The Madinat Al-Muslimeen forum is hosting a series of Ramadan diary entries. The idea behind the diaries is to encourage people to

“sign up for one day in the month of Ramadan to write a ‘journal entry’ type thing about their day, reflections and thoughts, their experiences…

This is an interesting means of exploring the diverse experience of Muslims during the sacred month of Ramadan. Imagine reading entries from around the world showcasing a day of purification and sacrifice… An important note from the moderator of the forum:

Again, like last year if everyone signs up and all the days are taken we can make the diaries public. Otherwise they will be in the Ramadan Tent Forum and only those who signed up can read other people’s diaries!

At the time of this posting, there are some slots available during the last 10 days of Ramadan. So, if you are an established or aspiring author, blogger or writer, use the link below to sign up.

Ramadan DIARIES 2007 — SIGN UP here thread!!

Click the links below to read diary entries from previous years:

Ramadan Diaries 2005
Ramadan Diaries 2004
Ramadan Diaries 2002

And while visiting the forum, don’t forget to crunch this thread.

Even though the news about Falah Productions has been leaked on DeenPort, Imam Tahir Anwar has gracefully allowed us to officially announce his new organization. Falah Productions has been in development for a month. Falah Productions is a culmination of Imam Tahir’s upcoming Hajj DVD. The Hajj DVD is a multimedia progression of Imam Tahir’s highly acclaimed audio CD: Performing Hajj - A Practical Guide to the Journey of a Lifetime.

The DVD will be launched at the ISNA 2007 convention, insha’Allah. The launch of the DVD at ISNA will be coordinated with Al-Rashad Productions. Imam Tahir will be at the booth to discuss and sign the DVD.

Two members of the IslamCrunch team were honored to be involved with this DVD project, providing graphic design and consultation. We pray that Allah accepts our work and brings abundant blessings to this project.

Please visit the site: Falah Productions to purchase the CD and pre-order the DVD.

Exclusive behind-the-scenes shot:

A couple of months before the launch of IslamCrunch, Abdallah Chappelle sent us a copy of the Washingtonian with an article about him and his childhood friend, Rabbi Charlie Buckholtz. Our brother and mentor, Preacher Moss, had mentioned that he was going to introduce us, so we were ecstatic to have received a letter with the article from Brother Abdallah. For those of you who don’t know, Abdallah is Dave Chappelle’s elder brother. With the recent news of Dave’s involvement with the Allah Made Me Funny Comedy Movie, we thought we should share this endearing article.

“Both share a dream to go to Jerusalem together and walk among the holy sites.

Proof that Islam and humanity go hand-in-hand:

“Charlie’s friendship with Sedar* has given him knowledge he has used when a Jew makes a negative statement about Muslims. “I say I know for a fact that there are some strong Muslims who aren’t involved in this,” he says, “or that a certain act isn’t representative of Islam—that something is not true down the line.”

* Sedar = Abdallah’s birth name

Read the full article here: Faithful Friends (washingtonian.com)

Another wonderful interview with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf during his recent travels to the UK. This interview was conducted during his visit for the Islam Awareness Week event. We noticed that there is one mistake at the beginning of the video. BBC states that Shaykh Hamza was born in California, which is incorrect. He was actually born in Walla Walla, Washington. 

A favorite quote: “Don’t underestimate God.” (In reference to getting a second chance and the victims of 9/11)

YouTube - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Talks to Mark Lawson-Islam in America P 1

Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWYoJ3tcHG0

Part 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV3JoeF_m5E

IslamCrunch is blessed to bring awareness to an important event happening in the Bay Area, California. The event is about compassion and unity for a noble cause that affects all segments of society. The American Cancer Society created such events called Relay for Life to raise awareness and funds to find a cure to cancer. The event is two days of walking, listening to survivors, remembering those who have passed away and giving hope to those who are currently cancer patients.

Many of us have lost someone or know someone who lost a loved one due to cancer. This is the chance to show that we care for others and for ourselves. We hope you are willing to take time out to join as a team member and spend from your earnings/blessings from Allah in such a concrete way that is one step closer to preventing a loss of any life.

The team’s name is Muslims For Hope. This signifies that part of our faith as Raja, or placing great hope in Allah, with actions that substantiate our beliefs and prove to Allah we are ready and enthusiastic about changing our human condition to one that only becomes better. As Muslims, we love the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and we must recognize that we are meant to be a mercy to all creation in such a way that pleases Allah. This is one way of following in the footsteps of our beloved Prophets (peace be upon them all).

The event is on July 28th and 29th, 2007 at De Anza College in Cupertino. If you would like to participate as a team member or to donate to this noble cause, please visit: http://www.acsevents.org/relay/ca/cupertino/muslimhope

Our gratitude to Anwar Abdelsalam for providing the information, for heading up this project and for his friendship.

Technorati tags: cancer, american cancer society, muslims for hope, charity, donate, de anza college, relay for life