ethical reasoning, and respect for spiritual diversity, our hope is to continue to grow and develop as we build upon the deep relationships the IC already has established with the community at-large.

Amongst many other things, the new building offers to us a prayer space equipped with high-level technology, rooms for wudu, access to lounge areas and kitchen space, wifi-capability, and a variety of shared classroom and lecture hall spaces. You can see the view from our prayer space here

Some things to make note of

Our hours of operation will be expanding to include Saturdays and Sundays
The room that we will primarily be using will be open from 11am daily until the Kimmel Center closes.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of our move which will continue for some time. As such, we will continue to hold Friday Jummah Prayer services in the basement of St. Joseph's Church. Eventually we will be using a large space on the 5th floor of the new building for Jummah prayers.
For the first couple of weeks, please note that there will be a "No Food" policy on the 4th floor.
The Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life is connected to the Kimmel Center from floors 2 to 5, making both buildings accessible after entry into either one.
Everyone will be required to show ID to enter, regardless of which building it is. An NYU ID, non-NYU University ID or a Government Issued ID (ie a driver's license) will work.

It's almost unreal to me that I am sending this message to you all tonight. I've had the blessing of being a part of this community for more than a decade now, first as a student, and now as an alum and administrator and it's hard to grasp that we are actually here. Many people worked very hard to get us to where we are - be sure to give them a place in your prayers. We will need many of you to work just as hard as we move forward. Affirm for yourself the moment by realizing and embracing the great potential that lies ahead through your involvement. The diversity of this community is most obvious. You are distinct in your age and ambition, ethnicity and experience, culture and creed. But you are similar where it is most important - you each have something positive to offer. Now is the time to give it back.

For those who have graduated, moved away, or started a new phase of your life, this community is still yours as much as it is ours and you indeed have a rightful place in it. So come by when you can. It would be really nice to see you.

It is a blessing and a privilege to serve you all and I look forward to the honor of seeing and standing with each of you in our new space. Let's see what we can accomplish together inshallah.

Please keep the entire community and each other in your prayers. You all are always in mine.

was'salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullah
-- Khalid
________________________

Imam Khalid Latif | University Chaplain | New York University

Executive Director | Islamic Center at New York University

Phone: 212.998.4712 | Email: kl442@nyu.edu | www.icnyu.org

60 Washington Square South | Suite 806 | New York, NY 10012 | USA

Department Chaplain / Inspector | NYPD | Phone: 646.234.5517

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CS Monitor Slideshow and Article: 30 Under 30

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Recently, The Christian Science Monitor released a "30 under 30 " list which included Imam Khalid Latif, Executive Director and Chaplain of the Islamic Center. "They are explorers and activists, artists and educators, farmers and faith leaders – even mayors. And they have trenchant suggestions on how to improve the world."

to view the slideshow please click here

to view the article in full, please click here

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Imam Khalid Latif in Washington Square Park in New York City on December 12, 2011. Latif is the Executive Director of New York University's Islamic Center and the New York Police Department's youngest chaplain. (Ann Hermes / The Christian Science Monitor)

Khalid Latif: Muslim bridge builder

Khalid Latif has a suggestion for how to overcome everything from racial to religious differences: Walk in someone else's shoes for awhile. "A major issue we have in society today is one of indifference," says Mr. Latif, executive director and chaplain of the Islamic Center at New York University. "There's an absence of individual motivation to go out and learn about the experience of someone else."

In the interfaith world where Latif devotes his time, people are more likely to unite in times of hardship. "People don't often come together in celebratory ways," he says. "It takes tragedy to bring us together."...to continue reading please click here

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Huffington Post - 8 Tips To Revive Your Religious Life In The New Year

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Recently, Huffington Post published an article entitled "8 Tips to Revive Your Religious Life in The New Year " that featured eight different religious leaders including, Imam Khalid Latif, Executive Director and Chaplain of the Islamic Center. To read the entire article in full, please click here.

Please share with your contacts and leave a comment on the Huff Post website.

8 Tips To Revive Your Religious Life In The New Year

Common wisdom holds that when the 'spark' going out of a couple's relationship, it is a good idea to get creative in rekindling the passion. The same can be true for people's relationship with the sacred. Sometimes we feel like we are just going through the motions and aren't really making a deep connection with the love, spirit, or clarity that sustained us in the past.

Just in time for the New Year, HuffPost Religion asked eight religious leaders and HuffPost Bloggers to offer their own particular wisdom for how to revive our religious lives in 2012. Enjoy!

Khalid Latif

6 of 9

The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Faith wears out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so ask God to renew the faith in your hearts." Most of us experience this stagnation quite often but opportunities for motivation are far less occurring. Fortunately, one is upon us. The new year and everything it brings in terms of resolution can serve as a catalyst for productive change and spiritual growth....to continue reading please click here

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Video: "Why Me, Allah?" featuring Haroon Moghul and Khalid Latif

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This lecture, entitled "Why Me, Allah?" was hosted at the University of Houston by the Risala Foundation and the University of Houston MSA on December 2nd. It featured NYU Alum Haroon Moghul and ICNYU's Imam Khalid Latif, (bios below) tackling a question that many of us ask ourselves at one point of our lives, even if only for one second: "Why Me, Allah?"

To view the video, please click here or on the image below.

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Haroon Moghul is an Associate Editor at Religion Dispatches, Senior Editor at The Islamic Monthly, and a Fellow at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU). He is a Ph.D. candidate at Columbia University, studying Allama Muhammad Iqbal's concept and project of reconstruction.

His research, more broadly, examines Islamic thought in the colonial period, and considers Islamic networks across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Haroon served as Director of Public Relations for the Islamic Center at New York University (NYU) from 2007-2009, and was selected one of 500 global Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow.

He writes frequently, and in addition to his editorial roles, has contributed to Al-Jazeera English, Today's Zaman, Pakistan's Dawn, Tikkun, and The Huffington Post. His first novel, "The Order of Light," was written in Cairo; in the novel, young Muslims light themselves on fire to protest the authoritarian reality of the Middle East, an eerie forecasting of today's events (Penguin 2006; French translation by Cherche Midi, 2007).

Haroon has worked as an analyst for the Tabah Foundation of Abu Dhabi, bridging traditional Islamic scholarship with Western academia. His media appearances include CNN, BBC, NPR, Russia Today, and The History Channel. Haroon has spoken across the United States and internationally on Islamic history and culture, contemporary politics in the Muslim world, and radicalism and religious identity.

He serves as an expert guide to the Muslim heritage of Spain, and will be leading trips to Spain, Turkey, and Bosnia, in 2012.

Imam Khalid Latif is a University Chaplain for New York University, Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU, and a Chaplain for the NYPD.

He was appointed the first Muslim chaplain at NYU in 2005 where he began to initiate his vision for a pluralistic future on and off campus for American Muslims. He was also appointed the first Muslim chaplain at Princeton University in 2006. Spending a year commuting between these two excellent institutions, he finally decided to commit full-time to New York University’s Islamic Center where his position was officially institutionalized in the spring of 2007. Under his leadership, the Islamic Center at NYU became the first ever established Muslim student center at an institution of higher education in the United States. Imam Latif’s exceptional dedication and ability to cross interfaith and cultural lines on a daily basis brought him recognition throughout the city, so much so that in 2007 Mayor Michael Bloomberg nominated Imam Latif to become the youngest chaplain in history of the New York City Police Department at the age of 24.

Imam Latif has not only managed to solidify the basis of a strong Muslim community at NYU that seeks to emphasize inclusiveness and understanding of others without compromise, but has also worked tirelessly to foster dialogue with people of other faiths in order to clarify misconceptions and encourage mutual education. Through his work Imam Latif has demonstrated not only an exceptional dedication to gaining and disseminating religious knowledge and values, but has begun to carve out a much-needed space for young American Muslims to celebrate their unique identity and have their voices heard in the larger public sphere. He is a sought after speaker, having lectured throughout the United States and in various parts of the world and has been quoted, featured and appeared in numerous media outlets including the Huffington Post, BBC, NPR, CNN, the NY Times, Katie Couric New York Magazine, The Colbert Report, Newsweek,Time Magazine, BET and GEO TV. Amongst many awards and distinctions for leadership and community service over the last few years, Imam Latif has been named a Global Interfaith Visionary by the United Nations Temple of Understanding (2010), one of 100 NYC Luminaries by the New York Public Library (2011), one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by Georgetown University's Prince Alwaleed Bin Talaal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding and The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre for the last two years (2009 & 2010), and most recently a Millennial Leader for Social Justice by Auburn Seminary (2011)

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The MeccOdyssey: ICNYU Umrah Trip 2012

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Join the Islamic Center at NYU for its Third Annual Umrah Trip this Spring!

In March 2012, the Islamic Center at New York University will once more lead students, alumni, young professionals, and families, from the U.S., Canada, and the Middle East, in a one-week religious experience like no other. This trip is open to all Muslims, regardless of your affiliation with New York University. In fact, last year, more than half of our participants were not NYU students, faculty or staff -- part of the amazing community experience the Islamic Center works so hard to build. We're working with Dar El Salam Travel Agency, a leader in hajj and umrah travel for many years, to ensure that people from all over the United States, Canada and other parts of the world can travel with us safely, securely and with peace of mind. Thanks to Dar El Salam, we have access to the best facilities, efficient connections and an easy on-the-ground experience, so we can concentrate on what matters most: The chance to worship in Mecca and Medina, surrounded by friends, family, and a great and welcoming group.

This year's group will be lead by Imam Khalid Latif, Shaykh Khalil Abdur Rashid and Imam Omer Bajwa! (bios below)

This one-week package includes all of the following for one low per-person price:

Round-trip flight from New York's JFK to Jeddah (flights are available from other US and Canadian cities). Depart New York Friday, March 9th, 2012, and Return Sunday, March 18th, 2012.

One-Way Airfare from Jeddah to Madinah (or ground transportation based on arrival time)

Three nights accommodation in Madinah: Classes and organized trips to the Prophet's Mosque.

Half-day sightseeing trip of the Madinah "Mazarat": A guided tour of Islam's most sacred sites. With learned guides, you'll experience Islamic history like never before.

One-way Ground Transportation from Madinah to Mecca

Four nights accomodation in Mecca. Package will include 'umrah at the Haram, as well as classes and visits to the sites surrounding Mecca.

Quad Room Price: $1,975.00 per person*
Triple Room Price: $2,100.00 per person*
Double Room Price: $2,250.00 per person*

Child Rates
Up to 2 years of Age: $250 only
2 - 7 years of age without bed: $1350 no bed
7 - 11 years of age with bed: -$250 from the adult rate
12 years of age and up: Adult rate

**** Register today by clicking here ****

* These prices are based on travel from New York's JFK airport, and include all the above services and features. Other departure options are available throughout the USA and Canada but prices may vary. Please contact Syeeda Alston at salston@darelsalam.com for more information.

Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at any time at 212.998.4712 or via email at umrah@icnyu.org

Traveling without a Mahram
We have received many inquiries from individuals wanting to participate in our upcoming Umrah Trip but are concerned about getting visa approval without a mahram. We are in conversation with the appropriate offices right now to get the necessary approvals and will need to show them a list of registrants at some point soon. As such, it would be very important for those of you who are interested in attending to register so that we can show those offices that there is a high need for the approval. If you would like to travel with us and are without a mahram please register by January 5th, 2012

If you are a convert, the Saudi embassy will grant you a visa to travel for umrah without a mahram regardless of your age
If you are 45 or older and are female, the Saudi embassy will grant you a visa to travel for umrah without a mahram
If you are 18 or older and are male, the Saudi embassy will grant you a visa to travel for umrah without a mahram

If you do not fit into one of the above categories, you will need to either travel with a mahram or we will need to put in a special request for your visa approval to travel without a mahram.

In the event that the visa approval is denied, you will be refunded any deposits and subsequent payments that were made. Please do your best to register in a timely fashion.

Omer Bajwa was appointed Yale’s Coordinator of Muslim Life in fall 2008. Born in Pakistan, Omer emigrated to the United States at the age of three and grew up in Upstate New York. He earned his Graduate Certificate in Islamic Chaplaincy from Hartford Seminary, and he has been engaged in religious service, social activism, and educational outreach for the past nine years.

Before coming to Yale, he served as the Interim Muslim Chaplain at Cornell University (2007-2008). He received his M.A. in Near Eastern Studies, with a specialization in Islamic Studies, from Cornell, where he also served as Outreach Coordinator. He also has an M.S. in Communications from Cornell and a B.A. in English Literature and Rhetoric from Binghamton University.

In addition to his academic training in Islamic studies, he has also studied Islam from a traditional, normative perspective. He spent considerable time throughout his undergraduate and graduate career studying several classical Islamic sciences with traditional ulamafrom Pakistan, England, and the United States.

His interests include Islam in the United States, interfaith activities, Islam and the global media, and transnational religious and intellectual networks.

Shaykh Khalil Abdur-Rashid is a PhD student at Columbia University specializing in Islamic law. His area of research includes Islamic Law and Bioethics, Islamic Legal Ethics and Principles, and Islamic Law and Modernity. He holds an advanced Islamic license (ijaaza ilmiyyah) in Islamic Law and completed his Islamic seminary work in Istanbul, Turkey. He has published articles and translations of works covering topics of Islamic law and spirituality. He completed his master’s work in Islamic Law at Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey, and has taught Islamic law and its ancillary sciences for over 10 years in various educational settings. Khalil has also taught Arabic Language at Georgia State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in social work. He has worked as a social worker investigating child abuse cases for the state of Georgia and worked as a consultant on issues related to Islamic family law and other topics. Currently, he serves as Imam at the Iqra Mosque in Brooklyn, and executive director of the Iqra Foundation, an education and social service organization affiliated with Iqra Mosque.

Huffington Post - "A Muslim Wedding at Occupy Wall Street"

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Recently, Imam Khalid Latif, Executive Director and Chaplain of the Islamic Center, wrote an article published by the Huffington Post entitled A Muslim Wedding At Occupy Wall Street. To read the entire article in full, please click here.

Please share with your contacts and leave a comment on the Huff Post website.

Imam Khalid Latif

Executive Director, NYU Islamic Center

A Muslim Wedding At Occupy Wall Street

It seems like the one question that's on every marriage-seeker's mind is, "Where do I meet someone?" I've heard people tell me stories filled with frustration of going to dinner after dinner, party after party, and a variety of speed dating, singles, and networking events with the expectation of meeting someone, and walking away more confused than when they had first ventured out. Nothing really seemed to make sense and so nothing that came after made sense either.

When I first met Emery Abdel-Latif and Micha Balon, it seemed like everything made sense about their story. They didn't set out to find each other, but were drawn to Zuccotti park by their respective passion for social justice and activism. Many people spend months and even years looking for the right person amongst many wrong people. Good communication and compatibility just seem hard to find. For Emery and Micha, it didn't take that long to find out what they needed to know about each other. They went into Zuccotti Park being themselves, found each other as they actually are, and let that be the basis of their relationship. They skipped past the pretenses that one assumes are necessary in a first, second or even 10th date. Their relationship grew organically and wasn't forced to be something that it wasn't meant to be. There is something special about people being drawn to each other because of their shared values. Even in their wedding it was clear to see a reflection of their worldview......to continue reading please click here.

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Video: Thoughts from an Everyday Muslim Woman

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This short speech was delivered by Aliya Latif, ICNYU Research Associate, at the 10th Annual Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial Lecture & Award Ceremony "Honoring Women Who Dedicate Their Lives to Helping Others" after receiving the Compass Award. This award is given to women who, through their exceptional dedication, mark as well as forge new directions for their communities. To view the video, please click the image below.

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ICNYU Dhul-Hijjah/Eid ul Adha 1432 Announcement

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Based off of numerous credible moonsightings on Thursday, October 27th, the Islamic Center at NYU will observe the first day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah on Friday, October 28th.

As such, we will be celebrating The Day of 'Arafah, the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, on Saturday, November 5th and Eid ul-Adha, the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, on Sunday, November 6th.

The 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah and in specific the Day of 'Arafah are very important in our tradition. The Prophet Muhammad, 'alayhis salaam, has said about these days "There are no days in which good works are more beloved to Allah than these days (meaning the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.) (Bukhari and others)

For more information on how to take advantage of these days please reference the following:

Article: Advices from Imam Zaid Shakir on how to spend the first Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Article: The Many Blessings of the Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah by Nur Sacred Sciences

Article: The Ten Days of Dhu�l Hijja: Merits & Striving in Spiritual Works by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Video: "Your 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah" by Imam Khalid Latif

Eid prayers, brunch, and the community dinner will be held on Sunday, November 6th, at the Islamic Center's facility located at 371 6th avenue, on the corner of 6th ave. and Washington Place, in the basement level of St. Joseph's Church.

Schedule for the day:
9:30am
Eid Prayers
Khateeb: Imam Khalid Latif

10:30am
Brunch

7:30pm
Community Eid Dinner

ALL EVENTS ARE OPEN TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE AN NYU STUDENT TO ATTEND

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As Ramadan Ends, Reflecting on a Month of Reflection - Final Ramadan Reflection

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This Ramadan, Imam Khalid Latif, Executive Director and Chaplain of the Islamic Center, will be keeping a daily journal for the Huffington Post. His twenty-ninth article, entitled "As Ramadan Ends, Reflecting on a Month of Reflection " was published earlier today. To read the entire article in full, please click here.

Please share with your contacts and leave a comment on the Huffington Post website.

Imam Khalid Latif

Executive Director, NYU Islamic Center

As Ramadan Ends, Reflecting on a Month of Reflection

Muslims will be celebrating Eid ul-Fitr, a holiday that takes place on the first day of Shawwal, the month after Ramadan, either today or tomorrow. The different days are based off of different methods in determining the start and end of months on the Islamic calendar based off of the cycle of the moon, but each opinion has its evidence and would be considered valid.

To those celebrating on either day, Eid Mubarak. I pray its a day full of blessing, laughter and ease for you and all of us and that it marks the first day of many tomorrows in which the lessons learned during this month of Ramadan begin to cement themselves within us.

I've learned a lot about myself this Ramadan, in large part due to the opportunity I was given to write these posts. I am not sure how many people actually kept up and read them throughout the month, but the emails and others correspondences I received were very encouraging and really did keep me going. The ability to write out my thoughts has been an amazing experience, and I'll definitely keep doing it for myself. I would recommend to all of you to keep a journal as well. It can be a very beneficial experience for a variety of reasons. You just have to be honest and open with your words. Don't write what you think you are supposed to write, but write what actually exists within you. It doesn't have to be seen by any eyes other than our own. It also gives us a means to look back at how far we have come, how we have digressed, or perhaps haven't changed at all. It's helpful to see the way we speak to ourselves, how we perceive the world and what kind of things are on our mind. A year from now, I can look back at these posts and see if the year in between brought any change to my life, or if I just stayed the same. That is, if I am blessed to see Ramadan again next year.

Another Ramadan has come and gone, and to be honest I have no way of being certain that I would see another one. This is not meant to be a morbid thought, but moreso a compelling one. Don't wait to do something tomorrow that you are fully able do to today. Don't let someone else come in and take advantage of an opportunity that's in front of you by letting yourself believe that there will probably be another chance for you later. If you can be something good, then go be it. If you can do something meaningful, then go do it.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, offered the following advice to a man: "Take benefit of five before five: Your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death."

Our lives are given to us to make use of. Ramadan taught us our potential, we just have to embrace it.....to continue reading please click here

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ICNYU Eid ul-Fitr Announcement

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HuffPost Jummah: The Islamic Roots of Parental Affection

Khalid Latif: Muslim bridge builder

8 Tips To Revive Your Religious Life In The New Year

A Muslim Wedding At Occupy Wall Street

As Ramadan Ends, Reflecting on a Month of Reflection