Al-Bayan
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 26
The Muslim Student Publication at the University of California, Berkeley
ANTIOCH MOSQUE ARSON The mosque’s burning down reveals a history of problems, and a chance for a fresh start. 6
Landless
Peasants:
A look at the Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra in Brazil 4
2 Al-Bayan
peace & blessings be upon you
salaam!
Al-Bayan Al-Bayan is a publication put together by Muslim students at the University of California, Berkeley. It is ASUCsponsored, but does not reflect the views of the student government or the university. The Arabic word “AlBayan,” means “The clarification.” We hope that this issue does indeed serve as a source of clarification , as well an insight into the ongoings of the Muslim community. In Islam, both the Quran (the Holy Book) and the Hadith (Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) sayings) express the value of attaining knowledge, and the pursuit of it a form of worship. More valuable than the quest, however, is the application of the knowledge. Through this publication, our fellow students have had an opportunity to apply their knowledge by conveying it to others with the hopes of inspiring contribution to our society. We ask your forgiveness for anything we have said wrong. Anything good comes from Allah (swt) and anything wrong comes from ourselves.
House of Curries 2520 Durant Avenue Berkeley (510) 584-5800
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Spring 2008 / Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1429 3
The First Question
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The first thing for which people will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be their salaah (prayer). Our Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, will say to His angels – although He knows best – ‘Look at the salaah of My slave, whether it is complete or incomplete.’ If it is perfect, it will be recorded as perfect, and if something is lacking, He will say, ‘Look and see whether My slave did any voluntary (naafil) prayers.’ If he did some voluntary prayers, [Allah] will say, Complete the obligatory actions of My slave from his voluntary actions.’ Then all his actions will be dealt with in a similar manner.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood). Submitted by Sarah Nazarkhan
1. Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created2. Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: 3. Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,4. He Who taught (the use of ) the pen,5. Taught man that which he knew not. 6. Day, but man doth transgress all bounds, 7. In that he looketh upon himself as self sufficient. 8. Verily, to thy Lord is the return (of all). Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot) Chapter 96, Verses 1-8 Yusuf Ali Translation
Rahim Ali
having faith in the web
You can find almost anything on the Internet these days. Even Islam. Although a number of uncredible websites exist, Muslim communities have found a new venue for learning and discussion Whether it is learning how to correctly perform Salaat or asking questions about Islamic principals, there are websites of every kind that provide help and guidance to Muslims across the world and insightful information to non-Muslims as well. “Websites like these increase accessibility,” said Zaheer Razack, the director of business development for the website SunniPath.com. “It is just like any other form of communication, such as a telephone or a book.” Sunnipath.com is one of the many websites that make Islamic resources accesible, such as its Islamic Academy course, live one-on-one chats, recommended books to read, and hundreds of categories of question forums that range from fasting to marriage to Hajj. Razack believes that talking with others about Islam is important.
“I believe that two way interaction is most effective,” he said. The website began in 2002 and since then has expanded drastically. It launched the Islamic Academy in 2004, which consists of several courses taught by scholars and sheikhs. In a span of two years, there has been an increase from 120 students to 1,000 students enrolling in these courses. SunniPath.com’s revenue has seen its revenue increase five times in the past two years. Razack described the program as being one of the “leading online Islamic academies”. But though websites such as SunniPath.com have provided helpful resources and programs for Islamic teaching, there are other websites and articles whose credibility is questioned. “When (a website) talks about Islamic ideology then it be-
comes dangerous,” Razack said. “I think there are a lot more unreliable facts out there, and we have a responsibility to make sure the right information gets out there.” With the ability to disperse information to a vast array of individuals, ideas of extremist Islam pose a threat. There have been many websites which have provided false information regarding the Qu’ran and Islamic beliefs. Razack explained that these extremist concepts are most effective towards Muslim youths, because
they are often more easily swayed by extremism. Youth should be careful and reflective when looking towards the internet for advice, he said. It is crucial to be aware that although the Internet is a useful source to find information on Islam, there are many resources that delude. The Internet is only a small portion of the way that technology is affecting Islam in the 21st century. There are now other technological advancements, which have influenced Muslims to participate in religious practice, such as listening to Qu’ran verses on an Ipod or downloading an Adhan program on a computer or cell phone. “I think we should embrace these things,” Razack said, “It is incredible to know that Muslims are adapted to technology.”
4 Al-Bayan
Laura Miller
landless, but not hopeless
The MST, or the Movimento
Agribusinesses, and even
dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra
the automobile industry, are behind
(Landless Rural Workers Movement) is
the promotion of agrofuels. They know
a Brazilian grassroots social movement
that petroleum is a finite resource,
that seeks to correct the gross inequities
and that humanity is going to need
of the countryside. Brazil has some of
alternative sources of energy. But they
the biggest disparities between rich
aren’t pushing agrofuels because they
and poor in the world. Furthermore, the
care about the environment. At the
country has a long history of inequitable
end of the day, they want profit. While
land concentration, whose origins lie in
growing export-oriented cattle feed and
the latifundia (hacienda) system that the
agrofuels in Brazil benefits an oligopoly
Spanish and Portuguese introduced all
of corporations and large landowners,
over Latin America.
it is catastrophic for peasants. This sort
While large tracts of land are
of large-scale agriculture will entail
sitting idle throughout Brazil, millions of
inevitable foreclosure of small farms,
peasants are landless. Their only options
dispossessing countless peasants (like
are to either a) remain trapped in rural
what happened to the Joads, an Oklahoma
is agrarian reform, as well as environmental
the Movement established a center for
poverty, or b) migrate to the favelas
family of small farmers, in John Steinbeck’s
sustainability. This is exactly the sort of
agroecology on land formerly useed by
(shantytowns) around Rio de Janeiro and
novel The Grapes of Wrath). What the
work that Nicholls is doing. Although the
biotech giant Monsanto. Interestingly,
São Paulo.
agribusiness-latifundia alliance is promoting,
Movement seeks to expropriate idle land
Movement activities appear to be better
then, is an agriculture by the Brazilian poor,
by drawing on a clause in the Brazilian
organized in southern Brazil, in the states
hosted an event at Berkeley’s La Peña
for the rich in Europe and North America.
constitution (which states that land must
of Santa Catarina, Paraná, and Rio Grande
Cultural Center in October 2007, precisely
Professor Clara Inés Nicholls,
serve its social function), it is not enough
do Sul, than in the north (for example,
to educate the American public about
who hails from Medellín, Colombia, and
for peasants to take over unproductive
in Maranhão or Ceará). Southern Brazil,
rural poverty in Brazil, and what the
teaches Latin American Studies at UC
land; one also has know how to farm the
which was settled by many German
people on the ground are doing about it.
Berkeley, has done extensive work in
land. The Movement has professional
and Italian immigrants, has more small
promoting agroecology (the science of
technical assistance, and many leaders have
family farms, while the Afro-Brazilian
Friends of the MST (FMST)
The Movement, according
to FMST’s national coordinator Juan
sustainable agriculture)
Reardon, began forming in the early
to the Movement. More
1980s. In 1985, the military dictatorship
than seventy percent
of João Baptista de Oliveira Figueiredo
of
ended, and Brazil returned to civilian rule.
poverty is found in the
Back in the 1980s, Brazilian peasants had
countryside,
to face one major adversary: the latifundia
said.
system. Today, however, peasants are up
against a more complicated adversary:
governments
the alliance between latifundia owners
that hunger will be
and agribusinesses.
solved
Latin
American Nicholls M a n y
by
believe importing
While large tracts of land are sitting idle throughout Brazil, millions of peasants are landless. Their only options are to either a) remain trapped in rural poverty, or b) migrate to the favelas (shantytowns)
studied
agroecology
Northeast has historically been home
abroad, in Spain and
to large plantations, primarily for sugar
beyond. Agroecological
cultivation, Nicholls said.
techniques
by
employed
the
Nicholls and her husband,
Movement
Professor Miguel Altieri, are working on
include integrated pest
creating a Ph.D. program in agroecology
management and crop
throughout Latin America, so that
rotation.
Movement leaders and other intellectuals
In
April
Nicholls
2007,
visited
a
do not have to study abroad in Europe.
Miguel
Nuñez,
an
Movement-sponsored
agroecology advisor to President Hugo
seed
Santa
Chávez from Venezuela, spoke after
are
Nicholls at the La Peña event. “Social
Agribusinesses are no friend
cheaper food to feed
of peasants. For many years, southern
the increasing number
Brazil, as well as parts of Argentina
of shantytown residents,
a symbol of farmers’
transformation will come when the
and Paraguay, have been home to big
and that poverty will
struggles,”
said.
education changes,” he says. Nuñez
soybean plantations and are sometimes
be alleviated by attracting foreign (i.e.,
Historically, it has been the farmer’s job to
believes that too often, education
collectively known as the “Republic of
agribusiness) investment. The Movement
conserve seeds. Nowadays, agribusinesses
reproduces capitalist values. He wants to
Soy” (Holt-Giménez). In the “Republic of
has a different approach to solving hunger
can take the seeds, genetically modify them,
help create “a new type of institution with
Soy,” good land that could be used to
and poverty. To them, these social ills will
patent them, and resell them to the farmer.
a new type of knowledge,” and he wants
grow local food is instead devoted to
cease to exist when there is food sovereignty.
When farmers have to buy seeds and other
to see agroecology taught at all levels.
soybean cultivaton, to be fed to cattle in
Food sovereignty means that agriculture is
inputs from a corporation, they enter a
No doubt, it has been a tremendous
Europe and North America. Now, all over
by the poor, for the poor, and the people,
vicious cycle of debt. A seed fair is one act
challenge to redo Venezuela’s education
Brazil, land is being devoted for another
rather than private industry, control food
of resistance against the privatization of
system. Nonetheless, Nuñez believes
non-edible function: the cultivation of
and resources.
agriculture.
“we are creating a revolution, and we are
agrofuels (fuel derived from crops like
soy, palm oil, and sugarcane).
food sovereignty can only occur when there
The Movement’s position is that
fair
Catarina.
Another
act
in “Seeds
of
she
resistance
comes from Ponta Grossa, Paraná. There,
contributing to the revolution all around the world.”
Spring 2008 / Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1429 5
Ameer EllABOUDY
at the “corps” of a solution
After being at the heart of a politi- unteers from all over to be a part cal dispute for more than 60 years, of the solution. the citizens of Kashmir suffer from The organization was economic and social instablity. founded two years ago by a group But some students are trying to of four students from across the change that. Though the conflict country: Samma Ishaq, Osman is between Pakistan and India, it is Ashai, Haris Shawl, and Hafsa the Kashmiri inhabitants who have Khanjwal, who attend UC Berkesuffered. ley, Georgetown, Syracuse, and The dispute began between Paki- Georgetown, respectively. stan and India arose Kashmir Corps not only when Maharaja, Pregnant women promotes research for then-ruler of Kash- do not always have solutions, but also mir, refused to cede the assistance of a actively implements the land to Pakistan doctor and often those solutions. The during the partition- have to give birth volunteer projects, themselves. ing of the two counsuch as five-week intries. ternships summer inThe turmoil that followed has pre- ternships in Kashmir, aim to assist vented the inhabitants from achiev- the economic development of the ing financial stability, and having region, advance healthcare, and acess to an adequate healthcare educate the people. system. Last year, Kashmircorps’s Kashmircorps, a national non- project aimed to improve the fish profit organization, is dedicated to market infrastructure. Kashmiri helping those in Kashmir and al- fishing families have difficulty supleviating some of those difficulties porting themselves because of the through research and community lack of an organized fish market. service. The orgainzation lists vol- “(Fish vendors) are unli-
censed so they are harassed by the police often, not to mention the physical trouble they go through everyday to make insufficient profits,” said Samma Ishaq, one of the directors of the organization. “The Kashmircorps volunteer working with children in kashmir during the summer program Pregnant women do not always project is aimed at organizing a stable market for the industry and have the assistance of a doctor and getting the fishers licensed, so they often have to give birth themselves can sustain themselves in the long when doctors are attending other emergency cases, she said. run.” The projects are directed to vari- Kashmircorps offers internships to ous groups, such as orphanage students to be a part of the soluprojects aimed at helping the tion. “People are becoming more conyouth. “We worked in Srinagar to help out cerned with themselves, because in the orphanages, anemia camps, the world is becoming more and and hospitals,” said Nuzhat Shaikh, more competitive,” Shaikh said. As both students and Muslims, one of the participants in the summer program. “We analyzed iron however, application of our knowllevels in the people’s blood and edge is just as important in attaining it. Kashmircorps provides the helped doctors at the hospitals.” According to Shaikh, there are opportunity to make a difference, not enough employed doctors or for others and for one’s faith. hospitals in Kashmir because of the lack of funds.
Zara Khan
The Rhythm of Islam
The sound of Quranic recitation has an immediate and undeniable effect on a listener. It can calm and soothe, even move some to tears. It is not always the words that have this effect seeing as the majority of Muslims around the world do not speak Arabic. In her book, “The Art of Reciting the Quran, author Kristina Nelson describes Quranic recitation as, “the core of religious devotion, the sanctioning of spirit of much cultural and social life, and a valued art from in its own right.” The beauty and art in the recitation of the Quran not only lies in the meaning of the Quran and in the elegance of the Arabic language, but in the synthesis of the two in sound.
The recitation of the Quran and the principles of music share essential tenets. Tajweed, the specific method of Quranic recitation, dictates that certain sounds are assigned particular techniques of expression to sensitively elucidate the meaning of the Quran. The Tajweed integrates language with music and imposes a system of rules upon the vocal articulation of the Quran but also allows ample room for improvisation. The musical basis of Tajweed is implicit using different melodic patterns and rhythmic deviations to evoke emotions within the listener. By expressing the meaning of the Quran through a melodic interpretation, one is able to “hear” the distinctiveness of the Quran and it is emphasized as a timeless oral
tradition. According to David Wessel, Director of the Center for New Music and Audio Technologies at UC Berkeley and Professor of Music Perception and Cognition, “Religious music certainly plays a role in collective behavior and social consensus and enlarges the size of social groups.” For this purpose, the oral tradition of Quranic recitation has endured and is continually studied, accompanied by the proliferation of Islam itself. Along with enhancing social solidarity, “one of the purposes of religious music is for expression and communication,” which can certainly be applied to the case of Quranic recitation since its main purpose is to spread the Word of God.
The psychological effects of listening to calming musical sound include the encouragement of relaxation, as well as the reduction of anxiety, muscular tension and arousal, says Dainow Elliot in his article, “Physical Effects and Motor Responses to Music.” The general tempo and melodic sequences of Quranic recitation are such that they would lead to these effects, thus causing the listener to have favorable alteration in his or her mood. By conveying the message of the Quran through a musical structure, human emotions are more strongly evoked, bolstering action as a result. A Buddhist saying states, “If hearing does not lead to action then of what use is hearing?”
6 Al-Bayan
Abrar Qadir
sparks of unity
It is with much difficulty that Abdul Rahman, Chairman of the Islamic Center of East Bay’s(ICEB) Board of Trustees, acknowledges the August 12th arson attack on Antioch’s masjid as a “blessing in disguise.” In Abdul Rahman’s words, “Until you lose something, you don’t realize its value.” At 12:30 AM on August 12th neighbors placed a call to police letting them know the masjid was on fire. By 1:30 AM a masjid member was notified that it had been extinguished. The arsonists, whose identities have not yet been ascertained by authorities, tried to set fire to four sides of the masjid, using childrens books to ignite the fires. More damage was done near the entrance with newspapers catching fire. Most of the damage actually occurred as thick black smoke rose to the top, melting portions of the roof and walls in the process. There was also considerable water damage from the firefighting effort itself. “It felt like someone died,” Rahman said. To understand how Abdul Rahman can call such an incident a blessing in disguise, he provides some background. What Antioch had was an underutilized mosque. Purchased in May 1999, the Islamic Center of East Bay had about 50 active members and with 200 people in attendance for Friday Prayers. Yet Rahman points out that there was a distinct lack of communal involvement, or even attachment to ICEB. Part of the problem was that the mosque was not open for each of the five daily prayers, a product of post-9/11 backlash fears. “We didn’t accommodate men-women issues properly,” Rahman said. Women were often frustrated at their lack of space accomodation, resulting in no attempts made at participation. The struggle to pay off the property, which they were able to do in January of 2007, prevented attempts to address the space issues. Such problems are not unique to the Islamic Center of East Bay, but these were not their only problems in recent years. It turned out that ICEB’s post-9/11 fears of violent backlash were not unwarranted. Since 9/11 there had been multiple incidents involving rocks being thrown at the masjid, resulting in the front window (being) broken three or four times. According to Rahman, Antioch’s
Chief of Police explained that ICEB’s surrounding 18th Street strip had been experiencing increased crime in the last six years. This would be the culmination of Antioch’s rapid population growth augmented by a large portion of Contra Costa County’s Section VII crowd moving in. Smaller disturbances were sometimes explained away as neighborhood teens playing pranks. An incident in January of this year, however, shattered any
such complacency. Perpetrators, who have not as of yet been identified, used a birdshot in an attack on ICEB, leaving dangerous shrapnel behind. Hate calls ensued and the situation was deemed serious enough for not only the city of Antioch, but the FBI, to get involved. Hence, it was with some prior experience that ICEB dealt with the August 12th arson. What they were not prepared for was the Bay Area Muslim Community’s reaction. “We have over 65 masjids in the Bay Area. The only masjid to show support by calling us, in the initial days was San Ramon,” Abdul Rahman explains, exasperation in his voice. Ironically, the day before the arson attack hundreds of Bay Area Muslims, including a sizeable number of ICEB members, were at Great America for the annual Muslim Unity Day. There is some suspicion that the arsonists knew of this. What surprised the Muslims of Antioch, says Abdul Rahman, was the immediate outpour of non-muslim support. Rahman estimates that at least 15 or 16 synagogues and churches called immediately to offer condolences and support. The arson itself happened on a Sunday, and from Monday through Wednesday interfaith leaders excitedly set up a meeting in the Pittsburgh Presbyterian Church led by Reverend Wilmagarve.
It was in fact church leaders’ idea for a peace march aimed at expressing the unacceptability of prejudice and violence in the community. Reverend Wilmagarve’s church offered to host Friday prayers while ICEB worked to get back on its feet. Had the Presbyterian Church not been only half a mile from Pittsburgh’s mosque, the kind offer would have been accepted. Rahman, speaking with reverence, excitedly tells of how “Wilmagarve made us feel like family.” T h e Antioch p e a c e march w a s scheduled for September 23rd, billed as a march a g a i n s t intolerance, and in support of its victim, ICEB, officially 4000 plus registered for the march. Marchers were led from Antioch City Hall, where a speech of thanks was given, to the charred Islamic Center of East Bay, approximately a 1 ½ mile walk. At ICEB posters of support were put on the mosque. From there some 600 to 700 people continued to Deer Valley High School for a quick program. Abdul Rahman mentions that most attendees were non-Muslims coming from church after Sunday worship services. Abdul Rahman readily admits that the Antioch Muslim community used to have reservations about non-muslims. “This whole experience completely changed my perspective on Allah, and on the Day of Judgment. These (Church and Synagogue) members do things without any wordly reason,” Rahman said. He talks of being reminded of pan-human roots. Humbly he adds that had he been in their position, he does not feel he would have done what they did. It is in these revelations he finds the hidden blessings. On the local level in Antioch, interfaith dialogue has been the main push from this whole unfortunate incident. Rahman admits that he is cognizant of the fact that there is opportunity where, for once, Muslims are clearly recognized as victims. “If this is what God willed, let’s run with it what good we can come by.”
Recalling the paltry reaction other masjids initially had, Rahman explains that had a synagogue been burned, the Jewish community’s power of networking would have rendered such nonchalance impossible. ICEB members describe their old suspicions in contrast with a new willingness to learn from the strengths of other communities, as they were there during Antioch’s Muslims’ time of need. “We (Muslims) are more in numbers (than Jews), but we have a disconnection.” Rahman says. He and the Board are aware of new blood in their community, and that this brush with loss has them reinvigorated to use it properly. “There is a jolt of what we should have done. If we leave the masjid empty, we leave the opportunity for attack,” he said. Discussing plans to increase member enrollment and involvement when ICEB is back up, Rahman proposes, “We didn’t do enough before. We need halaqa gatherings, and family programs.” To effectively integrate the Muslims of Antioch and nearby Pittsburgh, ICEB is cognizant of the need to rectify the disconnect between the huge Afghan-American population of the area and the Indo-Pak community, who form the majority of ICEB’S members. “We can’t just be known as the Desi masjid, or even simply Sunni,” Rahman says, noting that such a vision would require more space. As the Islamic Center of East Bay attempts to restore itself, some questions still need to be answered, not the least of which is who is responsible for the arson attack. Although the FBI’s Hate Crime Unit feels they can identify some suspicious characters, they are having trouble pinning said suspects in the crime’s time frame. The mosque will be rebuilt in the same location, and though construction hasn’t begun the $300,000 project is scheduled to finish by September, covered by insurance and community donations. While the smell of smoke still lingers in Antioch’s Islamic Center of East Bay, the fire of vigor and a commitment to interfaith dialogue has been ignited in Antioch’s Muslim community.
Spring 2008 / Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1429 7
Nida hUSSAIN
muslims in The mix portunity to help make history. The first
coordinator for the Democratic Na-
to observe the political process first hand.
woman president will be something his-
tional Committee, and also began to
Meeting Obama, Edwards, Hillary and some
toric,” Ahsan elaborated.
perform duties related to faith-based
other rock stars of American politics was
outreach.
really cool.” Azim is currently working and
Ahsan has been working for
the campaign since the summer and has
“I identified people that
preparing for law school.
since been involved organizing rallies,
I felt were Muslim leaders that [the
Those interested in getting involved
like a campaign event in Septemeber
Muslim outreach coordinator] could
should visit the following websites for in-
where Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums of-
get in touch with when she organizes
formation on internships, conferences and
ficially voiced his support of Clinton’s
conferences, so what I did was identify
volunteer positions:
litical scene are few and far between.
candidacy. Mrs. and Mr. Clinton were
and create a sort of database of con-
both in attendance along with 1200 sup-
tact information for Muslim leaders in Muslim Public Affairs Council:
porters.
North America,”Azim said.
Muslims on the American poThough the Muslim com-
munity has made strides in the past few
http://www.mpac.org
It was the large turnout that made
first nationally elected official, there is
the challenges, like not having a venue
favorite part of her internship was
still a long way to go until the Muslim
booked until a week before the event,
getting involved in the first place. Democratic National Committee:
voice is heard in Washington.
worthwhile, according to Ahsan. She de-
From there, she went on to say, “For
scribed the experience as very exciting
most people, what they get out of Republican National Committee:
and offered the following advice:
the news is what they get out of the
Increasingly, Muslim students
are taking on this responsibility through their political activism.
“It’s not always hard to get an
Zehra Ahsan, a law student
internship, but it is difficult to keep one
at Golden State University, was a former
of these internships, they require a lot of
intern for Mayor Gavin Newsom and is
time commitment and just showing up
currently an intern at Hillary Clinton’s Bay
and doing work,” Ahsan said. “There are
Area campaign headquarters.
a lot of students from all over California
“I wasn’t interested in politics
growing up,” Ahsan said. “I think I took a government class in high school and that
and so you have to work hard to distin
crats and Republicans were.”
the summer when she applied for an in-
Despite, her late interest in
ternship through the Cal in the Capital
politics, Ahsan has always been ready to
program. Samihah described the large
get involved for a worthy cause. At the
alumni network in D.C. as one of the
age of twelve, upon learning about the
best opportunities for students in the
Bosnian war while watching the nightly
program. If a student is looking to get
news with her father, Zehra decided to
involved with a particular organization,
write a letter to President Bill Clinton.
they can contact alumni already with the
“I just went on and on about the situ-
organization. Through Cal in the Capi-
ation in Bosnia. I said these people need
tal, Azim landed an internship with the
your help. I had everyone I knew sign it.
Democratic National Committee
Azim was selected as a mar-
put the signature as ‘Zehra Ahsan and
keting intern in the finance department
Friends’,” recalls Ahsan. A month later,
at the Democratic National Committee.
she got a letter responding to her con-
The finance department
cerns and signed by Bill Clinton that cur-
works on outreach to big dollar donors,
rently sits framed in her living room.
donors that have contributed more than
However Ahsan’s reasons for getting involved with Hillary Clinton’s campaign
$10,000,” Azim said.
During her internship a Mus-
have little to do with her affection for
lim woman from the Gallup polls came
Bill.
to the office to speak with the head of
http://citc.berkeley.edu http://www.democrats.org http://www.gop.com
political process, whereas I was able
Halal
Recent Cal graduate Sami-
hah Azim also chose to get involved over
I took it to my masjid, my parents, and
Azim explained that her Cal in the Capital:
guish yourself.”
was the first time I realized what Demo
years, with figures like Keith Ellis as the
“I heard about internship op-
faith-based outreach. The intern coor-
portunities at Hillary’s campaign while
dinator contacted Samihah and invited
at Newsom’s office, and applied because
her to sit in on the meeting. Samihah was
I felt like this was a unique time, and op-
put in touch with the Muslim outreach
Halal
8 Al-Bayan
A Decade in Pakistani Politics 1988-2008 Prime Minister
December 1988 Benazir Bhutto, chair of Pakistani Peoples Party, sworn in at the age of 35 as Prime Minister. She is the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state
November 1996 Benazir Bhutto’s government is dismissed by President Farooq Leghari on corruption charges. Decision is upheld by Supreme Court
August 1990 President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismisses Benazir Bhutto’s government on charges of corruption November 1990 Nawaz Sharif, representing Pakistan Muslim League (N), sworn in as Prime Minister
February 1997 Nawaz Sharif (PML-N) returns as Prime Minister, winning election in a landslide. The Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan is passed, stripping President of powers to dismiss Prime Minister
April 1993 President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismisses Nawaz Sharif’s government
May 1998 Government conducts nuclear tests two weeks after India’s own nuclear tests
May 1993 Supreme Court overrules President Ghulam Ishaq Khan’s decision; Nawaz Sharif (PML–N) is returned to post as Prime Minister
October 1999 After Nawaz Sharif (PML-N) attempts to dismiss army chief General Pervez Musharraf successfully employs coup d’etat and assumes control of Government
July 1993 Both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (PML–N) and President Ghulam Ishaq Khan resign amidst feud
June 2001 General Pervez Musharraf (PML-Q) appoints himself President September 2001 President General Pervez Musharraf (PML-Q)
October 1993 Benazir Bhutto (PPP) wins election, returns as
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agrees to give US access to three airbases for Operation Enduring Freedom following September 11th attacks on Twin Towers in New York October 2002 A plurality of the seats in Parliament is won by Pakistan Muslim League (Q) in general elections December 2003 President General Pervez Musharraf (PML-Q) survives an assasination attempt in Rawalpindi March 2007 President General Pervez Musharraf (PML-Q) suspends Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry June 2007 Lal Masjid members raid Chinese massage parlour Islamabad. Six Chinese nationals are kidnapped July 2007 President General Pervez Musharraf gives Lal Masjid militants ultimatum to surrender or die following bloody gun battles. Multi-Party Conference in London submits declaration asking President General Pervez
Musharraf (PML-Q) to resign October 2007 Parliament reelects General Pervez Musharraf (PML-Q) as President. Benazir Bhutto returns to Pakistan. Her welcome procession is marred by suicide bomb attack which kills more than 140 people November 2007 President General Pervez Musharraf PML-Q) declares State of Emergency, suspending Constitution and enacting martial law. Nawaz Sharif returns to Lahore from exile in Saudi Arabia. President General Pervez Musharraf (PML-Q) gives up post as army chief Decemeber 2007 Benazir Bhutto assassinated after political rally in Rawalpindi January 2008 Elections postponed due to Benazir Bhutto’s death February 2008 Elections take place and PML-Q is dealt heavy defeat. PML-N and PPP agree to form coalition following elections
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Spring 2008 / Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1429 9
sAMEEA kAMAL
Faith On Trial
On the morning of May 6,
agents had searched his
2004, FBI agents forced their way into
home without his or his
the office of Brandon Mayfield, arrest-
family’s knowledge, and
Amendment is the right
In September of 2007, Judge Aikan
ing him as a material witness in the
had followed him to the
of people to be free from
of the Federal District Court of Oregon
investigation of the Madrid bombings
mosque on repeat occa-
unreasonable searches, “
ruled in favor of Mayfield, granting him
in Spain.
sions, he said.
he said. “That is the bal-
compensation and concluding that the
I
ance between national
Patriot Act provisions are unconstitu-
one of many that showed up on the
found all this out was
security and respecting
tional.
FBI’s database when they searched
when I actually fully
people’s dignity, privacy
for similarities to those found on the
read (the affadavit) in
and liberty.”
explosives in Spain, despite the fact
my jail cell,” Mayfield
that he hadn’t been out of the United
said.
Mayfield’s fingerprints were
States for over 10 years.
Out of the fifteen matches,
Mayfield was the only one arrested.
Mayfield, who converted
to Islam after exposure in college, is
“When
lies in the constitution.
“ T he
Four th
Rosenthal said.
The government has ap-
pealed, and the case is scheduled to
Oregon lawyer
Elden Rosenthal repreHe was released after two
is the bill of rights, the legal system,”
go to the Supreme Court by the end of 2008 at the earliest, Rosenthal said.
sented Mayfield in his case.
The FBI issued an apology to
weeks in jail and three days of house
“I considered what happened to
Mayfield, and promised to review their
arrest, after Spanish officials had a sus-
Brandon Mayfield from the beginning
fingerprint analysis process, according
pect in custody.
an outrage,” he said. “The Patriot Act is
to a statement reported by the Associ-
a violation of basic civil rights.”
ated Press.
He filed many lawsuits for
a practicing lawyer in Oregon. Many
invasion of privacy, and took his case
Rosenthal says he always knew he
factors led him to believe that he was
to Federal District Court in Oregon to
wanted to go into civil rights law. He
rights do not need to be compromised
targeted because of he is Muslim.
challenge two provisions of the Patriot
lost many relatives in the Holocaust
for the sake of national security.
Act that had allowed FBI agents to spy
during World War II.
“The affidavit for the search
and arrest included facts like, ‘married
Rosenthal believes that
As the son of a Holocaust survivor,
“National security can be protected
to an Egyptian, named Mona Moham-
The provisions fall under the For-
Rosenthal grew up in a household
by the United States by following the
mad’, and that I represented Muslims
eign Intelligence Surveillance Act,
where Europe under Hitler’s reign was
fourth amendment,” he said. “Be vigi-
in a custody dispute,” Mayfield said. “I
which permits surveillance if foreign
a part of everyday conversation, he
lant, concerned but do not give away
advertised in the Muslim Yellow Pages.
intelligence is the primary purpose.
says.
our rights.”
It’s hard to imagine why that would be included.”
Mayfield learned that FBI
on his home and family.
In this quest for national security,
“I believed that what is different
however, civil liberties often get com-
about the United States, and why it’d
promised. Mayfield says the balance
be more difficult for it to happen here,
This article originally written for American
E ditor ’s N ote
Staff Box
T his
semester has been the R enaissance period of A l -B ayan . W e have attempted not only to bring a new look for your viewing pleasure , but also an increased journalistic quality to the paper. W e pushed our writers to ex tend beyond the comfor t zone of internet research and opinion , into the realm of inter views , analysis and ar ticle struc ture .
I t ’s
been a delayed , but successful first step .
We
bring to you an A l -B ayan that we hope you will learn from . W e hope you ’ ll pick up something not just about I slam , but also current events in the B ay A rea and beyond , trends in the community and how our religion and other aspec ts of our life integrate into one .
We
could not have done this without the perseverance of our staff - our writers , who put up with their ar ticles being torn apar t , our photographer and finance manager, for gallavanting all around the city to make this happen , and our layout editor, for manifesting our hopes of an informative and enjoyable publication into what you see today.
We
still have some work cut out for us in the future . T his is just the beginning of the vision we have in mind . I n the future we hope to provide fur ther experience in being par t of a news publication , more intriguing ar ticles to capture your interest and more informative ar ticles for our N on -M uslim readers as well , that they may learn about I slam and have a glimpse into what the M uslim community experiences on both a local and international level .
M ost
impor tantly, nothing is accomplished without the will of A llah ( swt ) and we thank H im for giving us the oppor tunity to apply our k nowledge , to make useful what we have learned and to have a strong community to suppor t us in this endeavor.
S alaam - u -A laikum (P eace and S ameea K amal & Farha R iz vi
Muslim Voice
blessings be upon you )
Co- editors-in -chief Farha Rizvi Sameea Aftab Kamal Layout Editor Mona Zarka Finance Manager Nasar Agboatwala Staff Writers Sarah Nazarkhan Rahim Ali Zara Khan Abrar Qadir Laura Miller Ameer Ellaboudy Owais Mahesri Nida Hussain Johan Yousef Photographer Danish Vaiyani
10 Al-Bayan
Opinion
peace... not prejudice
“Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week”
the name to “Fascism in the Name of Islam,”
man began marching on the main walkway
It was never a question of protesting or
rocked the grounds of universities across
while voicing their ironic sentiments for not
of campus, carrying a huge sign laden with
combating the opposing viewpoint by pre-
America during the week of October 22-
being invited to be part of the coalition of
inflammatory and ignorant remarks about
venting it from being heard. It was never
26, propagating the message of hate and
Peace Not Prejudice.
Islam (i.e. Islam Abuses Women), it was not
about stopping Islamo-Fascism Awareness
The week’s biggest events in-
the Muslims who were the first to imme-
Week from taking place all together because
The work of right-winged neo-
volved Imam Zaid Shakir, Rabbi Ryan Bauer,
diately react. Rather, it was predominantly
we recognized its falsehood and intellec-
conservative David Horowitz paid republi-
and Professor Christopher Corwin, who dis-
non-Muslims that sprung to the defense.
tual weakness, and these flaws were also
can organizations on campuses to take part
cussed the commonalities of the Abrahamic
The coalition’s composure even succeed-
recognized by the majority of students on
in this misleading and fear-espousing pro-
faiths and the issues facing Islam, Christi-
ed to impress the Chancellor of UC Berkeley
campus. Rather, our goal was to invite others
paganda. Their ideology claimed to combat
anity, and Judaism
– Robert Birgenau
to our own cause through our actions and
radical Muslims, but not moderate Muslims;
today. The Peace
– who praised us
reactions to this apparent attack on Islam.
though the definition of neither one was
Rally was another
with encouraging
The approach has been to simply offer
clarified.
popular and suc-
words: “My pride
the Truth as we know it, as we see it, and
bigotry against Muslims.
At the University of California,
cessful event, gath-
lies with Peace Not
as we live it. By hosting a series of diverse
Berkeley, Islamo-Fascism Week, sponsored
ering thousands of
Prejudice because
events – from a film screening and poetry
by the Berkeley College Republicans, invited
students under
they are conduct-
night to an interfaith dialogue – we were
speaker, Nonie Darwish, the founder of Ar-
one banner, and
ing themselves in
able to provide alternative means for the
abs for Israel and self-hating apostate from
with the same goal
a dignified man-
campus population to gain information. By
Islam, to speak on her unfavorable views of
of peace in mind.
ner when they are
building a vast coalition, encompassing a
Islam to start of the week of events.
It has been a beautiful sight to
The Muslim Student Association
see the harmony and loyalty that has been
at UC Berkeley spearheaded the local Peace
being subjected to insult.”
vast spectrum of student groups diverse in
The Peace Not Prejudice cam-
ethnicity, religion and race; we appealed to
solidified by Peace Not Prejudice, uniting a
paign revolved around the etiquette (‘adab’)
a very broad audience. And while our coun-
Not Prejudice Campaign - in alignment with
range of students that may have never even
of disagreement as established by the Quran
terparts were hosting events charged with
MSA National - uniting over thirty student
crossed paths had they not shared this com-
- to adopt wisdom and grace in one’s posi-
ignorance and hatred, ours underscored the
and community clubs to stand against hate
mon commitment to battle the continued
tion. To accomplish this, the two key ingre-
brotherhood, acceptance, and support.
and bigotry dictated by Islamo-Fascism
presence of prejudice, which still permeates
dients of anger and fear emphasized by the
week. The solidarity of the student body in
our society today.
hosts of Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week
This article originally written for
had to be omitted from the recipe of our
Illume Magazine.
response to their events shocked the BCR; so much so that they even offered to change
The support from the campus
was seen from the first day of IFAW, when a
response.
Owais Mahesri
what’s in a name? islamofascism for development of their nation. True fascist
signed to associate certain Islamic move-
Webster: 1. A new word, usage, or expres-
Islamofascism is a neologism (Merriam
Fascism requires a unity of government
movements are motivated by the need of
ments with mid-century fascism for some
sion 2. A meaningless word coined by a psy-
and populace that has a set goal for the
a nation to develop the ability to compete
reason other than actual overlap in ideology
chotic) used by brilliant minds like David
aggrandizement of the national unit, says
with advanced industrial societies.”
or modes of operation.
Horowitz to aid in discourse about modern
James Gregor, professor
Islamic extremist movements. It attempts
of ***.
to associate certain fundamental charac-
fascist?
British Historian Niall Ferguson, during
There is little in common in the
fascist” movements, he
a 2006 interview at the UC Berkeley Insti-
ideologies of radical Islamic
claims, often only de-
tute of International Studies, stated that
teristics of these movements with European
for nearly two decades, groups and fascism, but the term scribe goals of imple-
“Islamofascism” is “an attempt to interpret
fascist movements of the 20th century.
with twenty-four books
is used as ‘a way of making us
menting Shar’ia law,
our present predicament in a rather carica-
As we discovered during BCR’s unparal-
under his belt, Gregor is
feel that we’re in the ‘greatest
bringing down “Ameri-
tured World War II idiom.”
leled success from Islamo-fascism aware-
a widely recognized ex-
generation,’ fighting another
can imperialism”, or cre-
Ferguson claims there is little in common
ness week, the term is quickly becoming
pert on the question of
World War, like the war our
ating the overall ascen-
in the ideologies of radical Islamic groups
the new standard for discussions about any
fascism.
sion of Islam.
and fascism, but that the term is used as
group that uses the name of Islam to justify
A professor at Berkeley
So-called “Islamo-
fathers fought.
To accomplish their
Real fascist move-
“a way of making us feel that we’re in the
violence. Any number of proponents for the
goals, according to Gregor, fascists use “an
ments, he argues, subordinate religion to
‘greatest generation’, fighting another World
War on Terror use the term indiscriminately
ideology that places the community’s ideals
the will of the state. They attempt to assert
War, like the war our fathers fought. You’re
to describe groups ranging from Ahmadine-
and well-being far above the individuals.”
dominance of their nation in the internation-
translating a crisis symbolized in 9/11 into a
al community; Radical Islamic groups usually
sort of pseudo World War II...9/11 becomes
claim only to assert dominance of Islam.
Pearl Harbor and then you go after the bad
jad’s government in Iran to Al-Qaeda.
While any number of Islamic groups ex-
How can one such term brand together
hibit this characteristic, Gregor notes that
all such Islamic movements, and label them
they must also “have an active, positive plan
The use of the term, then, seems de-
guys who are the fascists.”
Spring 2008 / Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1429 11
12 Al-Bayan