Cordoba House Mourns America’s Fallen on September 11th
Cordoba House joins Americans of all faiths in offering our prayers to all those who lost their loved ones in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This crime, motivated by extremists, which took 3,000 American lives, was an arrow that struck at the heart of Islam’s core value of preserving human life.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) reaffirms this in a written tradition that states the following: “the Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is the one people trust with their lives and wealth.” This teaches us that part of being a Muslim means that our fellow countrymen should be able to trust a Muslim to safeguard their lives and personal property.
In following our Prophet, we affirm our commitment to this profound verse by stating that all human life, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation, is safe in our hands. As America’s voice of moderate Islam, we stand here calling not only Muslims, but all humanity, to stand with the forces of moderation to fight violent extremism in all its forms and on all fronts.
Our deep condolences and prayers go out to the families and friends of all those who lost their lives in these attacks, as we share their pain and ask God to protect all of us from harm.
With Warm Salaams,
Naz Ahmed Georgas,
Executive Director
Eid Mubarak!
May Allah accept all the efforts
and sacrifices you have made
for His sake this year
and bless you with a year
of Barakah and guidance.
Approaching the Day of ‘Arafat
Dhu’l-Hijjah is the sacred month of Hajj, or pilgrimage. The glory of this month is particularly associated with the first ten days. A hadith of the Prophet (SAWS) states the following: “Of all the days of this world, the most excellent are the Ten Days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.” This month is filled with abundant blessings, in which supplications are answered and sins are absolved. During this time, it is recommended that Muslims fast and perform the Qiyamul Layl, or night prayers, (starting after midnight up to Fajr).
It is also recommended that Muslims fast during the ninth day of this month, a day known as the Day of ‘Arafat. On this day, all pilgrims performing Hajj stand on the plain of ‘Arafat and supplicate. Muslims all over the world are encouraged to spend the day fasting. The Prophet, upon whom be peace, said: “Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafat absolves sins for two years – the previous year and the coming year.”
It has been reported that the Prophet would recite this supplication during the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah after Fajr and before Maghrib:
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
O Allah, surely You have preferred and honored these days over others and in them You have granted me Your favor and mercy. So, send down Your blessing upon us, and bestow Your bounties generously upon us, and guide us upon the right path. Grant us taqwa, integrity, self-sufficiency, and actions that are pleasing to You. O Allah, purify us from sins, O Knower of the unseen, and guarantee the eternal abode for us. Do not leave us with sins that are unforgiven in the days, or grief without relief, or debt without it being repaid, or without the return of one who is missing, a need of this world or the hereafter without facilitating it, for You are Able over all things, by Your mercy, O Most Merciful! O Allah, send blessings upon (our Master) Muhammad, and upon the Family of (our Master) Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and may it be upon his Companions with abundant peace.
Stephan Said: “After Charlottesville, Richmond Can Be Love’s Victory”
Read this thoughtful piece by musician and activist, Stephan Said, in which he argues that, rather than just fighting against hatred, racism, and violence, we must instead make it clear what we are fighting for: “a world that includes all of us.”
