November 11, 2016



Assalamu Alaikum



Dear Family & Friends of ICSC,



This has been a defining week for America and for so many communities, including our own. Now more than ever, we must come together to draw strength, resolve and meaning with the challenge ahead.


Please join us today for a special jumma'a khutba by Dr. Gasser Hathout with spiritual guidance in facing the future with resolve and courage. We are also pleased to share that Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti will address the community directly after jumma'a, and share his message of inclusion and unity for all Angelenos, including our community. We will also be livestreaming both the khutba and Mayor Garcetti's remarks on our Facebook page. Please help spread the word and encourage people to attend and share.  


We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received this week from faith leaders, elected officials and especially everyday Angelenos. This is the best symbol of the blessing we have to be a part of our city. We also take this as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to our involvement in the Islamic Center and our Greater Los Angeles community as we prepare to continue educating ourselves and our neighbors on the principles of our faith.


Join us with your whole family this Sunday at 10 a.m. as Imam Asim Buyuksoy presents the second half of his tafseer (explanation) on Surah Al-Hujurat. At 11 a.m., Parents Circle will focus on providing tools for addressing the election with our kids and we will close with Mahmood Waseeq as he leads our noon session on "Spending on Others." 


Thank you for your dedication to the Islamic Center. We look forward to seeing you and your loved ones today and this weekend.




In peace,
Islamic Center of Southern California


In this Issue


Friday Khutbaskhutba
NOV 11
Dr. Gasser Hathout
NOV 18
Tariq Aquil


Listen to Last Week's Friday Khutba (Nov. 4)





The U.S. Presidential Electionselection


American Muslims were at the polls in record numbers this year with more than 1 million registered to vote. Throughout election season, the Islamic Center partnered with the Muslim Public Affairs Council to educate the ICSC community on the importance of voting. 


Ilhan Omar made history this week by becoming the first Somalian-American Muslim woman who wears hijab elected to  serve as a Minnesota State Representative. Abdullah Hamoud, an American Muslim from Michigan won a seat in the State House and Rep. Keith Ellison also retained his congressional seat.
Words of Support for our Community
"As a Christian, I want to be very clear that I want to stand with you in this hard time. Please - if there is any way I can help you or express solidarity - feel free to reach out. I have been very blessed by your community in the past, and now is the time for us to stand together."  - Michael
"I just wanted to drop in to say that you are welcome, loved and wanted in Southern California.  Let me know if there is anything I can do to support Muslims' rights." - Keith
"I am writing to inquire about visiting your mosque for the purpose of gaining a better understanding of Islam. My intentions are educational; I refuse to give in to (and wholly reject) the notion propagated by the current political climate and media that 'all Muslims are terrorists' and believe that understanding is a path to inner and global peace. If anyone there has a little time to talk to a curious outsider, I would certainly appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and faith of Islam." - Daren
"I would like to express my support for your community and I pray for a continual presence of solidarity from others in the community at large. Please let me know if I could be of any aid. Also, thank you for the welcoming experience at Open Mosque Day. My wife and I were so overwhelmed by hospitality from your community. I am encouraged by the interfaith and community work the Islamic Center is doing for Greater L.A. " - Austin




Administration and teachers at New Horizon School Los Angeles take student safety very seriously , and enhanced their efforts following a recent threat made against ICSC . This week, NHLA partnered with the LAPD, Dr. Najeeba Syeed (Professor at Claremont School of Theology), and Omar Ricci (ICSC Spokesman and LAPD reserve officer) to practice emergency safety drills. Students and teachers were guided through a series of safety drills by officers. Following the training, Dr. Najeeba addressed the emotional needs of students by offering spiritual reminders to the kids. 


NHLA also recently held a Parents Townhall with the LAPD to address security concerns. We are grateful for the support and commitment of law enforcement to protect and serve the ICSC community. 
Coming up at ICSCCOMINGUP
This Weekend


FRIDAY (11/11)
1 p.m. Jumma'a Khutba & Prayer
Dr. Gasser Hathout


SATURDAY (11/12)
10 a.m. ICSC Food Pantry
Volunteers arrive @ 9:45 a.m.


SUNDAY (11/13)
10 a.m. - Highlights of the Qur'an
Asim Buyuksoy
"Surah al-Hujurat" (Part 2)
11 a.m. Parents Circle
Noon - Speaker
Mahmood Waseeq
"Spending on Others"


Next Week


MONDAY (11/14)
6:30 p.m. Qur'an Recitation Class
Asim Buyuksoy


TUESDAY (11/15)
6:30 p.m. Message of the Qur'an Class
Asim Buyuksoy


FRIDAY (11/18)
1 p.m. Jumma'a Khutba & Prayer
Tariq Aquil


SATURDAY (11/19)
10 a.m. ICSC Food Pantry
Volunteers arrive @ 9:45 a.m.


SUNDAY (11/20)
10 a.m. - Highlights of the Qur'an
Asim Buyuksoy
"Expressing Gratitude this Thanksgiving"
11 a.m. - Parents Circle
Edina Lekovic & Tarek Shawky
Noon - Panel Discussion
"Where do Refugees go from Here?"
Yvette Bearcats, Maria Khani, & Laila Al-Marayati
4 p.m. - Serve + Connect
Volunteers needed to serve dinner at the Union Rescue Mission


Prayer Timesprayers
We are open for prayers five times a day, every day.  Iqama is ten minutes after the athan is called.  You can find prayer times on our website.




"Say, nothing will befall us except for what God has prescribed. He is our Protector; and in God let the faithful put their trust."


(Qur'an 9:51)




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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Kristen Stangas, Communication Coordinator


ICSC | 213.382.9200 | [email protected] | www.icsconline.org 






Islamic Center of Southern California | 434 S. Vermont Ave. | Los Angeles | CA | 90020