A wide array of activities filled up the calendar since the last Criterion issue. The Masjid's organizers tried to satisfy the needs of our ever growing community. With more volunteer help, many more activities can be created and enjoyed.
The month of Ramadan was a busy one, filled with group iftars, taraweeh prayers, qiyam al-layl, and fundraisers. Throughout Ramadan, the Masjid provided daily and weekly iftars. The daily iftars were attended by about 50 brothers and sisters, and the weekly iftars were on Friday and had an average attendance of about 300. May Allah reward all of the brothers and sisters who donated the funds necessary to make the iftars possible, and the brothers and sisters who organized them and did all of the work. It is not an easy job or a thankful one.
Of course there was daily taraweeh prayers during the blessed month. Attendance was steady at about 150 daily with more on the weekends. Qiyam al-layl was also performed during the last ten days of the holy month. One of MSF's proud achievements is that taraweeh prayers were performed every single day of the month, even on a day when the snowfall was so severe that a level three emergency was called (that means that no one should leave their house unless it is an emergency). A group of brothers considered praying taraweeh an emergency. They got stuck in the snow but helped each other out, crammed into one car, and thank God taraweeh was performed.
Among those brothers was a Sheikh Mohammad Abdul-Razzaq from United Arab Emirates. He came to visit MSF, as did many other Islamic organizations. The difference was, while he was here to possibly GIVE donations, the others were here to COLLECT donations. Toledo Islamic Academy was one of the organizations that came in search of brotherly help. Alhamdulilah, none of the organizations left disappointed as the total amount of donations exceeded $75,000.
The annual MSA Sports Night was also a successful event. Although it had to be rescheduled because of the aforementioned snow emergency, it turned out to be a success. Over 250 brothers from all around the Midwest attended. Basketball, volleyball, swimming, soccer, ping pong, pool, and many other sports were played. More sports nights for Toledo only are being scheduled and will be announced.
As usual, MSF and MSA board members need and request the communities' participation in all activities. Volunteer help is always needed and welcomed. Anyone interested in lending a hand please contact brother Riyad Abdel-Ghani.
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