Islamic Society on Islamic Boston terror attack

Interfaith program to incorporate prayers, collection for bombing victims

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Prayers for the victims of the April 15th Boston Marathon bombings will be offered, and an appeal for donations on their behalf made, during an interfaith program on April 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts, 377 Amostown Road.

Iman Wissam Abdul-Baki, society president, will make opening remarks and lead the prayer.

Topic for the evening, which is part of an exploration of common ground and differences among religions, is on Islamic ethics.

Participants include Dr. Fuad B. Mudawwar and Dr. Syed Ali Hazratji, both area physicians and society members, and Martin J. Pion, professor of religious studies at Elms College in Chicopee and a member of the Interfaith Council of Western Massachusetts.

“In the interfaith programs,” said Dr. M. Saleem Bajwa, a Holyoke-based physician and society member, “we explore the common ground and also highlight any differences between Muslims and non-Muslims. In the case of Islam, ethics are based on the original sources, which are the Koran and Sunnah, that is, the sayings and practices of the Prophet Mohammed.”

Mohammed Abdelaal at Mt. Holyoke College - "The Prophet’s Lifestyle: A mercy to mankind"

Mohammed Abdelaal at Mt. Holyoke College -  "The Prophet’s Lifestyle: A mercy to mankind"

April 18, 2013 -  Thursday Night, from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Hampshire Mosque!

Lecture "The Prophet’s Lifestyle: A mercy to mankind". Speaker: Mohammed Abdelaal (who happens to be, besides the co-founder of the Hampshire mosque, the husband of Liza Lozovaya, our Muslim chaplain).

Bring your friends, kufirs especially. The prayer for the victims in Boston will be performed.

Mr. and Mrs. Abdelaal-Locovaca

Islamic community decries bombings

Islamic community decries bombings

April 24, 2013

The members of the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts extend their heartfelt condolences, support, and prayers to the victims and families of all those affected by the horrific and senseless act of terrorism that took place at the Boston Marathon. 

We ask the All-Merciful God to give strength and patience to all those who lost loved ones, suffered injuries, and were traumatized in any way. We pray that He guide everyone to His path of peace, justice, and mercy.

There is absolutely no justification for such a heinous act. Such acts must be condemned by people of all faiths, regardless of who turns out to be the perpetrator. We commend our law enforcement agencies for their prompt response to this tragedy. We have full confidence in their due diligence and expertise to bring the guilty to justice as quickly as possible. Whoever committed this crime must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law so that closure may be brought to this tragedy and healing may begin.

We ask all members of our community to join together in prayer for the quick recovery of those injured. As a community, we stand together with our fellow citizens and residents of the great state of Massachusetts, to assist the victims in any way we can.

– MOHAMMAD ALI HAZRATJI, MD, President
Islamic Society Of Western Massachusetts, West Springfield

Amherst Select Board - Food Truck Regulations?

Since the appearance of the Halal Cart in Amherst last Fall, local residents and students have been especially concerned about the lack of regulations that apply to such out-of-state, fly-by-night operations.  Amherst Sanitarian Javeria Mir works closely with the Halal Guys to make sure there are no regulations that they need worry about violating.