Greetings of Peace (al salamu ‘alaykum) dear Friends,
I pray you are managing as well as can be expected given the state of the world, especially this week as our youth are being attacked, vilified, and arrested for protesting and building encampments on university campuses across the country in solidarity with Palestine. It is a dark, dark time for humanity and the videos that are circulating on social media with students, faculty, and many others being man-handled and dehumanized by the police are shocking. Some of our Usuli loved ones were arrested and brutalized for participating in local protests. Please keep them in your prayers. May God elevate, strengthen, and protect all of our brethren who are bravely standing up and suffering in the cause of justice.
New Single from Wietske Merison’s Second Album: REMINDER!
In these dark times, it feels especially important to share some light. I am proud to announce that our dear friend, Wietske Merison, recently completed her second album (sponsored by Usuli Music), and we are so excited to share the first single from the album: “La Hawla”! This song is particularly pertinent for our times, and is an important reminder that: There is no power except with God (Qur’an 18:39).
The full album will be released this coming week on 1 May 2024! For more details, check out: https://wietskemerison.hearnow.com/
Listen to the First Single: “La Hawla”
Cover art “Overgrown Terraces” by Linda Edwards (www.lindaedwardsart.co.uk)
"The Anatomy of Empathy: An Encampment Testimony," Usuli Institute Khutbah, 26 April 2024
“The Anatomy of Empathy: An Encampment Testimony,” Khutbah by Cherif Abou El Fadl
I wanted to especially highlight Cherif’s timely and brilliant khutbah from the past Friday. We will share the edited transcript next week, however, it is an incredibly powerful khutbah to watch now given everything going on with the university encampments around the country. Cherif shares his testimony from the experience of joining the encampments at The Ohio State University this past week. As we are all processing the videos, the stories, the deeper meaning of it all, it is a beautiful reflection that again builds upon a deep engagement with the Qur’an as a result of our three-year journey with the Project Illumine Qur’anic Commentaries (Tafsir).
DON’T FORGET TO SAVE THE DATE!!
Weekend of October 11-12, 2024
More Details to Come!
Come to Columbus, Ohio, for our First Annual In-Person Usuli Conference this October!
We are making plans for our First Annual Usuli Conference! Please save Friday and Saturday, October 11th and 12th for our main events. We may also hold some additional more casual events beforehand, so please mark your calendars and we will share more information as we have it. Insha’Allah (God willing), it will be a fabulous event, and a wonderful way to connect with others.
Publishing the Project Illumine Qur’anic Commentaries
Our $50,000 Matching Gift Campaign on LaunchGood.com concludes on 4/30! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who has contributed to our ALMOST reaching the $50K mark! As of this writing, we are just $800 under our goal!
From everyone at Usuli, our immense gratitude to you for your continued support of our work. Please help us continue doing what we do with a tax-deductible donation. A monthly donation helps us the most! May God exponentially multiply your blessings! We look forward to seeing you online soon insha’Allah!
In Peace and Hope,
Grace