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1- Introduction
On Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 Muslims welcomed an important month in the Islamic calendar, the month of Sha’ban, the 8th month of the Islamic calendar. Some might ask, why is this month important to be known? How important is it? How was the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) able to develop a routine this month? In this short reminder, we will learn about one of the special months in the Islamic calendar, which is frequently forgotten. We will also uncover how to invest our time in this special month and get ready for the generous month of Ramadan. 2- Why the name First, why is Sha’ban named this way? The word Sha’ban comes from the Arabic root SH-A’-B which means to separate or disperse. Arabs used to disperse looking for water or to get involved in wars after taking a truce during the sacred month of Rajab. Arabic months are named frequently to relate to wars or weather or both at the same time. The month of Sha’ban is the month that comes after the sacred month of Rajab, 7th month. As we learned before, sacred months are months when people used to sanctify and stop wars between each other. That was before the message of the Prophet Muhammad and then Islam confirmed the practice of the sacred months as it dated back to the prophet Ibrahim. 3- Importance of the month We learn about the holiness of spaces and times from our main sources, Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
4- Important events in Sha’aban
5- Our plan for Sha’ban There are many things we can do during the month of Sha’ban, but I prefer to focus on one or two things to do and excel in them and be consistent.
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In the name of Allah the All-Merciful The Ever-Merciful
Given the rapid spread of the Coronavirus (CO-VID 19) over the past two months, we feel that it is important to address this pandemic as a Masjid and Islamic center. This virus has been quickly spreading all over the world. We, as Muslims, receive Allah’s decree and design for us manifested in the Islamic term, Alhamduellah (All praise to Allah). We believe and act upon Allah’s rules by taking all preventive measures to avoid any harm to our Masjid’s attendants, both individually and communally. As far as we know, this virus is continuing to spread and that leaves an undeniable negative impact on our local community, both mentally and physically. It also leaves an impact on how we operate our Masjid as a space for communal gatherings. Therefore, in an effort to protect our congregation, we as a Masjid are applying the following procedures:
We learn from our Prophet, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, that hygiene outwardly and purity inwardly are significantly an important part of our faith. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Cleanliness is half of faith” (reported by Muslim, No. 223). Following the Sunnah of keeping hygiene is always needed, especially in this time. We ask Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, to protect us all from this virus and to keep us all safe and healthy. We understand that this may be a test from Allah for us, and we depend on Him to support us and grant us strength and perseverance in countering this disease. Ameen
A research article by the Yaqeen Institute discussed the struggles of Muslim youth in America, as it relates to identity. We've seen many a youth struggle with this, all while trying to fit into American society. To help our Muslim youth better understand and cope with identity in America, The Downtown Denver Islamic Center has created the 1st Annual Seekers of Knowledge Contest. This cash-prize contest aims to empower and arm our youth with knowledge, independence, confidence and creativity by researching topics related to Islam as well as creating short videos related to navigating their Muslim identity. We are still seeking sponsors for this contest. If you'd like to help, please fill out our online sponsorship form. This contest is for Muslim youth and young adults in the Denver metro area, between the ages of 5 and 23 years old. We have divided the contest into three categories, determined by age, to better accommodate each contestant.
If you are interested in participating in our 1st Annual Seekers of Knowledge Contest, please signup below.  In the Name of Allah, the All Merciful, the Ever Merciful
A letter from the Imam of Downtown Denver Islamic Center, Masjid Al-Shuhada’ to community members, leaders and members of different faiths communities, neighbors and brothers and sisters in humanity and Law enforcement. On Thursday, November 14th, 2019, Denver Police Officers arrested Benjamin Casillas-Rocha on suspicion of felony menacing with an assault rifle at our Downtown Denver Islamic Center DDIC (Masjid Al-Shuhada’). The violent action from Mr. Casillas-Rocha caused some trauma and fear among DDIC community members and Muslim communities in Denver and Colorado. Alhamdulellah (Thank Allah) that no one was hurt physically, however, there were many members who were traumatized by experiencing the action or even seeing it on the news. Regardless of what motivated Mr. Casillas-Rocha, no place of worship should experience what happened, especially in a time of recent hate crimes in the US. The incident highlights the need to increase our security to ensure our community's safety, and more importantly to cooperate with Law Enforcement, leaders of other faiths, and civic society to raise awareness among all people about the sacredness and sanctity of places of worship. Therefore, as the Imam of DDIC, I echo my fellow Muslim leaders in Colorado in condemning any form of violence regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or nationality. DDIC leadership and members including myself are grateful for the prompt response from the Denver Police Department to our call, arresting the suspect, increasing police presence at our Masjid (mosque) and ensuring that we overcome the trauma of the incident. I also echo Muslims in expressing our gratitude to all our brothers and sisters in Denver who expressed their support for our Masjid. We feel strong and safe with your presence on Friday November 15th, 2019. We are blessed to be members of the interfaith community who came and formed circles in-front of our Masjid. This incident demonstrates that we are on one hand against any violence. I also feel grateful to our neighbors who expressed their solidarity through many ways. We are grateful for your compassionate actions. When the Qur’an describes our prophet and his message, Allah says, وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِين“And We did not send you (O Muhammad!) but as a blessing and mercy, for all beings”(Qur’an 21:107). This “all” in this verse includes all humans believers and non-believers, all imagined and non-imagined creatures. Guided by this verse, I would like to reaffirm that this incident will not stop our mission as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a peaceful and welcoming space of Islamic rituals and education for all. We will continue to serve our community and engage with our neighbors in Five Points and the large Denver community in serving all. We will continue to have our monthly open houses, prepare our charitable work for those in need, and partner with all to make Denver a better place for all. These incidents will not interrupt our mission. May Allah, the All Merciful the Ever Merciful, protect us from all harms and shower all of with His mercy and blessings, Ameen! Imam/ Muhammad A. Kolila Downtown Denver Islamic Center For brothers and sisters in the Denver community, in need financial assistance, please download the short application form below, and bring to the Downtown Denver Islamic Center. You can also e-mail your completed form to theddic@gmail.com. 
We received this beautiful card from our supportive and amazing neighbor; House for All Sinners and Saints. Thank you beautiful and loving neighbors! Thanks Pastor Reagan Humber! Peace be upon all!  |
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