Welcome to the MCC Academy Library!

Alhamdulillah, the new library at MCC Academy has been a huge attraction for both students and staff. The open layout and shelving space for new books gives the library a warm feeling. Students come to the library with their class once a week to learn library skills as well pick out books. Some of the activities for the younger children (Pre-K through Kindergarten) include story time, word searches, and crossword puzzles. For the older children additional elements are introduced to support the Common Core Curriculum (i.e. parts of a book, searching through an index, fiction vs. non-fiction, etc.).

Send address corrections to:Muslim Community Center4380 North Elston AvenueChicago, IL. 60641Phone: (773) 725-9047Fax: (773) 725-1616

Membership Questions:tahirsyedali@yahoo.com

Muslim Community Center4380 North Elston AvenueChicago, IL. 60641

www.mccchicago.org

Illinois All Kids Program AcceptedA wide range of authentic Pakistani cuisine.

2502 W Devon,Chicago IL, 60659

E-mail: info@sabrinihari.com

Phone: (773) 465-3272Phone: (773) 465-0899Phone: (773) 743-6200Fax: 773-465-0095

“Here at Sabri Nihari, we strive to serve top quality experience.”

3 Angels Home HealthFarhan Siddique

Administratortypes of servicesSkilled Nursing CarePhysical TherapyOccupational TherapyRespiratory TherapyIV Administration/InfusionDiabetic/Insulin ManagementMedical/Post Surgical CareNutritional SupportMedical Social WorkerHome Health Aides

contact information6429 Dempster St.

Morton Grove, IL 60053Off: 847-581-1400Fax: 847-581-1402Cell: 847-361-5803

www.3angelshomehealth.com, Farhan@3ahh.com

Glenbrook Montessori is an academic preschool and kindergarten (fully accredited by American Montessori Society for children ages 2½ to 6 years). We are committed to offer a quality education at an affordable price.

Registration Open Owned and operated by Muslim educators

Phone: 847-503-9009Web: www.glenbrookmontessori.comEmail: glenbrookmontessori@gmail.com3217 Springdale Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025

The MessageThe MessageA Publication of The Muslim Community Center, Chicago, IL

Ayah of the Month“There is no sin on you that you seek the grace of your Lord. Later, when you flow down from Arafat, recite the name of Allah near Al-Mash’ar-ul-Haram, and recite His name as He has guided you, while before it, you were among the astray.” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:198]

Hadith of the MonthAisha (R) said that the Prophet (S) said: There is no day on which Allah ransoms more of His slaves from the Fire than the day of ‘Arafah. He draws close then He boasts about them before the angels and says, ‘What do these people want?’” Narrated by Muslim

Eid-al-Adha “The Festival of Sacrifice”

On Eid-al-Adha, Muslims worldwide celebrate the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (AS) in the way of Allah (SWT). Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is known as Abraham in various Jewish and Christian traditions. This event is commemorated by the Muslims during Hajj. There are a number of traditions followed by Muslims on Eid-al-Adha. Muslims make preparation for celebrating Eid al-Adha. These include offering their pre-sunrise prayers, taking care of personal cleanliness and dressing up by putting on new or the best clothes available.

Muslim around the world begin their day by going to the mosque in the early hours of morning and offering Eid prayers, which are typically conducted in huge fields to accommodate the number of Muslims who come to offer these prayers. The Eid-al-Adha prayer can be offered by people any time after the sun has risen completely and before the time of Zuhr prayers.

After the prayers and the sermon have ended, the Muslims offer greetings and blessings on Eid-al-Adha to each other. Women and children also wear new clothes on this day and its tradition to meet family members. However, the most important part of Eid-al-Adha is commemorating the sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS) and Muslims do so by sacrificing domestic animals like sheep, lamb, camels and cows. It is noteworthy that the sacrificial meat is to be equally shared with your ftiends/relatives and those who are in need.

Vol. 49 • No. 10 Dhul Hajj - Muharram, 1436 October 2014

(Continued on page 2)

Special Envoy to OIC Rashad Hussain (sixth from the top right) with the Global Deaf Muslim team at ISNA in Detroit

Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Urdu and Hindi

Benjamin Eye Care Center5201 S. Willow Springs Rd., Suite 280

La Grange, Il 60525 Phone: 708-354-2008

Fax: 708-354-2092www.BENJAMINEYECARE.com

Eid-al-Adha Prayers at MCC and MEC

The MCC will observe Eid-al-Adha on Sunday, October 5, 2014, inshAllah. Two community prayers are scheduled both at Elston Ave (MCC) and Morton Grove (MEC) facilities. The timings of the prayers are 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM at both venues, inshAllah. Please call the MCC Office (773-725-9047) or check its website at mccchicago.org for additional information.

We plan to decorate the library based on different monthly themes. Currently, we have the Hajj theme at the library. Students are able to see the different displays for Hajj at the library, as well as look at different books about the topic, read worksheets, etc. We also network with the Skokie Public Library and librarians from other schools to learn about their programs and resources they could offer the MCC Academy. In addition, we have set also up library tours and kid shows with the Skokie Public Library. There are also various book-reading programs (Six Flags Reading Program, Pizza Hut Library Program, etc.) that our students will be participating in. Finally, the school plans to set up an I-pad cart for the library, and utilize age-appropriate apps to enhance student learning.

We envision the MCC Academy Library to be a place where students would eagerly want to come and develop a life-long love for reading, inshaAllah. Of course, we deeply appreciate the support of many parents/community members for helping us in making the library a fun, cozy place for our students.

Emma Qureshi, Librarian

MCC Academy in Skokie Gets Warm Welcome

MCC Academy received a warm welcome to their new facility by former parents and teachers of the Soloman Schecter Jewish Day School, former inhabitants of the new Skokie campus facility for more than 20 years. These new friends stopped by with gifts and a beautiful card welcoming MCC Academy to the facility. This kind gesture was witnessed by a photographer from the Chicago Tribune and made front-page

Br. Habib Quadri greeted by Jewish faculty and parents

Hajj Mubarak

2 3

MCC Publications CommitteeChairJaved Bhatty (847-922-5943), javed.bhatty@gmail.comCopy EditorsNadia Ahmed & Tayyaba AhmadContributing EditorAatifa Sadiq

The Message is a monthly publication of the Muslim Community Center that provides a forum for members to engage with the administration, organization, and activities of MCC/MEC and with each other. Submit your questions and comments to: MCCpublication@gmail.com. The opinions expressed in The Message do not necessarily represent those of MCC. The editors reserve the right to edit all material.

MCC New WebsiteMCC website Committee is pleased to have launched new upgraded website for the dissemination of programs and events to the community. Please visit the website for latest community news, information, events, programs, and services, and also please keep all those who has worked on this for months in your du’a.

Muslim Pioneer Falls Victim to Chicago

Violence

(Continued from “MCC Academy”)

Governor Race Heats UpThe latest gubernatorial poll has Governor Pat Quinn in a statistical dead heat with Republican challenger Bruce Rauner. The poll was conducted by We Ask America. Rauner actually topped Quinn 44% to 41%. But the margin of error was 3%. Experts say that’s essentially a tie. Rauner had enjoyed double-digit leads through most of the summer, but Quinn has tightened the race

MCC Academy Opens with Great Promise

The newly acquired facility of the MCC Academy, now known as the MCC Academy in Skokie, assumed its maiden classes on Monday, September 8, 2014. The facility, previously known as The Sharp Corner School, has started classes K thru 5 grades. The staff is visibly enthused with the prospect of making this campus a place of academic excellence, inshaAllah! The campus, currently enrolled with more than 450 students, also houses a library, gym, cafeteria, and an outdoor playground. The MCC Academy now has two campuses, the older one being in Morton Grove with a combined total of nearly 50 students.

Sabeel Ahmed, Director, GainPeace.com

Vacancy: Facilities Maintenance Technician MCC seeks a Full Time experienced and self-motivated Facilities Maintenance Technician, for its three locations (MCC at Elston Ave Chicago, MEC on Menard Street Morton Grove, and the new school facility on Gross Point Road, Skokie).

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the MCC Administration, The Facilities Maintenance Technician will competently perform preventive maintenance, inspections, installations and repairs on all three buildings to ensure their proper operation and function. The job assignment may include general building and ground maintenance, light carpentry, painting, changing light bulbs, repair of minor electrical devices, light plumbing, and HVAC according to the persons training and experience.

MCC offers a competitive salary and benefit package. For consideration, please send your resume and a letter of interest to Mazhar Khan: mazhar.khan@sbcglobal.net or Mohammad Sarwar Nasir: msnasir53@gmail.com

MCC Elections 2014: Nomination Process

Underway

Security Meeting at MCCThe Cook County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management team met Muslim leaders of north side Chicago at MCC on Monday, September 22, 201. after Maghrib. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the resources and services that are available for the community. These services includes emergency response in case of natural or man-made disasters, food reservoirs, shelters, medical and other services. Some of the points came out of the meeting was to train and exercise for first responders, form an interfaith security advisory council making sure that the houses of worships are secure via keeping the relationship on-going and productive. The participants agreed to meet later at a much larger venue to accommodate large audience. Thankfully, Br. Mustafa Ali assumed the wonderful role of an emcee and conducted the meeting amicably.

Ateeq Ansari, MCC

MCC’s Nominations Process has been underway since July to determine who will be placed on the ballot for this year’s elections on December 14th, inshaAllah.

Nominators Feedback: As of the date of this writing, the Nominations Committee is awaiting responses from MCC’s Nominators to give their feedback on potential candidates submitted by MCC members; the committee then anticipates announcing the preliminary list of nominees to be placed on the ballot by October 19th, inshaAllah, and the records will be available to MCC members until October 24th.

Nomination by Petition: This process will be open from October 19th thru November 2nd; 50 signatures of MCC’s voting members are needed for each nomination. A final list of nominees is expected to be announced by November 9th, inshaAllah. Further details are provided in the Nominations Procedure in the MCC office.

Qatari Women Boycott Asian Games Over Hijab

Members of Qatar women’s basketball team walk off the court after withdrawing ahead of their match against Mongolia. Prior to their game, members of the Qatari women’s basketball team were told they had to remove their white headscarves, which they wear in observance of their Islamic faith, because International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules do not allow “headgear, hair accessories, and jewelry.” The women chose to forfeit the game instead. They officially withdrew from the tournament prior to

Furqaan Academy’s Eid Bowling Fest

Furqaan Academy has booked the entire Brunswick Zone facility in Woodridge on October 11, 2014 from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm for entertainment for the entire family. They will also have accommodating separate sections for boys and girls and families. There will be unlimited cosmic bowling (40 lanes), pool, darts, arcade games and jump houses. Additional attractions would include, Zabiha-Halal Food, Popcorn, Snacks, Designated Salah area, and Prizes! To purchase tickets, visit http://www.furqanacademy.org/fabb/2014/09/23/eid-bowling-fest/

MCC Annual Fundraising Dinner on Nov. 22

MCC will hold its fundraising dinner on Saturday, November 22, 2014. The event will be held after Maghrib in the Holiday Inn on Touhy Avenue in Skokie, inshaAllah! MCC requests you all to attend and actively support the organization that served the community for over 45 years. For additional information please call Br. Habib Abbasi (847-845-8717), or Sr. Silvat Shaikh (847-208-8090); you may also contact the MCC at 773-725-9047.

in the past month. The new poll results come as Rauner announced another endorsement today from a pro-business organization. “I want to go to work for every one of you in this room, I want to go to work for every one of your families, I want to go to work for every family in the state of Illinois. Because let’s be clear: our state govern-ment in Springfield is not working for you.” Pat Quinn won his first poll of the election cycle last week, topping Rauner by 11 points. But experts questioned the methodology of that poll.

Read More at: http://www.foxillinois.com/news/fea-tures/local-news/stories/a-look-at-latest-gubernatori-al-poll-rauner-makes-announcement-1303.shtml

All MCC Sunday School Alumni and friends of alumni are welcome. No fee. Invite your past MCC friends.

Where: Muslim Education Center8601 N. Menard Morton Grove, IL 60053When: Saturday, October 25th Time: 2:30-4:30pm2:30 Social Time/Registration3:00 WelcomeLight Refreshments will be served

RSVP: By Oct. 20th at MCCReunionTeam@gmail.com or call Dilnaz at 847-370-2849.

Main Speakers: Rashid Ghazi, a partner at Paragon, Creator of North Shore Films and produced Fordson, IQRA Board member and MCC Sunday School graduate

Dilara Sayeed, a Harvard University doctoral candidate, Special Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer at CPS and MCC Sunday School graduate

news. It is wonderful to showcase how our faith communities support one another and continue to make strides toward building bridges and developing bonds of friendship with one another. Jill Alali

Here is the link to the Tribune article:http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/colum-nists/schmich/ct-schmich-skokie-school-met-0924-20140924-column.html

their scheduled game.

The Qatari team was aware of FIBA’s stance regarding hijabs but had hoped FIBA would make an allowance. “We are here to push the international association that all Muslim teams are ready to compete in any competition,” Alham Salem M. al-Mana said on Wednesday. She and her teammates were wearing headscarves designed specifically for female athletes, similar to those worn by soccer players.

Athletes competing in rowing, badminton and triathlon have been wearing religious headscarves without incident because those sports’ governing bodies allow them. Each sport at the Asian Games has to follow its governing body’s regulations.

The competition is the world’s second-largest multi-sport completion, with about 9,500 athletes representing 45 countries.

In response to the Qatari women’s team having to withdraw from the tournament, Human Rights Watch challenged FIBA to prove that the headscarves are unsafe. “In the case of basketball, it’s difficult to see how a ban on the headscarf is anything other than an unnecessary restriction on the players’ rights to religious freedom and personal autonomy,” the organization said in a statement to Reuters.

Taken from Danielle Elliot of Yahoo Sports, delliot@yahoo-inc.com

Dinner and Standup Comedy: Give Hope 1000

Help Create 1000 Small Businesses for Persons with Disabilities Globally

Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 5pm Albanian Center 5825 St. Charles Rd.Berkeley, IL 60163Speaker: Arif Choudhury

Give Hope 1000, is a new EquallyAble initiative to create 1000 small businesses for individuals with disabilities globally. Small business such as tea stalls, book stores, copy centers, sewing machines, juice stalls, etc., in the range of $500 per person will be created and tailored to their abilities. This year’s target is $500K as each business costs $500. Since 2001, EquallyAble Foundation (formerly HelpHandicap) has provided assistance to around 4,992 with over $760,000 approved. Over 30,000 people have attended various inclusion and disability awareness seminars and workshops in the USA. Around 350 small businesses were created to support individuals with disabilities.

For information, email info@equallyable.org.

This past weekend amidst 40 or more shootings in Chicago, one of our beloved Muslim pioneers was struck down by violence. Mr. Arthur Hearns was an 89 year

old Muslim pioneer working in the cause of Al Islam. He was one to have gone to jail with Imam Mohammed when he refused to go into the armed services as young men. He owned a barber shop on Chicago’s south side. When On his way to work on Thursday morning, he was beaten with a metal pipe and robbed. Though he fought diligently for his life as he had done previously when shot while coming to a sisters aid when she was being assaulted, He never regained consciousness. Please make dua for this beloved brother, and for the vulnerable Muslims throughout the world who are being victimized by the evils of violence.

Bambade Shakoor-Abdullah, CIOGC

“He died as a Shaheed trying to earn a halal living at age 89”, remarked Malik Mujahid, of the Soundvision. May Allah give Br. Arthur Hearns a best place in Jannah, Aameen! Muslim Community

Center Alumni Reunion

Brother Arthur HearnsQatar women’s basketball team withdrawing off the court from their match against Mongolia during 2014 Asian games…(taken from www.straitstimes.com). Right: Soraya Aghaeihajiagha of Iran during a Badminton match in the Asian Games