In the name of Allah (God) Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
On behalf of MAPS, I wish you all a very blessed Eid-al-Adha. I pray that Allah Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful) showers His mercy on all of us and our families, and that He keeps us safe and healthy during these difficult times. Eid-ul-Adha is a celebration of the life and legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him. Ibrahim (AS) provides a beautiful example of the attitude and action we need when responding to extreme challenges, like the ones we face today.
Most of us have probably seen the videos of how few people are performing ta’waf (circumambulation) around the Kaa’ba in single file of socially distanced circular rows. None of us would have imagined such a scene in our lifetime. We are used to the bustling crowds of Muslims from all over the world gathering in Makkah. Yet, this year, Allah Al Hakeem (the Most Wise) in His infinite wisdom chose a very different Hajj experience for the global Muslim community. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire world. Over 17 million people have been infected. Over 150,000 people have died in this country alone. Over the past 4 months, we have changed the way we live, the way we work and the way we pray. We may still have many more such months ahead. The economy has also taken a major hit. The US GDP declined by 9.5% last month, the biggest drop ever recorded. Many have lost their jobs and are entering periods of financial insecurity. Times of trial can bring people together. Unfortunately, we are seeing the opposite. The persistence of systemic racism and the violence against Black lives continue. We are also witnessing a deep level of political divisiveness and we fear that with the upcoming elections, some will exploit these divisions to further set us back as a nation.
How then do we respond to these challenges impacting all of us at the same time? The story of Ibrahim (AS) provides timeless and global solutions for how to respond to the crises we face. Let us quickly look at four ways Ibrahim (AS) dealt with great challenges.
Unwavering faith in God: First, Ibrahim (AS) understood that Allah is the Lord over all matters. Everything is within His control and everything happens only by His permission. In the most difficult circumstances, Ibrahim (AS) put his faith in Allah SWT (Glorified is He). In Surah Al-Anam, we read his prayer: “I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah.” [6:79]
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Enduring Patience with Action: Second, Ibrahim (AS) faced some of the most difficult tests time and again; and yet, he patiently endured and persevered while taking action to challenge wrongs. He was not willing to just follow traditions of his forefathers or relatives; he challenged the status quo and spoke truth to power, while remaining obedient to God. His patience with the momentous trial of being asked to sacrifice his son Ismail is why we are celebrating Eid today.
Care and Compassion for All: Third, Ibrahim (AS) had a deep concern and cared for all people, including those who were hostile to him. He gave refuge and provision to strangers he had never met before. [Surah Ad-Dhariyat 51:24-27]. He pleaded with God for his father even as his father threatened to stone him to death [Surah Maryam]. To those he who disobeyed God’s commands, he prayed for them.
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Forward Looking Vision: And finally, Ibrahim (AS) worked for a vision of the future, leaving behind a strong legacy. He established foundations for generations upon generations, until the end of time, to gather around to pray, to hope and to bond: “And remember Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer): “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: for Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” [2:128]
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So, with (1) unwavering faith, (2) enduring patience with action, (3) care and compassion for all, and (4) forward-looking vision, we can emulate Ibrahim (AS) in dealing with difficult times. At MAPS, we endeavor to do just that:
- Perfect Faith:
MAPS has continued to invest in our spiritual growth, including by hiring Qari Aslam to teach Qur’an full-time. He tells me that he is extremely busy throughout the week. In fact, we have more virtual programs than we had physical programs. Sheikh Yasir Fazaga has started a mental wellness program to spiritually uplift the community as both a religious scholar and a professional psychologist. - Enduring Patience and Action:
Even as we maintain patience with not having our facility open, MAPS-AMEN, our activism arm, and MAPS-CDEI, our diversity arm, have worked tirelessly and actively these past few months to bring positive change to society. We have committed to improve ourselves as well as the community in which we live, when it comes to racism and other issues. - Care and compassion for all:
MAPS-MCRC has assisted hundreds of families in need during this pandemic – from paying rent to distributing food to hosting tele-health appointments, we have brought some measure of comfort to those most impacted by COVID. So far, we have spent $600,000 to help people those in need since the start of COVID. We also received $350,000 in grants to assist the broader community in recovering from the pandemic. - Forward-Looking Vision:
We have our sight firmly set on when we will re-open fully Insha-Allah (God-willing). In the meantime, we are building for the future. Our facilities team has been busy expanding the masjid by adding extra wings at a cost of $400,000. When you all come back, we will be ready to welcome you in a bigger, better place Insha-Allah!
These are only some quick highlights about our many activities at MAPS. We recently released a 100-page report that I encourage you all to browse and read. The report goes into detail on how we are acting and discharging the trust you have placed in us.
I pray that we all have a joyful Eid. I pray that we all learn from the lessons of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). I pray that we all overcome the challenges of our time and stay safe and healthy. And, I look forward to meeting you all very soon in person in our beautiful masjid Insha-Allah. Ameen and Jazak-um-ullah-khairan (may you be rewarded).
Eid Mubarak!
Hyder Ali
MAPS President