NASIMCO Post

A Fortnightly Newsletter
August 15, 2015
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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.  

 

New Publication - Islamic Laws
NASIMCO is pleased to inform you about the release of a new book, Islamic Laws. This is the first volume - English Version of the Tawdih al-Masa'il (New Annotated Translation) of His Eminence al-Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani published by The World Federation.

This edition contains new rulings, as well as clarification of some previous rulings, and is annotated by the translator - Shaykh Mohammed Ali Ismail.

All the Arabic sections, including recommended supplications, have been translated as well. A glossary of legal terms and an appendix featuring a table of weights and measures further enhance the usability of the book.

This first volume includes all the rulings relating to ritual acts of worship, namely:
          • Following a Jurist (Taqlid)
          • Purification (Taharah)
          • Prayer (Salah)
          • Fasting (Sawm)
          • Spiritual Retreat (I'tikaf)
          • The One-Fifth Tax (Khums)
          • Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil
          • Alms Tax (Zakat)
          • Hajj


Order online at www.nasimco.org or available at your local Jamaat.

NASIMCO CIL - Train the Trainer Program
In order to build additional resources to facilitate Teacher Development programs, a eight-day, "Train the Trainer" program was held in Toronto in April, and in June in Los Angeles. The aim of the "Train the Trainer" program was to build additional facilitators to be able to cater to the development needs of Islamic learning across North America.


Thirteen facilitators from across North America took part in this intensive eight days of training. The training was developed and facilitated by Susan Nash, an expert in the field of learning.

Center of Islamic Learning (CIL) under NASIMCO has now built a team of 16 facilitators, qualified to be able to run a two day training program of "Neuropsychology of Learning" for all Islamic Learning Centers in North America. Some Jamaats have already taken advantage of this training.


The primary goal of the "Neuropsychology of Learning" program is to enhance teacher effectiveness by providing teachers with an understanding of core needs and communication style.

The highlights of the program include:

- Identify core needs, interaction styles and its effects on how to teach
- Understand what motivates various learners to effectively engage students
- Utilize student natural talents and strengths to build student confidence and maximize learning
- Better manage a classroom by understanding root cause of behavior challenges
- Create effective lessons using the TEACH model to enhance student learning and involvement.



Two training programs have already been held in North America. Next scheduled to be held in Edmonton on September 12-13, 2015.

Some feedback received from participants who have already participated in the "Neuropsychology of Learning" program, and what they plan to apply as a teacher in Islamic Centers:

- "Try to value the strengths of each student and teach in ways that cater to the core needs and interactions styles"
- "Observe the students, figure out their strengths and use the info to inspire them"
- "Learn to understand my students to create life-long learners. Also use the TEACH method of teaching"

For further information and/or to schedule a Teacher Development Program at your Jamaat please contact cil@nasimco.org

Community Events - Minnesota


RAMADHAN AWARENESS
What better way to start Ramadhan than feed the needy. A day before Ramadhan, Members of the Ja'afari Islamic Center (JIC) of Minnesota joined efforts with 2 churches and a synagogue to package food for the needy. JIC has been holding this event quarterly. During the Ramadhan event, they packaged a total of 6,480 meals. The event ended with discussions about Muslim practices during Ramadhan over delicious pizzas.
 
INTERFAITH IFTAAR
On Sunday, June 28, 2015, JIC hosted its neighbors and the wider non-Muslim community for iftaar during their annual Ramadhan Interfaith dinner. Below is what one of the guests had to say about the event:

"I just want to express my deep thanks for the wonderful experience of sharing the Ramadan dinner with you and your Ja'afari community. It was a beautiful, awe-inspiring experience. It is the first time I have been introduced to the spiritual practice of a Muslim community. Everyone was so gracious and welcoming. The Imam's emphasis on forgiveness was a theme that runs deep for any spiritual person."