Message from the Imam      

The Importance of Prayer
The importance of the prayer in Islam cannot be understated. It is the first pillar of Islam that the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned after the testimony of faith, by which one becomes a Muslim. It was made obligatory upon all the prophets and for all people. Allah has declared its obligatory status under majestic circumstances. The prayers were made obligatory upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his ascension to heaven. Furthermore, when Allah praises the believers, such as in the beginning of surah al-Muminoon, one of the first descriptions He states is their adherence to the prayers.   Read more...

When fasting, a person experiences recovery at a rate that is swifter than normal. He is ridding his body of toxins and excesses; allowing the body to use its own wisdom to healthfully reorganize itself from the atomic level.  Read more...

What comes to mind when you hear the word "Ramadan"? Does your train of thought immediately lead to worship? Quran? Fasting? Taraweeh? Or do you instantly have images of mansef, maqlooba, knafa and katayif dancing in your head? We all know that fasting is a struggle, and abstaining from food and drink from dawn until dusk, especially during the hot, dreadfully long summer days, is certainly no effortless endeavor. Maintaining your composure, energy and productivity during a long work or school day, or while struggling to stay alert to take care of your young children and still have enough stamina to stay awake at night for prayer truly tests an individual's spiritual and physical vigor.  Read more...

• Can children whose both parents were deceased go to the state (foster homes) even in the presence of relatives?
• Does death tax exist and can it really consume about 60% of assets?
• Does a family have to go to court (Probate Court), hire an attorney and spend so much money over a 20-month period before they can claim any assets left by a deceased family member?

On June 24, 2010, the Mosque Foundation hosted the Chicago Roundtable, a periodic meeting between federal government agencies and the Muslim leadership in Chicago. In this meeting, government representatives from Department of Homeland Security-DHS, Department of Justice, FBI, Customs and Border Protection-CBP, Transportation Security Administration-TSA, US Citizen and Immigration Services-USCIS, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement-ICE, and National Counterterrorism Center, along with guests from UK-Office of Security and Counter Terrorism-OSCT, Citizen Engagement- Public Safety Canada, and a representative from Senator Joseph Lieberman-Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairswere present.  Read more... 

The Importance of Volunteering
By Salimah Boufath    2010 Graduate of Aqsa School
 
Volunteering is the best source for filling up your free time. Every weekend, children, teens, and adults waste their time on technology and shopping sprees. To break that traditional habit, volunteering at special places such as the Mosque Foundation Food Pantry will change your routine. Volunteering will not only get you out of the house, but will bring you closer to other people and boost up your spirit.  Read more...