🌿Assalamu Alaikum, Dallas!
Tonight is a special one for the dads: IAA Allen is hosting a Father & Son Qiyam Night with a dress-up twist. High school sisters, EPIC has a real-talk FNL discussion lined up for you too, ending with a piñata because why not. We also found your new weekend dining destination: Stacked by AJ's just opened in Allen bringing 100% halal, bold fast-casual flavors to the DFW scene. Saturday has a free sisters fitness trial at IACC and a warm, welcoming coffee hour for converts and anyone exploring Islam at DAR Coffee in Frisco. And Sunday brings the community together again with the Seerah potluck at ICF and The Living Heart series for high school boys at EPIC. Let's finish September strong together. 🌿
💭 FAITH REFLECTION — The One Act That Multiplies Everything
Last week we talked about barakah, divine increase, and the practices that invite it into our lives. One of those practices deserves its own conversation, because it may be the most powerful and the most underused tool in a believer's daily life.
Shukr. Gratitude.
Not the kind that shows up when something extraordinary happens; a new baby, a job promotion, a recovered health scare. But the deep, consistent, eyes-open gratitude for the ordinary. The breath you just took. The meal on your table. The family sleeping under your roof. The fact that you woke up this morning with your faith intact.
Allah made a promise about gratitude that is unlike almost any other promise in the Quran and He said it directly, in the first person, with absolute certainty:
"If you are grateful, I will surely increase you. But if you are ungrateful, indeed My punishment is severe." (Ibrahim: 7)
Not "I might increase you." Not "I will consider it." I will surely increase you. Shukr is one of the only acts where Allah guarantees the return. And the increase is not limited to one area of life, scholars explain that gratitude for health brings more health, gratitude for rizq brings more rizq, gratitude for relationships deepens them, and gratitude for faith strengthens it.
But here is the part we often miss: the Prophet ﷺ taught us that shukr is not just a feeling, it is an action. It is expressed with the heart, the tongue, and the limbs.
With the heart: recognizing that every blessing, without exception, comes from Allah alone. Not from your effort, your intelligence, or your luck. From Him.
With the tongue: saying Alhamdulillah not as a reflex but as a genuine acknowledgment. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Alhamdulillah fills the scale." (Muslim) One phrase, sincerely said, carries weight that reaches the heavens.
With the limbs: using your blessings in ways that please Allah. The hands He gave you, used to help someone. The wealth He provided, shared with those who need it. The time He granted, spent on what truly matters.
The Prophet ﷺ himself would stand in night prayer until his feet swelled despite being guaranteed Jannah. When asked why, he said: "Should I not be a grateful servant?" (Bukhari) If the most blessed human being who ever lived expressed gratitude through action, what does that say about the rest of us?
This week's action items:
🌿 Action 1 — Start a daily Alhamdulillah practice. Every morning this week, before you pick up your phone, name three specific things you are grateful for, not general things like "my family" but specific ones: "the sound of my child's laugh this morning," "the fact that I woke up for Fajr today," "the meal I had last night." Specificity deepens gratitude. Do this for seven days and notice what shifts.
🌿 Action 2 — Turn a blessing into an act of shukr. Identify one blessing in your life this week; your health, your home, your income, your free time and use it deliberately for Allah's sake. Cook a meal for a neighbor. Give sadaqah from your rizq. Spend an hour of your free time in Quran or dhikr instead of scrolling. Let the blessing become the act of gratitude. That is shukr with the limbs and that is what Allah increases.
❝ "Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah." (Abu Dawood) — Gratitude to Allah begins with recognizing His blessings through the people He placed in your life. 🤍
🔦 THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS
Here's a quick look at what's inside this issue — don't miss any of it:
🍔 Stacked by AJ's (Allen) — Halal Find Brand new, 100% halal, bold fast-casual comfort food with a modern high-energy atmosphere perfect for family dinners or a late-night hangout.
👔 Father & Son Qiyam Night — Tonight (Allen) Dads and sons ages 6–12, suit up or come as your favorite superhero for an epic night of prayer, competition, and bonding at IAA Allen.
🎉 EPIC FNL — Tonight (Plano) High school sisters 8th grade and up, EPIC Youth is hosting a real-talk discussion on navigating tricky situations and staying grounded.
🧘♀️ Sisters Fitness Trial — Saturday (Plano) IACC Sisters Committee is offering a free Pilates, strength, and mobility class with certified instructor Shafaq Hammad.
☕ Suhbah & Sips — Saturday (Frisco) New Muslims, converts, and anyone curious about Islam — Mufti Sajid Ali is hosting a relaxed, welcoming coffee hour at DAR Coffee in Frisco.
ISLAMIC EVENTS
Friday
IAA: 👔 Father & Son Qiyam Night (Dress-Up Edition)
Suit up in your sharpest fit or drop in as your favorite superhero for an epic dad-and-son night! Join Imam Arb and Ustadh Zeeshan at the Islamic Association of Allen for an action-packed evening of prayer, friendly competition, reflection, and solid bonding.
📅 Date: Friday, September 25th
⏰ Time: After Isha – 11:30 PM
📍 Location: Islamic Association of Allen (909 Allen Central Dr, Allen, TX 75013)
👥 Who: Fathers & Sons (Ages 6–12)
📱 Action: Registration required at linktr.ee/iaa.youth
EPIC: FNL 🎉
Ever feel like lines get a little blurry when something popular or "normal" starts to seem totally fine? EPIC Youth Sisters is closing out the month with a real-talk discussion on navigating tricky situations, staying grounded, and—to top it all off—breaking open a piñata!
📅 Date: Friday, September 25th
⏰ Time: Maghrib to Isha
📍 Location: EPIC Downstairs MPH (East Plano Islamic Center)
👥 Who: Girls 8th Grade & Up
🪅 Activity: Discussion & Piñata
📱 Action: Head over to EPIC Downstairs MPH
ICI: 📖 Prophetic Stories
Bring the little ones along for inspiring tales, fun hands-on crafts, and tasty snacks! The Islamic Center of Irving is hosting a weekly storytime where kids can learn timeless lessons from the Quran in an engaging, cozy environment.
📅 Date: Every Friday
⏰ Time: After Maghrib
📍 Location: ICI Library (Islamic Center of Irving)
👥 Who: Kids
Saturday
IACC: 🧘♀️ Sisters Fitness Trial Session
Ready to kickstart your wellness routine in a comfortable, sisters-only space? IACC Sisters Committee is hosting a free trial fitness session covering Pilates, strength training, mobility, and guided breathing techniques with certified instructor Shafaq Hammad!
📅 Date: Saturday, September 26th
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Sisters Area (Upstairs), IACC Masjid
👥 Who: Sisters 18+
🎟️ Details: Free trial class (Limited to the first 15 participants on a first-come, first-served basis)
ICF: ☕ Suhbah & Sips
Looking for a relaxed space to connect over great coffee and even better conversation? Whether you're a new Muslim, exploring Islam, or just looking to meet welcoming faces, join Mufti Sajid Ali at DAR Coffee for good vibes and great company!
📅 Date: Saturday, September 26th
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Location: DAR Coffee (11030 Panther Creek Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75035)
👥 Who: Converts & anyone exploring Islam
Sunday
ICF: 🍲 Sunday Morning Seerah & Potluck
Start your Sunday off right with nourishment for both the mind and the stomach! Join Imam Salah Mahmoud as he explores the rich life and lessons of the Prophet ﷺ, followed by a community potluck to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
📅 Date: Every Sunday
⏰ Time: After Fajr
📍 Location: Main Prayer Hall, Islamic Center of Frisco (11137 Frisco St, Frisco, TX 75034)
👥 Who: Community / Open to all
EPIC: ❤️ The Living Heart
Nothing beats starting your Sunday morning with a clear head and a recharged soul. Wrap up your morning prayer and stick around for a series focused on spiritual growth, character, and keeping your heart alive in today’s world!
📅 Date: Sundays
⏰ Time: After Fajr
👥 Who: High School Boys 14+
📍 Location: EPIC
EVENT HIGHLIGHT
HALAL FIND
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food destination in the DFW area! Stacked by AJ’s in Allen is bringing serious heat to the local dining scene as a brand-new, 100% Halal hotspot that’s built for big cravings and even bigger flavors.
The atmosphere is modern, high-energy, and completely welcoming—making it the ideal neighborhood hangout for weekend family dinners or late-night catch-ups with friends. With an absolute dedication to bold fast-casual classics crafted fresh to order, every visit delivers incredible hospitality and pure indulgence. If you're looking for a vibrant, fun new spot to level up your dining rotation, this local standout is an absolute must-visit . check out this reel!
FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
KIDS & TEENS ACTIVITIES
🤝 Teens Give Back Teens, join the library team for a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours while giving back to your community! Work on fun, impactful projects that support library patrons and local outreach programs.
📍 Location: Community Room, Ron Wright Lake Arlington Branch Library (4000 W Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76016)
📅 Date/Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
💰 Cost: Free! (Generously supported by the Friends and Foundation of the Arlington Public Library).
👪 Audience: Teens in 7th–12th Grade (Ages 13–17 needing volunteer hours).
✨ What to Expect:
Meaningful Projects: Past activities include assembling handmade craft kits, making cards for seniors in the Books on Wheels program, crafting scavenger hunt prizes, or prepping materials for library events.
Earn Service Hours: Ideal for students needing community service credit for school, clubs, or honor societies.
All Supplies Included: Everything you need for the projects is provided by the library.
🧶 Create, Craft and Chat Connect with your neighbors while exploring the joy of making! Join us for hands-on handicrafts and tinkering projects that spark creativity and innovation. Bring your ideas and enjoy creating together in a warm, welcoming community space. All materials and inspiration are provided from the library's collection.
📍 Location: Create Room, Arlington Public Library - George W. Hawkes Downtown Library (100 S Center St, Arlington, TX 76010)
📅 Date/Time: Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
💰 Cost: Free! (Generously supported by the Friends and Foundation of the Arlington Public Library).
👪 Audience: Adults, Seniors, and Teens (Ages 13+).
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