Al Huda Monthly Magazine
Imam Al-Khoei Islamic Center
89-89 Van Wyck Exp Way
Jamaica, NY 11435
Fax: (718) 658-5530
Ask Online: http://www.al-khoei.org/question.asp

(Some questions and answers were extracted from www.sistani.org)

During the months of Rajabul Murajjab, Sha’baanul Mu'addham and Ramadhaanul Kareem we carry questions on fasting and Zakatul Fitrah.
 

Q: What are the timings of the fast?
 

A: Fasting begins with the commencement of the time of Salaatul Fajr (Fajr al-Sadiq, i.e. True Dawn). However, since there is uncertainty as to the exact timing of Fajr al-Sadiq (true dawn), it is advisable to start fasting 20 minutes before the commencement of Fajr al-Sadiq given in the schedule.
 

Q: What are the things which are forbidden during fasting (Muftiratu’s Sawm)?
A: Muftirat can be divided into three (3) groups as follows:
 

GROUP ONE: Related to Head and Mouth:
01. Eating. 02. Drinking. 03. Intentionally letting thick dust or smoke enter the throat. 04. Vomiting intentionally (even if it is for a medical purpose) 05. Submerging the head completely into the water
 

GROUP TWO: Related to Private Parts:
06. Sexual intercourse. 07. Doing anything that would cause discharge of semen. 08. Using liquid enema. 09. Intentionally remaining in state of Janabah {i.e. the person on whom Ghusl-al-Janabah is Wajib] till the time of Fajr.
A person becomes Junub (i.e. one upon whom ghusl al janabah has become obligatory through any means) and goes to sleep: (a) with intention of not doing Ghusl before dawn, then his fast becomes batil, (b) with intention of doing Ghusl before dawn. i. However, s/he did not wake up before dawn, her/his fast is valid. ii. Woke up once and went back to sleep till Fajr, then s/he must keep the fast and make up qadha after the month is over. iii. Woke up twice and went back to sleep till Fajr, s/he has to keep the fast and make up qadha and it is recommended to pay kaffara (expiation). Similarly, intentionally remaining in the state of haydh (menstrual period) for a woman whose bleeding has stopped and has enough time to do ghusl or, at least, tayammum before Fajr.
 

GROUP THREE: Moral or Ethical
10. Kizb (lying) of the highest type i.e. falsely attributing a statement to Allah, the Prophets, and the Imams of Ahlul Bayt AS and Sayyidah Fatima AS, makes the fast batil.
Note: If a person employs any of the muftirat intentionally, then the fast will become batil. However, doing any of these unintentionally does not harm the validity of the fast.
Q: Is it permissible to inject a needle and nutrient during the state of fasting?
A: Injecting a medicine or nutrients through a needle in a muscle or the jugular vein does not invalidate the fast. Similarly using liquid drops in the ear or the eye does not invalidate the fast even if it causes appearance of color or taste in the mouth. Also the fast is not invalidated by using spray that opens up the respiratory tract (asthma pump) if the substance goes in the wind wipe and not the food pipe.

Q: Is it permissible to use a Miswak (tooth stick) during the state of fasting?
 

A: It is permissible for a fasting person to use a tooth stick. However, if the person takes out the Miswak (tooth stick) from her/his mouth, s/he must not put it back in the mouth when it still contains moisture, except if the person spits out the saliva in the mouth after putting the Miswak back in the mouth, or the moisture that is on the Miswak (tooth stick/brush) vanishes into the saliva.

Q: Is it permissible for a fasting person to gargle with water?
 

A: It is permissible for a fasting person to gargle with water with the intention of wudhu (ablution), and for other reasons, only if s/he does not swallow any water deliberately and spits out the saliva three times after gargling.

Q: Am I allowed during the obligatory and recommended fasts to use tooth brush and tooth paste or is it from the things that invalidate the fast.
 

A: It is permissible only if nothing passes the gullet to descend into the abdomen.

Q: Is there harm on the validity of the fast in applying cosmetics on the body?
 

A: There is no harm
 

Q: I am suffering from physical weakness and poor health when fasting during the whole year and am unable to practice my daily work properly while fasting, and I stay in psychological constriction till the end of the month and I don’t have the Islamic ruling because I am an engineer and my work involves engineering projects.
 

A: It is not permissible to break the fast just for the weakness except if it harms you or causes an illness or unbearable awkwardness. But if working while fasting is the cause to that weakness, then one should change the working hours or reduce them or search for another job etc.

Q: A person forgot that he was fasting and asked for water. Is it permissible to provide him with water or the person providing the water should remind him of his fasting?
 

A: It is permissible to provide him with water.

Q: Is it permitted to swim in the sea or a lake during the day in the month of Ramadhan?
 

A: It is allowed as long as you do not swallow the water.
 

Q: I am ill now and cannot fast. What should I do, if my illness continues until the next Ramadhan. How should I go about it?
 

A: You won’t be required to do qadha, if your illness continues until the next Ramadhan. Instead, fidya (redemption from certain religious obligations by a material donation or ritual act), becomes due. In this case, you should give to the poor by way of sadaqah 750 gm of food for each fast that you missed.
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AL-JUMU’AH: IMAM MUSA Al-KADHIM (A.S)

25th Rajab marks the sad day of the martyrdom of Imam Musa ibni Ja’far Al-Kadhim AS. Our Aimmah AS represented and lived Al-Islam. Imam Al-Kadhim AS lived with his father for 22 years and his Imamah spanned 30 years, but for the last 16 years he was incarcerated and ultimately Ibn Is.hak Sindi poisoned him at the orders of Haroon Al-Rasheed, the reigning Abbasid tyrant in 183 AH.
The Umayyads and the Abbasids were at odds with the Ahlul Bayt of The Prophet SAWW over who was the rightful caliph. The Ahlul Bayt knew they were the rightful heirs of the Prophet SAWW’s mantle, whereas the Umayyads and Abbasids knew they were usurpers. Hence, they were at pains to suppress. oppress and silence the Ahlul Bayt AS. It is said that Ma’mun was closer to the Shi’a because despite everything, his father Haroon Al-Rasheed had taught him that the Ahlul Bayt AS deserved respect. So, Ma’mun reports that once in Madinah Al-Munawarrah a young man visited his father who stood up to receive the young man respectfully. Ma’mun later asked his father about the young man and Haroon said the young man (Imam Al-Kadhim AS) was the rightful heir. So, why did Haroon not hand over the caliphate? Ma’mun reports that his father told him that the caliphate was everything and that if he (Ma’mun) tried to take it away from him, he would behead him.
Whenever Haroon Al-Rasheed came to Madinah, he would address The Prophet SAWW as “Ya Amm” (O Uncle). Imam Al-Kadhim AS would address The Prophet SAWW as “Ya Abatah” (O Father). So, the Imam AS was closer to The Prophet SAWW than Haroon. Abu Hanifah, one of the four founders of Sunni Schools of Jurisprudence, who was a student of Imam Al-Sadiq AS for two years, once came to Imam Al-Sadiq AS and told him that he saw the young Imam Al-Kadhim AS pray at a public wayside. The Imam Asked Imam Al-Kadhim AS to explain and the young Imam AS told Abu Hanifa that the Qur’anic verse: وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيد (50:16). This silenced Abu Hanifa.
Once Abu Hanifa came to Imam Al-Sadiq AS to seek explanation about Jabr (Determinism) and Tafweedh (Liberty) to human beings. Imam Al-Sadiq AS was not present so the young Imam Al-Kadhim AS explained it to him. Imam AS said that there are three possibilities: Either 1) ALLAH SWT forces a human bring to commit a sin against his will or 2) ALLAH SWT and the Human being jointly willfully commit the sin or 3)the human being himself commits the sin willfully. The Imam AS explained that 1) (Jabr) Predeterminism nullifies ALLAH SWT’s Justice for He cannot force a person to sin and then punish him/her. 2) (Tafweedh) If a human being is more in control s/he can refuse to commit the sin and if ALLAH SWT is more in control, He cannot punish the human being. So, that leaves 3) “Al-amru baynal amrayn” i.e. it is neither Jabr nor Tafweedh, but via media. Abu Hanifa was awestruck and did not need to ask Imam Al-Sadiq AS.
Imam Al-Kadhim AS identifying a Mu.min (Beleiver) says:
“A Mu.min is like the two panes of a scale. As his iman (faith) becomes stronger his trials and tribulations also increase.” In this month of Rajabul Murajjab we will celebrate Imam Musa Al-Kadhim AS Day on 7th to mark his birthday and commemorate his shahadah on 25th.

 
 

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Al-Iman Summer School announces the Seventeenth Annual Summer School commencing on Monday, July 6th, 2009 and ending on Friday, August 7th, 2009. Classes will be held from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday to Friday for boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 15. Breakfast will be served in the morning and lunch in the afternoon. Proper dress code must be adhered to by all.

 COURSES OFFERED:

 (1) Recitation and memorization of Al-Qur'an Al-Kareem or

 (2) Arabic Language and The Holy Qur’an or

 (3) Religion, incorporating The Holy Qur’an, Principles of Islamic Belief, Islamic Ethics, Practical Laws, Arabic Language or

 (4) Tutoring in English/Mathematics and The Holy Qur’an, if there is enrollment of 8 or more students between the ages of 10 and 15 years.

Instructions will be given by qualified and experienced teachers using audio-visual aids and modern teaching methods. Physical Education will be included in the day’s schedule so that the Summer classes are fun and learn experience.

*EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Once a week a special extra-curricular activity will be organized. Such activity may include visit to places of educational interest, the bowling alley, tour of NYPD Museum, Sports and Games Competition etc.

 *TUITION FEES: For Courses (1), (2) OR (3) $150 per child and for Course (4) $200 per child.

 *TRANSPORTATION: $150 per child.

*DISCOUNT: A discount on tuition and transportation fee will be given to the second child onwards from the same family.

 *MEALS: Breakfast and lunch will be provided FREE through the aegis of School Food, New York City Department of Education.

DRESS CODE: Girls will be required to be in full hijab during school-hours and boys above the age of 10 must wear shirts and long pants.

 APPLICATION FORM: at The Center, at Al-Iman School and on the website: www.al-khoei.org or you can download from here ( PDF | WORD).

LIFE UNDER THE GRACE OF ETHICS by Ayatullah Makarim Shirazi. Qum, 2003. $5.00 (plus s&h)

The author’s Preface asks “What are we looking for in this book?” Man-made laws cannot solve the ills of society and of human beings. It is ethics that can make a man sympathetic to the plight of the downtrodden, the distressed and the unfortunate. The book is about training and development of ethics.
The book is divided into 10 chapters, each of which deals with a particular aspect of the symptoms of ethical deficiency and the remedy thereof. Traditions (ahadith) portray human beings as ‘mines of gold and silver’ and scientists believe that training can alter the mentality and morality of a person, through “healthy environment, good association and high training”.
This training comes through jihadu nnafs. In The Prophet SAWW’s words “The greatest struggle is with rebellious desires which are in a man’s breast.” The book analyses social ills as well showing ways of “How to win friends and influence people”. It ends with a list of 12 traits that make up a human being’s personality. AyatuLLAH Makarim Shirazi refutes the assertion that the body and soul of a person cannot be changed. So, a wicked person remains wicked even if temporarily/he may be inclined towards goodness. In contrast, Islamic teaching is that human mentality and morality can change and this makes the works of the prophets worthwhile and futile. When the wildest of animals can be tamed, then to brand a human being as unalterable is to portray him as worse than a beast.
‘Ilmul Akhlaq The Islamic Science of Ethics is not a mere theoretical, unattainable treatise on moral behavior. Rather, it is a practical guide on achieving higher standards of human decency that The Qur’an and The Prophet SAWW’s teachings have always emphasized.
Through akhlaq, a Muslim can develop divine qualities to be nearer to Him. Hence, Muslims are told “Takhhalaqu bi AkhlaqiLLAH”. One trait of this is obedience to ALLAH SWT. AyatuLLAH Shirazi has treated the question of ethics under various headings and sub-headings, weaving a pattern of human moral development. Thus, he discusses human being as an individual person per se and as a societal being. This is in conformity of The Qur’anic verse that asserts change in society can only be brought about by change in an individual. He deals with certain moral traits in this potent mix of individual and society.
One intriguing aspect of his discussion centers on the relation between ethics and education. He defines education and then introduces two types of education enunciated in The Qur’an: “genetic education” (33:43) and “legislative education” (57:9). He concludes the chapter and the book on “personality and education” by delineating twelve traits of personality and hints at the sequel to this book in which “man and educative concerns” would discuss these traits in detail.
This 200 pp book is readable, with endnotes quoting The Qur’an and ahadith as well as a table of contents for ease of reference and legitimacy. It is a book that would help an individual cultivate a happy personal and societal life in a world torn with stress, strife and selfishness.
 

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NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE
Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH
Commissioner
H1N1 Flu: What You Need to Know

What is H1N1 flu?
• H1N1 flu (“swine flu”) is caused by a virus similar to regular (seasonal) flu. The illness can cause fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness, aches, chills and stuffy nose. H1N1 flu spreads when a sick person coughs or sneezes. You can also get infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your own mouth or nose.
How can I protect myself and others from H1N1 flu?
• Don’t get too close to people who are sick. If you get sick yourself, avoid close contact with other people.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze. And wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
What should I do if I develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever and cough?
• Stay home from school or work until 24 hours after your symptoms go away.
• If you are over 65, under 2 or pregnant – or you have asthma or other health problems – call your doctor to see if you need medicine. Your doctor may be able to give you a prescription over the phone.
You don’t need to go to an emergency room unless you have severe symptoms, such as breathing problems.

When do I need medicine for the flu?
• Most people recover without medication, but some people are more likely to get severely ill with the flu. Those at risk include everyone over 65, under 2 or pregnant, and anyone with other long-term health problems, such as asthma or diabetes.


• If you belong to one of these groups and you get come down with symptoms of flu, call your health care provider right away to get a prescription.
• If you belong to one of these groups and you have close contact with someone who has the flu, call your health care provider right away to get a prescription.

When should I go to the emergency room or hospital?
• You don’t need to go the hospital or emergency room unless you have severe symptoms. Severe symptoms include:
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath (rapid breathing in children)
• Pain or pressure in the chest or stomach
• Bluish skin color
• Dizziness or confusion

Updated May 28, 2009 2
• Increasing fever
• Vomiting that won’t stop

Should I send my children to school?

• Healthy children do not need to miss school unless classes are canceled. You can find out if your school is closing by visiting http://schools.nyc.gov/Home/Spotlight/closures.htm.


• If your child is sick, he or she should stay home until 1 day after symptoms go away.

What if I feel anxious about the flu?
• Some anxiety is normal. If you feel overwhelmed, help is available. You can call Lifenet, a 24 hour, 7-days-a-week crisis hotline.
• English: 800-LIFENET (800-543-3638)
Spanish: 877-AYUDESE (877-298-33730)
Asian languages: 877-990-8585
• Deaf/Hearing Impaired (TTY): 212-982-5284 or www.mhaofnyc.org.

For more information:
From New York City Health Department
www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cd/cd-h1n1flu.shtml
From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm

Dear Community and Faith leaders,

The New York City Health Department recognizes that many New Yorkers are concerned about their own health and the well-being of their families and communities as we confront novel H1N1 influenza outbreak. We share that concern. Our goal is to reduce the spread and severity of illness.
It is important that all New Yorkers have access to accurate, up-to-date information about H1N1 flu, what to do to stay healthy, and what to do if they are feeling ill. Because you’re a trusted source of information in your community, we want to work with you get this information out as widely as possible. By providing your communities with accurate information, you can address fears, reduce anxiety, and help keep people healthy

The key messages we need to convey are straightforward:

• If you develop a fever and cough, stay home from work or school until you have felt completely well for 24 hours.
• If your age or medical condition places you at risk of complications from flu, call your doctor to get a prescription for antiviral medicine (the attached fact sheet explains who may be at increased risk). You do not need to be tested for flu, or seek treatment at a hospital, unless you are severely ill.
• Whatever your age or health condition, go to a hospital immediately if a flu-like illness becomes so severe that you have trouble breathing.
• Remember to wash your hands frequently, and always cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze.
In addition to the attached fact sheet, the Health Department has amassed a wealth of educational materials, including posters and other handouts. All are available through 311, or on the Health Department website (www.nyc.gov/health). If you need printed materials in languages other than English, please call 311.

The Health Department is taking action to cope with this outbreak, but we cannot confront the problem alone. All New Yorkers have a responsibility to do their part. Collectively, we can mitigate the consequences. Thank you for being part of that effort.

Sincerely,

Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH
Commissioner, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• H1N1 Flu: What You Need to Know (PDF file)
• Faith-based H1N1 Resources (PDF file)

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