Rihla Reflections by Hend

As we embarked on our journey into the serene Australian Outback, feelings of curiosity and excitement filled our hearts and minds. Unsure of exactly what it was we would experience, there was one thing I was certain of; I would embrace and enjoy all that we encountered regardless of what it was, for everything is a beautiful blessing from Allah. Little did I know or expect the immense effect that this life changing experience would infuse in me.

Being surrounded by the beauty of nature and the friendship of wonderful companions instilled a sense of contentment and overall peace on a magnitude I had never experienced before. I felt connected and at one with my surroundings, completely present and in my element, appreciating and contemplating on all that Al-Khaliq (The Creator) has created and the forms He has given them. 

From the tiny granules of red sand which so smoothly and quickly ran through my fingers returning to the earth as I picked up a handful, to the amazing beauty and extensive view of Mount Deception, I remembered Verse 21, Surat 59 in the Holy Qur’an, Al-Hashr (The Gathering), “Had we sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rent asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which we put forward to mankind that they may reflect.” This compelled me to ponder deeply on my life and current state. 

While trekking through the different terrain in the desert, away from the comfortable lifestyles we lived, bonding with our camels, such large yet gentle and soft creatures, whom we developed a fond attachment with we were blessed to get a slight insight as to how our Beloved Prophet, Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him and his companions travelled through the land. We could only imagine the hardships they may have encountered and connection they built with their camels while travelling together over a long period of time.

This spiritual journey which allowed us to connect with nature, get back to basics, and rediscover ourselves. It also awakened a connection, appreciation, and love for all that Al-Jalil (The Majestic) has created and decreed. Most importantly it strengthened my connection and increased my love for Him and His Messenger, whom He sent as a mercy to mankind.

All praise and thanks are for Allah who placed me amongst such wonderful individuals. Their wise words and company I learnt so much from while we journeyed together through the beautiful Australian land which surrounded us to the far reaches of the horizon.

Prophetic Spring & The Merciful King

Goes and comes back, the season’s springs;
Wilting flowers away as sunlight eventually recedes.
But glad tidings - there exists an everlasting spring that never depletes;
That the Lord of springs has sent as mercy to the worlds.

It is the Prophetic Spring; it is an everlasting spring
In the fertile hearts of the Believer;
Never receding or wilting the blooming flower
Of Love - love for the Beloved and the Merciful King.

The bright sun is a blaze that burns and blinds;
Life’s cycle bends to it as it rises, but wilts as it fades.
Yet the Prophetic Light - the sun, in shining radiance it pales
Turning hearts to the Radiant Light, ever gently and which never sets.

It is the Prophetic Spring; it is an everlasting spring
In the fertile hearts of the Believer;
Never receding or wilting the blooming flower
Of Love - love for the Beloved and the Merciful King.

From His Light that He has created, the Merciful King salutes;
And His creations of light follow suit on earth and in heavens.
O Believer, emulate your Lord who has favoured you with such blessings -
Boundless blessings of peace upon the Shining Light that our Merciful King praises.
© Afroz Ali, 12th Rabbi ul-Awwal, 1433

Helping Those in Need

During September, the Ansaar Project's Halal Food Bank in Sydney is partnering with Jewish House and Exodus foundation for the collection of non-perishable goods to assist homeless people in need that are unable to afford food or not in the position to feed themselves fully. The Yes We Can campaign will be running inside 21 Coles stores throughout Metro NSW.

This project is part of Al-Ghazzali Centre's commitment to inter-religious cooperation in goodness.

For more information and to see how you can get involved go to http://alghazzali.org/events/foodbank

Free spiritual education for all? You can help!

Assalaam alaikum All,

Imagine you had a yearning to learn more about your Deen - you know there are classes happening in your neighbourhood that you would love to attend but didn't have the money to pay (Note: AGC would always admit students even if they couldn't pay).

 This is the dilemma facing seekers of knowledge across the globe. To combat this, Al Ghazzali Centre and Seekers Guidance have implemented an initiative called Knowledge Without Barriers.

This is what Shaykh Faraz Rabbani has to say about Knowledge Without Barriers "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Be avid for all that benefits." The scholars have explained that this entails that the believer strives to promote the [1] greatest, [2] widest, and [3] most lasting benefit possible. "Knowledge Without Barriers" is an expression of our commitment to spread the light of Prophetic guidance as far & wide as we can--without barriers. Join us in promoting the way of excellence & mercy--the Prophetic way of knowledge, guidance, and inspiration."

What does this mean for you? Basically, if you pledge an amount to donate to 'Knowledge Without Barriers" you will be helping others to get an Islamic education for FREE (The classes will be free for everyone, not just those who can't afford it). Students from places such as Bosnia, and South Africa right to our shores here in Sydney will have free access to selected classes being held online and live.

 Please give generously,

 Support KWB
 With Peace,
 Erin Rutherford

Beginning of Guidance - Spend Friday nights with Al-Ghazzali

More info and Registration

Date: 9th September, 2011 Time: Fridays, 7:30pm - 9:30pm AEST Where: Sydney (Host)Lakemba. LIVE telecast to MELB and NEWCASTLE. Also, see http://www.SeekersGuidance.org/SeekersCircles for more information. "You who are desirous of acquiring sacred knowledge, expressing in yourself a sincere longing and passionate thirst for it, know that if you aim in seeking knowledge is to compete, show off, outdo your peers, garner attention, and amass the debris of this world, then you are on your way to rendering your religion null and void, destroying yourself, and selling your eternal life for this present one... But if, in seeking knowledge, your intention and aim, between Allah Most High and yourself, is to gain guidance, and not simply the transmission of information, then glad tidings be to you. The angels will spread their wings for you as you walk and the fish in the sea will ask forgiveness for you as you strive. You should know before all else that guidance, which is the fruit of knowledge, has a beginning and an end, an outward aspect and an inward essence. [And] there is no way to reach the end without mastering the beginning...,"

Halal Food Bank

Invest in Your Community's Wellbeing

This Ramadhan, Al-Ghazzali Centre is launching the Ansaar Project Halal Food Bank, ensuring food reaches those families in our community who need it most. The food bank will be non-discriminatory and provide such help to anyone needing it regardless of culture or religion. Invest in your community's wellbeing, by volunteering or donating to this project.

Click on image to view flyer

Donate food

Donate funds

Register as a volunteer

Contact project coordinator

Why is it important to have a Food Bank in Australia?

Sadly, there are a number of Muslims with a shortage of food in Australia. Many of these Muslims regularly seek assistance in searching for food from various groups and organisations in the community. These individuals and families are from many different countries, the majority being former refugees. They have trouble accessing enough government assistance, and feel isolated from others in the Muslim community.

We have encountered a few of these indivuals over the 8 years of running the Ansaar Project's "Feeding the Homeless" program. However, we have realised there are many more whom are reluctant to approach us and other organisations. Local organisations we have partnered with in our feeding the homeless programs and blanket drives, have reported regular visits by Muslims. These organisations have remarked that the Muslims have requested halal food for themselves and their families.

The Halal Food Bank will help to improve the wellbeing of these indiviuals and their families. You can help make this possible by participating in this food drive and donating to the bank.

The Ansaar Project is
an affiliated program of

Qur'an Reading for Beginners - Level 2

Qur'an Reading for Beginners - Level 2

A 12-week Course for studnets who have basic ability to read the Qur'an and need more practice with a teacher.

When: Sundays, commencing 11th September, 2011

Time: 4.00pm - 6.00pm

Where: Al-Ghazzali Centre Academy

1021A Canterbury Road (Cnr. Willeroo Street), Lakemba.

Entry via Willeroo Street

Cost: FREE, by donation (excluding costs for purchasing book if required).

This course is part of the Knowledge Without Barriers initiative.

Enquiries: Tel: (02) 9708 1539

Email: academydirector@alghazzali.org

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SISTERS CLASS

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR BROTHERS CLASS

This course is designed for beginners who have the ability to read in the Qur'an but slowly and who need to practice their reading with a teacher to improve their ability to read. The course covers reading from the 30th part of the Qur'an. It also covers some of the more advanced topics to related to reading including:

- The definite article and how it is pronounced when it precedes the moon letters and the sun letters

- The pronunciation of Lafdhatul Jallalah (Allah)

- Introduction to the rulings of lengthening (madd) and shortening (qasr)

- The discreet letters that come at the beginning of some of the chapters in the Qur'an

- Introduction to rulings related to pausing durin recitation

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SISTERS CLASS

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR BROTHERS CLASS