Alhamdolillah we are blessed with the surrounding of thoughtful and caring interfaith members. In the wake of the New Zealand shooting we got an overwhelming response where around 300 people stood with us in the solidarity during the Peace and Unity Vigil organized by IFN. This vigil had a clear message that we have to work together and stand up against hate, division, terrorism and white supremacism

In order to develop good relations with newly elected Lake County officials, a town hall meeting was organized at IFN where members asked their questions and have had chance to connect while having dinner with them.

The month of Ramadan is around the corner, we all are excited and cannot wait to have this blessed month. We pray to Allah SWT to make this blessed month most peaceful and rewarding.

The Family Advocacy Committee's Team Lead is Dr. Shazia Tayyab, MD Child and Adult Psychiatrist. The Family Advocacy Committee (FAC) of Islamic Foundation North’s mission is to end the stigma surrounding mental health in our community, by providing open communication and a plethora of resources to families struggling with mental health. They believe that by providing these resources, they’ll be able to create a network of support for individuals around the community that deal with mental health issues on a daily basis.The Family Advocacy Committee (FAC) has developed a specialized program to connect our community with mental/social health services through education, utilization of available resources in the area and those offered through the mosque. The FAC offers non-crisis helpline, provide guidance to resources in the neighborhood, educational seminars, support/discussion forums on social/emotional wellness and much more.

The Family Advocacy Committee presented it's team and vision on March 17th at noon in the basement hall. There was a huge turnout for the FAC introductory session.

Attached is the referral resource list of mental health services, crisis and non-crisis services available through Lake county and beyond.

https://ifnonline.com/FAC

IFN hosted its third community potluck night on Saturday March 23rd, 2019 at 7pm after the success of its first and second one. The event started with Maghrib prayers which was followed by Quran Recitation done by Maaz Shaikh and its English translation was read by Maraim Shaikh. This was followed by a short lecture , social hour , dinner and Isha prayers. All members and non-members were encouraged to bring a dish of their choice to share with everyone.This event was organized by Br. Aamir Ahmed and his team.

No one ever ever loved tax season and frankly speaking who does?, but now you’re really dreading it. Don’t worry, we’ve got your update! We want you to feel confident doing your taxes. And here’s the good news, if you’re looking for a trustworthy tax expert in your area we had Judy Aburmishan, CPA, Managing Director at A&A Accountants & Business Consultants as a presenter who spoke about tax laws , in collaboration with Muzaffer Sheriff, CPA, who also presented a tax seminar at the IFN Banquet Hall on Sunday, March 10th from 12 to 1 pm and covered areas on the 2018 tax returns and how they might impact you. They have years of experience, and believe it or not, they love this stuff. They can talk taxes all day long and have a thorough understanding of the tax changes this year and how it would affect you.They also covered some simple tax strategies for reducing your tax burden for 2018 as well as for the coming year.

Attached is the video link for the tax presentation: https://youtu.be/UGfAcCPUugk

A discussion on the 4 women who attained perfection in their faith was led by Imam Azfar. This was held during the biweekly Dars session on Thursdays from 11am to Noon, for Women only. The four great women who perfected their faith are:

1)Maryam Alayhas Salam: The Daughter of Imrân Alayhis Salam

2)Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid Radhiallahu Anha

3)Fatima Bint Muhammed Radhiallahu Anha

4)Asiyah Alayhas Salam

These four women changed the course of history through their perseverance, faith and courage. Maryam Alayhas Salam's life was characterized by piety, chastity and faith. Khadijah (RA) neither succumbed to the trappings of wealth, nor to power and fame. Fatima (RA) made Sabr in the face of unending hardships and was crowned the ‘leader of all women in Jannah’, whilst Asiya Alayhas Salam chose faith over royalty. These were women distinguished by Sabr who found Allah through their unfailing steadfastness in the face of grinding sacrifices.

An Open town hall meeting was held on March 22nd at 7:15 pm so as to have an opportunity to get to know your State Representatives and local Lake County Officials to ask any questions or concerns. The purpose of town hall meetings is for local and regional officials to hear the community's views on public issues.

The following State Representative/Lake County Officials were present :

State Representative District 51 Mary Edly-Allen

City of Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham

Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg

Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart

Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim

Lake County Board member Jennifer Clark

The main part of a town hall meeting occurred when the floor was opened up to questions and comments from the audience. Attendees generally presented their ideas, voiced their opinions, asked questions of the public figures, elected officials, or political candidates at the town hall.

It was a huge success with a big turnout.

Dr. Walid Khayr's Quranic Tafseer sessions are led by him every Sunday from 10:30am to 12pm. Dr. Walid Khayr has been committed to teaching life lessons and wisdom from the Quran for the past 14 years to the IFN Community. He is a Hafiz-al-Quran and a Scholar.He strongly believes in empowering the community and individuals to use the Quran as a guide, a relevant reference book, a letter to YOU from Allah - so that YOU can uncover the hidden treasures in each of the blessed verses of the Quran.

Do you still find yourself asking ... Why should I attend? How are his classes any different?

Well, let his !! students tell you why you should join us through our personal testimonies:

• Dr. Khayr uses a holistic approach to understanding the Quran by relating everyday examples that can apply to anyone anywhere. His goal in class is to engage YOU in the conversation. He is always seeking YOUR input so YOU can benefit.

• His classes have not only changed lives, they have saved lives. He has a peer to peer approach to guiding and broadening your understanding of the Quran. We promise you, once you begin learning in this intimate way - you will develop the skills to ask deeper questions and you will get deeper answers from the Quran.

• Transform. Personally, Professionally, Socially! We guarantee that the way you begin to learn from the Quran wi! ll touch all areas of your life and help you on a daily basis.

• His medical training and his compassionate heart will always make you feel like there is someone who not only cares to teach you, but rather, you will feel that someone is on this personal journey with you. His character exemplifies the highest values in the Quran and he will model for you - the character and "way of being" the Quran describes and Allah (SWT) demands of us. He's certainly not all talk - he is ALL action!

• Dr. Khayr will NEVER tell you what to think, rather he uses examples from the Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them) to teach you how to think, how to learn and how to strive. Dr. Khayr is in it FOR YOU and you will feel it.

•He will challenge your feelings of hopelessness and help shift you into being an empowered action driven Muslim and citizen of the world.

Dr. Khayr's Hope for you; Our Expectations for the Class:

•Come prepared

• Share your views/opinions and thoughts and ask plenty of questions, no question is too big and no question will go unanswered

Check out our YouTube Channel where you can find the recordings of past Khutbas and Tafseer Sessions by Dr. Walid Khayr.

Dr. Walid Khayr - Quranic Lectures

A very big turnout this year for the quiz competition. Thank you Sr. Ommey Atiya and Team and to all those who came out and attended the Annual Quiz Competition held on March 10th. MashaAllah the students did a fantastic job!

A huge shout out to all of our teachers and volunteers that put in their effort and time to make this happen every year. Also a huge thanks to our wonderful judges!

Ramadan is soon upon us and the best way to earn good deeds and rewards from Allah SWT is sponsoring Iftaar and Sahoor at IFN. If you are interested to sign-up for Iftaar and Sahoor sponsorship, please text our IFN Ramadan Committee Chair Br. Altaf Hussain with the day and option you are interested. Signup sheet will be filled on first come first serve basis.

Altaf Hussain

Phone: 847-271-4427

Email: altafhussai@yahoo.com