Louisville Lip News for Louisville Muslims (02/08/2024)
Louisville Lip News for Louisville Muslims (02/08/2024)
Imam Ozair Hasan visits Louisville, HIRA distributing clothes to those in need, Open Mosque Day, Ramadan Bazaar, learn Spanish at al-Nur, bit502 program, free FAFSA workshops, report a pothole, & 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
Masaajid & Muslim Org Events
Call to Metro Council for Call for Ceasefire
Multiple masaajid & Muslims across Louisville are joining to urge the local Metro Council to call for a Ceasefire in Gaza. If you’d like to sign the petition to be presented before the Metro Council, sign here: http://tinyurl.com/34bmb5ha
MCC hosts Imam Oazir Hasan
MCC will host Imam Ozair Hasan on Friday, February 9th for Jumuah khutbah at 2:00PM & a halaqa at 4:00PM and on Saturday, February 10th at 2:30PM. His topics will cover love & loyalty to the Prophet ﷺ. Brothers & sisters ages 17+ and older are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. Register at: tinyurl.com/imamozairfeb9.
HIRA Clothing Distribution Effort
HIRA Institute will be distributing winter gear for those in need in the community. Join HIRA for a clothes distribution event of gently used winter and summer clothing for kids, ladies, and men! The event will take place on Saturday, February 10th from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at Hira Institute (4711 Progress Blvd 40218).
Open Mosque Day at al-Nur
al-Nur Masjid will be hosting an Open Mosque Day on Saturday, March 2nd with presentations, calligraphy, food, henna, & more! Invite your non-Muslim neighbor, local representatives, co-workers, and colleagues!
Ramadan Market at GLIC
GLIC will be hosting a Ramadan Market with food stalls, decor stalls, henna, & gifts on Saturday, March 9th from 12:00PM to 5:00PM. Registration for vendors ends on Wednesday, February 14th. You can sign up to be a vendor at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdS69GnZ8MLURgrei-iPNG_2JNC_ZrVLsIfRSoPdtKWvhjtPw/viewform
Annual Qu’ran Competition Ramadan 1445AH
The 7th Annual Qu'ran Competition for our youth will take place in March! The qualifying round which is held at al-Nur, LIC River Rd, MCC, & GLIC will be on Saturday, March 16th at 1:30PM. Please note the details on the flyer below!
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 https://www.alsalmanlaw.com/ 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/Y2xKh2p
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.
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.
HIRA Robotics for Mid- & High School Youth
HIRA Institute invites you to register your middle and high school students for Robotics on Sundays starting on September 10th & ending February 25th. Boys class is 3:00PM-4:00PM, Girls class is 4:00PM-5:00PM. Cost is $300. Class will be held at the ATFA Turkish Masjid (4711 Progress Blvd) Register here: https://www.hirainstitute.org/events
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.
Firdaus Sunday School
MCC will open their Firdaus Sunday School in August. Arabic, Islamic Studies, & Quran studies are organized for children in grades 1st to 8th. Assessment & Placement Test Dates will be August 12, 13th (12:00PM - 2:00PM), & 14th (5:00PM - 7:00PM) with an assessment fee of $50, registration fee, then $100 per months. You must register for an appointment by August 20th: rb.gy/zklqg. First day of school is August 27th.
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
Please find the prayer times of the largest four masaajid listed below. If you’d like your masjid’s prayer times featured, please contact me via Whatsapp at (502) 930-8391.
City-wide Events & Beneficial News
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 http://bit502.com/.
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.
Free Health Clinic
UofL will be hosting free health clinics on February 5th, 12th, March 4th, 11th, * 18th at 6:00PM at the Iroquois Family Health Center (4100 Taylor Blvd) with no appointments needed. Walk-ins only, 1st come and 1st served. Check the flyer below to see what they can treat for and what tests they can provide.
Inclement Weather Plan of JCPS
In the case of inclement winter weather, JCPS plans to utilize Non-Traditional (Virtual) Instruction (NTI) when possible this year rather than canceling school for the day.
Become an International Exchange Host
Interested in becoming a local resource for international exchange groups? Other opportunities to engage with delegates include attending mixers and forums, or hosting a dinner or homestay. If you are interested, get in touch with Madison Brooks (madison.brooks@worldkentucky.org), the Exchange Program Manager with World Affairs Kentucky, for more information.
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!
General Scholarship of CF Louisville
The General Scholarship Application is now open! The General Scholarship Application features over 90 different scholarship opportunities that are awarded to hundreds of students each year. View our full list of scholarship opportunities in English or Spanish. Graduating high school students, current and returning college students, and graduate-level students complete one application to ensure they are matched to all the scholarships they are eligible to receive. The General Scholarship Application period is open until February 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. (ET). Apply here: https://cflouisville.awardspring.com/
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/
Food Establishments: Renew your Permits!
The end of the year is quickly approaching and that means that the local and state food permits for your establishment will be expiring on Dec. 31, 2023. Thank you to those who have already renewed your food permits. For those who have not renewed, there is still time. Renew and pay your permit online: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/pay-permit-here
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.
Herschberg Study Abroad Scholarship
If you are a student who is truly committed to creating a meaningful growth opportunity through an international experience, the David Hershberg Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad could be a great fit for you. Learn more here: https://www.worldkentucky.org/hershberg?blm_aid=267777025
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: 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/
NEW: 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
International Rescue Committee is hiring for multiple positions. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/9cs83z5u
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.
