Ramadan Ready? ThinkingPoints & ActionPoints [Newsletter 2016-05-19] | SoundVision.com

Ramadan Ready? ThinkingPoints & ActionPoints [Newsletter 2016-05-19]

SoundVision.Com

Thursday | Shaban 11, 1437 AH | May 19, 2016

Assalamu Alaikum.

It’s barely 3 weeks away!

With all the anticipation and hype around the arrival of Ramadan, this year in particular, comes the responsibility to think and plan for this month wisely.

Given the plummeting public opinion about Islam and Muslims both in the US and Canada, and record number of Muslims reporting Islamophobia and discrimination, it’s high time for North American Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah, with their families and with their neighbors of other faiths.

Let us share the beauty of Ramadan with our friends, colleagues and neighbors. What’s there to hide?

Let’s impact public opinion about Muslims one person at a time!

ThinkingPoints

  1. Fasting helps us focus and reflect. How can you plan strategically for your life, your spirituality, your family, your career, and your relationship with the communnity?
  2. With rough and turbulent environment comes the urgency to turn to and reconnect with Allah. How will your communication with Allah be different this Ramadan? How often will you make a heart-felt Dua?
  3. If you are feeling confused or overwhelmed at times, why not turn to the Manual of Life, the Quran? How will you bring Quran recitation and reflection in your daily life?
  4. Ramadan is truly a family time. How can you take advantage of Ramadan’s schedule and culture to bring your family members together at Suhoor, Iftar and Taraweeh every day? How can you strengthen your relationship with your parents, siblings, spouse, or children?
  5. Ramadan is a prime time for giving and generosity! Can we ensure to divide our Sadaqat and Zakat equally into the following five causes: relief, local Masjid / Islamic centre, social services, youth development, and civic engaement?
  6. Islamophobia will continue to rise, unfortunately. One sure way to counter negative public opinion about Islam is through friendship and positive engagement. How will you connect with your neighbors, co-workers, and policy makers at a human level this Ramadan?
  7. Despite anti-Muslim bias found in media, many journalists are looking for genuine Muslim stories, How can you showcase the beauty of diversity, unity, cuisine, and culture to the wider public? How can you humanize Islam and Muslims in a world that thrives on dehumanizing and demonizing minorities?
  8. As you fast and feast this month, how can you remember those who struggle to find a decent meal every day? How can you enhance your love for the poor and needy?
  9. This is a federal election year. How can Ramadan be used strategically to galvanize the Muslim community to vote and volunteer for campaigns? How can you promote civic engagement in your community in this action-packed month?

ActionPoints

Dear brothers and sisters, this Ramadan is a very critical and precious time. Please take out a couple of hours this week to sit with your family to think, plan, and strategize for the sake of your spirituality, your family, and your country, and the Ummah.

Peace
Sound Vision Team

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Khutba Ideas for Ramadan

By Taha Ghayyur

This Ramadan, it’s critical for Imams and Khateebs to focus their messaging on: Strengthening our spiritual connection with Allah; strengthening our family; and strengthening our connection with our friends, colleagues, and neighbors of other faiths. As Ramadan approaches, here are suggested Khutba themes for Imams and Khateebs to address.


Ramadan & Media Relations: How To Create Positive “Newsworthy” Stories

By Taha Ghayyur

Creating and pitching a “newsworthy” Ramadan story requires significant planning and legwork, but it’s all worth it. Let the world see the beauty of your faith and culture. Let everyone experience it! What’s there to hide?


Ramadan 2016: 10 Things Muslim Families can Plan

By Samana Siddiqui

A recent report related distressing incidents of Islamophobia Muslim children are experiencing in schools. Muslim parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members, must be on the front line this Ramadan, healing and soothing our youth with the sweet taste of mercy and spiritual upliftment. This is why we must urgently plan for Ramadan 2016. Here are some ways to do that.   


Countdown to Ramadan: 7 Tips to Welcome Ramadan

By Samana Siddiqui

With Ramadan only days away, don't let the excitement of the blessed month slip by without mentally preparing for the big day. Here are a couple of ways to make the countdown to Ramadan exciting.

5 Things to do Shura about for Ramadan

When it comes to Ramadan, consulting family and friends about the blessed month can and should go beyond generalities. Here are five specific issues to discuss, debate, and agree on that can help you maximize the benefits of this special time. 

A Ramadan Priority: Connecting with Neighbors

By Ammarah Usmani

Let’s make “empathy” the theme of this Ramadan, develop good, caring habits, and keep them up throughout the year. Here are some ideas for reaching out to your neighbors during Ramadan. 


     

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