An-Nur: Volume 4 - Issue 5 (Aprill 11, 2003) by Al-Nur Literary Magazine

“ALLAH IS THE PROTECTOR OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE. HE BRINGS THEM OUT FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT.” [HOLY QUR’AN]

Muharram 1424 April 11, 2003

“The Light”

An-Nur

The newsletter of the Muslim Students’ Association & the Muslim Women of Maryland

Inside this issue: MSA Activities

MWM Activities

Islam Awareness Month

Purifying Intentions

Diamondback Protest

March Madness

Within My Major

Lock or Unlock?

Creative Writing

The Month in Pictures

Islamic Puzzles

Back

MSA History Founded in 1969, the Muslim Students' Association is an organization dedicated to serving the Muslim students on campus and educating the campus community about Islam and Muslims. We carry out Islamic activities, sponsor social, community service, and charity events, and strengthens relations and understanding between Muslims and nonMuslims.

MWM

Muslim Women of Maryland

Volume 4, Issue 5

U. of MD Students Protest Controversial Cartoon Demand apology, factual article, and standards of decency “I think this was amazing! It was such a great cultural experience, and I was truly enlightened...This was wonderful.” Such was one of the many enthusiastic comments made by nonMuslims who participated in this year’s Ramadan Fast-a-Thon. A truly innovative idea, the Fast-a-Thon encourages non-Muslims to “Get Hungry for Change” by fasting one day in the month of Ramadan. MSA’s across the United States and Europe participate in this event with the promise that, for every individual who fasts, a certain number of homeless people will be fed by the MSA. On November 12, 2003, the MSA at UMCP hosted their second annual Fast-a-Thon, which turned out to be more successful than many of its organizers had imagined. The UMCP-MSA garnered the most number of Fast-a-Thon participants and most money donated in the entire country. The truly awe-inspiring success of this event would have never taken place were it not for the grace of Allah (SWT) and the hard work of many dedicated individuals. The arduous task of planning the Fast-a-Thon and bringing it to life was taken on by MSA’s Da’wah and Outreach committees, headed by Sisters Jannah Yirka and Fasiha Khan. Each committee assumed different jobs in order to make the event a reality. The Da’wah committee took on advertising; Yirka commented that it was a very essential part of the Fast-a-Thon: “Without all of the brothers and sisters who dedicated so much of their time to advertising, the event would have been unsuccessful.” Brothers and sisters posted fliers all over campus, e-mailed list serves, and stood long hours at the Da’wah Table, encouraging non-Muslims to sign-up to fast on the 12th. Sister Sommer Abdel-Wahhab, head of the Da’wah Table committee commented that the da’wah table advertised Fast-a-Thon every day for a week prior to the event. She said that brothers and sisters did not just stand behind the table and wait for people to come; instead, many volunteers walked around asking people individually to sign up. The com-

Hosam Haggag leads hundreds of soaked marchers through the rain on U.S. Route 1 in front of campus. The protesters spoke out against the war and the Diamondback.. Photo by Bora Chung mittee also utilized a unique advertising method that included three stages of fliers. The first set of fliers was meant to spark interest and only had the word “Hungry?” on them. The next set of fliers was distributed a week later and said, “Get Hungry for Change.” Those who advertised hoped that the phrase “Get Hungry for Change” would whisper to the hearts of students and prepare them for the last flier, which contained all of the information about the Fast-a-Thon. All of the hard work truly paid off in the end, resulting in 1,172 non-Muslims signing up to participate in the Ramadan Fast-a-Thon, more than triple the amount of people who signed up last year. The University of Maryland, College Park got more people to sign-up than any other campus in the United States. Sister Fasiha Khan and the Outreach committee took on the task of calling businesses to sponsor this event. It was decided that for every non-Muslim who fasts, four homeless people would be fed at S.O.M.E (So Others Might Eat), a food shelter in Washington, D.C. In order to accomplish this, a team of seven people from the Outreach committee phoned Muslim businesses and asked them to donate a dollar for every individual who fasts. “They called (Continued on page 6)

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MSA Activities President’s Report Speaks of Hope in the Midst of Tragedy By Farhat Noor With the semester just half way through, it is difficult for many of us to concentrate on our studies or the MSA when we know our Muslim brothers and sisters are caught in yet another war. It is important, however, during these difficult times to continue on with our studies and work to make Islam vibrant on campus. We just learned that by working together and protesting the infamous editorial cartoon in the Diamondback, we could have tremendous influence on campus and the community at large. We also learn from the history of the Prophet (SAW) and how he used to give glad tidings even during times of hardship. We may become despondent in these times and think

there is no way out for our Ummah, but remember that Allah (SWT) has promised victory. When? When we are ready for it! It may not be tomorrow or in two weeks, but we know it is near because the Quran refers to the Day of Judgment as “tomorrow”. After the death of the Prophet’s (SAW) wife and uncle, he visited Ta’if hoping to feel more welcomed with his message. Instead, he was pelted with rocks until his feet bled. Despite the death of two beloved ones and being turned away from Ta’if in blood, the Prophet (SAW) told Zaid ibn Harithah, his companion, “Allah will surely provide relief and He will verily support His religion and Prophet.”

So during these times of hardship and struggle, we should never lose our sense of hope and know for certain that Allah’s victory will come soon, but we have to pave the way for it. One way to pave the way is to constantly make du’aah for our suffering brothers and sisters. If we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that nothing happens except by the will of Allah, then our first step should be to ask Allah for His assistance. I will conclude by reminding you the hadith of the Prophet (SAW) when he said “Supplication is the weapon of the believer, the pillar of the religion, and the light of the heaven and earth.”

Community Eid Celebration Attracts Over 700 By Leila Al-Muhtasib Eid celebrations tend to bring Muslims together, reinforcing their sense of community. This year’s joyous Eid celebration was sponsored by UMCP’s MSA and MWM, UMBC’s MSA, and local neighborhood masaajid. The event was held at the Montgomery Blair High School on March 1, 2003. Over 300 people gathered that evening for four hours to celebrate Eid. Adults intermingled and shared cheerful stories, while kids with balloons in their hands and candy stuffed in their pockets ran around the auditorium. Dinner and delicious desert was served through out the night. Hilarious skits were performed by the Muslim Student Association of the University of Maryland about Islam and the importance of unity. Beautiful recitations of the Quran were given by talented students from local Muslim schools. Towards the end of the celebration, an insightful lecture that portrayed the essence of Islamic wisdom and knowledge was given by a highly respected Imam. This event is an excellent example of how Muslims are involved in the community. The celebration reminded many of Eid back home. Thanks to all those who helped sponsor this event and made it happen. About 300 community members gathered for the E’id-ul-Ahda The MSA and MWM extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the celebration at Montgomery Blair High School sponsored by masajid and community members who helped make this community UMCP’s MSA, UMCP’s MWM, UMBC’s MSA, and other local Eid dinner a reality. masajids. Photo by Adnaan Ahmad.

Find more pictures on the last month of MSA events on Page 11

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MWM Activities Muslims in America Exhibit By Saman Ahmed The history of American Muslims- from the first African American slaves in the 1700s until now- was the theme of an exhibition held on Wednesday February 26th in Nyumburu Cultural Center. The walk-in museum and gallery of Muslim Americans in the African American Diaspora and the 20th century was sponsored by MSA and MWM with displays provided by CSAM (Collections & Stories of American Muslims inc.). CSAM is a non-profit organization whose goals include establishing an Islamic museum, traveling exhibition, and archives in the United States. The traveling exhibition gives visitors a chance to learn about Islamic culture and history in America.

The walk-through display of over 200 pictures and photographs featured such American Muslims such as Bilali (Ben Ali) Muhammad who arrived in Georgia in 1803 from Timbo Futa-Jallon in Africa and Haj Ali (Hi Jolly), a Syrian hired by the American army to teach American soldiers to ride camels. It also featured popular contemporary Muslim personalities like Malcom X and Muhammad Ali. One section, which many of the Muslim visitors found particularly interesting, was a display on Muslim tombstones. An engraving of a hand raising its index finger, a symbol signifying the Oneness of Allah, marked the tombstones that dated back to the 1800’s.

The exhibit attracted around 20 visitors, a number which organizers say could have been increased with better advertisement. Low attendance could also be attributed to the rainy weather. Despite bad weather and advertising, the display could still be considered a dawah success, as those who did attend showed interest and enthusiasm. "Very professional and fascinating," said one professor, "I wish I knew about this before so I could bring my African American studies class." The Muslims in America exhibit proved to be enlightening and interesting for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, a dawah venture MSA and MWM should definitely stick with for future semesters.

MWM Halaqas Inspire Sisters to Strengthen Akhlaq By Asfa Lohani As the media obstinately insists on televising anti-Muslim propaganda, whether explicit or through obvious undertones, the image projected of Muslims has become increasingly tainted. Phrases such as “suicide bomber” or “hostage taker” or even “corrupt oil sheik”, are so frequently associated with Muslims that they have unfortunately resulted in universal stereotypes that we as Muslims must battle. The primary consequence that these misconceptions present is a continuous assault on Muslim character, or Akhlaq. Allah says in the Quran in Surah 3 Ayah 110 that, “You are the best of peoples evolved for mankind, enjoining what is good, and forbidding what is evil, and believing in Allah.” Despite the negative images presented by the media, our duty as Muslims is to excel in everything we do, something that is not possible without proper Akhlaq. From giving da’wah to participating in extracurricular sports activities, a common prerequisite is good mannerisms and character, for it provides a concrete foundation upon which one’s actions are based. It is with this knowledge that the MWM sisters embarked on a journey a semester and a half long, in which they learned of nine specific character traits vital for good Akhlaq, three of which were completed this semester. Every week,

part of a specific trait was discussed and learned, and the sisters all agreed to implement that trait in their daily lives for the upcoming week. Each subsequent meeting was then commenced with the sisters sharing their experiences of how they employed or tried to employ the aspect of good Akhlaq they had previously discussed. This semester got underway with a lesson on patience, or sabr. The sisters learned that the more you increased your level of patience, the more you would find your level of deen and dunya to be complete. A beautiful analogy was given by the scholars to better understand the importance of patience: Your nafs is like a horse you ride, it will either take you to heaven or hell. The bridal of that horse is sabr because it determines the direction the horse will go in. The Prophet Muhammad (S) said that patience is light. The importance behind this statement is that many things in this life will be dark and filled with hardships and the only thing that will help us through them is sabr. There are many instances that require a tremendous amount of patience from us. Whether they be the death of a loved one, sickness, poverty, or harassment by others, Allah promises the Mu’min who is patient the re-

ward of paradise without judgment. This one simple mannerism indeed has an incredible benefit in the Hereafter, but it also takes precedence over the life of this world so that this life becomes easy, and is not a priority. Next, the sisters discussed honesty. Living in a society where the dishonest make it big and the honest suffer, this topic proved the age-old saying that honesty is in fact the best policy. When a servant lies, the angels go far away from that person, as much as a mile, from the rotten smell of what he did. There was not one thing more hated by the Prophet Muhammad (S) then lying so much so that when he heard a man lie he would hold something against that man until he did tauba. In the Quran mankind is told that on the Day of Judgment those who lied will come and meet Allah with their faces black. This will be the day that the honest people benefit. It is known that one of the main reasons why people lie is when they find themselves in a difficult situation. For this, the Prophet Muhammad (S) said that you should be honest even if in front of you lies destruction because in honesty you will find (Continued on page 5)

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Islamic Awareness Month Islamic Awareness Month Looks to Raise Awareness, Educate By Abdullah Valanzola and Sarah Boyle September 11th began a string of events which now seem to have no end. One and a half years after this shocking attack, there is now a war on Iraq, the deployment of troops around the world, a domestic assault on civil liberties, and a continuing war on Afghanistan. Many feel that the actions taken by our government to make America a safer place have been in vain. World opinion has been strongly critical of our government. The American Bar Association as well as countless human rights groups have strongly criticized Patriot Acts 1 and 2, which have stripped citizens of rights granted by the Constitution. We have seen the detention of citizens with no due processing, and the Geneva Convention blatantly ignored by the US in regards to prisoners in Guantanamo Bay. In addition, America has now set the worldwide standard of “preemptive strikes”. Although these events target Muslims and Arabs, the precedence that the US sets affects every single citizen in this country regardless of his or her religious beliefs, social status, ethnicity, or race. As domestic needs increase, issues concerning personal freedoms and financial stability have been sidelined and assaulted. Financing for higher education has also been slashed. America’s public schools are in a financial crisis. Government assistance programs are becoming extinct. Are the actions taken by our government in the past 18 months truly a long-term solution, or just a quick fix? Is it possible that these actions may only result in a plethora of other, more serious threats?

Iraq just because they hate America? They do hate America, right? Should Muslims and Arabs be stripped of civil liberties since we are in a time of war? What does Islam have to say about Iraq, our civil liberties, Saddam Hussein, George Bush, the ongoing war, etc…

The Muslim Student’s Association (MSA) at the University of Maryland is obliged to provide answers to students and others who are What does Islam say about these current contemplating such questions. We are strivevents? How should Muslims act in these ing to do this through a positive and informatimes? How would an Islamically based systive dialogue. tem respond to these issues? Although there are a number of assumptions, there have been For this year’s Islam Awareness Month, the few answers to these questions. Few answers MSA has dedicated a major portion of this have come from the Muslims themselves. program to address such questions, including These questions include: Does Islam endorse two lectures concerning these pressing issues. terrorism? Do Muslims oppose the war on And then there are those Muslims…

Thursday, April 17 “Aiming at Saddam - Shooting at Civilians: The Islamic Perspective on the Invasion of Iraq” by Imam Johari Abdul-Malik. The lecture will begin at 6:00PM in the student activities room in the Stamp Student Union, across from the food co-op. It is strongly recommended for those who agree with the synopsis of these current events. However, it is highly encouraged for those who oppose these views to attend. Having opposing views will aid in a greater understanding of both sides. This is only the beginning of what will hopefully be a productive and positive dialogue. So come out, voice your opinion, and discover what Muslims have to say about these issues!

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Self-Development and Purification Purifying Our Intentions By Ashraf Ali “My life and death are (all) for Allah, the comes a form of worship subject to reward this article), proceeds to make a laundry list of Cherisher of the Worlds.” from the Most Generous. intentions. He intends to meet the Muslims and fulfill their needs, greet his Muslim brothers Allah says in the Quran upon the tongue of With the tool of altering our intentions, not and sisters, remember Allah, sit in the Musalla His beloved Prophet, Ibrahim, Peace be upon only can we transform mundane actions into awaiting the next prayer, and to pray Dhuhr. him, “Truly, my prayer, my service of sacri- acts of worship, but we can also transform The two may perform the exact same actions fice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, normal acts of worship into acts of “super externally, but the difference in their rewards the Cherisher of the Worlds. He has no part- worship.” Imagine that two people enter into is like the difference between the East and the ner. This am I commanded, and I am the first the Musalla, and the first intends only to pray West. “Say: are those who know equal to of those who bow to His Will." Dhuhr prayer, while the other (after reading those who do not know?” Upon reading this verse one might think that although making one’s prayer and sacrifice purely for Allah is attainable, how can one make his life and death purely for Allah. Should he go to a cave and spend his life divorced from the world? Is this the course of action that Allah desires from us? The Prophet, peace be upon him, answered this question clearly when he said: “There is no monkhood in Islam.” Thus we must attend our classes, eat our meals, and live our lives all in the context of this verse, but how? By changing our paradigm, or the way we look at the world, from the paradigm of a materialistic individual who happens to be a Muslim to that of a Muslim who realizes that his purpose of life is to worship Allah and that anything else is a liability on the balance sheet. Ibn Masood said: “You will never taste the reality of faith until your time is more valuable to you than the money in your pocket.” If this is the case, then we must make our every action, from going to school to sleeping at night, a form of worship; we can achieve this by changing our intentions. The Prophet said: “Deeds are only by their intentions and everyone will have that which he intended.” By having good intentions for all of our actions, we can transform them into forms of worship. In this context we can understand the statement of Abu Huraira: “Indeed I hope for reward for the hours that I sleep just as a I hope for reward for my waking hours.” In the same light, we find that the Prophet said “Every good deed is charity…even the morsel that you put in your wife’s mouth.” Imam An-Nawawi said that although this would typically seem like an act of playfulness with one’s spouse, with the right intention it be-

Akhlaq Series (cont.) (Continued from page 3)

salvation. Lastly, many of us are aware that there are different levels of Jannah. The first three levels in descending order are for the prophets, the honest, and the shuhada. Not only do the honest have their own level in jannah, but it is of a higher rank then those who died for the sake of Islam. The last mannerism that the sisters discussed in the Akhlaq series was mercy. Many children are told from a young age that this life is the survival of the fittest and if anyone dares get in your way of achieving fame or fortune it is your duty to push them out of the way and thrust yourself forward. In Islam, however, the opposite principle applies. Allah says that He will be merciful to those of His servants who are merciful, and indeed we are all in dire need of Allah’s Mercy both in this life and in the Hereafter. Signs of Allah’s Mercy surround us everyday. The alternation of the night and day, the soft, gentle rhythm of the rain as it falls, the Quran which acts as a guide to mankind, the creation of opposite genders, the Day of Judgment where both slave and king are judged the same, and even one’s realization of her mistakes are examples of mercy from Allah. Many people conjecture that hardships befall those whom Allah wishes to punish, which may sometimes be true. However, more often than

not another example of Allah’s Mercy on creation is when he sends them hardships in order to make them better people and strengthen their Iman. These times test the Iman of the believers and although their Iman may falter, the end outcome will be a higher level of Iman than in the beginning. If Allah does not send hardships to people, then he has removed from them his mercy. Lastly, if Allah wants a person to be led to destruction, then the first thing he will take away from that person is modesty. Next, Allah will take away that person’s amanah (trustworthiness), and finally Allah strips from that person His mercy, which is the worst thing that can happen. On that note, the sisters concluded their Akhlaq series with a better understanding of the qualities that they must implement in their lives not only to strengthen themselves, but also to raise the banner of Islam higher for the betterment of the Muslim Ummah. The sisters will now move on to the theme of repairing the heart. Without having good Akhlaq one cannot try to repair herself. As the sisters strive to establish good mannerisms and put them into practice, perhaps they can slowly change those universal stereotypes that Muslims battle of “hijacking radicals” and “religious fanatics” to humble, trustworthy, loyal, modest, patient, honest, and merciful people who strive to be the best in everything they do and who prefer more for others than they do for themselves.

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MSA Out and About U of MD Students Persist in Combating Diamondback Cartoon (Continued from page 1)

lengthy lists of businesses for two weeks,” Khan said, making sure to add that these dedicated individuals called during school hours from their cell phones, sacrificing daytime minutes for the cause. A total of twelve businesses agreed to sponsor the event, and all of them gave generous donations. The Outreach committee callers received small gifts for their efforts, which were made possible by individuals who donated funds for this Left: Protesters assemble at the sundial on McKeldin Mall amidst heavy rain to protest the purpose. war and continue pressuring the Diamondback. The crowd would grow to number in the A problem arose during the week prior to the hundreds. Right: Muslims assemble to pray Salat At-Thuhr in a hall near the Diamondback’s main office. The Muslim Students’ Association was a major organizer of the activiFast-a-Thon, when more people signed up ties along with the Peace Forum and Students and Workers Unite!. Photo by Bora Chung than either committee anticipated. With the final count being 1,172, that meant that 4,688 homeless people would need to be fed to ful- were fasting. All of the attendees received a answer questions and make guests feel comfill the promise of the four to one ratio. The free CD of Qur’an with translation as well as fortable throughout the evening. After dinner, some information about Islam, and the Dr. Ali Darwish spoke of the relevance of fastcommittees realized that feeding so many Da’wah table was set up throughout the eve- ing in religions throughout the world. The people would cost more than the amount of ning for anyone who was interested. The evening ended with a few words from Mimoney collected from businesses. MSA chelle Maslov, a representative from S.O.M.E President, Brother Mohamed Abutaleb com- dinner went extremely well, and organizers only dealt with the usual problems of food who spoke about the various programs her mented, “...the greatest problem by far was organization has to offer, including help for raising enough money to feed the staggering arriving late and last minute program changes. Other minor problems included oil- battered women, drug rehabilitation, clothing 4,688 people. With generous donations of businesses and individuals, we are overcom- spills on clothing, unexpected loss of voice, drives, and more. Maslov was then presented ing this obstacle.” Although no one planned and rectangular tablecloths for round tables. with a check for $6,150. on seeing such a great number of participants Next year organizers plan to invest in aprons Perhaps those who spent weeks organizing the and having to feed over four thousand home- for food servers, back up Qur’an readers, and Fast-a-Thon would be able to judge its success round tablecloths. Fortunately, none of these less people, there are certainly no regrets. best of all. Sister Fasiha Khan remarked that, problems greatly affected the flow of the eveAbutaleb continued, “Alhamdulillah, it was “It was very compelling to witness and be a very encouraging to see so many people from ning. The program began with the adhan by part of an event that was a product of the conthe university community coming together to brother Raef Haggag and the long-awaited tribution of so many individuals, masha Albreaking of the fast. Any tense faces relaxed share in a common sacrifice for the good.” lah.” When sister Jannah Yirka was asked the moment they got some sugar in their Khan acknowledges that they were not preabout the event, she smiled, as if remembering pared for such a turn out, but says that, “The blood system, and the entire room quieted as how well it went, and said, “Alhamdulillah, it Brother Raef recited Qur’an and Sister Sarah whole purpose of the event was to raise was everything I expected it to be and more. I Boyle read the translation. A short speech by awareness and help those less fortunate. only hope next year’s will be even better.” Jim Osteen, director of Stamp Student Union, There is no shame in reaching your goals above and beyond your highest expectations.” followed, in which he related to the audience that he himself had participated in Fast-aBoth the Da’wah and Outreach committees Thon and that fasting was a real learning exhelped in planning an Iftar dinner for the perience for him. After Maghrib Prayer, dinFast-a-Thon participants for November 12th. ner was served. It was catered by Al-Huda It took place in College Park’s Grand Ball International Taste and included a menu of Room in the Stamp Student Union. The chicken, rice, vegetables, and salad. The event was an immense success; there was not obstacle of serving food to such a large numan empty table in the room, which seats 500 ber of people was made a great deal easier by people. The majority of people arrived right many volunteer hosts who were assigned to on time, even the Muslims, who may have each table and were responsible for getting been motivated to be punctual because they food for their group. They also were able to

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MSA Out and About March Madness Better than basketball ... Mad Madness. This past month has been the maddest, craziest, most hectic month of the year. No, not because of the NCAA basketball riots like last year, or any crazy springbreak stories, but because the constant Jihad we are waging on campus – Dou! Did I just say the J-word? Oh well, struggle is struggle, Students, faculty, and staff assemble on McKeldin Mall for the March 5 Student Strike. whether it’s at home, in class, or on the cam- Although the Diamondback report would put the number of protesters at 400, organizers estimate at least 1000 were present at the rally’s peak.. Photo by Peace Forum pus battlefield. So here’s what happened in case you missed and organized the beginning of a fierce opposition to the Diamondback’s decision to pubout on all the action: lish the cartoon. After the meeting, the word was out: call the Diamondback, email the March 5th National Student Strike Diamondback and express your opposition. In An unprecedented joining of efforts with the a single night, the Diamondback got over Peace Forum, Students and Workers Unite!, 2,000 emails and 300 phone calls from as far Organization of Arab Students, Students for of as the Middle-East, Australia, and parts of Justice in Palestine, and many other student Europe. In addition to that, the following day, organizations, the MSA staged the largest over 60 students staged the largest Diamondanti-war on-campus protest since the Vietnam back protest in the history of the university demanding the following: 1) an editorial war. apology, 2) an article about Rachel Corrie, This strong solidarity for justice and opposi- and 3) a statement of the standards of detion to, at the time, a possible war in Iraq, cency for the publication. Protestors made up angered many who were too lazy and unor- of members of the MSA, SJP, OAS, and ganized to make a difference. In addition to Peace Forum gathered around the Diamondthe College Park Republicans, some students back office as Jay Parsons, the editor-in-chief were surprised at the fact that Muslims on refused to apologize. Over 20 students stayed Campus took an active part in this strike, over night in front of the office. It was that claiming that religious groups should not be same night that the war on Iraq officially began and while the sounds of gunfire and involved in political events. explosions played through the radio, many It is reported that over 1,000 participants took wept. part in the actual strike, which featured live comedy, peace songs, chanting, and a spectacular march that blocked Campus Drive and Route 1. The event coincided with schools and universities around the world (with the exception of the Middle East) that staged similar strikes for Peace.

The standoff with the Diamondback has not ended and they have received over 4,500 emails and more are still coming. In addition to that, our message was heard around the world as thousands wrote and discussed about the validity of the cartoon and the protest staged by UMD students. In one instance, a rapper raps about Rachel Corrie and calling Diamondback Standoff Friedman, the cartoonist, a coward. The adOn March 18, the Diamondback published an ministration is very supportive of this cause editorial cartoon making fun of Rachel Cor- despite the Diamondback’s claims that they rie, an American who was killed by an Israeli are hypocritical. bulldozer while trying to protect the house of a Palestinian doctor by calling her stupid. Day X That same day a group of students planned Soon after the Student Strike, plans for Day X

(the day of the official invasion of Iraq) were well underway. Surprisingly enough, the day students protested the Diamondback and camped out in front of their office was in fact Day X. That very night, the official invasion of Iraq began. According to plans, students went out that entire night and chalked walls, sidewalks, and streets calling all students to oppose the invasion. Despite the heavy rain, dozens of students gathered at the sundial and marched through the Stamp Student Union, blocked Campus Drive, and Route 1 chanting “Hey Maryland, out the door! On your feet against this war!” and “Hey, Hey , Ho, Ho, Bush’s war has got to go!”. The march continued on to the Diamondback office where we continued our physical protest at the paper’s decision to publish the cartoon. Many students poked fun at the fact that we turned our anti-war protest to an anti-Diamondback protest, but what they don’t understand is that to us, it’s all one war. Later that day, many students took to the streets of D.C. and protested in front of the White House. Funeral for Democracy On the Friday before spring break (March 21), students participated in a silent march holding a coffin symbolizing the death of the will of the majority of the people of the world – which oppose this war. The silent march waited for the MSA to finish up jumu’ah and we marched to the Administration building and left the coffin there. So there you have it- a month packed with madness indeed. But our madness is different. Our madness is a sane Madness.

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Within My Major Journalism By Taqiyyah bint Dawud I came to Maryland in the summer of 2000 to study journalism because I loved writing. But it quickly became clear to me that there were so many more reasons why I should be doing this – as a Muslimah. With the start of the intifadah in September of that year, I began to see the vital importance of truthful, balanced reporting, especially on world events in this country where people know so very little about what’s outside their borders. The more I learned, the more I realized the facts about what was happening in Palestine would speak for themselves, if the media could only look beyond ingrained cultural biases and ignorance about Muslims to actually report those facts. I loved writing, and I wanted to be able to use that ability to bring these facts to light – not just in Palestine, but anywhere there was such injustice. Even now, tonight, I imagine being in Baghdad, with my reporter’s notebook and my camera. I know it’s stupid and idealistic and crazy… but stories in that city, across that country, are screaming to be told – and most people in this country, who rely on cable or network news television, will never know those stories, unless they’re willing to look further and listen to other voices. As a Muslim journalist, the desire to be able to tell those stories, to make people see the truth and trigger some kind of change, runs in my very blood. But I’ve been blessed, Alhamdulillah, with experiences so far that have given me a taste of what I really want to do. After the first year of my degree – during which I worked as a staff photographer for The Diamondback and learned to thrill in the possibilities of a press pass – I took a summer internship at IslamOnline.net that later turned into a permanent position (until they shut down the Falls Church office last December). As an intern at IOL, I spent my days compiling world news stories from around the Muslim world, using articles from the Agence FrancePresse (AFP) wire service we subscribed to. Doing this daily helped increase my knowledge of – and my rage about – what happened every day in places like Palestine, Kashmir,

Uzbekistan, Chechnya, Afghanistan and so many others. Once I took the permanent position, I started writing stories of my own about the Muslim community around the D.C. metro area. Then came September 11. Looking back at that first week, I realize I was truly blessed to be able to do the work I was doing – telling the stories of Muslims who had suffered from the backlash to a worldwide audience, remaining constantly aware of the state of the Muslim community across the country, and chronicling the goodwill of Americans who reached out to their Muslim neighbors. But it was later that I really began to feel the work I was doing could make some difference – when I began regularly attending press briefings at the State Department. As a Muslim journalist there, I was able to pose questions – mostly about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict – that other journalists may not have posed. But I should note that most of the journalists there did often ask the same kinds of questions I had. I was astonished to realize that they meticulously and angrily questioned the administration’s bias toward Israel, and wondered why that questioning didn’t make it into the printed page. Still, I got to challenge the ad-

ministration as directly as anyone could, and even though its spokesmen never actually answered my questions, that still gave me something to write in my article. Beyond all that, walking into the State Department wearing a hijab is just so much fun! My work at IOL also took me to Capitol Hill hearings – including one Dec. 2001 hearing where Ashcroft tried to defend the Patriot Act to the Senate Judiciary Committee – and even to the Oval Office, where my colleagues and I reported on and took pictures of Bush with Ariel Sharon during his fourth visit to Washington. Of course, they didn’t let us ask any questions! This was all very important and exciting work, but since my eventual goal was to make a difference in the minds of the American people who elect their representatives and leaders who affect the rest of the world, I often wished I could do the same work for mainstream media, because I’d be able to reach so many more people. That remains my goal, though my experiences since I stopped working for IOL last fall have been geared toward finishing my degree. One note: in all my time working in (Continued on page 9)

The website of one of the largest Islamic civil rights and activism organizations of America is a gateway to many beneficial services that the organization provides. CAIR runs a large email list called CAIR-NET that provides frequent updates on American Muslim news, action alerts, and matters concerning the rights and liberties of American Muslims. The organization also compiles daily summaries of the most important events in American Muslim news in its collection entitled, “American Muslim News Briefs”. CAIR publishes several pieces of literature on media relations, knowing your rights, and other topics of interest. Recently, they have started the year-long “Muslims in America” ad campaign, which can be found on the Web at http://www. americanmuslims.info. Visit CAIR’s website today!

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Student Advice and Perspectives Lock or Unlock? By Taqiyyah bint Dawud Many Americans were frightened two years ago. They slammed and locked their doors against further attack. They duct-taped plane doors and cancelled packages in their frenzy. However cowardly the life, they were willing to change their lifestyles entirely if it meant they would remain alive. Many- I daresay most- other Americans chose not to wear the straitjacket of the paranoid. They were also frightened. But to pull one’s head into one’s shell, many declared, was to “let the terrorists win.” They were more observant as they booked their flights and walked the New York City streets, but they booked and walked all the same. Muslims are survivors of the same attack. For us it meant more than a foreign expression of impotent anger. It was an expression of hatred that struck wittingly or unwittingly at our very heart: Islam. Many- I daresay most- Muslims have chosen to slam and lock their doors, though not against a terror threat. Islam is our identity. It is what makes us who we are. But many Muslims are frightened and have forgotten that fact. “Islam must be protected,” they say, “until there is a place for it again.” And they have proceeded to bury it instead. They are in full retreat, not realizing that to shut away Islam is to shut away their hearts. Brothers look furtively left and right as they turn into the Masjid parking lot. Bumper stickers are disappearing. Jumu’ah is not as crowded with Muslims as is a political rally. Sisters beg for fatwas so they can leave their hijab at home. Other Muslims laugh and say, “I told you poor fools to toe the line. Who’s better off now? You need a place to hide your Iman, brother, well it’ll be a tight fit- but you can wedge it right here under one of the six-packs I sell. They’ll never look here.”

with red carpet for him. He and his companions were physically and psychologically tortured, separated from their loved ones, some murdered. But they did not slam and lock their doors. They walked boldly in the light that spilled from their hearts. They never sat back down even to catch a breath because for them, to do so would be to cover up the light shining from the purity of their hearts. To do so would be to concede even the temporary, superficial defeat of this Message that can never be defeated. To do so would be to disobey a direct order from Allah (SWT). For us, though, Islam must be protected, disguised beneath race and human rights- even though Islam is all races and all human rights. Most of us do not try to clarify the point that this global state of war is definitely Good against Evil- and that Good is Islam. It’s a “War against the Poor”, we shout, “Arabs against Jews”, and we mutter qualifications under our collective breath. To have a public Islamic gathering that unites only Muslims and pronounces only the truth seems too loud a shout of “ISLAM!” We tend to gather under a banner that buffers our hearts- and consequently the rest of the world- from reality. Perhaps we have no power over what happens

to us in this world. Perhaps we seem to be more helpless than ever before. But we must begin to realize that Islam does not need a bomb shelter to keep it safe. Allah is its protector. And Allah asks us, “Then how will you- if you deny (Allah)- guard yourselves against a Day that will make children go grey?” (73:17). We are the ones who need protecting. Trying to hide our Islam will not earn us the Protection and Security we so crave now. It is either the blood running in our veins or it is not. If it is not, then we must have misplaced it in our zeal to defend it and then we’re in trouble. There is a difference between declaring the truth, duct-taping it, and throwing caution to the winds. All are dangerous, but only one will earn us Protection. Not from death or torment, but from the Wrath of Allah Subhannah. How will we guard ourselves? We are still here, still fumbling with the padlock on our hearts, indecisive. The Day of Judgment was not on September 11. Will we lock or unlock? While we can still judge ourselves, we should.

Journalism (cont.) (Continued from page 8)

Washington, D.C., I didn’t run into a single incident of harassment or discrimination based on my religion, Alhamdulillah. My only such encounter was when I was working for the College of Journalism’s wire service, Capital News Service, in Annapolis, and I had to go out to Easton in Talbot County to cover a story – someone saw me standing Everywhere I look, Muslims are grabbing up outside and called the police on me, saying I the straitjackets discarded by our non-Muslim was “a suspicious looking person of Middle neighbors. We are “letting the terrorists win”. Eastern descent.” The situation was more amusing than anything else! And the police When the Prophet (SAWS) received the mes- were very nice. sage to “stand and admonish” (74:2), he didn’t obey because Allah had paved the way Right now, I am working as a community

reporter for one of the local Gazette newspapers. Being a Muslim reporter enables me to write more sensitive and informed stories about the local Muslim community – a form of da’wah, in raising people’s awareness of the Muslims who live among them. Beyond this job, for me, being a journalist is inextricably tied to being a Muslimah, and to serving Allah. I believe in this work precisely because I believe that it’s the best way for me to work for the cause of Allah and for the betterment of the Ummah. I may not have found the perfect job yet, but as long as I keep this goal in mind, I know I’m at least on the right path, Insha-Allah.

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Creative Writing Thank You By Taqiyyah bint Dawud I don't cry watching violence, televised and savage, flashing imagesthe inhumanity of human minds scrolls the screen and a "Moslem terrorist" flies mocking-bird-like from the man-eating beaks of the media.

I don't cry anymore. Is it to be pitied? this short-sighted shopping? Will MY Islam be made merely the manufacture of bloodthirsty boogie-men? But let me speak louder let me grow

stronger let me fight harder- Allah's aid will come faster than they can say "Moslem Terrorists" and the Islam will not be televised

The Garden of Delight By Omar Nawaz Khan Subhan Allah ya Rahman In times of fortune, times of trial Breathe and remember Allah Allah Allah Haqq The world is an insignificant place Reality is so infinitely great Allah ya Wadood A grain of sand is nothing but a grain A speck of dust is nothing but a speck Allah ya Sultan Two minutes is all this life has to offer Compare it with 50,000 years and eternity Allah ya Rasheed Overwhelming events are harmless Mosquito bites are trivial Allah ya Aziz Feel the power of the Only Supreme Experience the light of a good dream Allah ya Rezzaq A loyal slave never runs away He sees goodness wherever he turns Allah ya Maula Turn your face to the Beloved Seek the Source of all Goodness Allahu laa ilaha illa Hoo The sun and the moon say Allahu Akbar The sky and the earth say AlhamduliLlah Allah ya Jabbar The Prophet (s) extends his hand to greet you With the Holy Book no one can defeat you Allah ya Qahhar Love is a powerful weapon in the war of ideas

There is no limit to the power of al-Hayy Allah ya Qayoom Your fingertips He made so unique Two eyes, two ears and a button nose Allah ya Hameed Allah Hoo If you remember Him, He will remember you Faith in the All-Encompassing One Allah ya Salam Peace on earth starts with peace in your heart The best peace is when in sujood Allah ya Wadood Allah ya Ghafoor We ask Allah for never-ending Peace * * * Hasbi Rabbi JalaLlah Ma Fi Qalbi Ghayr Allah Noor Muhammad SallaLlah Laa ilaha illaLlah * * * Just as light destroys darkness Truth puts falsehood on the run Haqq laa ilaha illaLlah When the world is made anew The brilliance will overwhelm you BismiLlahi r-Rahmani r-Raheem

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Community The Month inCorner Pictures A Month of Many Things … Photos courtesy of Peace Forum, http://www.umcp.org

Muslims had a strong presence at the March 5 Student Strike, including two speakers and many attendees. Muslim comments during the rally were featured on some local TV reports on the event, and the Muslim Students’ Association’s involvement in the organization of the event was formally recognized in the Diamondback.

Banners encouraging peace and justice were wielded by Muslims during several of the last month’s events, as they seek to inform the campus community on the Muslim stance on aggression, war, peace, and justice. Amidst media reports and skewed understanding of Islam, many Americans are misinformed or totally uninformed on the Muslim perspective on such matters.

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Islamic Puzzles An-Nur Nouns ’n Other Parts of Speech By Taqiyyah bint Dawud

THE MUSLIM STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION University of Maryland at College Park P.O. Box 44, Stamp Student Union College Park, MD 20742 Email: msa_umcp@yahoo.com WWW.MSA-UMD.ORG WWW.MWM-UMD.ORG

MSA Officers President: Farhat Noor Vice-President: Hisham Abdalla VP, Sister’s Affairs: Sali Mahmoud VP, Masjid Affairs: Harris Khan Public Relations: Raef Haggag Secretary: Naser Jaleel Treasurer: Mabroor Mahmoud MSA Chaplain: Ali Darwish

MWM Officers President: Maha Ezzeddine Vice-President: Haleema Rehman Secretary: Naimah Khalifah Treasurer: Aminah Shahid Public Relations: Sali Mahmoud SGA Liaison: Coniqua Abdul-Malik

Newsletter Staff Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Abutaleb

Across

Down

4. correct

1. Muslims, globally

7. learning session

2. provide

10. fardh

3. 1st position of prayer

12. alim

5. innovation

14. Ya'juj wa ________

6. niyyah

15. "Al Munawwarah"

8. needy person

16. leader

9. my brother, to Abdullah

18. hijab

11. Al-Wala-wal_____

20. helpers

13. dhikr

21. greetings of _____

17. Night Journey

23. The Cave

18. almsgiving

24. comrade

19. nafs 22. Native Deen’s Abdul Malik

Staff Writers: Saman Ahmad Ashraf Ali Leila Al-Muhtasib Sarah Boyle Taqiyyah bint Dawud Raef Haggag Farhat Noor Asfa Lohani Omar Nawaz Khan Abdullah Valanzola Copy Editors: Saman Ahmad (Lead) Khalid Al-Abbadi Taqiyyah bint Dawud Page Editors: Asfa Lohani (Lead) Uzma Faridi