Allama
Iqbal said it well, “Tujhe kya milega namaaz may” what do you get out of fasting
and prayer, if it does not make you a humble person. Humility is the other name
for Taqwa or spirituality, it broadly means treating, feeling and acting equal
with your employee, spouse, kids or others; Muslim or not. How do we measure
up?
Plano
1433
423-5786
75074
note
EXPERIENCE RAMADAN AT
NOORI MASJID
 |
| Artists rendering of Noori Masjid, click to enlarge the image |
It is a euphoric feeling to
feel at home again, I am home* at this Masjid as well, and I was thankful to God
for removing every barrier in my life between me and another human being. I
believe this is what God meant, to know each other, and when we do, we are home,
no matter where we are, and blissfully, I am. The purpose to mention these
feeling are to encourage you to have it, by merely respecting the otherness of
other.
namaaz may” what do you get out of fasting and prayer, if it does not make you a
humble person. Humility is the other name for Taqwa or spirituality, it broadly
means treating, feeling and acting equal with your employee, spouse, kids or
others; Muslim or not. How do we measure up?
welcome was nice, as I was seated with a Khajoor (date) and a napkin, I was
smiling to have an actual napkin in my hand.
There were at least six or
seven men in bottle green turbans, something I had seen on the great grandson
(14th) of Imam Bukhari, and who and I were fellow Ambassadors for
peace with UPF. He passed away three years ago and I had great memories of him.
At the Parliament of world’s Religions in Melbourne at the Flag Ceremony, I
asked people to pick up the flag of a nation that is not theirs or the one their
nation is in conflict with, I handed a Palestinian Flag to an Israeli Rabbi and
the Israeli Flag to Imam Bukhari, in the spirit of goodwill both complied and
actually said, it was a great feeling to be in other’s shoes.
Breaking
the fast
Time for silence, everyone was ready for breaking the fast, the
Imam recited a short three verse prayer before breaking the fast, and then the
traditional verses after we had the date and the water, some had milk ( I am
allergic to lactose). He recited and we repeated. It is not a
common tradition in other Mosques.
after reciting the Sura Fateha in Qiyam (standing position of the prayer – the
picture on left panel of the site gives different postures), it was quite,
unlike the “Aameen” said in Audible Chorus Mosque wide in other Mosques. This
is how it was when I was growing up, no one said Ameen out loud.
When
growing up, I was taught, that in the final sitting position, the toes of the
right foot remain facing in the same direction as you are, making an “L” out of
your foot. Personally, I cannot do it any more due to my ingrown tow nails, and
I do not see that discipline in the last 8 days, as I witnessed today.
Physically, this posture brings relief to the feet.
The full prayer was
identical to most of the Sunni tradition. However, after the conclusion of the
prayer with a Salaam to the right and the left, there was supplication lead by
the Imam, and the congregants say Aameen at the end of each verse recited,
there was an invocation for Darood (reciting special verses of peace to Prophet
Muhammad) as well. This practice is not common any
more.
A
unique tradition is observed here, and that is, whenever, the name of Prophet
(pbuh) is recited, every one out of reverence, kisses his or her fingers and let
the fingers touch the closed eyes for a moment.
The
Iftaar dinner was delicious, The Biryani was one of the best ones I have had in
a while, hot but great and the Pakoras were great as well.
The current
Masjid is in a portable building, a fairly large one. When I was with Grand
Homes, before we built the Model Homes, we rented these huge portable buildings
for about $1000/month. The Mosque management has done a great job in customizing
it to make a Mehrab for the Imam’s area.
Mufti Saheb, someone who has received special education to be able to render
opinions on religious matters. Indeed, my nephew is planning to be one in
Bangalore. He led the prayers short and sweet. Again, during Ramadan, let the
prayers be short and avoid reciting long Chapters or taking more time in Ruku
(bent position) and Sajda (prostration).
the Masjid said he moved from Connecticut for his son’s schooling, the Plano
Schools and the Religious school here at the Islamic academy of this Masjid.
Wow! So many Muslims have moved to Dallas for the Religions education, I am not
sure about other cities, but I do know we have great many schools. I may have to
go sit and listen. It is my town, and I want to do my share of work in building
a cohesive America.
had to cut through the traffic and barely made for the Iftaar. The Masjid is
under construction, it is going to be a big one with 10,406 Square feet ground
for the school and the sanctuary. It looks like a beautiful Mosque.
The
Boston Globe News paper is one paper that captures pictures of Ramadan from
around the world, there are some 50 pictures in one group showing how Eid was
celebrated in 2009, and how Iftaar began this season. These are really beautiful
pictures listed on this site.
back to my Childhood, when an Imam visited from Hyderabad every year and gave
sermons on Friday that was 45 years ago! The one I cannot forget is on Sura
Fateha, the first chapter of Quraan, I don’t remember the details, but it
produced good feelings then. Indeed, Sura Fateha is a summary statement of
Islam.
you an understanding of different traditions within Islam, and opening your
heart and mind to respect other traditions, please feel free to share your
comments.
visits to different Mosques each day, during the month of Ramadan is to
understand various traditions and have the cushion to absorb them all and give
full value to each one. I hope, some day, more and more Muslims make these
rounds. It is humbling and yet powerful to have the ability to understand the
differences and respect them.
Please mark your calendar for
the Unity Day USA, a positive event that brings all Americans Together to
rededicate our pledge for a peaceful, prosperous and secure America. We are a
part of America and we need to feel and live it. If you liked some of the
articles, you will like the description of Unity Day USA at www.UnityDayUSA.com
few other Articles to read if you have the time:
What
does God really want?
Are Muslims a part of the American
society? http://nabsites.net/demo/are-muslims-part-of-american-story/
A call from God to know each
other http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/01/mission-of-world-muslim-congress.html
Please visit
http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/ for a record since
2010.
MikeGhouse is committed to building
a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic
solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer
on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is
a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator
on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column
at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals
across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.comis updated
daily