Muslim families gather for the first night of Ramadan after losing mosque during Eaton Fire
"The fact that Ramadan is coming up in this time period with so much pain and devastation, it couldn't have come at a better time," said real estate broker Jihad Abdus Shakoor. "You have some sense of comfort that Ramadan's here. You're going to have a lot of community involvement, a lot of unity, a lot of love."
Aaron Abdus Shakoor, Jihad's father, founded Masjid Al-Taqwa more than 40 years ago. However, after the Eaton Fire destroyed it in January, the family will not gather at the Altadena mosque for the first time in 20 years.
"It's very difficult because it's a place where we pray," Aaron said. "It's a place we have jumah (Friday prayer) and connect."
The family lost a home, their real estate office and other properties during the wildfire.
"It's something that you have to make adjustments to, but I'm confident we'll get through all this," Aaron said.
The community is helping them raise funds online to begin recovering. Meanwhile, New Horizon School in Pasadena welcomed the Shakoors' tight-knit congregation to its campus and offered them the space to celebrate the holy month of worship.
"We'll be breaking fast there," Aaron said. "We'll be having our evening prayer."
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset every day.
"Hopefully, that normal energy of Ramadan will uplift the spirits of everyone in the community," Jihad said. "All of the faith-based communities came together and everyone seems to want to help each other. Which, I think, is probably the best thing that's come out of all of this devastation."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
Best Online Quran Classes in USA for Kids
the demand for accessible and high-quality Islamic education is growing rapidly—especially in the United States. Whether you're a parent seeking Quran classes for your children, a busy working professional looking to reconnect with your faith, or a new Muslim eager to start your Quranic journey, Al Madina Quran Academy is here to help. Our mission is simple yet profound: to make Quran education accessible to every Muslim household in the USA through expertly designed online Quran classes for kids, adults, and reverts. With dozens of online Quran learning options available, why do so many families and individuals across the U.S. trust Al Madina Quran Academy? U.S.-friendly Timings Free Trial Classes Experienced Male & Female Tutors Flexible Scheduling for Kids & Adults Classes via Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet 1-on-1 Personalized Sessions Special Revert Programs We blend traditional Islamic knowledge with modern learning technology to give you or your child the most effective Quranic education experience online. Children are quick learners; the earlier they begin their Quranic journey, the better. At Al Madina Quran Academy, we provide: Quran classes for kids aged 4 to 15 Fun, interactive sessions using games and visuals Special beginner lessons with basic Noorani Qaida and Tajweed rules Our instructors know how to engage children with patience and energy. They focus on character building and Islamic manners while teaching Quran recitation. Busy parents can schedule sessions after school or during weekends. Our Quran classes are designed to suit American family lifestyles. Whether you're reconnecting with your Deen or starting fresh, we provide supportive, adult-friendly Quran learning options. One-on-one attention Flexible times (evenings or weekends) Structured curriculum: Noorani Qaida → Tajweed → Full Recitation → Hifz We understand the pressures of adult life. That's why we offer night and early morning time perfect for professionals with tight schedules. Becoming a Muslim is the beginning of a beautiful journey. We're honored to help new Muslims learn the Quran and understand Islam. Basics of Islam: Salah, Wudu, Fasting, Aqeedah Quran with easy-to-understand translation Gentle pace and full support Our teachers are trained to be respectful, understanding, and compassionate toward new Muslims of all backgrounds. Experience our teaching style before you commit. The free trial lets you meet your teacher, test the platform, and see the difference. We hire only qualified Huffaz, Qaris, and Islamic scholars who can teach in fluent English, Urdu, or Arabic. We operate on EST, PST, CST, and all other U.S. time zones. Morning or night—our team adjusts to your lifestyle. No group distractions. Each class is personalized to the student's level and learning style. We use trusted platforms that are secure, reliable, and easy to access on mobile or PC. Step 1: Choose a Course Pick from beginner, Tajweed, Hifz, Revert, or Islamic studies. Step 2: Book a Free Trial We'll schedule your class with a qualified tutor—no commitment required. Step 3: Start Your Journey After the trial, select a plan and time. Begin your Quran learning journey with confidence! Perfect for kids and reverts starting from scratch. Builds the foundation of Quranic pronunciation. Students learn to recite the Quran with proper rules and articulation. Includes practice and correction sessions. Step-by-step memorization plans for children and adults, with weekly testing and revision strategies. Basics of Islam Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Stories of the Prophets Fiqh & Islamic Etiquettes Salah & Daily Duas We offer custom family packages where parents and children can study together or separately with the same tutor. Save money with bundled family pricing Build an Islamic routine at home Shared homework and Islamic discussions Teachers use interactive whiteboards, screen sharing, and annotations for better understanding. Our structured learning portal includes: Lesson plans Revision tracker Feedback notes Digital Quran copies No Commute, No Stress Study from the comfort of your home. Study from the comfort of your home. Consistency & Convenience Never miss a class thanks to flexible rescheduling. Never miss a class thanks to flexible rescheduling. Safe Learning Environment All classes are monitored for professionalism and security. 'My 7-year-old daughter loves her Quran teacher. She's learning Tajweed at her pace and always looks forward to class!' – Sana A., New Jersey 'As a revert, I was nervous. But Al Madina made me feel welcome. My teacher answers all my questions, and I now recite Quran daily!' – Michael D., California 'We've been with them for over a year. My son has memorized five Juz so far. Highly recommend their Hifz program.' – Imran H., Texas We proudly serve students in all 50 U.S. states, including: New York, California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and New Jersey Remote towns and big cities alike All you need is Wi-Fi and a device End-to-end encryption on Zoom/Skype Parent participation allowed Teachers verified and monitored No classes are recorded without consent You're one step away from joining hundreds of families across the USA who trust Al Madina Quran Academy for their Islamic education needs. 🔹 No Registration Fees 🔹 Custom Schedule & Plans 🔹 One-on-One Attention from Qualified Tutors 📞 Phone: +923 44527 2772 📱 WhatsApp: +923 44527 2772 🌐 Website: 📧 Email: info@ Whether you're a parent looking for Quran classes for kids, a busy adult trying to reconnect spiritually, or a revert seeking guidance, Al Madina Quran Academy is your go-to source for the best online Quran classes in USA. With structured courses, flexible timings, and qualified teachers, your Quran learning journey starts here. Try it today—book your free trial and experience the difference. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Time Business News
Tutors of the Quran in the United States: Bridging Confidence and Education across Distances
Maintaining strong Islamic principles and traditions while also adapting to a Western way of life might be something that Muslim families that live in the United States of America find to be a challenge. For Muslim parents, one of the most significant worries is how they can ensure that their children receive a Quran education of sufficient quality. It has been much simpler for Muslims to maintain their connection to their faith, regardless of where they live, because to the proliferation of Quran instructors in the United States, who are available both in-person and online. Increasing Demand for Quran Tutors in USA In the United States of America, the Muslim population is consistently expanding, and there are different communities dispersed across all of the major states. On the other hand, not every city or town has access to a mosque or Islamic school in the immediate vicinity. As a consequence of this, parents are resorting to private Quran tutors in order to assist their children and even themselves in learning the Holy Quran with correct pronunciation, Tajweed, and comprehension. Whether it be to learn how to recite the Quran, to memorize Surahs, or to comprehend the meanings that lie behind the verses, Muslim families all throughout the United States are in great demand for expert Quran teachers so that they can learn these things. Tutors of the Quran: Who Are They? A Quran tutor is a someone who is competent to teach the Quran, including the correct norms of Tajweed, fluent recitation, and sometimes Tafseer, which is the interpretation of the Quran. A significant number of instructors are Hafiz-e-Quran, which means they have memorized the Quran, and some of them have had official Islamic education from institutes that are recognized. Tutors can be male or female, according on the learner's inclination, and they are able to instruct adult students, youngsters, reverts, and anyone who do not know Arabic as their first language. Proficient in Tajweed regulations is one of the most important qualities of a good Quran tutor. Proficient in the recitation of Arabic Highly experienced in instructing students of all ages A patient, pleasant, and encouraging individual Capable of explaining difficult concepts using simpler language Regularly on time and dedicated to the development of the student Tutors of the Quran in the United States: Their Benefits The following are some of the compelling reasons why many Muslim families in the United States choose to take use of the services of Quran tutors: An Independent and Tailored Educational Course During one-on-one sessions, the instructor is able to concentrate solely on the student's particular pace and requirements. Private classes offer a more individualized learning experience, which is beneficial for students who are just starting out or who are looking to improve their reciting skills. Schedules that are flexible Due to the hectic lifestyles of Americans, it is essential to have flexible schedule. Therefore, in order to accommodate school, job, and other commitments, Quran tutors frequently work in the evenings or on the weekends. Education in the Attic When their children are educated in a setting that is both secure and comfortable, parents experience a greater sense of ease. The convenience of having a Quran tutor come to your home, or interacting with them online, saves you time and eliminates the stress of traveling. Comprehending the other culture A great number of Quran Tutors in USA are familiar with the difficulties that Muslim kids confront in Western countries. In order to assist youngsters in navigating life with Islamic ideals, they frequently add features, such as moral lessons and character-building activities, into their lessons. Options for private tutors, both male and female There is a large pool of certified female Quran teachers available in the United States of America and online for families who wish to have female tutors for their daughters or younger children. An Increasingly Popular Trend: Online Quran Tutors In the United States of America, online Quran tutoring has emerged as the most popular way of Quran study, as the expansion of distant learning continues uninterrupted. Online instructors are able to overcome any geographical limitations, regardless of whether you live in New York, California, Texas, or a remote place that does not have a mosque in close proximity. The benefits of using online Quran tutors include the ability to learn from any location with an internet connection. You get access to a larger pool of tutors, some of whom from other countries. Utilization of screens that may be shared, interactive tools, and whiteboards Cost-effective monthly subscriptions that include free consultations During online sessions, parental oversight is simple to accomplish. Finding the Right Quran Tutor in the United States of America Here are some suggestions to consider if you are seeking for a Quran tutor in the United States of America: Make sure to inquire about recommendations from the Muslim community or mosque in your area. Investigate accredited online Quran academies that are headquartered in the United States. Take a look at the feedback and comments left by other students. Ask for a free trial class so you can evaluate the tutor's teaching approach and communication skills. Ensure that the instructor possesses the appropriate level of Islamic knowledge as well as teaching abilities. Conclusion In the United States of America, Muslim families that wish to maintain their faith while living in a contemporary and fast-paced environment is blessed with the opportunity to have access to Quran teachers. Whether you decide to go the online way or the in-person approach, the most important thing is to locate a tutor who is competent, trustworthy, and a good fit for your family. Even when they are thousands of miles away from conventional Islamic centers, children and adults alike are capable of developing a close relationship with the Quran, gaining spiritual insight, and leading a life that is anchored in Islamic values and principles if they are provided with the appropriate direction. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
From Heartbreak to Hope: One Man's Journey to Rebuild His Family Home
This video follows Sergio Lambert, a leader in the Los Angeles Carpenters Union, whose life was upended when the Eaton Fire destroyed his family's home in Altadena. The fire swept through his neighborhood around 4:30 a.m. on January 8, 2025. Sergio's first move was to evacuate his parents from the home they had lived in for over 35 years. 'Once I saw the fire coming, my immediate instinct was to evacuate my parents... I just started knocking and kicking doors in, and we made it out in the blink of time,' said Lambert. In the 10 minutes that followed he knocked on neighbors' doors to alert them before the house was consumed by flames. The loss was huge, decades of memories and family history gone. 'I haven't come up here too much because it's very hard... but the good memories are here. That's what keeps us afloat,' said Sandra Molina, Sergio's Mother. We caught up with the immediate aftermath where help from the Los Angeles Carpenters Union arrived fast. They brought water, food, shelter and a $5,000 donation to help his family. This is a full circle moment for Sergio who credits the union's apprenticeship program with turning his life around and giving him a career and purpose. 'These are the hands of a skilled carpenter... I'm committed and I made a promise to my parents that as a skilled carpenter I will build this house back even if it's with my own two hands,' said Lambert. Now, surveying the damage, Sergio Lambert is not defeated. Among the ashes lies his tile saw, a reminder of the work he put into the house before. He lost his tools and his home but he's holding onto the promise he made to his parents he's holding onto his promise to build a new foundation for his family.
