Louisville Lip News for Louisville Muslims (04/05/2024)
Community Qiyam, Eid Prayer Locations Announced, HIRA Last 10 Days of Ramadan Program, Henna for Sisters, LENSAlert, job/career opportunities, & more!
Salam Alaikum, Please consider subscribing to this newsletter for the Louisville Muslim community if you haven’t already and share with others. Please note that any flyers that are shared are posted at the bottom of each newsletter for your convenience if you'd like to download them.
Announcement: If you’d like your business, nonprofit, and/or organization to be advertised, please contact me on Whatsapp at (502) 930-8391. This newsletter will also include thought-provoking articles that may be of benefit for community members to consider as we work together in our local masaajid & ummah.
Table of Contents
Ramadan 2024 in Louisville
Eid al-Fitr Prayers & Locations Announced
Majority of masaajid across the city will be continuing the tradition of praying Eid al-Fitr in one location this year. This year, we will be praying Eid al-Fitr either on Tuesday, April 9th or Wednesday, April 10th at the Kentucky Expo Center (937 Phillips Ln) with one prayer - takbeerat at 8:00AM & prayer at 9:00AM led by Imam Abu Noor.
GLIC will have an earlier Eid prayer for those who cannot attend the later one - GLIC will have Eid prayer at their masjid with takbeerat at 7:30AM & prayer at 7:45AM led by Dr. Yousef Dairi.
River Road Masjid will have their Eid Brunch after the prayer’s conclusion at the Expo Center.
For those interested, there will be a car caravan protest for Gaza after the Eid prayer leaving the Expo Center.
Remember to message me if your masjid is doing a separate Eid prayer or Eid program to be listed in my next newsletter.
Masaajid’s Iftaar Schedules this Ramadan
You will find the iftaar schedule per masjid listed below:
al-Nur Masjid (2815 S 4th St) will have public iftaar every night during Ramadan. You can sponsor a night, which is $1,200 per night, by contacting Br. Rachid Hamlouchi (502) 418-5360 or donating online at AlNur Website with the memo Ramadan Iftars.
Bosniak American Islamic Center (5927 Six Mile Ln) will have public iftaar throughout Ramadan based on sponsorships. If you’d like to sponsor a night, you can call BAIC at (502) 658-7586.
Guiding Light Islamic Center (6500 Six Mile Ln) will have public iftaar every Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday during Ramadan. You can sponsor a night, which is $1,500 per night, by contacting Br. Zakriya Muhammad (502) 644-9492.
HIRA Institute (3819 Bardstown Rd) will have suhoor & iftaar for brothers making itikaaf during the first 20 days of Ramadan at their masjid. HIRA will have halaqa after Asr, recitation of Quran until Maghrib, there will be Tafseer after Taraweeh.
ICL Masjid (1715 S 4th St) will have public iftaar on Mondays & Thursdays as well as the last 10 nights during Ramadan. Contact Br. Mohamed Ali (502) 807-5329 to sponsor.
Masjid Bilal South (6200 S 3rd St) will have public iftaar every night during Ramadan.
Masjid Bilal West (1701 Dumesnil St) will have public iftaar every night during Ramadan.
Muslim Community Center of Louisville (8215 Old Westport Rd) will have public iftaar on Saturdays & require registration. If you attend without registering, you will be charged $15. There will be a halaqah one hour before Maghrib on Saturdays. For children ages 7 & older, you must register them separately. Register here https://www.ticketleap.events/events/mcclouorg.
River Road LIC Masjid (4007 River Rd) will have public iftaars on Friday, April 5th & Saturday, April 6th.
WFPL (local NPR) has an interactive map listing various masaajid & their iftaar schedules: https://www.lpm.org/news/2024-03-12/ramadan-2024-a-guide-for-events-and-resources-in-louisville.
Masaajid & Muslim Org Events
Community Qiyam
MCC will be hosting a community qiyam after today’s Taraweeh (Friday, April 5th) with Qiyam al-Layl starting at 1:00AM. Imam Abu Noor, Imam Muhammad al-Sharif of GLIC, Br. Mouctar Barrie of River Road Masjid, Br. Muhammad Fadil of Senegal Masjid, Br. Faysal Bulbul of al-Nur Masjid, & Br. Abdel Fattah Muse of HIRA Institute will be guests with qiyam, khatirahs, itikaaf, & suhoor altogether.
HIRA’s Last 10 Days of Ramadan Program
HIRA Institute will have an intensive program free for brothers & sisters with brothers welcome to make itikaaf overnight at the new HIRA Institute facility (3819 Bardstown Rd). The last 10 days program for Ramadan starts at 2:00 pm. There will be a tajweed class & Qu'ran reading after Dhuhr. After Asr, Imam Atif will have a khatira. After Tarawih, Imam Asif will give a khatira. Iftar & suhoor will be provided every night. Girls are welcome to stay until tarawih or the 1st qiyam, boys are welcome to stay for i'tikaaf. Parents and the whole family are welcome to attend. To find out more, read the flyer here: https://ibb.co/rvGdjNP.
Henna Designs by Local Sister
A local sister in the community is doing henna designs for sisters on Monday, April 8th with time slots from 12:00PM to 11:00PM. Book now at (502) 677-6562, first come first serve for time slots!
Peace Dove for Palestine
The Peace Dove campaign for Gaza will endeavor to feed & help our Palestinian brothers & sisters this Ramadan. To contribute, you can donate via Paypal to peacedoveusa@gmail.com, Venmo the-peace-dove, & by cash & checks to be given to Br. Khalid Awad (502) 299-3407.
Islamic Reminder
Masaajid & Muslim Org Programs & Halaqas
Learn Spanish at al-Nur 4th St Masjid
Al-Nur Masjid hosts free classes to learn basic conversational Spanish! The classes run weekly on Sundays from 2:30PM to 4:00PM.
Local Muslim Lawyer offering Will Support
For those in the community who are looking to draft their Islamic will (الْوَصِيَّةُ), a local Muslim lawyer would like to be of assistance. Bear in mind, this is a service and thus not free. You can contact Br. Hishem Alsalman, Esq. by visiting Alsalman Law Firm website or calling (502) 785-8866 to learn more. Hishem also offers other legal services including immigration support.
Greenhaven Islamic Cemetery Guidelines
Greenhaven Islamic Cemetery has released guidelines, general rules, & instructions on how to arrange an Islamic funeral. These guidelines will be posted when entering the cemetery & will eventually be posted at all masaajid across Louisville. Link: https://ibb.co/z5nBKTj. If you have any questions about the guidelines, please reach out to me via Whatsapp at (502) 930-8391. Edit: Headstone height standard is 8 inches & no flammable materials permitted at the cemetery.
Programs for New Converts/Reverts
If you are a Muslim convert/revert here in Louisville, take 1-2 minutes of your day to fill this form out: https://forms.gle/ef7mKS8f3RzVdh757.
If you’d like to contribute to our stock of boxed sets that we gift new Muslims, visit https://www.beingmuslim.org/product/the-boxed-set/ & set shipping address to 6500 Six Mile Ln. If you are unable to purchase a boxed set, consider purchasing the Being Muslim book or the 25-pack of daily prayer pocket reference cards.
Al-Nur Masjid (2815 S 4th St) will be hosting weekly classes for new converts/reverts every Friday between 5:45PM - 7:15PM. You can register via Whatsapp at +19049162261 or by email at secretary@alnurmasjid.org.
I teach a class primarily for new Muslims (but anyone can attend) that aims to teach the fard al-ayn (individual obligations of Islamic knowledge including aqidah, worship, etc.) & beginners Arabic on Sundays at 10:00AM. If you are interested in attending, contact via Whatsapp (502) 930-8391 and we can set up an in-person tutor session or virtual session.
Sr. Sakinah Abdul-Jabbar teaches Islamic Studies for new reverts (but anyone can attend) on Saturdays from 1:05PM to 2:00PM at Guiding Light Islamic Center. We encourage you to come, enjoy sisterhood, & build bonds. The Taleems cover the basics of Islam, Tafsirs, & Hadiths. If interested, please Whatsapp her at (502) 510-8599.
Quran & Islamic Classes with HIRA at MCC
HIRA & MCC are collaborating on their spring semester of Qu’ran & Islamic classes from January 8th to May 16th 2024. The classes will be held at MCC (8215 Old Westport Rd) on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6:30PM - 8:00PM for boys & girls ages 5-15. The tuition is $10 per class with 33 total classes. Online classes are also offered.
Young Sisters Program at GLIC
Guiding light Islamic Center is happy to announce their new young Muslim girls group called The Sakina Squad for girl ages 13-17. The group meets bimonthly on Sundays at 12:00PM at the Green Tree Academy building and enjoys different events, discussions, and activities led by sister Assia Amry. Registration is required Please contact: thesakinasquad@gmail.com for more information.
Taekwondo Classes for Families
MCC hosts the Choong Sung Taekwondo program for families on Tuesdays at 4:45PM (5:30PM for children ages 4-7), Fridays at 4:45PM (5:30PM for children ages 4-7), & Saturdays at 10:40AM (11:30PM for children ages 4-7). Adult classes are available, there is a free week trial starting the week of Tuesday, January 9th. Contact Sr Javeria for more details at (205) 222-3672.
Digital Literacy Program with SCL
The Somali Community of Louisville will be hosting online & in-person classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays to offer classes on computer, email, & internet basics & cyber security. Eligible students must live in Louisville, be from low income families (or individuals), 18 years & older. You can learn more by calling (502) 654-2178.
Qu’ran Program at GLIC
GLIC & NISL has a Qur’an program with Br. Abdullahi teaching Qaida Quranic reading. Classes are Mondays through Fridays with a slot between 3:45PM - 5:15PM for children, 5:15PM - 6:45PM for teenagers, 6:45PM - 8:15PM for adults & teenagers. Pricing is $50 for NISL students, $100 for non-NISL students. Contact Br. Abdullahi for more information at (502) 618-9709.
HIRA Alimiyyah Program 2023-2024
HIRA has created an alimiyyah program including studies such as Arabic grammar, syntax, morphology, Quranic tajweed, Seerah, & Fiqh topics. Enrollment is open for High School & College-level Students. Classes start August 2023 with classes Monday through Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM.
Friday Night Halaqas at LIC
LIC now hosts family halaqas every Friday at 7:00PM. It is encouraged to bring a dish to share, the topic is the lives of the Sahabah.
Al-Nur 4th St Halaqahs
Al-Nur 4th St Masjid has two halaqa series going on presently. The first halaqah is on Saturdays between Maghrib & Isha (8:15PM) and is taught by Sh. Yusuf Dairi. The second halaqah is for Quran memorization for adults on Sundays after Fajr with breakfast included.
Qu’ran Halaqa at ICL
ICL (1715 S Fourth St) has a weekly Quran halaqa on Wednesdays after Maghrib. If you are interested to follow and listen, please join the WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CcDQ3yDo3bMJhwBe7Qxih6
Youth Sisters Group at MCC
MCC is happy to announce a weekly MS girls program for 5th to 8th grades. The program will include a weekly Halaqa plus several fun activities. Please contact us to be added to the Junior Girls Group: Sr. Cindyann: ( 919) 770-5056, Sr. Javeria: (205) 222-3672
Weekly Boys Program for Community
Br. Anwar Adam & Br. Nuradin Ali will be hosting weekly programs for boys on Saturdays at 4:00PM for boys ages 15 & older & on Sundays at 4:00PM for boys ages 12-14. This program will be held at GLIC. RSVP is required.
Major Masaajid Prayer Times
With the recent time change & certain apps not updating properly, the prayer times will not be listed in this newsletter today. If you’d like your masjid’s prayer times featured, please contact me via Whatsapp at (502) 930-8391.
City-wide Events & Beneficial News
Sign up for LENSAlert
With the recent events of severe weather, including a tornado that crossed the Ohio River from Jeffersonville to Prospect, KY, it is highly encouraged to have ways to receive alerts for severe weather. One of those ways is LENSAlert. Text “LENSAlert” to 67283 to get started setting up a process to receive local severe weather alerts from Louisville Metro Emergency Services.
Water Safety Education
Courtesy of Dr. Muhanad Hreh: Swim St Matthews’ Goldfish Swim School offers a special 20-minute W.A.T.E.R. safety presentation to young children at schools, daycare centers, and other educational facilities for free. This program is intended to educate children on water safety & to teach methods to handle water crisis situations. For more information or scheduling information, please email them at swimstmatthews@goldfishss.com or give them a call at (502) 385-4443
Urban Seniors Jobs Program
The National Urban League Senior Jobs Program provides community service & work-based training programs to help older works re-enter the workplace. This includes certificate programs, job placement assistance, & free computer classes. This program is free, apply today by calling (502) 585-4622. Refer to this flyer: https://ibb.co/Q6TL2Rr.
FEMA Flood Maps
With our Spring season predicted to have strong storms, it is an important thing to know if your house or apartment belongs in a flood zone or nearby to flood-prone streams or creeks. Visit: https://tinyurl.com/femalouflood to find out more.
Summer Job with GE Appliances
SummerWorks is facilitating summer jobs with GE Appliances during the summer (June 3rd - July 26th) - hiring youth ages 17-21 to work full time 1st shift for $17.51 per hour. You can apply at SummerWorks Youth website.
VITA Free Tax Preparation Services
Louisville VITA provides free tax preparation services for those in need. To check eligibility, visit here: http://tinyurl.com/bdh9f67n. To schedule an appointment for in-person tax assistance, call 502-305-0005 or click button below.
Free FAFSA Workshops
Evolve502 & JCTC will be hosting various free workshops for you to learn how to file your FAFSA application for college financial aid! Refer to the flyer attached https://ibb.co/X8S7bXP!
Bit502 August Cohort Registration
The bit502 program is accepting applications for their next cohort, that kicks-off in August. bit502 is a two year long work-and-learn program, where participants work four days a week for an employer in Louisville attend JCTC (community college) one day a week, and are paid for a full 40 hours of work each week, while earning a two-year degree in Computer & Information Technology. Register here at Bit502.
Report a Pothole in Louisville
You can report potholes in city streets across Louisville by reporting online at: http://tinyurl.com/4sc8vpwm, using Twitter/X by sharing an image of the pothole, tagging @LouMetro311 & include the hashtag #502pothole, or by calling 311 or (502) 574-5000.
KentuckianaBuilds Program
KentuckianaBuilds holds a program for 6 weeks that is both hands-on & technical to help job seekers enter careers in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, construction, HVAC, & other trades. Call (502) 362-2824 to learn more!
Evolve502 Scholarship
The Evolve502 Scholarship is now available for eligible students in the Jefferson County Public Schools Class of 2024. This last last-dollar scholarship covers a student’s tuition after federal and state aid has been applied. Scholarships may be used at any Kentucky Community & Technical College, including Jefferson Community and Technical College, or Simmons College of Kentucky. Apply here: https://evolve502.org/apply/. The application and required steps must be completed by July 15, 2024.
Registration for LIHEAP & EWrap
The LIHEAP program assists income-eligible households in Jefferson County with home heating costs on a first-come, first-served basis, now through March 29, 2024, or until funds are depleted. EWRAP can provide eligible residents in Jefferson County a 30% discount on wastewater charges and the consent decree surcharge. Eligibility includes households at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, with proof of an active utility account with the Louisville Water Company and MSD. To apply for the LIHEAP and/or EWRAP programs, Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 502-991-8391.
Multilingual Emergency Readiness Material
The Louisville Metro Government has prepared materials explaining how to prepare for emergencies such as tornadoes, bad winter weather, & other disasters in languages including Arabic, English, Somali, & Swahili. You can find this content here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/emergency-public-health-preparedness
Louisville Metro Gun Violence Dashboard
For those looking to move in the city or wanting to educate themselves on crime rates in Louisville, this dashboard has been developed by Office of Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods and can found here: https://tinyurl.com/3ywe6j42
Large Item/Furniture Cleanup/Pickup
Large Item Pickup by appointment now is available in the Urban Services District across Louisville (Check this map to see if you live within this district: https://tinyurl.com/5zpahfyv).
Those who live in the District will be able to quickly get rid of up to four large items once a week by making an appointment here: https://tinyurl.com/jhmhtk74. This is an opportunity to dispose of large items, less "junk" sitting outside, & improved neighborhood cleanliness. Louisville Metro Public Works suggests that residents consider donating or giving away large items that are still usable. If items are not usable, check the list of items they will pick up here: https://tinyurl.com/54h5mxc9
Free GED Prep with JCPS & ESL Classes
There are multiple programs for ESL classes across the city of Louisville at different locations & free GED prep at JCPS. Find the flyers below with more information and contact Sr. Sundus Michele Browning at micheleleebrowning@gmail.com
Resource for Savings on Sustainability
Metro Louisville's Office of Sustainability has launched the Green Resources for Residents guidebook, a one-stop resource to help individuals and families save costs while going green! Residents can learn about financial incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act, Louisville Metro Government, Louisville Gas and Electric, and more. Visit https://tinyurl.com/5n7zcc8r
JCTC Youth Apprenticeship Program
JCTC has a Youth Apprenticeship Program which helps young adults enter certain fields such as automotive industries, machinist, welding, and nursing. To learn more and to request more information/to be part of the program, visit: https://jefferson.kctcs.edu/workforce-solutions/youth-apprenticeship.aspx
Purchase Property from the Landbank
The Landbank Authority is a cooperative effort by the major taxing authorities in Louisville Metro (city of Louisville, Commonwealth of Kentucky and Jefferson County Public Schools). Its mission is to put vacant and abandoned properties back into productive use to improve our neighborhoods by increasing property values, stimulate the tax base, and reducing crime rates.
Following a two-year-long racial equity review, the Landbank Authority launched new programs through which people can purchase vacant structures and lots. The authority began accepting applications through these new programs this week. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/yc22kc2x
Brainfuse Tutoring
Those with valid library cards in Louisville can access Brainfuse, which offers tutoring for all subjects for K-12 grade levels and assist in FAFSA college financial aid filing. You can log in here: https://www.lfpl.org:2443/login?url=https://landing.brainfuse.com/index.asp?u=main.lfpl.ky.brainfuse.com
Free Tutoring & ACT Prep Sessions
The Louisville Urban League offers free Reading and Mathematics tutoring for those between 4th - 12th grades and offer free ACT prep for 9th-11th graders. The ACT is a commonly taken exam that help students enter college. Sessions are offered Monday-Friday at multiple locations. Learn more at: https://tinyurl.com/jsh3cs3v
Need Marketing Material Produced?
If you are a business owner looking to have menus, signs, flyers, etc. - Please feel free to reach out to me. I am currently booked up with regards to web design services, being unable to take on more clients due to my working full-time as a developer with a local company. To see my portfolio of marketing material, check this link: https://imgur.com/a/4O1GHjg
Local Podcast for Louisville Muslims
You can visit the Ihya502 website to learn more about Ihya502, a local podcast for Louisville Muslims. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube!
Certified Muslim Therapist in Louisville
Courtesy of Sr. Amanda Brown: Sr. Amanda is a certified therapist based in Louisville who would like to offer her services to any who are in need. You may learn more about the specifics of her services here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/amanda-brown-louisville-ky/774530. She also offers two focus groups which you can learn more about in the flyer here: https://imgur.com/a/WwV7P6s!
Job & Career Opportunities
Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
وَلَا يَأْكُلُ إِلَّا مِنْ عَمَلِ يَدِهِ
David would never eat except from the earnings of his own hand’s work.
NEW: Generation Tux is hiring a warehouse supervisor, learn more here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/2338662.
NEW: JCPS is hiring bus drivers, earning an average of $55,000 a year. Learn more here: https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/School-Bus-Drivers-Wanted.
NEW: Louisville Metro Housing Authority is hiring housing specialists, exterminators, & maintenance workers. Find more information here: https://ibb.co/XLdG2tM.
Louisville Grows is hiring for an Urban Agriculture Manager. Pay is $22-25 per hour based on experience, is a 40 hour per week position. Learn more here: https://louisvillegrows.org/landscaper-home/louisville-grows-seeks-an-urban-agriculture-manager/
Louisville Grows is hiring for an Urban Forestry Assistant. Pay is $18 per hour, is a 20 hour per week grant-funded position. Learn more here: https://louisvillegrows.org/louisville-grows-seeks-an-urban-forestry-assistant/
Louisville Emergency Services is looking to hire & train new EMTs for their ambulance services. $15 per hour during training, $18 after graduating. Learn more here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/emergency-services/emt-recruit
Louisville Fire Department is hiring, learn more here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/fire/services/become-firefighter
I receive newsletters about IT-related jobs/career openings, reach out to me directly if you want to learn about new job openings in the IT industry!
A professional organization in Louisville has a very up-to-date and well-made job board with different types of careers and open positions listed, visit: https://www.americaninno.com/kentucky/careers/
Look for a job/career with JCPS here: https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/work-for-jcps?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Kentuckianaworks hosts various career workshops including for Norton Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Technology-sector careers. Learn more at: https://tinyurl.com/3depb785
Spectrum has open positions, learn more here: https://jobs.spectrum.com/cs-louisville
Norton Healthcare has open positions, learn more here: https://nortonhealthcare.jibeapply.com/careers-home/jobs
Bank On Louisville and Louisville Metro Government, in partnership with LHOME, have launched a no-cost Financial Navigator Program. You can receive free assistance and guidance over the phone to help you manage the financial impact of COVID-19. Trained Financial Navigators are available to help you manage financial issues, identify actions steps, and make referrals to other programs and services: https://tinyurl.com/yrzjwy8d
Louisville Metro Government is hiring! Check it out here https://bit.ly/3kAvGec.
Job/Career Resources such as how to interview, how to write a resume, & more can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/dc7fhx6k
A local Job Board can be found here: https://www.liveinlou.com/jobs/
Small Business resources: Louisville Metro Government has a Small Business Development Center which helps people develop their ideas for a small business and start their new businesses. For a comprehensive guide on how to plan and start your new business, click HERE. For business coaching resources, click HERE.