March 28, 2003

Brothers and Sisters in Islam Assalamu Alaikum


MCA Committees:

The Executive Committee received close to 200 nominations for volunteering on the various committees. The number of individuals nominated indicates a very high level of interest from the community to participate in continuing the work of the MCA and striving to improve it.

The Executive Committee has selected a chairperson for most of the 24 committees. The chairperson and the EC liaison will be talking to all nominees and will be selecting members of each committee over the course of the next week or so. Each one of the volunteers should be contacted shortly.


Friday Khutbas:

Daylight savings time starts on April 6th. Until the end of October, the Duhr start time fluctuates between 1:05 PM to 1:16 PM. The Executive Committee has written up a document describing the various options and is getting the opinion of various Shuyukh's and other Muslim leaders to determine the best time for the two-shift Jummah at the MCA Islamic Center.

We understand the Hanbali madhab allows the praying of Jummah prior to the beginning of Duhr time. In fact, one of the largest mosques in the United States, the Dar al-Hijrah in Falls Church, VA (Washington, DC) area, conducts three prayers at 11:15 AM, 12:15 PM and 1:30 PM all year round -- even through the Duhr time begins after 1 PM during summer. We have identified other mosques that conduct prayers in a similar way.

We want to hear from the MCA members about their opinion on the various options. If you are interested, please ask any EC member for a copy of the document that provides the various options that we are considering and to provide feedback. The Executive Committee will collect the information and make a decision based on valid Fiqhi opinion and logistical convenience.


Razi Mohiuddin
MCA President