Dear Brothers and Sisters, السالم عليكم, On September 21st, 1969, MCC was officially incorporated as an in-stitution. Fifty years later, MCC has become one of the biggest masjid/community centers in the country. So it is fitting that on September 21st of 2019, we will have our 50th Anniver-sary Gala. Please save the date, and I welcome all of you to be part of this historic event. More details to come but mark it on your calendars and make sure we see you there. As part of our 50th year, we want to create a long lasting legacy at MCC and MCC Academy. We opened up an endowment that will help make sure that this masjid continues to be a strong institution in this city. We have started a 5-for-50 campaign. We are asking 50 individuals, families, groups of friends to give a gift of 5K and pick a year to represent each one of our 50 years. For example, our Board will collectively give 5K, and we have chosen 2019 as the year we represent. In Sha Allah we have as many people participate in this en-deavor. As of now, we have 12 years dedicated. Please contact me at presi-dent@mccchicago.org if you would like to help with this sadaqah jariyah. We are one month away from the blessed month of Ramadan. I pray that we enter and leave Ramadan in good health and imaan and that we benefit from its blessings throughout the month. In Sha Allah, we have an-other great Ramadan program for you at both of our masjids. In Sha Al-lah, Maulana Yousuf Abdullah will continue to lead at MEC and our Imam, Sh. Ibrahim Khader will not only be leading but conducting lec-tures and talks at MCC. By the time Ramadan starts, we will also see the

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We were horror-stricken to hear the news of the mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques during Jummah prayers. Our heartfelt duas go out to all of the victims, their families and the Muslim communities that have been tragically affected by the gunmen who killed our brothers and sisters halfway across the world. The day after, we notified our local police de-partments in Chicago, Morton Grove, and Skokie and requested extra patrolling the next few days, especially during our busiest hours on Fri-days and school times. We will also be hiring ad-ditional security personnel to patrol in and around the building as well. Please be vigilant by

keeping your eyes and ears open and being aware of your surroundings. Report any suspicious activities to security staff or the police and help your fellow brothers and sisters if they require assistance. Moreover, most important, always trust in Allah (swt).

While we mourn the loss, we are humbled by the outpouring of support from our community neighbors and friends. Both masajids saw a strong turn-out of supporters carrying signs denouncing hate, flowers, cards, and many heartfelt messages. — Kamran Hussain

President’s Report

The MessageThe MessageThe Message A Publication of the Muslim Community Center, Chicago, IL

Vol. 50 / No. 4 / Rajab—Shaban 1440/ April 2019

Community Rallies Together Community Rallies Together

After New Zealand TragedyAfter New Zealand Tragedy

Ateeq Ansari greeting visitors at MCC Community supporters

Community vigil at MEC

March saw some exciting events and programs taking place for the youth at MCC Elston.

The MCC Elston Youth Shura held its first planning meeting since being formed, and the young men and women who ap-plied and were selected showed amazing promise, drive, and enthusiasm for creating more for the youth at MCC. The meeting was very successful, and the youth involved are very motivated and mature young adults excited to give back to their community. We look forward to all that they have to offer. We are continuing to accept applications so please look on our Instagram account (@mccchicagoyouth) for the appli-cation link. The first two Young Women's Empowerment Circle were held and were successful, Alhamdulillah. The young women enjoyed donuts with thought-provoking talks on Sayiduna Ma-riam (AS) and Sayiduna Khadijah (RA). We look forward to more inspiring circles with Sister Ena, In Sha Allah. The Youth of MCC launched an eight-week program for our HS and College youth entitled “Get Connected” on March 3rd. We have invited a young local scholar to lead us in discussions on ways to connect our hearts to Allah SWT. Youth can follow @youthofmcc on IG to stay connected with all our events. The Youth of MCC also partnered with Hamdard Healthcare to bring a fun service project to our community. We enjoyed painting terra cotta pots for a Spring planting activity with the

senior patrons at Hamdard. Several interfaith youth tours were held at both MCC Morton Grove and MCC Elston by the youth coordinators. Students from the GCE Lab School enjoyed some dates and had a pro-ductive question and an-swer session with Sister Aminah on the basics of Is-

lam and the Muslim-American experience at the Elston loca-tion. Sister Aminah and Brother Mohsin Waraich welcomed a confirmation class from Winnetka Presbyterian Church to the youth room at MCC Morton Grove fan observation of prayer

and a discussion about the fundamental pillars of Islam and the experiences of American Muslims. A University Christian Mission college student group visited the Elston location and observed Dhuhr prayer followed by a question and answer session with Sister Aminah. The Park Community Church youth representatives attended Jummah prayer followed by a Q/A session with MCC representatives. Students from Detroit Mercy College came to MCC Morton Grove and heard from MCCA students about the basics of Islam and had an in-depth question and answer session with both the Youth committee and Interfaith and Outreach committee. Jahkil Jackson speaking about his contributions to the peo-ple of Chicago and the accompanying Blessing Bag stuffing was one of the highlights of the month. The event was well attended, and we hope the participants took inspiration from Mr. Jackson’s story to go out into the community and contrib-ute more, In Sha Allah. In Sha Allah, in April the MCC Youth Committee in associa-tion with Mawaddah Matrimony presents the Single Muslim Meet and Greet Seminar. Sister Amany Suleiman, life coach, and motivational speaker will emcee this unique, first-of-its-kind event featuring round table discussions and interactive sessions for single Muslims looking to find their other half. To register, please visit www.mccchicago.org/meet-and-greet. The MCC Morton Grove youth room continues to have open hours for youth grades 6 and up on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4pm-6pm. Youth are encouraged to come to do homework, socialize with other youth, play games and talk with the youth coordinators. Other events held in the youth space include interfaith youth tours, YM meetings, Blessed Bond meetings, Youth of MCC meetings and other youth-related events and programs. MCC Elston youth space is making progress. Alhamdulillah, space has been cleaned out, and construction has begun with completion expected shortly, In Sha Allah. For further information about upcoming youth events, please visit our webpage www.mcchicago.org/youth-council/ or our Instagram pages - @mccchicagoyouth @youthofmcc. Please direct any questions or concerns to the youth coordinators - Sister Sarah (skadir@mccchicago.org) or Sister Aminah (aminah@mccchicago.org).

MCC Youth In ActionMCC Youth In Action

The MEC Women’s Committee is blessed to have arranged many suc-cessful and unique events for the sisters of their community. On 23rd Feb-

ruary, Dr. Fauzia Lodhi talked at a health seminar about many health-related topics, for example, diabetes, cholesterol, weight management, and more. On 26th February, a story time session was arranged through the Mommy & Me pro-gram. Sr. Sabiha Patel did an excellent job entertaining our tiny members of the Women’s Committee. On 3rd March, Aalimah Sakinah Syed’s lecture, “Ilm: The Easy Path to Jannah” was a great hit. Aalimah Sakinah talked about the importance of education in Islam. Also, MEC Wom-en’s Committee in collaboration with Gain Peace started a new program, on 9th March, in which the sisters of the community

can learn how to give effective Dawah to non-Muslims. This program is a great opportunity to learn how to convey the beautiful message of Islam to others. This ongoing program is held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. There are several other ongoing programs by MEC Wom-en’s Committee for example: “Companions of Prophet” which is held every Sunday and also “Classes for New Muslim Sisters” which is held every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.

MCC Publication Committee:

Shabnam Mahmood—Chair/Editor-in-chief Syed Mahmood—Co-Chair

M. Sabih Uddin—Advertising Manager

Hafiz Ikhlas Ansari—Prayer Timetable

Mohsin Bhatty—Distribution The Message is a monthly publication of the Muslim Com-munity Center that informs members of administration, organization and committee activities of MCC/MEC. Submit your questions and comments editormccpublica-tions@gmail.com. The opinions expressed in The Message do not necessarily represent those of the Publication Com-mittee. The editor reserves the right to edit all material.

Grade 3 1. Vaania Siddiqui 2. Wako Chabis Kedir 3. Tasfia Asim 4. Haroon Mujahid Grade 4 1. Jenan Mahmud 2. Yusuf Adem 3. Sarah Vohra 4. Ayoub Tesbia LEVEL II Grade 5 1. Azebe Saleh 2. Soha Vohra 3. Maryam Ahmed 4. Tanisha Islam Grade 6 1. Nadia Usman 2. Mohammed Siddiqui 3. Yusra Talaty 4. Taqayyah Ahmed Grade 7 1. Faiyaz Hussain 2. Zeshaan Ahmed 3. Arsi Idris LEVEL III Grade 8 1. Zami Zam Abdullah 2. Hambalat Idiris 3. Abdulah Abdul-Rauf Grade 9 1. Amir Abdella 1 Ayaan Gul 2. Abrar Khan 3. Sohail Ahmed 4. Zaid Khan Grade 10 1. Fahim Husain 2. Firdousah Abdullah 3. Rahim Rahasan 4. Maryam Abdella Sincerely, Sunday School Administration

MCC masjid detailed with a new Au-dio/Visual Sound System that will allow us to enjoy Ramadan even more. I encourage all of you to make MCC and MEC your home during the month. This year, please keep MCC in your duas and participate in all the events that are going on in this masjid during the months and days! Any questions or comments or con-cerns, please feel free to contact me. Regards, Kamran Hussain president@mccchicago.org 847-452-5811

Since this is an Islamic publication, please

dispose of it in a respectable Islamic manner.

Disposal bins available at MCC Elston.

For information regarding these and

any of our events please visit us at

www.mccchicago.org.

The students of MCC Sunday School in Chicago participated in our 29th an-nual Qirat competition scheduled on March 3rd, 2019. We had invited Qari Qazi Faaiz Biabani, Mohammed Riyaz Qasmi and Mohammed Yakub Sharif to judge the competition. The students were assessed for the correct recitation of Qur'an and cor-rectly following Tajweed rules. The judges were delighted to see the cali-ber of our students. All students were awarded participation certificates at the end of the program, and the stu-dents that received first place for each level will be competing in the annual MEC Inter-School Competition sched-uled for April 7th, 2019. We are proud of our students who are making efforts to live up to our ex-pectations and wish them the best of luck Insha'Allah. May Allah reward them for their hard work. LEVEL I Grade 1 Section A 1. Rusaf Mahmud 2. Shehnan Sanim Rahman 3. Maria Elharbi 4. Bermet Abdymazhitova, Section B 1 Miral Alhenshirrii 2. Ayesha-Hind Tesbia 3. Faiaz Khan Grade 2 1. Amran Zeleke 2. Daniya Adgouadi 3. Hekima Wako 4. Saaim Siddiqui 5. Zain Memon

Anniversary Memories

Be part of history! In preparation

for MCC’s 50th-anniversary celebrations

we invite you all to participate in the

festivities. If you have any historical

information or memories or culinary

memories/recipes for a particular event

you would like to share, please submit

using the respective links below:

http://mccchicago.org/history-project/

http://mccchicago.org/recipe-form/

Sunday School Qirat Competition

Send address corrections to: Muslim Community Center 4380 N Elston Ave Chicago, IL 60641 Phone:(773) 725-9047 Fax: (773) 725-1616 Membership Questions pkashif1@gmail.com

Muslim Community Center 4380 N Elston Ave Chicago, IL 60641 www.mccchicago.org

Smile Dentistry

Senior Committee: Financial Education Seminar

On March 16 Mrs. Lindsey Kahney addressed the senior mem-

bers of MCC. She educated the audience about the options availa-

ble to seniors to offset cost and save money.

Some of the programs available are the SNAP, Medicare Savings

Program, energy discounts, property tax programs, and more. The

program was well attended, and our members asked many ques-

tions which Ms. Kahney graciously answered and explained.

Our next program will be on April 21 at 2:00 pm. It will focus

on prevention of managing fall injuries. There will be a demon-

stration of the use of devices to prevent falls. The presenter is Mr.

Habib Abbasi along with Mrs. Sarwar Khan.