Assalaamualaikum, Welcome to the 2^nd issue of Salam Perth newsletter. In Sha Allah, you’d find something useful, heart-warming, and inspirational this week.

In this week’s Salam Perth:

• Dua of Prophet Yunus AS.

• Swan Valley Mosque.

• Inspirations from Surah Al-Baqarah.

Let’s go.

— Zinda & Ahmed, Editorial Team

Dua of the Prophet Yunus AS from the belly of the whale

This narration involves Sa'd ibn Abi Waqas RA during the caliphate of Umar ibn Khattab RA. Sa'd approached Uthman ibn Affan RA in a masjid, greeted him, but Uthman seemed to ignore him, which left Sa'd confused and offended. Sa'd then went to Umar to seek clarification, asking if there were any new rules in Islam that might explain this behaviour.

Umar found it strange and summoned Uthman. Sa'd reiterated his greeting incident to Uthman, but Uthman denied it completely, stating that Sa'd never approached or greeted him that day. This contradiction led to a puzzling situation, with both taking oaths supporting their opposing claims.

As Sa'd detailed the encounter to Uthman, specifying the location and interaction, Uthman suddenly realised his mistake. He sought forgiveness from Allah and admitted that he was preoccupied with a specific supplication, one recommended by the Prophet Muhammad SAW, which would completely absorb his attention, blurring his senses and awareness of his surroundings.

This incident highlights Uthman's absorption in a powerful supplication that so deeply engaged his thoughts, overwhelming his senses, and causing him to lose awareness of external interactions, even failing to respond to a greeting.

Sa'd recalled the incident involving a forgotten supplication. During a gathering the Prophet Muhammad SAW intended to share a supplication that guarantees the answering of all prayers. However, a Bedouin's interruption diverted his attention, preventing him from revealing the supplication.

Feeling hesitant to remind the Prophet SAW, Sa'd followed him home, seeking to remind him of the forgotten supplication. When Sa'd made a noise to gain the attention of the Prophet SAW, the Prophet SAW recognised him and asked why he followed. Sa'd explained the situation, and the Prophet SAW confirmed that it was the supplication of Dhun-Nun (Yunus AS, Prophet Jonah) during his time inside the whale.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW emphasised that any believer who invokes Allah with this supplication will have their prayers answered, ensuring its significance and effectiveness for all Muslims.

A more detailed version of this inspiring story can be found by the following video by Dr. Omar Suleiman.

This week’s article was inspired by the Khutba given by Imam Mirsel during Jummah prayers last week at the Swan Valley Mosque. Keep reading to learn more about this beautiful mosque.

Let’s take you there…

Swan Valley Mosque

The Bosnian Islamic Society of Perth has been a beacon for Bosnian Muslims in Western Australia since its establishment in 1996. Dedicated to upholding the cultural and religious heritage of the Bosnian community, the society stands as a pillar of support.

In response to the growing Bosnian Muslim population, the society secured land in Swan Valley in 2007, laying the foundation for the mosque in 2014. A momentous occasion arrived on May 5, 2018, marking the grand opening of this cherished mosque.

Under the guidance of Imam Mirsel, the first Bosnian Imam in Western Australia, congregations gather in this serene space. The mosque, which can accommodate up to 350 worshippers, serves not only as a spiritual haven but also as a venue for community-building activities.

Beyond its function as a masjid, the mosque operates as a bilingual Madrasa, offering teachings in both Bosnian and English. It facilitates janazah (Muslim funeral) services and boasts additional amenities including a community hall, a well-equipped kitchen, a library, and the Imam's residence.

Moreover, the on-site restaurant delights visitors with delectable Bosnian cuisine every Friday and doubles as a charming venue available for rental, perfect for hosting nikah (Muslim marriage) ceremonies. The mosque stands as not only a spiritual centre but a thriving community hub, embracing and enriching the lives of Muslim community.

In addition to the daily congregation prayers, the mosque welcomes everyone for Jummah prayers (Azan at 12:50pm, Khutbah at 1p, Iqamah at 1:30pm) and weekly Dhikr session every Thursday night after Maqhrib prayers.

Donations:

If you’d like to donate to the ongoing building of the mosque, please consider donating to the following:

• Bank Name: ANZ Bank

• Account Name: Bosnian Islamic Soc Perth Inc.

• Branch No. BSB: 016 363

• Account No.: 1094 05925

Address:

• Swan Valley Mosque and Islamic Centre

• 2 Smallbrook Retreat, Caversham WA 6055

We’d like to thank Br Behudin (President of Bosnian Islamic Society) and Imam Mirsel for their hospitality and information provided for this week’s newsletter.

Did you know?

Australian Priest Gould David (Abdul Rahman) accepts Islam

A priest named Gould David, well-known and respected in Australia, surprised many by announcing he'd become a Muslim after dedicating 45 years to the Church. Now known as Abdul Rahman, his decision has caught people's attention and sparked lots of talk among religious groups. Many are curious about why he made this big change after so long in the Church.

Read the full story at muslimtelegraph.com

Salah times this week 📿 

Salah times are based on Muslim World League calculation method for Perth.

What’s going on!

Tuesday Jan/9

• Surah Al-Hujrat Tafseer, Ustadtha Amina Noor | Perth Ummah Centre, 56 Whitlock Rd, Queens Park | 6:30PM - 8:15PM | www.icentrewa.com.au/classes | $

Wednesday Jan/10

• Surah Al-Hujrat Tafseer, Ustadtha Amina Noor | Perth Ummah Centre, 56 Whitlock Rd, Queens Park | 6:30PM - 8:15PM | www.icentrewa.com.au/classes | $

• Sewing Class, Sr Safa | Homestead Park Centre, 14 Glenbrook Rd, Thornlie | 0478793650 | 10:00AM - 12:00PM | $

Saturday Jan/13

• Laser Tag, Daughters of Hawa (8+ girls only) | Lazer Blaze Malaga | 0403077062 | 2:30PM | $

• Reptile Up Close/Craft/BBQ, Masjid Al Taqwa | 135 Boyare Ave, Mirabooka | 0400290097 | 9AM - 12:30PM | $

Sunday Jan/14

• Power of the Quran, Sh Yahya Raaby & Ustadh Jihad Haocher | Curtin University, Hayden Williams Lecture Theatre | Curtin MSA | $

$ - This event is not free and may require payment/registration fee.

Halal Fun 😂 

Jazak Allah Khairan, May Allah Reward You Goodness!

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