As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum / Peace be upon you!
Crescent Moon for the Month of Ramadhân 1445 AH
Crescent moon was sighted with the aid of binoculars at Mount Wilson Observatory between 7:31 PM and 7:34 PM on Sunday March 10th, 2024.
However, there are no reports of sightings of the crescent moon with the naked eye on the evening of Sunday March 10th, 2024, in USA.
The moon was sighted with an optical aid in the Los Angeles area, where the moon sighting conditions were such that a sighting applies to the Greater Seattle Area. See table below published by NASIMCO.
Based on reports the of crescent moon sighted with the aid of binoculars,
Monday March 11th will be the first day of Ramadhân for followers of Āyatullāh Khamenei and other marājiʿ that allow the moon to be sighted through optical aid.
Since the moon was not reported as having been seen with the naked eye
Tuesday March 12th will be the first day of the month of Ramadhân for the followers of Āyatullāh Sistani and other marājiʿ who require the moon to be sighted by the naked eye.
Important Islamic Events this Month*:
Ramadhân Mar/Apr Occasion
10 Mar 21 Wafat of Bibi Khadija (A) (Year 3 B.H.)
15 Mar 26 Wiladat of Imam Hasan (A) (Year 3 A.H.)
17 Mar 28 The Battle of Badr, (Year 2 A.H.)
Eve of 19 Mar 29 Night of sadness (Year 40 A.H.) Laylat -ul-Qadr Night
Eve of 21 Mar 31 Eve of Shahadat of Imam Ali (A) (Year 40 A.H.)
The Conquest of Mecca, (Year 8 A.H.)
Laylat -ul-Qadr Night
21 Apr 1 Shahadat of Imam Ali (A) (Year 40 A.H.)
Eve of 23 Apr 2 Laylat -ul-Qadr Night
*Gregorian calendar dates above are based on Tuesday March 12th being the first day of the month of Ramadhân
Daily programs for Ramadhân to commence on Monday March 11th, 2024 will include daily Qur'anic recitation, Ramadhân reflection, prayers and duas.
Light iftar will be served on weekdays and a full buffet iftar on Fridays, Saturdays and the nights of Qadr.
These programs are designed to help us connect with Allah (SWT) and each other in a meaningful way.
May Allah accept our worship and grant us His mercy and forgiveness. Ameen.
We ask God, the Most High, to accept your fasting, grant success in performing good deeds, and to hasten the Return of Our Master, Imam Mahdi (p).
Ramadhân Mubarak!
On-line Qur'an Circle in English (TBD depends on volunteers to lead)
7:00 PM Ramadhân Duas
Please use links above or refer to home page for detailed timings and online links for our daily Qur'an Online sessions.
Daily in-person Ramadhân program will be broadcast live at: http://live/iman-wa.org.
Programs to commemorate wafats and celebrate wiladats as well as a'amaal programs for the nights of qadr will be posted as special events in due course.
A variety of programs and activities will be organized for all age groups.
Special event links will be created and provide further details.
To help plan these sessions the number of participants need to be known ahead of time and therefore require registration. Please register as requested on event pages.
Ramadhân: A time of reflection, devotion, community and service!
The holy month of Ramadhân is a special time for Muslims all around the world. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, spiritual growth, community and service. This year, in 1445 AH (2024 AD), we continue this tradition that has been prescribed for believers, as it was for those before us.
The purpose of fasting during Ramadhân is to cultivate mindfulness of God. It is an opportunity to strengthen our faith, purify our hearts, and develop a deeper understanding of the teachings of Islam. As we abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset, we are reminded of our dependence on God for sustenance and our responsibility to care for those less fortunate.
The Qur'an tells us, "You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God." This passage underscores the significance of fasting as a spiritual practice. It invokes a sense of unity and continuity with past generations of believers who have undergone the same rigorous discipline in their quest for spiritual growth.
But Ramadhân is not only about fasting. It is also a time of revelation and guidance. In fact, it was in the month of Ramadhân that the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, was revealed. The Qur'an states, "It was in the month of Ramadhân that the Qur'an was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong."
This divine revelation is a source of guidance for all aspects of life. It provides clear messages that help us distinguish between right and wrong, guiding us on the path of righteousness. During Ramadhân, Muslims make a special effort to read and reflect on the teachings of the Qur'an. Many try to complete the entire Qur'an during this holy month, finding in its verses inspiration and guidance for their lives.
As we embark on this sacred journey of Ramadhân, let us strive to uphold the true spirit of this holy month. Let us make the most of this time of fasting and prayer, reflection and community, to deepen our faith and grow spiritually. Let us remember the less fortunate and extend our hands in charity. And let us seek guidance and inspiration from the Qur'an, renewing our commitment to follow its teachings in all aspects of our lives.
In this month of devotion, service and generosity, we are also seeking you to engage whether it be through your time, donations, and/or unique talents. Here are 3 ways you can make this Ramadhân very special for yourself and those around you and in the process strengthen the IMAN community.
Donate/Prepare an Iftar Dinner: https://signup.com/go/KDDSmTS
Clean up and Setup for dine-in Iftars on Fridays, Saturdays, Ramadan 19, 21, 23 (10 helpers needed per event) https://signup.com/go/zreRrpT
Help with youth programs on Fridays, Saturdays, Ramadan 19, 21, 23 (2-3 volunteers needed per event) - https://signup.com/go/ZyibMwk
Each sign-up sheet has specific instructions. Please read and send any questions to the listed contact.
Ramadhân Mubarak to all!
May this holy month bring you peace, joy, and spiritual growth.
Ramadhân Qur'an Conference
"لكل شى ء ربيع و ربيع القرآن شهر رمضان"
Everything has a spring and the spring of Qur'an is month of Ramadhân (Imam Baqir a.s.)
IMAN Sunday school teachers, parents, and Parent Liaison team, with support from the IMAN Programs Committee, are collaborating to organize a Qur'an Conference during on April 7, 2024. Those interested in volunteering for this conference are encouraged to reach out to the School Committee and Parent Liaisons for further information.
For registration please visit: Qur'an Conference, Ramadhân 1445 AH.
Ramadhân Appeal
IMAN Community's continued generosity is what sustains a growing spiritually vibrant caring sharing congregation here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
The blessed month of Ramadhân is a special time of the year when we receive generous donations for operational needs of IMAN, sponsoring iftars and help those in need.
Please donate generously to help sponsor iftar dinners and also help those in need.
Donations can be made:
1. By check to IMAN Center, 515 State St S, Kirkland. WA 98033.
2. Using Zelle to accounts@iman-wa.org
3. Using credit card or by PayPal: click: donate
Payment by check or Zell incur no fees.
Let us open up our hearts and pockets to derive make the most of blessings that Allah SWT has bestowed upon us in this blessed month of Ramadhân! Counting on your continued generous support!
Ramadhân Food Drive
IMAN along with other masajids are supporting MAPS MCRC Essentials First drive to deliver 2,500 food boxes to families in need in the Greater Seattle area.
Each box costing $70.00 will provide food staples such as rice, flour, sugar, oil, dates, etc. sufficient for a family for the whole month of Ramadhân.
Donations can made directly to MAPS or to IMAN via Zelle to accounts@iman-wa.org. Please indicate on memo "Ramadhân Food Box.
Inspiration from Gaza
Mashallah!
Despite all the death and destruction, Palestinians at Friday Prayer in Gaza!
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
Believers! When the call to prayer is made on the day of congregation, hurry towards the reminder of God and leave off your trading––that is better for you, if only you knew–– [Q 62:9]
ثُمَّ لَتُسْأَلُنَّ يَوْمَئِذٍ عَنِ النَّعِيمِ
On that Day, you will be asked about your pleasures. [Q:102:8]
Please keep the innocent suffering people in your thoughts and prayers as we hope for peace and prosperity for all those under oppression and their neighbors. Aameen.
Ramadhân Talks
Inshallah during the upcoming blessed month we hope to feature an engaging talk on variety of thought-provoking topics each Friday and Saturday after Iftar dinner.
Our goal for these presentations is to create an atmosphere of enlightenment and inspiration, where members of our community can come together to learn, reflect, and grow. We believe that by harnessing the collective knowledge and experiences of our community, we can cultivate a deeper sense of connection and understanding among us all.
We invite to all of you to help us plan these inspirational presentations. These presentations, each lasting approximately 20 minutes, offer a unique opportunity for individuals within our community to share their expertise and insights on a variety of thought-provoking topics.
Here are a few suggested topics that you might consider:
1. Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact: Exploring the implications of AI advancements on society, businesses, and individuals, and how we can navigate these changes with wisdom and foresight.
2. Climate Change and Collective Responsibility: Examining the reality of climate change, its global consequences, and the role each of us can play in mitigating its effects through conscious living and advocacy.
3. Spirituality and Professional Growth: Reflecting on the intersection of spiritual values and professional development, and how we can cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our work lives.
4. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Discussing the importance of active participation in our communities and the role we can play in fostering inclusivity, compassion, and social justice.
5. Health and Wellness in the Modern World: Exploring holistic approaches to health and wellness, including physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and practical strategies for living a balanced and fulfilling life.
6. Networking and Career Advancement: Sharing insights on the power of networking, mentorship, and lifelong learning in achieving professional success and fulfillment.
7. Advocacy for Justice and Peace: Examining the moral imperative to speak out against injustice and oppression, and the ways in which we can collectively work towards a more just and peaceful world.
These are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing, and we welcome proposals on any topic that you feel passionate about and believe would inspire and enrich our community.
If you are interested in presenting or have any questions, please reach out to us at programs@iman-wa.org.
We are eager to hear from as many of you as possible and look forward to a month filled with enlightening discussions and meaningful connections.
Thank you for your continued support and participation in our community initiatives.
IMAN Center Remodel
The IMAN Center, situated in Kirkland's Moss Bay Neighborhood at 515 State St S, has served as a vibrant community hub for almost two decades.
Approaching this significant milestone, we've gained invaluable insights into the unmet needs of our constituents and the broader community.
To better address these needs, we've enlisted the expertise of Paul Wu from Wu Architecture to help reimagine and revitalize our space. Under Paul's guidance, significant progress has been made on the site plan for the proposed extensions at the IMAN Center. You can view the revised proposed site plan by downloading it using the link provided below:
We have scheduled an initial meeting with City of Kirkland officials later this month to share our vision for the future of the IMAN Center and seek guidance on initiating the design process with the city.
We warmly welcome feedback and suggestions from everyone in the community.
Please feel free to email us at remodel@iman-wa.org with your thoughts and ideas on how we can best utilize talents and resources to support the proposed remodel.
Islamic Resource Corner
Al-Kisa Foundation is creating a central and accessible location for Islamic resources, in particular educational resources, for the benefit of teachers, students, educators, parents, knowledge-seekers, and sharers.
Islamic Resource Corner www.islamicresourcecorner.com is an interactive resource sharing platform for all knowledge seekers and educators.
The organization is inviting contributors to share resources to grow together.
To sign up as a contributor, all you need to do is create an account, and upload your resource. Islamic Resource Corner has a mission team that will assist and review for authenticity and then your resource will appear live on the website for others to download.
Become a Green Kirkland Steward
Join the fun and dedicated team of 50+ Green Kirkland Stewards and help engage your community in the restoration of natural area parkland in Kirkland!
Stewards are ongoing volunteers who share their love of green spaces by leading volunteers in restoration projects in their local parks with support and training from the Parks Department.
Stewards bring a diversity of interests, skill, and time to Kirkland's natural areas - anyone interested is encouraged to attend session one of orientation.
Orientation is free, open to the public, and is a blend of online and in-person sessions covering topics in urban forestry, habitat restoration, and volunteer management.
Session 1: Program Overview and Restoration (Online) -Thu March 14, 6:00-8:00 pm.
Session 2: Field Training in Best Practices (In-person) -Sat, March 16, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. City of Kirkland Park
Session 3: Volunteer and Site Management (Online) -Thu March 21, 6:00-8:00 pm.
To learn more about the Steward role visit the OngoingVolunteer Roles page on the GreenKirkland website.
Congressional Internship Opportunity
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene seeks motivated, flexible, and detail-oriented interns to serve in her Kirkland and Washington, D.C. offices for Summer 2024.
The ideal candidates will possess exceptional written and oral communication skills, a high degree of professionalism, as well as a strong interest in public service. Congressional internships are open to all majors and designed for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates with an interest in public service.
Intern responsibilities include greeting constituents and handling constituent phone calls, assisting staff with administrative tasks, conducting research, and assisting with constituent correspondence. Interns will also have the opportunity to attend hearings, briefings, and meetings for the legislative and outreach staff.
Ties to Washington state and/or the 1st Congressional District are encouraged but not required.
Starting and ending dates are flexible, although prospective interns should be able to commit to at least 20 hours per week during the semester.
Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Internship.DelBene@mail.house.gov and specify whether you are applying for a D.C. or District office internship in the subject line. In the body of the email, please also list any start and end date constraints, whether you are interested in a part-time or full-time position, and the number of hours per week you can work. Please also state any ties you have to Washington state and/or to the 1st Congressional District. The deadline to submit applications is March 22, 2024, at 11:59PM PT.
Congressional Art Competition 2024
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.
Each Member of Congress may choose to host the program in their individual districts and ask a panel of local artists, such as artists-in-residence, art teachers, gallery owners, etc, to act as judges. The winning artwork will hang in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. The tunnel is the most highly traveled access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol. Every day, Members of Congress, distinguished visitors, and tens of thousands of tourists – from the United States and abroad – walk through the tunnel and admire the artwork.
Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of judges select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC (with two free plane tickets to get there). The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.
Congresswoman DelBene – Washington’s 1st District
All Submissions are due by April 19th, 2024. Award ceremony and reception to be held the week of April 22nd, final date TBA.
Artwork May Be:
Paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, photography
Entry Criteria:
Artwork is two-dimensional and no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep.
Must not weigh more than 10 pounds, including the frame.
Student Information and Release Form is attached to the back of the artwork.
Artwork has a label attached to the back with the student's name,
address, phone number, title, medium, and congressmember's name, state, and district.
Must be original in concept, design, and execution, and may not violate U.S. copyright laws.
Eye hooks or equivalent are attached at the back of the artwork.
How to Register:
Fill out the form on https://delbene.house.gov/constituent-services/art-competition.htm
How to Submit:
Email a high-quality picture of your art to avery.perreault@mail.house.gov with name, address, phone number, title, medium, Congressmember's name, state, and district. Please make the subject line read: Congressional Art Competition Submission – [Your Name]
Mail or drop off your art piece: Office of Rep. Suzan DelBene, Re: Art Competition, 450 Central Way Suite 3100, Kirkland, WA, 98033. If needed, coordinate a time with Avery for her to pick up.
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Please contact avery.perreault@mail.house.gov or call (425) 495-6847 with any questions.
Sunday School
Social Services
Monthly community dinners IMAN hosts with St. John’s are a great opportunity to serve. Those interested to help, please contact Br. Abbas Kazmi or send mail to socialservices@iman-wa.org.
Sr. Sidra Naqvi continues to coordinate meals every other Sunday to the Seattle Tent City. Several spots have been reserved to provide future meals at shelters. If you are interested in helping, please contact Sister Sidra Naqvi (425) 273 1463 or e-mail iman@iman-wa.org.