Words to Live By – Ramadan 1440 (2019)

As-Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

Ramadan Kareem!!!

حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامٌ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنِ ابْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ لَهُ، إِلاَّ الصَّوْمَ فَإِنَّهُ لِي، وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ، وَلَخَلُوفُ فَمِ الصَّائِمِ أَطْيَبُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ رِيحِ الْمِسْكِ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “(Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.”  – Sahih al-Bukhari

Interesting. It sounds a lot like, “On My Honor, I will do my Duty to God…” More on that later. For now, I wanted to give a special shout out to Troop 114 of Fairfax, VA and especially to the young man from that Troop, who designed this patch that is now available through the National Association of Muslim Americans on Scouting (NAMAS) online store.

It was designed by Adam B last year after the Scout Iftar for Troop 114 last year in 2018. I personally know Adam B. From the first day I met him, Adam has shown a keen interest for Scouting. When I think of the Rank Requirement for Scout Spirit, I think of Adam’s enthusiasm for Scouting. His enthusiam to create a patch is just one way of him showing his Scout Spirit. He was the only one when asked who was willing to design a patch, that actually followed through. I think he did an amazing job.

Many of you could design patches, or help design websites, or report on what the Troop is doing, or so much more. It’s totally possible. For the youth, these are skills that can be learned in the merit badges that you take. It depends on the Merit Badge Counselor AND you. Scouting is what you want to make it. Outdoors is just the beginning of the adventure. For the adults, maybe you are the one teaching them or maybe you are the one learning with them. Either way, be with them because they will be memories that will last a lifetime.

There are many other ways of showing Scout Spirit. Helping your parents or your spouses during Ramadan with the cooking, the cleaning, and the keeping of your prayers. Staying on top of your academics or your work. When you’re with the Troop, the same things apply. Make sure the person who is in charge of cooking has help and the one in charge of cleaning gets help. Make sure the tents are put away properly and taken care of. All the equipment is clean and stored. At night when it is time to sleep, everyone is quiet so the Scoutmasters can sleep easily. Maybe it’s helping your fellow leaders, or maybe, it’s the time you start volunteering to help lessen the load of the one who is always out there volunteering.

Whatever your situation is. If you’re a husband, a wife, a son, a daughter, a brother, a sister, a friend, or just an acquaintance. I hope that you take the time to re-evaluate your relationship with one another. Relationships are tricky. Remember, A Scout is Friendly. Allah has reminded us in numerous examples about relationships. Relationships to our spouses, to our kin, to our children, to our neighbors, and to the strangers. Take this time to see how well you are doing. 

Did you catch how many times I talked about the Scout Law and did I make references to our Islamic values? The Scouting Ideals are very Islamic. The Scout Oath and the Scout Law are two key parts of what make up the Scouting ideals. The Scout motto, “Be Prepared”, and the Scout Slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily” are simple phrases to help remind us to live an Islamic life. A Scoutly life if you will. I have provide links to the Scout Oath and Law. Just click on the words. If you print them on very nice paper and frame them, they will be nice reminders for you.

Try to do your best. It isn’t easy. I know. I will try my best. I plan to take this time during Ramadan to reflect and refocus myself. Renew my intentions and do my best to evalutate how closely I am following the Scout Oath and Law. I invite you to do the same. All of us are always on a constant path to do our best. In fact, when one writes something like this, you have to ask yourself, is it to remind others, or is to remind oneself?

Ramadan Mubarak!

_________________________________________________________
Yours in Scouting,


Abdul “Rashid” Abdullah
Executive Director, National Association of Muslim Americans on Scouting

Every Scout is a Reporter

Scout Journalists Wanted

Within every council, there are wonderful opportunties to be announced and great stories to be told about Muslim Scouting. In order to make that happen, we needs journalists nation wide and around the globe to make that happen. If you are interested in being one of the Contributors or Editors to Muslim Scouting, we would be happy to hear from you. Please fill out this short application form and we will get back with you shortly with more information on how to become one of our featured contributors! A great opportunity for a young Scout.

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World Jamboree Scholarship Deadline January 31, 2019

Phase I of the jamboree scholarship program was a greatsuccess. The USA Contingent Management Team is pleased to report that 902 scholarships were awarded totaling $749,000 to help young people across the countryattend the 2019 World Scout Jamboree—a once in a lifetime experience.

In the wake of this success, the CMT officially announced Phase II of the jamboree scholarship program! In an effort to expand access to the WSJ to as many young people as possible, the CMT has put aside funds to assist with the cost of attending the jamboree for eligible participants. Any youth contingent member (aged 14-17) and any young adult volunteer (3rd assistant Scoutmaster, IST, or CMT member aged 18-26) who signed up for the jamboree after July 31, 2018 is eligible for Phase II scholarship assistance.

The scholarship application can be found on our website at http://www.wsj2019.us/scholarships. We recommend using the other scholarship resourcesavailable on the site, including the FAQ document and application guide thatwill walk you through the process for applying for a scholarship. This guidewill help ensure that you fill out the application correctly, since allinformation can be submitted only once. Applicants will be evaluated based ontheir demonstrated financial need and awarded scholarship monies accordingly.All applicants are eligible to receive up to 40% of the cost to attend thejamboree, though the actual award a recipient receives may be less, based ondemonstrated need and available scholarship funds.

The Contingent Management Team will notify award recipients of their status by March 10, 2019. Applicants who are selected to receive an award will see their balance due by the last payment date on March 15 reduced by the award amount.

NOTE: As a reminder to all WSJ US Contingent members, thefinal payment deadline is set for March 15, 2019.More information, includingthe link to submit a payment, can be found at http://www.wsj2019.us/apply.

If you’re interested in applying for a scholarship, don’twait! Phase II applications are due by January 31, 2019.

Read more information about the World Jamboree at https://wsj2019.us/resources/.

Scout Jumuah 2019

A Scout is Reverent.

Scout Jumuah is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting within the Muslim Community. Masajid and other Islamic institutions that charter Scouts or who have Muslims in Scouting, should use this day to celebrate and highlight their achievements as well as highlight the need of working with the youth in the Muslim community.

The National Association of Muslim Americans on Scouting (NAMAS) has designated Friday, February 8, 2019 to be Scout Jumuah. Some units may adjust this date in their locale to best meet their needs.

The 2019 patch theme is centered around Family Scouting.  We are still in the process of developing our patch and hope to have the design available soon to showcase.

Scout Jumuah

Scout Jumuah 2019

For Muslim Scouting units, a suggested program consists of the following:

  • Recognition by the Chartered Organization Representative after each Salaat of the Scouting program and/or a khutbah that discusses the importance of Scouting to Muslim Youth.
  • Service Project – Cleaning up trash all around the Masjid or their Chartering Organizations. The time spent will count towards Service Hour Rank Requirements.
  • Full Uniform – Please proudly wear your uniform to demonstrate Scout Spirit.
  • Scout Display – We suggest setting up displays about Scouting. Ideas could include but are not limited to a model campsite (Tent, Firepit, Chuckbox, and Dining Area), photos about the program, patches, and other Scout materials.
  • A Scout Jumuah Patch is available for those who participate fully in Scout Jumuah. If you or your unit would like to receive the patches, you can place your order here.

If you would like to submit a design for the 2020 Scout Jumuah Patch, please contact us with your submission.

Important News for Youth joining the Scouts BSA Program in 2019

Eagle Scout Badge

Eagle Scout

On February 1, 2019, the Boy Scouts of America will begin admitting girls into Scouts BSA (formerly the Boy Scout program).

The policies of the BSA indicate that, except in extraordinary circumstances, a youth desiring to achieve the rank of Eagle must do so before the youth’s 18th birthday. This will continue to be our policy.

It is in the interests of the entire BSA, and in fact our nation, that all girls who join the BSA in 2019 should have an opportunity to earn their Eagle Scout rank should they diligently and promptly complete all requirements.

Accordingly, after carefully considering recommendations from stakeholders, including feedback from volunteers and professionals at the 2018 Top Hands Meeting, the National Executive Committee of the Boy Scouts of America has approved the attached temporary transition rules regarding extensions for youth over 16 but not yet 18 years of age on February 1, 2019 to complete the requirements for the Eagle Scout award.

To preserve the integrity of the Eagle Scout Award, no exceptions to or waivers of any of the requirements for the Eagle Scout Award are permitted under this limited exception, and all requirements must be completed while the individual is a registered member of Scouts BSA, or after achieving the First-Class Rank in Scouts BSA (as specified in the BSA Advancement Guide).

For more information and details, please read the Eagle Scout Rank Section of the Guide to Advancement, and the temporary transition rules.

Philmont Scout Ranch Announces Closure For 2018 Summer Season

After careful consideration of the situation and available options, the difficult but prudent decision has been made that the Philmont backcountry will remain closed for treks and individual programs for the remainder of the 2018 summer season. This means that the following programs scheduled for this summer are canceled: 7- and 12-day treks; and individual backcountry programs, including Rayado, ROCS, Trail Crew, STEM and Ranch Hands.

Refund Checks for all affected crews will be sent to the lead contact advisor on Monday, July 9, 2018. Over the next few days, our staff will be contacting the lead advisor or contingent leader of these crews confirming the refund, offering a trek at Philmont for the 2020 season, and answering any questions. Please wait and allow the Philmont team to contact your crew – your assistance will help make sure that Philmont phone lines remain open. Your cooperation will be most appreciated. While High Adventure opportunities are at capacity at Northern Tier and the Florida Sea Base, there are opportunities at The Summit and they would be happy to accommodate your crew.

This has been a difficult and at the same time inspiring summer at Philmont. For the first time in its history, Philmont is closing its backcountry. As difficult as this situation has been for our Philmont family and for Scouts across our country, we have been truly inspired by the incredible enthusiasm and perseverance shown by our staff, the resourcefulness displayed by displaced crews to find other summer adventures, and the understanding and good wishes from thousands of Scouts and Scouters from around the world. For all of these blessings, we are truly grateful.

Fire danger in northern New Mexico is currently classified as “extreme.” The fire danger has led to closure of most public lands near Philmont. The Carson National Forest’s nearby Questa and Camino Real Ranger Districts, including the Valle Vidal area that Philmont utilizes, have been closed to public access. The New Mexico Game and Fish Department has similarly closed all of its properties that border Philmont, including the Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area on our western border and the Elliott S. Barker Wildlife Management Area adjacent to our North Country. Links to these closure notices are included at the end of this release.

On Friday, June 29, 2018, the Morris (Moras) Creek fire started south of the Philmont property line on private neighboring property near the Rayado River Canyon. This fire is currently more than 1500 acres and is burning on Philmont property.

Our ranch managers, volunteer leaders, and national staff have monitored the situation since the Ute Park fire began and attempted to plan alternate trek routes and procedures required by Philmont to manage backcountry emergencies. Because of the Morris (Moras) Creek fire, these alternate trek routes have now been eliminated. The safety of our youth participants, volunteers and staff is the priority at Philmont Scout Ranch and for the Boy Scouts of America.

This decision applies only to Philmont’s backcountry programs. Philmont’s Camping Headquarters and Base Camp area, the Philmont Training Center, the new National Scouting Museum, the Chase Ranch, and the Kit Carson Museum at Rayado will remain open all summer. Training courses at the Philmont Training Center and the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) will proceed as scheduled. This decision does not affect Philmont’s fall programs, including Autumn Adventure and fall PTC training conferences.

The Philmont ranger motto is “scramble – be flexible.” That’s what we at Philmont have been doing all summer as we deal with these unexpected and unfortunate circumstances. Our terrific summer staff has embraced challenges that they didn’t anticipate when they signed on. They expected to be delivering awesome backcountry programs and inspiring high adventure experiences to thousands of Scouts and Scouters. Instead, they have enthusiastically taken on difficult and physically taxing timber stand improvement projects, backcountry fire abatement work, community service projects, and staff jobs at other camps. They are making sure we will be ready to re-open next year! Their willingness to roll up their sleeves, pitch in and meet the challenges we have faced reflects the very best on Scouting and our nation’s youth. They have our sincere thanks!

Our National BSA leadership has been working with airlines to assist crews with refunds, changes, and credits. Please refer to the following contacts for support.
American Airlines—-1-800-221-2255
Southwest Airlines—1-800-435-9792
Alaska Airlines——–1-800-654-5669
Amtrak —————–1-800-872-7245

Our entire Philmont family thanks you for your continued understanding, your support, and your cooperation.

Links for information on area closures and fires:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/carson/home
http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/state-game-commission-lands
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
https://nmfireinfo.com/

As you look at alternatives for adventures this summer please check out NCAP accredited high adventure programs offered by local councils here.

Duty To God Weekend Northeast Georgia Council

As Salaam Alaykum,

When my family joined scouting  a few years back. I had no idea of the religious emblems program that is offered to scouts. I had learned from another family in our pack. Their son had earned his Catholic Faith Emblem. I then began researching the different emblems offered. I wanted my children to have the opportunity to earn their faith emblems as Muslim Scouts. Reaching out to our Local Council upon hearing about the Duty To God weekend from a flyer in the Scout Shop. I offered to teach the classes for the cubs, I wanted them to have the same chance that my sons had.

Northeast Georgia BSA Council  has a yearly  Duty To God weekend held at Camp Rainey Mountian.  Where Cubs, Scouts, and Venture’s can earn their religious faith emblems.  The scouts camp with an adult partner attending classes during the weekend.It is generally offered the first weekend in April.

This year NEGA offered the Muslim Faith Emblem for cubs from 3-5th grade. The boys worked on learning the basic fundamentals of Islam while being in an outdoor setting. Upon completing the classes the boys  earned the Bismillah emblem. We had scouts coming from Atlanta Area Council Pack 12.  Also scouts  from Pack 1215 in Northeast Georgia Council. For many of the boys this was their first time camping.

We shared the camp with the other participants, and had the opportunity to do interfaith dialogue. This was an excellent opportunity to work together, and learn about the many things we all had in common.  For  Non-Muslim participants they had an opportunity to interact with Muslim scouts in a positive setting. For many of these families, this was their first personal introduction to Islam and helped to build relationships and break down barriers.

It was truly an honor to help these boys earn their faith emblems. These memories will last a lifetime In shaa Allah.

Interested in the religious emblems http://www.muslimscouting.net/religious-emblems/

If you have a Muslim scout, or want to lead a workshop. Ask us how

 

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Muslim Scouts Welcome Ramadan

Many Scouts throughout the world will welcome the Holy month of Ramadan tonight, May 15th, with the first night of Taraweeh prayers. A special prayer during the month of Ramadan, a month spent in Fasting and additional worship, intended to elevate spiritual observance and to help Scouts enrich their Duty and Reverence to God. We encourage Parents and Scout Leaders to have their Scouts to participate in the Ramadan Quest program.

According to the Fiqh Council of North America, the announcement for Ramadan is based upon the following that Ramadan, 1439 AH, the Astronomical New Moon is on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at 11:47 Universal Time. On that day, somewhere in the Pacific Ocean at sunset, the elongation is 8 degrees and moon is 5 degrees above the sun. Therefore, the first day of Ramadan 1439 is on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, insha’Allah. First Tarawih prayer will be on Tuesday night.

The Eid ul-Fitr, for 1439 AH, is based upon that the Astronomical New Moon is on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at 19:43 Universal Time. On that day there is no place on earth where at sunset the elongation is 8 degrees and moon is 5 degrees above the sun. Therefore, Shawwal cannot start the next day. Hence, the first day of Shawwal 1439 is on Friday, June 15, 2018, insha’Allah.

Due to some differences in juristic opinions among Muslim scholars, some Scouts may begin and end Ramadan on slightly different days. Scout leaders should be aware of this fact and proceed appropriate in serving their Scouts.

Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic Lunar calendar and is marked by the sighting of the waxing crescent moon and ends with the sighting of the waxing crescent moon of the following month, Shawwal. The period of time for Ramadan is thus 29 or 30 days; never any longer or any shorter than that. Fasting during Ramadan begins at Dawn which is well before sunrise and ends at Sunset. Most Muslims use prayer schedules and apps to assist them in precisely identifying the calculated prayer times. Muslims refrain from all food and drink during the fasting period. Young children, elderly, individuals who are sick, traveling, and women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or who are menstruating are exempt from fasting.

Courtesies to extend to Muslims during Ramadan:

  1. Greet them with “Ramadan Mubarak”. The meaning of which is “Happy Ramadan”. At the end of Ramadan, when they begin to celebrate the Eid ul-Fitr, you can wish them “Eid Mubarak”, which simply means “Happy Holiday”.
  2. Refrain from eating or drinking around Muslims but of course, if you do, it’s not necessarily offensive. Consider helping them out by not reminding them by the sights and smells of food. Think of how you might feel when you are hungry.
  3. Empty stomachs can have odorous side effects. Unfortunately, a fasting individual can’t take a mint or chew gum to counter the issue. In all sincerity, they do practice good oral hygiene. Just be patient.
  4. Muslims are Java people do. Therefore, they might be going through their own withdrawals of not having enough caffeine and especially with the long days during the summer, extra worship activities, they might show some signs of fatigue. Do your best to engage them in a supportive manner. Muslims are everyday people, striving to improve themselves. They’re far from perfect, so don’t expect that. Achieving patience, takes patience.
  5. If a Muslim invites you to an Iftar, fast breaking meal, consider yourself a lucky person. Come on time and come with an empty stomach. Unless they ask you to bring some food, there is no need. Usually there will be more than enough and you will probably go home with some left overs.
  6. Many Muslim Scouting units hold Scout Iftars. Contact your local Muslim Scouting unit and find out when their Iftar is. They would love to have you.

If you need help in finding a Muslim Scouting unit or if you are a Muslim Scouting unit and you are holding a Scouting Iftar and would like to share information about your event, feel free to let us know. If you have any questions, comments, or an event you would like to share, please feel free to send us an email at namas@muslimscouting.org, or share a post about your event to our Facebook page  or join our Facebook group to share and discuss more.

 

Scoutmaster Training March 2018

Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Training

Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Training

If you would like to become a member of the Scoutmaster Corps to help make a difference in your Troop, here is an opportunity to learn how to do so. Training on how to become a Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster is being offered in person by the Patriot Distict. The training is open to all.

To register for the training, visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b4aa8a92aaaf58-patriot.

The purpose of Scoutmaster Position-Specific training is to provide an active, fun, and positive learning experience for new and experienced Scoutmasters to learn and apply proven techniques for running an effective Boy Scout troop. Scoutmasters will learn how to meet the aims of Scouting by applying the eight methods of the Boy Scouting program during the four main sessions of the course:

  •  Patrol Method
  •  Support Team
  •  Advancement
  • Annual Planning