|
[CCM Home]
| |
| About IQRA |
|
--- What's New --- [Aims
and Objectives] [Article Topics & Features]
[History] [Support]
|
| Aims
and Objectives |
|
Iqra aims to
promote Islamic understanding among its readers, and to introduce pure
Islamic concepts. In terms of Islamic Dawah, and Islamic work in the
West, we are at the level of consciousness raising. Realizing this, we
believe we are doing no less than planting seeds which may reap their
proper fruit in the future, insha Allah in the very near future.
We intend to inculcate thinking in our readers that is
based neither on nationalism nor on racism or tribalism and especially
not on Americanism. We also intend to expose many seemingly Islamic
ideas which are predicated on nationalism. We intend to present Islam as
a global way of life, not merely a ritual of regional worship-practices.
Materialism and its various manifestations are exposed
at the level of thought, civilization and social organization, and
eschatology. This does not mean to discourage seeking and spending
Allah’s bounties in lawful ways. Quite
to the contrary we encourage Muslims to be the best in all lawful
endeavors of modern life.
Unity of the Ummah is stressed and is our main focus.
This is not to be done by belittling the values of diversity. Diversity
in lawful ways is encouraged. Simultaneously a strong desire for
reestablishment of Khilafah among the Muslims is a central part of our
goal.
The editorial slant of the paper endeavors to achieve
the above-mentioned objectives, and the articles reflect a critical,
intellectually stimulating and challenging attitude. The status quo in
the Muslim World and among Muslim communities is challenged, and
un-Islamic and inefficient institutions and lifestyles are analyzed and
critiqued.
|
| Article
Topics & Features |
|
To create a
diverse yet consistent format, Iqra contains special features which may
appear in each issue. These may include the following:
 | 1) Editorial
- A statement of our perspective on a relevant contemporary issue or
situation in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah.
|
| 2) Islamic
Ideas - A presentation of important Islamic principles or
concepts, in the light of Qur'an and
Sunnah.
|
| 3) Qur'an
- Tafsir of a particularly relevant passage from the Qur'an.
|
| 4) Hadith
– Translation and explanation of a critical hadith.
|
| 5) Islamic
Classics - An ongoing translation of a classical Islamic work.
|
| 6) Children’s
corner – A presentation of Islamic history and teachings in
ways that may be attractive to youth of all ages.
|
| 7) Poetry
on various aspects of Islamic culture.
|
| 8) Matters
that may be beneficial to incarcerated Muslims.
|
| 9) Information
about prayer timings, lunar calendar and dates of especial
importance.
|
| 10) Community
News - Summary of local events and activities.
|
| 11) Letters
to the Editor.
|
| 12) National
and International Focus - Detailed analysis of a critical
international event, or issue.
|
| 13) State
News - News of events and activities involving Muslims or issues
of importance to Muslims in and around the State of Connecticut.
|
| 14) Diversity
of the Ummah – famous sayings or poetic expression in various
languages of the Muslim Ummah.
|
| 15) Collaboration
with other Muslim publications. |
|
| History |
|
The history of
Iqra, in a way, is the history of Muslims in Connecticut in general and
in New Haven area in particular from 1991 to present.
The very first issue, Vol. 1 No. 1 came out in
December 1988. It was called IQRAA and was reproduce by photocopying on
a 8 ˝ X11 inch white paper. It was a local publication and was
distributed among the Muslim community in New Haven, Connecticut,
particularly those families that frequented Masjid-al-Islam. It
continued its mission in this fashion under the supervision of Sister
Aisha Alam, somewhat irregularly until 1990. The circulation seems to
have ceased after November 1990 issue (Vol. 2, No. 5). There were no
issues in the first half of 1991.
In the first half of 1991 Dr. Abdul Hamid took
responsibility of publication of Iqraa.
In July 1991 the publication came out as Vol. 3, Nos.
1-6. Its format was modified to 5X8˝ inches and instead of being
photocopied it was now printed. It was registered with National Serials
Data Program (NSDP). Dr. Abdul Hamid was its publisher, publishing it
for Masjid Al Islam and other masajid in New England and North America.
It was assigned registration number, ISSN 1062-2756. In March 1995 issue
the English spelling of the name were changed to
IQRA.
Following is the list of masajid that Iqraa was
published for during 1991 to present.
| Connecticut Council of Masajid February 1997 to
Present; First in position since its merger with MAHTAB, INC |
| MAHTAB, INC April 1997 to February 1999 when it
merged with Connecticut Council of Masajid. From August 1997 on it
occupied the first position in the list, a position previously
occupied by Masjid-al-Islam. |
| Islamic Center of Connecticut May 1992 to Present |
| Islamic Center of New Haven May 1992 to Present |
| Faran Club October 1992 to Present; |
| United Muslim Masjid December 1995 to Present; |
| Islamic Society of Western Connecticut December
1995 to Present;. |
| Islamic Center of New London, November 1997
Present. |
| Islamic Center of Hamden from December 2000
Present.
|
| Masjid-al-Islam July 1991 to December 2000; |
Since July 1991 the production of Iqra has been
financed through individual donations and advertisements. Occasionally
some masajid contributed to this fund. MAHTAB, INC donated funds
directly or indirectly for the publication since October 1993. The funds
were managed in the accounts of Masjid-al-Islam initially. In the later
part of 1994, the Amir at the time of the Masjid-al-Islam decided to
sever the especial association with
IQRA. All responsibility of publication and financial matters
since 1995, until its merger with Connecticut Council of Masajid, has
been handled by MAHTAB, INC, a non-profit, community development
organization. Presently with Connecticut Council of Masajid oversees the
financial affairs of IQRA.
Since July 1991, IQRA has been released regularly on every third Friday of
each month, Alhumdulillah. It has expanded its area of
circulation and also its affiliations. Presently it goes to about 2000
families by mail and an additional 500 copies are distributed through
various masajid.
The mission of IQRA is nothing short of a
functional, viable and practical unity among all Muslims. This
unity is only possible if there is continuous and regular dialogue among
us. It is only possible if in all of our dialogues we agree to use
compassion and not compulsion to convince each other about a disputed
issue. IQRA is only one medium for such dialogue. We pledge that
IQRA shall continue to try to be a compassionate glue. The meeting
of hearts, if it comes, is from Allah alone.
|
| Support |
|
IQRA depends very much on
community support. All work in the production of IQRA is done on a
purely volunteer basis. There are varoius ways the Muslims can help the
publication of IQRA:
| Write articles. Submissions to
IQRA are always welcome, especially those which fall in one of the
topic categories mentioned above. Articles should be mailed to the
editor by email or postal mail. See the Contact
Page for addresses. |
| Arrange for distribution in your local area, or,
alternatively, compile a list of addresses of the Muslims in your
area who would like to receive IQRA and send it to us. |
| Donate to support the financial
needs of IQRA. |
|
|
|
[Return to IQRA
Home]
|
A voice of the Muslim Ummah
