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Muslim Personalities
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The event of Karbala marks the greatest sacrifice for the sake of God in the human history. The minute and stunning details of this great event have been written and survived from the very first day by the eye witnesses.
For the last fourteen hundred centuries, the battle of Karbala reflects the collision of the good versus the evil, the virtuous versus the wicked, right versus the wrong, and the collision of Imam Husain (the head of virtue) versus Yazid (the head of impiety).
Edward G. Brown, the professor of Arabic and oriental studies at the University of Cambridge, praises Imam Husain in these words:
"... a reminder of the blood-stained field of Kerbela, where the grandson of the Apostle of God fell at length, tortured by thirst and surrounded by the bodies of his murdered kinsmen, has been at anytime since then sufficient to evoke, even in the most lukewarm and heedless, the deepest emotions, the most frantic grief, and an exaltation of spirit before which pain, danger and death shrink to unconsidered trifles."
[A Literary History of Persia, London, 1919, p. 227]
As the Imam of the time and true representative of his grandfather Prophet Muhammad (S), Imam Husain (A) stood up against the tyrant of the time to safeguard and protect Islam and guide fellow Muslims. On the other hand, the staying power of the rulers (Mu'awiya and his son Yazid) depended solely on the might of the sword. They used brute force to rule over the Muslim empire even by all possible illicit means.
By the time the sun was set, the day of Ashura in the plains of Karbala, witnessed Imam Husain (A) giving up everything humanly possible in the way of God including his 72 brave and loyal followers and his 6 months beautiful baby, Ali Asghar. In the wake of such a great sacrifices, the Quran praises as:
"Think not of those who are slain in God's way as dead. Nay, they are living, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord" (Qur'an 3:169).
Before the battle of Karbala, the world knew only the rule that "The Might is the Right". However, the day of Assura introduced even more powerful rule to this world; "The Right is the Might" . Now, the blood of the innocent could win over the sword of a tyrant. Mahatma Gandhi (Indian political and spiritual leader) writes: "I learned from Hussein how to achieve victory while being oppressed."
According to the great poet Rabindranath Tagore, Hussain's sacrifice indicates spiritual liberation. He writes: "In order to keep alive justice and truth, instead of an army or weapons, success can be achieved by sacrificing lives, exactly what Imam Hussain (A.S.) did"
Such an everlasting victory can only be achieved by the one who totally believes and trust in the Almighty God. To read more, click here.
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Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
Hypertension
By Dr. Mohsin Jaffer
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High blood pressure, also known as hypertension occurs when blood moves through your arteries at higher pressures than normal. A normal blood pressure measures less than 120/80. Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure more than 140/90.
There is a phenomenon called "white coat hypertension", which happens to some people when they come to the doctor's office. Their blood pressure, which is usually normal, goes up inappropriately. Many factors contribute to this, including anxiety, nerves, etc. Therefore, it is recommended that you check your blood pressure in between visits. If you have your own machine, I recommend that you follow the proper technique.
- Make sure the cuff fits
- Sit with your back straight and supported with feet flat on the floor and the arm supported on a flat surface at the level of your heart
- Take multiple readings & record all
-Be still
- Don't smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise 30 minutes prior to checking
Read on...
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Salaam Alaykum!
As part of its vision and mission, the NASIMCO Post serves as a tool by which to bind our community together and promote a unified and caring environment for all. If you have anything you would like to include in this newsletter, contact us at info@nasimco.org.
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| Update on Muharram Blood Drives in North America |  In the spirit of the events that took place on the day of Ashura, Jamaats all across North America are planning blood drives for the Helpers of Husayn Blood Donation Campaign by NASIMCO. Through these combined drives, our community can save hundreds of lives.
Many Jamaats are planning their drives on the upcoming weekends of November 17th/18th or November 24th/25th. Please get in touch with your local Jamaat to ensure you avail yourself of this opportunity to save lives in the name of Imam Husayn (AS).
Check here to see how many pints of blood have been donated so far!
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Leadership Development Program - Allentown
| Thirty-three participants from various parts of North America started their journey to "Unlock their Potential to serve community and humanity" on November 2nd at the Al-Ahad Center in Allentown. This three day program encompassed forty hours of intensive educational experience that equipped participants with tools and skills to use in their personal and professional life.
 Facilitators created a safe and supportive environment for the participants to practice the skills that they had learned. Many shared personal "Ahaa" moments of enlightenment. "I enjoyed the welcome flow of ideas and information. Working together as a group to get better leadership skills and gaining insight from facilitators was an amazing experience." Various processes and tools such as the "iceberg concept" and "MBTI" encouraged the participants to practice self-awareness and look deep inside themselves to unlock their potential. It emphasized the value of differences in people and how best to utilize them. "I have increased awareness of my own personality and this will lead to improved relationships. I realize that this is just the start of a life long journey." Despite the challenges presented by Hurricane Sandy which led to cancelled flights and millions left without power, the organizers from the Al-Ahad Islamic Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, forged ahead with the Leadership Development Program, which was a huge success. |
| CSAA Award Winners | |
NASIMCO is pleased to announce the following winners of the Community Service and Academic Achievement (CSAA) Awards 2012-13. The awards were presented on Eid-al-Mubahila through respective Jamaats. Photos of the presentations are also included where provided.
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Award presented to Anar Bata's father in her absence
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Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Foundation Scholarship Award ($3,000) -
Anar Shabir Bata of Los Angeles
Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Foundation Scholarship Award ($3,000) -
Hajira Shamsi of Boston
Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Foundation Scholarship Award ($3,000) -
Fatema Kermalli Walji of Minnesota
Marhum Sultan Davdani
Scholarship Award ($2,000) -
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Fatema Kermalli being presented her award by
Sh Ahmed Ali
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Asiyah Abdulhussain Nathani
of Minnesota
Jaffer Family Foundation
Scholarship Award ($2,000) -
Afshan Ladha of New York
Marhum Abbas Alloo
Scholarship Award ($1,000) -
Samaah Jaffer of Vancouver
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Left to Right: Chairlady of Vancouver Jamaat Zainab Bhojani, Samaah Jaffer, NASIMCO Councillor Siddika Jessa
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Marhum Mohamedali Kanji Memorial Scholarship Award ($1,000) -
Pareen Mohammed Dhalla of Orlando
Sajeda Karim-Alidina Memorial Scholarship Award ($1,000) -
Amir Hossein Maleki of New Jersey
MP Charitable Foundation
Scholarship Award ($1,000) -
Husayn Gulamhusein of Toronto
Marhum Roshinali and Marziabai Datoo Scholarship Award ($1,000) -
Ahmed Kermalli of Edmonton
Sura-e-Fateha is requested for the Marhumeen in whose names the scholarships are sponsored. Contact NASIMCO to create a scholarship in memory of your marhumeen.
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| NASIMCO President Visits Brampton Jamaat | |
NASIMCO President, Br Gulamabbas Najafi visited the Masumeen Islamic Center in Brampton during their Eid-e-Ghadeer program on Friday, November 2nd.
 As part of the celebrations, Brampton Jamaat recognized the services and contributions of Sheikh Haider Jaffer. The Chairman of Masumeen Islamic Centre, Br. Kausar Ladha, the President of NASIMCO Br. Gulamabbas Najfi, as along with other prominent members of the jamaats presented a plaque to Sheikh Haider Jaffer and acknowledged his services to the community.
Br Gulamabbas Najafi gave a short speech in recognition of Sheikh Haider's twenty years of service to the community in the capacity of teacher, mentor, leader and even businessman.
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Muharram Reciters for North America | |
Jamaats in the United States:
Allentown (SIJPA) - Sheikh Jaffer Jaffer and Zakira Rozmin Khimji
Boston (IMF) - Syed Haidar Bahral-Ulloom and Maulana Salman Abidi
Buffalo (Jaffarya Center of Niagara Frontier) - Maulana Mohamedraza Rizwani
Los Angeles (SIJLA) - Dr. Liyakat Takim
Maryland (IMEC) - Sheikh Ahmad Alhaeri
Miami (IJA) - Dr. Mahmood Datoo and Maulana Syed Mohammad Qurat-ul-Ain
Minnesota (Anjuman-e-Asghari) - Mulla Mohamed A Kassamali and Zakira Batul Najfi
Minnesota (Imam Husain Islamic Center) - Syed Mehdi Qazwini
New Jersey (Masjid-e-Ali) - Maulana Muhammad Rizvi
New York (SIJNY) - Syed Mohamed Jawad Qazwini and Zakira Kausar Fatima Hasan
Orlando (Husseini Islamic Center) - Sheikh Jaffer Ladak and Zakira Rabab Asgari
Jamaats in Canada:
Brampton (Masumeen Islamic Center) - Dr. Akber Mithani
Edmonton (ISIA) - Maulana Zaffar Abbas
Hamilton (Razavi Islamic Center) - Maulana Sayyid Aliraza Naqvi
Kitchener (ISIJ-KW) - Zakir Nisar Rahim
London (Ahlul Bayt Islamic Centre) - Mulla Hassan
London (Al Mehdi Al Muntathar Union) - Sheikh Murtaza Bachoo
Montreal (Shian-e-Haidery) - Zakir Hasnain and Syed Shabaz Shah Bukhari
Ottawa (ISIA) - Dr. Javed Jafri
Toronto (Jaffari Community Centre) - Zakir Hassanain Rajabali, Dr. Syed Nasirhusain Zaidi and Zakira Tahera Kassamali Vancouver (Az-Zahraa Islamic Center) - Syed Ali Hur Kamanpoori and Syed Qasim Mujtaba Kamanpoori
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| Muharram Publication - Mukhtar |
 The World Federation has published a new title: Mukhtar: How He Avenged the Karbala Perpetrators (61-67AH) by Dr. Mahmood Datoo. The new publication covers the events that took place after Karbala as Mukhtar searched for the perpetrators of Karbala and sought retribution from them.
Written in a narrative, story-like fashion, enjoyable and easy to read, the book also weaves between the politics of the time, the personalities involved, and the honour and gallantry displayed by Mukhtar himself.
The title is available for 2.50GBP from www.wfshop.org
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