A message from our President

Asalamu Alaikum Dear Brothers & Sisters,
InshaAllah this email finds you and your families in the best of faith and health.
As we look back at the last two weeks from when Governor Baker declared the State of Emergency in Massachusetts due to COVID-19, it feels like so much has changed and the future appears to be very uncertain. 
Religious institutions have closed their doors, schools and colleges have shut down or gone virtual, the majority of the workforce in the US is working remotely, sporting and entertainment events have stopped, the stock market has crashed (multiple times), businesses are closing and laying off workers, gas prices have plummeted, panic-buying and hoarding of supplies is widespread. Lets not forget all of the conspiracy theories roaming around, fake news and people instigating that the end of the world is occurring.
With all of this its understandable that you may be worried about what the future holds, for you, your children, parents and loved ones.Please don’t despair and know that everything that happens is by the Will of Allah (SWT). Have nothing to fear and put your trust in Allah (SWT). 
“If Allah touches you with harm, there is none that can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good fortune (there is none that can stop it); And He is Able to do all things; He is the Omnipotent over His slaves, and He is the All Wise, all Knower” (Surah Al-An’am, Verse 17-18)
Our message is clear, with Allah’s Help, we are here to help support you during these trying times. But we need your help to ensure we can combat this virus together. First and foremost your sincere Prayers and Dua is needed. Your action is essential, please listen to the mandates by the CDC and state and federal experts. Practice social distancing, don’t have large gatherings, quarantine yourself and reach out to your doctor if your not feeling well. Reach out to your neighbors, especially the elders, help all those in need – muslim and non-muslim. We are all in this together and equal in the sight of Allah and judged by our deeds/actions.
Please see below for a few important updates and information on resources you can leverage during these difficult times. 

• Coronavirus Emergency Response – Financial Hardship Grants (ISWM is a Sponsor of this Fund – you can request money or donate to the fund)
• Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Virtual Town Halls – Limited Space! (You need to register!)
• CDC Information on Coronavirus (Resources for Businesses & Individuals)

Lastly, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Board (ISWMBoard@yahoo.com) should you have any questions or need anything.

On behalf of the ISWM Board, Board of Trustees & our local Religious Leaders, I thank you for your generosity and ask Allah to save humanity from all calamities, illnesses and allow us to turn back to Him with stronger Faith and be a source of goodness for others.

Jazaka Allah Khairan,
Mohammed A. DastigirISWM President
Cell: 413-222-3883www.iswmonline.com
—
Visit us at http://iswmonline.com