ISSUE NO. 12

AUGUST 2013

SHAHADAH TIMES EID MUBARAK INSIDE THIS ISSUE Sadaqa: A Supreme Virtue

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Ongoing Events

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Annual Fundraiser

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Sadaqa: Continuation

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Sealed Nectar Book Read

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Healthy Tips News

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IT COMMITTEES

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What’s Happening in In The Community

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Classifieds/Services

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August Prayer Schedule

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Upcoming Events: Next Family Night Saturday September 7th, 2013

EID-UL FITR AUGUST 8th OR 9th (DEPENDING ON MOON SITE)

Sadaqa: A Supreme Virtue of Ramadan and Window of Opportunity In This Life By Imam Musa Balde There are many windows of opportunities in this life, especially placed by Allah (SWT) in the month of Ramadan, to purify our souls and gain forgiveness for our sins. These opportunities are open to every single believing individual, young and old, poor and wealthy, ill and healthy, educated and illiterate, it matters not to Allah. Some take advantage of these windows, seeking them with every turn and twist in the life of this dunya (worldly life), in happiness and in sadness. For those people called alMussaddiqeen, Allah has created a special manzilah, or home, in paradise for those who give sadaqa consistently. It is the quality for which they are most recognized and is what will witness for them on the Day when nothing can attest for them but their deeds. It is this group of people who are the best at finding the best bargains and offers, constantly searching and consumed with the Best Deal, the deal granted by He who created us and assigned for us provisions. Allah stated in his holy book, "Who is he that will loan to God a beautiful loan, which God will double unto his credit and multiply many times? It is God that giveth (you) want or plenty, and to Him shall be your return. (2:245). The Mussaddiqeen grasped this deal because they recognized it is like no other that can be granted in this worldly life. My brothers and sisters, Allah has granted us provisions, and he asks that we give from what he has granted us so that He may give us more. How generous is our Creator? (SWT).

it does not decrease their wealth. The Prophet (SAW) was reported to have stated, "Charity does not decrease wealth, and the servant who forgives, Allah makes him more respected; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the eyes of the people." (Muslim). For this reason, the Islamic Center of Alameda community's perception of sadaqa (generosity) has been gaining great reputation and esteem throughout other communities in the Bay Area. Your sincere commitment to the house of Allah has placed great baraka (blessing) in your wealth and possessions and protects your families and will continue to bithinillah. To spend in the cause of Allah by way of propagating His religion is a charity with high merits and great reward. The one who spends in the cause of Allah will continue to be rewarded even after his death. He or she is providing a place to pray, a place for one to learn about their deen and seek counsel. What is spent on the House of Allah will be rewarded with a house in Jannah, as Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was reported to have stated, "Whoever builds a Masjid for Allah, Allah will build for him a similar house in Paradise." To ensure that our sadaqat are being accepted, we must consider several requirements. First of all, sadaqa must be given from money that is earned in a halal way, Allah (SWT) says, "Oh you who believe, spend from what you lawfully earned.”(2:267). Continued on Page 3

So even in times when it is difficult to give sadaqa, the Mussaddiqeen remembers that

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Ongoing Events at theICA → LEGAL EXPERTS AN-NISAA H. BALDE

Weekday Madrassa (Monday – Thursday) - 5 pm to 7 pm Weekend Madrassa (Sunday) - 10:00 am – 1:30 pm Sister’s Adult English Class (Tues & Thursday) - 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm New Muslim Class (Every Tuesday) - ICA Community Center – 7 pm to 9 pm Academic Tutoring for Middle & High School Students) (Mondays & Wednesdays)ICA Community Center - 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm Family Night - First Saturday of Each Month 6 – 9 pm

Legal Document Preparer

Feeding the NeedyEvery Third Saturday of the Month - 12 Noon

NOTARY PUBLIC

Brother & Sister Circle, Every Third Saturday - Beginning Jan. 19, 2013

Legal Experts is an Oakland based firm offering legal document preparation. They have been in business since April of 1993, offering English and bilingual assistance. They also assist in offering Family Law, Probate, Trusts, Wills, Guardianships and a host of other services that Oakland’s diverse community seek. They are located at 3230 Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland, CA 94602. You can reach them at (510) 436-6090.

MONTH RAMADAN/ SHAWWAL 1434 A.H. AUGUST

ICA Community Center - 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, (Health & Social Services)

The Sealed Nectar, Book Reading (BEGINNING MAY 2013) Every Thursday Evening 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

ANNUAL ICA FUNDRAISER/IFTAR DINNER – JULY 21st, 2013 The Annual Fundraising Iftar was held on Sunday, July 21st at the Elks Lodge in Alameda. Needless to say, it was a huge success. We expected at least 200 people to attend and we saw an attendance of 180 or so supporters. We are grateful to Allah (SWT) for ICA supporters. One sister has "forgiven" her loan of $5,000 and we received another $5,000 donation! We are elated that we have so many people supporting and interested in our community and its success. Thank you everyone for your support. We Thank Allah (SWT) for all of our blessings! We humbly thank all of the committees who helped us with the preparations for the fundraiser and a big shout out to the members of the Food 4 The Needy Committee. At the end of the event, many, many people, who were just attendees, helped to clean up, leaving the room totally clean and available for the next group, whoever they may be. We also want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to Brother Sam from Q’s Halal Restaurant located at 2306 Central Avenue in Alameda, California for his tireless efforts in serving our community. He provided all of the food for the dinner, his time, his patience and his dedication for the sake of Allah! Thank you Brother Sam!!!!

2013 Those who spend their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, neither shall they grieve. (2:274)

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SADAQA: A SUPREME VIRTUE OF RAMADAN AND WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY IN THIS LIFE (Continued) Second, when giving sadaqa, the believer must purify his intention and make his purpose just for the sake of gaining Allah's pleasure and reward. The Prophet (SAW) said, "All deeds are based on intention and everyone will be rewarded according to what he intended." (Bukhari) Third, the believer should make haste in giving sadaqa and should not delay it without a valid reason. It is also much better for the believer to give sadaqa during his life when in need of money, than to wait until death comes to him. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was once asked about the best of all charities to which he replied, "The best charity is what you give during your life while you are in need of it.” Fourth, it is more befitting for a Muslim to give sadaqa from his best possessions; that which he loves most. “By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely as a charity) from that which you love; and whatever you spend Allah knows it well," (3:92). However, this does not mean that one should lessen the value of his sadaqa if he only has little to give. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once said to his companions, "One dirham could be better in reward than one hundred thousand dirhams." A man asked, "And how is that Oh Messenger of Allah?" He (SAW) replied, "A wealthy man takes one hundred thousand dirhams which is one part of his wealth and gives it as a charity, while a poor man who only has two dirhams pays one of them as a charity." So the Islamic Center Of Alameda calls upon you, its generous community, to join us in this window of opportunity, to give and be given at our Annual Fundraiser Dinners. You have and, we are confident, will continue to answer this call with sincerity and generosity, and we will, by Allah's Will, continue in our efforts to answer Allah's call upon us.

THE SEALED NECTAR, Biography of the Noble Prophet (SAW) by Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri We are continuing to read the book “The Sealed Nectar” at the ICA Community Center on Thursday evenings, beginning at 7 pm. Reflect on this passage from the book, entitled “The Second Stage -- Open Preaching, Quraish Machinations Against the Emigrants”: The Quraish could not tolerate the prospect of a secure and safe place available for the Muslims in Abyssinia (Ethiopia), so they dispatched two messengers to request their expulsion. They were Amr bin Al-‘As and “Abdullah bin Abi Rabi’ah – (before they embraced Islam). They had taken with them valuable gifts to the king and his clergy and had been able to win some of the courtiers over to their side. The pagan messengers claimed that the Muslim refugees should be expelled from Abyssinia and handed over to them, on the ground that they had abandoned the religion of their forefathers, and their leader was preaching a religion different from theirs and from that of the king. The king summoned the Muslims to the court and asked them to explain the teachings of their religion. So they gathered together there, determined to speak the truth before him. He said to them, “What is this religion that has caused you to separate from your people, to not enter my religion or any of these others?” Ja’far bin Abi Talib (RA) stood up and addressed the king in the following words: “O King! We were an ignorant people. We worshipped idols and ate the meat of dead carcasses. We were accustomed to lewd behavior, to severing the ties of kinship, neglecting our neighbors, and the strong among us consumed the weak. This is how we were, but then Allah sent a Messenger to us. We were aware of his lineage, his truthfulness, that he was trustworthy, and chaste. He began inviting us to Allah, that we single Him out and that we worship Him. So we left the religion of our forefathers that we had been previously following, we left the worship of stones and idols of all others besides Allah. He also commanded us to be truthful in our speech, fulfill trusts, nurture the ties of kinship, be kind to our neighbor and to refrain from spilling blood unlawfully. He forbade us from lewd behavior, from bad speech, from consuming the orphan’s wealth, and from slandering chaste women. He commanded that we worship Allah Alone without associating anything with him, he commanded us to perform the prayer, give charity and fast – so he listed the Islamic injunctions.” He continued, “So we trusted him and believed in him, and followed the religion of Allah that he delivered. We began to worship Allah prohibiting what He made unlawful for us, as well as allowing what He had made lawful for us. For this our people rose as enemies against us, punishing us, torturing us to get us to leave our religion and return to worshiping idols instead of worshiping Allah, and they expected us to consider all of the filthy things lawful as we previously did. So when they overpowered us, our religion, then we came to your land, we chose you over others besides you, desiring to be your neighbor and hoping that you – O King – will not wrong us.”

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THE SEALED NECTAR, Biography of the Noble Prophet (SAW) by Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri (Continued) The Negus said, “Is there any of this with you that he told you to be from Allah?” Ja’far (RA) said, “Yes!” The Negus said. “Then recite some of it for me.” He then recited the opening Verses of Surat Maryam (Chapter 19 – Mary) wherein is told the story of the birth of both John and Jesus Christ, down to the account of Mary having been fed with the food miraculously. Thereupon the King, along with the bishops, and of his kingdom, was moved to tears that rolled down his cheeks and even wet his beard. Here, the Negus exclaimed: “It seems as if these words and those which were revealed to Jesus are the rays of the light which have radiated from the same source.” Turning to the depressed messengers of Quraish, he said, “I am afraid I cannot give you back these refugees. They are free to live and worship in my kingdom as they please.” On the next day, the two messengers again went to the king and said that Muhammad (SAW) and his followers blasphemed Jesus Christ. Again, the Muslims were summoned and asked what they thought of Jesus. Ja’far (RA) again stood up and replied: “We speak about Jesus as we have been taught by our Prophet (SAW), that is, he is the servant of Allah, His Messenger. His Spirit and His Word breathed into Virgin Mary.” The king remarked that they believed the same. Then turning to the frowning members of the delegation and to his bishops who got angry, he mentioned that they may fret and fume as they like but Jesus was nothing more than what Ja’far (RA) has said about him. He then assured the Muslims of full protection. He returned to the delegation of Quraish the gifts they had brought with them and sent them away. The Muslims lived in Abyssinia (Ethiopia) undisturbed for a number of years till they left for Madinah.” The preceding passage from the book was long, I admit, but it brought to mind that this world today is much like that long ago time where the social and religious climate was oppressive and commanding. Many of the things that the Quraish were doing and believing is not much different from what we see today. Isn’t it time to make a decision to decide what is really important in our lives and strive for what Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught? I was reflecting over the recent discussions of voting rights. My question, possibly a little regressive: What was the Civil War fought for if it was not only to “free the slaves” but to assure that everyone was given their due rights as American citizens and those principles of freedom and equality be protected? Later, even women had to fight for voting rights. Remember the Women’s Suffrage struggle? Initially, only a certain group of people who were landowners could vote. It becomes important to ALL of us, (black, white or other) to have the right to vote today regardless of where we live or how much education we have, without having a law enacted to ensure “our inalienable rights.” Do we actually have a democratic society? And why is it when federal and state taxes are due, then all of a sudden you are an American citizen and any taxes due are demanded? A recent law in California addresses a highly sensitive issue regarding civil rights of some people. I ask, “Should a person who has chosen the path of the shatan be given the same rights as those who are striving to live according to and uphold the laws of Allah?” Who are these people that condone behavior that is clearly in opposition to what Allah has ordered for a man and a woman. Whatever the arguments are for this abominable behavior, we cannot, as Muslims, or any right minded people, accept. Are we counting all of the blessings that are bestowed upon us every day? Have we completely forgotten? Do we even wonder or concern ourselves as to whether the way we choose to live our lives is within the boundaries of the way Allah (SWT) has chosen for his Creation? Shouldn’t we be questioning why things on Planet Earth are nearly chaotic? It seems we have become so “nonchalant” and compromising in our “intellect” that we have forgotten some very important truths. When Adam and Eve were put here on Earth, Allah (SWT) taught Adam the names of everything. Now, 3 or 4,000 plus years later, we forget Who is our Creator and Who is our Lord or even contemplate where that knowledge (truth) came from. Allah (SWT) could have put us (mankind) on Planet Earth without any understanding of what was around us, what was inside of us or what was above us. Every conceivable “truth” He (SWT) gave to Adam for a time. Now, we want to assign that unwavering truth to everyone but Allah (SWT). In Sura 82, Ayat 6, Allah (SWT) asks: “O man! What has seduced thee from thy Lord Most Beneficent? " So what has seduced us? After having read the book Milestones, we get a pretty good picture of how we are “seduced” by this world of “pomp and circumstance.” The book leaves no “wonder” as to how the jahiliyyah community develops. The jahiliyyah environment develops when we forget. We can’t forget Brothers and Sisters. So we must give praise and gratitude and bear witness that Allah is our Lord! That Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the Messenger of Allah. We have to stand up for truth. We have to stand up for this, our Religion. What would life look like it we did that?

Please reflect on these two ayats: All that is on earth will Perish. But will abide {Forever} the Face of thy Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour" Sura 55, Ayats 26-27. Has there not been over man a long period of time, when he was nothing – not even mentioned? Sura 76, Ayat 1.

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HEALTHY TIPS NEWS CORNER HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER Ginger settles the stomach and relieves all gas as well as beneficial in a sore throat. It enhances the blood circulation so Ginger may have benefits in reducing heart disease rates among people of all ages. When used for digestive purposes, ginger usually optimizes digestion, so if a person is planning to take ginger for digestive purposes, then a small piece of ginger before a big meal is a good and healthy advice. Ginger has anti inflammatory-properties and provides great benefits in all types of pain especially arthritis pain. As ginger gives you relief and benefit while in pain so it is used widely as a pain killer. Ginger is also an effective and most used home remedy for nausea and when human beings feel motion sickness. Ginger has anti-cancer properties and it cleans and thins the blood, thus positively affecting your heart. This natural herb is anti-inflammatory, good for colds and arthritis and it contains more than 12 antioxidants. Ginger also helps to control cholesterol levels in the blood and also reduces tendency towards blood clots. Having high cholesterol is a dangerous condition and it usually leads to a heart attack. Ginger has a positive effect on cholesterol levels and can be used as a safety measure against cardiovascular and heart diseases. Ginger is used in Africa for killing intestinal parasites and it can also kill roundworms in the human body. Studies have demonstrated, and nutritionists now believe, that ginger can provide and be helpful in migraine relief conditions and this is due to the ability and properties of ginger to stop prostaglandins from causing severe pain and also conditions of inflammation in blood vessels. People with cancer in their family history must make sure that they include ginger in their regular eating as Ginger posseses anti-cancer properties and has proven to aid in the process of Apoptosis in cells which are becoming abnormal and can lead to Cancer. Ginger is also used as a cure and natural remedy for controlling diabetes in patients. Overall, ginger not only adds flavors to the dishes, but has proven to be one of the best remedies for many diseases and the most interesting fact, that it is available in every grocery store and it can be included in most of the dishes. Ginger is available easily at the market in all the forms, including dried Ginger, Ginger Juice and Ginger Oil. Some forms are more useful for particular conditions. For example, fresh ginger is most effective in toothaches, migraine headaches and malaria. Ginger juice is most used to the treatment of skin burns and the Juice is applied on the affected area to get relief. Some flavors of soap use Ginger as a fragrance.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY? NEW WUDU STATION AT THE ICA COMMUNITY CENTER ICA is in the process of constructing a new wudu station at the Community Center! We have also installed water fountains in both locations (masjid and community center) to accommodate not only during the month of Ramadan but year round as well. th

MASJID CLEANUP: On Saturday, July 6 , the Food 4 The Needy Committee spearheaded a “CLEAN UP THE MASJID DAY!” Needless to say, it was a huge success. Community members came and supported the effort. A delicious lunch was provided adding incentive for our zeal to complete the task. Walls were washed, windows were washed, fans were washed, the blinds were cleaned, EVERYTHING was cleaned. All of the bathrooms were cleaned so well, that we just stood and looked at them because they were sparkling!

ISLAMIC CENTER OF ALAMEDA MEMBERSHIP We want to remind the community again about the Membership Program that is available to you. So, if you do have at least $1.00 at the end of the day, a dollar that you didn’t use while shopping, at the end of the month, you can forward $30.00 to the masjid. As stated in the last issue, this “membership contribution” entitles your family to one burial plot. The money also helps to keep the masjid clean, open and in a position to offer a place of prayer, Jumah Prayer and community committee meetings

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THE FOOD 4 THE NEEDY COMMITTEE PROGRAM, Submitted by Amir Brother Abdul Aziz The Food 4 Needy Committee would like to thank the sisters/brothers for their continued contributions for Jumah and every third Saturday Peoples and St. Andrews Park feeding. I thank the entire committee, and the volunteers. JZK! Also, thank you for the love exhibited to my mother who is visiting from Texas. It was genuine and a reflection of the heart of this community. Inshallah, you'll be hearing more from our committee - we're here to stay! Ramadan Mubarak!

JANAZZA WORKSHOP TRAINING th

A Janazza Workshop was held on Sunday, June 30 at the ICA Community Center. Imam Musa gave an in depth presentation as well as a demonstration on procedure. It was well attended and increased our understanding of this part of life’s process.

A FORUM: THE PURIFIED HEART th

On Sunday, July 14 , the Food 4 The Needy Committee sponsored a forum, “The Purified Heart”. It was a huge success. The speaker, Ni’mat Shaheed, delivered an excellent lecture on “The Purified Heart”. One of the memorable comments that stand out is this: “When you argue with someone, you lose heart, even if you win the argument.” There is no winning an argument. Don’t lose your heart when you can gain peace and tranquility when you search your heart. Many sisters requested that more forums be planned in coming months on subjects that are dear to our hearts. There were also vendors who had displays that were beautiful and useful. Also, let’s not forget Q’s Halal Restaurant who provided the Iftar Dinner. Thank you Brother Sam!

RECONNECTION YOUTH IFTAR th

On Sunday, July 28 , the Youth Committee sponsored a “Reconnecting Iftar for the month of Ramadan. Amir Abdul Malik was one of the speakers and youth from the surrounding Bay Area Communities were in attendance. It was a great occasion. We were happy to see so many of our youth there from the surrounding Bay Area communities.

IT COMMITTEES EDUCATION COMMITTEE - The education committee organizes and supports educational programs and activities in the Community. HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE - ICA Health and Social Services Committee’s mission is to obtain a healthy society by promoting the economic, social, emotional, physical and environmental well-being of individuals, families, neighborhoods and community. IT COMMITTEE - The mission of the IT committee is to provide the best IT infrastructure to support the Masjid and all of its activities. FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE - The mission of the Fundraising Committee is to ensure financial stability of the Islamic Center of Alameda. An annual fundraiser, as well as other events throughout the year, generates funds which enables the ICA to continue its day-to-day operations. ISLAM 4 CUBA COMMITTEE - Their function is to help spread Islam throughout The entire world. SECURITY & MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE - Their function is to maintain and keep the Masjid and its surroundings safe. EVENT COMMITTEE - The Event Committee’s goal is to foster a community, by promoting Islamic values through positive and interesting events. Photographs from previous event are posted on our Facebook page. DAWAH COMMITTEE - The goal of the Dawah Committee is to inform the Community about the religion of Islam and its principle tenet, the oneness of God. Although there is no compulsion in religion, the ICA invites people to participate in sponsored events to learn more about the second largest religion in the world. FOOD 4 THE NEEDY - It promotes humanitarian work, advocates volunteer, servicing and promotes acts of charity by providing Halal food for those persons living in need, in poverty or are homeless. YOUTH COMMITTEE - This committee’s goals are to provide a safe alternative environment for Muslim youth to establish and express a strong Muslim identity through social networking, community building and educational support.

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CLASSIFIEDS Rooms For Rent Two rooms are available for rent in a family home in Alameda. Monthly rent is $600 per room and includes utilities, wireless internet and shared common areas (bathroom, kitchen, laundry, etc). The house is in close proximity to shopping centers, the Ferry to San Francisco, an AC Transit stop and the free Estuary Crossing Shuttle which takes passengers from The College of Alameda to Laney College and Lake Merritt BART station (website: http://www.cityofalamedaca.gov/AboutAlameda/Estuary-Crossing-Shuttle).Please call 510-814-0278 if you are interested. Females only.

SERVICES FAB Logistics was founded in 2000. It is headquartered in Burlingame, California, with a branch office in Boston, Massachusetts. FAB Logistics does business in more than 50 countries. Description of services: FAB Logistics specializes in the logistics and transportation of goods worldwide. Our services include air/ocean/trucking/warehousing/rigging/packing/crating/customs clearance/cargo insurance. Geographical areas: North America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. Address:FAB Logistics, Inc., 533 Airport Blvd., Suite 220, Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel: (650) 685 8350Fax: (650) 685 8349website: www.fablogistics.com

RESTAURANT/DINING Q’s HALAL RESTAURANT 2306 CENTRAL AVENUE, ALAMEDA, CA 94501

NEW WEBSITE: If you have any questions, log onto [email protected] YOUR QUESTIONS, YOUR COMMENTS, CORRECTIONS Also, we welcome your input to the Newsletter. Please send any story, poem, hadith, sura, etc., if you wish. Send to me at [email protected]. Thank you for all your support.

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AUGUST PRAYER SCHEDULE - 2013

RECITE WHAT IS SENT OF THE BOOK BY INPIRATION TO THEE, AND ESTABLISH REGULAR PRAYER: FOR PRAYER RESTRAINS FROM SHAMEFUL AND UNJUST DEEDS; AND REMEMBRANCE OF GOD IS THE GREATEST (THING IN LIFE) WITHOUT DOUBT. AND GOD KNOWS THE (DEEDS) THAT YE DO. SURA 29, AYAT 45. IMPORTANT REMINDER: The verses of the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Prophet (SAW) have been printed for the benefit of our readers. You are asked to ensure their sanctity. Therefore, they should be disposed of in the proper Islamic manner. Thank you. (Reprint). ADVERTISING FEE: An advertising fee of $15.00 per issue will be charged to committees or members of the ICA who wish to advertise events in the Shahadah Times Newsletter. BUSINESS OWNER: The Islamic Center of Alameda (ICA) has recently launched a new website at URLwww.icabayarea.org. A new monthly newsletter entitled Shahadah Times began publication in September of 2012. There is an opportunity for you to advertise your business to a diverse group of people in the San Francisco Bay Area on our homepage and in the newsletter. Monthly fees will help support the growing Muslim community in Alameda by funding the IT and Marketing Committee. Discounts are available for six-month or annual agreements. Payment methods include EFT transfer from a checking account, charges to a credit card, Paypal and checks. The ICA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Tax ID number 94-3316391. Please consult with your accountant for tax deduction eligibility. Thank you for your support – the ICA IT and Marketing Committee Staff

Feel free to contact us for more information by phone at (510) 629-1874 or by email at [email protected]