Muslim Voice April 2010

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Texas attack...US double-standard on terrorism

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News Agencies The Obama administration’s refusal to acknowledge last week’s plane attack at a government facility in Texas as terrorist shows a doublestandard approach to what does and does not constitute an act of terrorism, with the label seemingly being reserved exclusively to acts committed by Muslims.

“It should definitely be classified as a terror act,” Professor Michael Greenberger, Director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security (CHHS) at the University of Maryland, told.

On Thursday morning, Joseph Stack, a 53-yearold software engineer, deliberately crashed a small aircraft into the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) building in Austin, Texas, engulfing it in flames and killing at least one person in addition to himself.

In a suicide note left behind, Stack railed against the US government, complaining about being taxed twice by the IRS and losing tens of thousands of dollars.

Stack wrote that he ultimately resolved that “violence not only is the answer, it is the only answer.”

Still White House press officials refused to describe the attack as an act of terrorism and the Department of Homeland Security denied “a nexus” to terrorist activity.

Austin police chief insisted that the attack was not an act of terrorism.

But law and security experts affirm that flying an aircraft into a building full of people because of personal grudge against the government or for making a political statement should undoubtedly be labeled as terrorist.

“If we look at the books then this act is clearly an

The Most Segregated Hour in America?

act of terrorism,” maintains Greenberger.

“Terrorism is defined as committing a terror act with the aim of changing the government policy. While the criminal act is a purely personal action which affects individuals and which is not meant to change a public policy.”

Mark Potok, of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), an Oklahoma-based organization that fights extremism and hate crimes, agrees.

“If a person does an action to make a political statement or driven by ideology, it is counted as terrorism,” he told.

“Clearly ideology motivated, at least partially, this man’s act.”

Double-standards “We need to give meaning to terms like terrorism. And we either use it correctly or do not use it at all,” said Awad.

Israel Annexes West Bank Mosques

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TERMS USED IN THIS PAPER Alhamdulilah: Praise God Allah: Arabic word for God Fatwa: Islamic decision based on Shari’a Hadith: Sayings of the Prophet Mohammad Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca Halal: Allowed in Islam Halaqa: Group study Haram: Prohibited in Islam Hijab: Head cover for women Hijra: Migration of the Prophet from Mecca to Madina Imam: Islamic scholar Iman: Faith Inshallah: God willing Madina: City near Mecca in Saudia Arabia Masjid: Place were Muslims gather for prayer and studies Mecca: City in Saudi Arabia where Prophet Mohammad was born Pbuh: Peace be upon him Quran: Islam’s Holy book Shahadah: Is saying “I accept Allah as the one God and Mohammad as his messenger” when someone accepts Islam.

Sharia’: Islamic law Shura: A council of Muslim scholars (SWT) Subhanahu Watala: Praise be to Allah Taqwa: God consciousness

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Conference Celebrates and Remembers Prophet Nesima Aberra Muslim Voice The Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education held a conference Saturday, March 27th, to honor the Prophet Muhammad’s birth through lectures and nasheeds remembering his character and deeds.

Since 2005, the Foundation has hosted a free Mawlid un Nabi conference in Chandler where Muslims from all over the Phoenix area attend. Similar conferences have been held all over the United States since the early 90’s and attendance has been growing.

Ahmed Mirza, Secretary of the Naqshbandiya Foundation, said the goal of the conference is to “educate both Muslims and non-Muslims about the great Prophet, the messenger of universal mercy, love & beauty, beloved of Allah & mercy for the mankind.”

Imam Abdulbasir, Dr. Mahmoud SheikhKhalil, Imam Didmar Faja and keynote speaker Sheikh Abdullah Nooruddeen Durkee all spoke to the attendees on various subjects relating to the Prophet and ways Muslims today could apply those lessons into their daily lives.

EDITOR IN CHIEF MARWAN AHMAD editor@azmuslimvoice.com COMMUNITY EDITOR JANAN ATIYEH CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SUMBAL AKHTER INTERN NESIMA ABERRA ART DESIGN EXPRESS OSAMA ASWAD NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR

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Deadlines for submission of letters is the 20th of every month, and for advertisements by the 25th. Only letters and articles submitted on disk or email will be accepted for review. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any letters, articles or advertisement or any other material. The Publisher will not be liable for more than the advertisement cost in case of an error. The Muslim Voice is not responsible for the contents of advertisements or articles nor endorses them in any way or form.

Imam Abdulbasir talked about how increasing love for the Prophet meant following his akhlaq, manners, and being respectful, punctual caring and patient. He also mentioned finding time to remember him whether while cooking, shopping or waiting in line.

Dr. Mahmoud Sheik-Khalil related several anecdotes of the Prophet’s life showing how he dealt with oppression, rejection and misery as well as discussed the typical stereotypes of him as a violent, conquering individual by Western media.

Imam Didmar Faja mentioned how Muslims “cannot know where to start and where to end” in describing the Prophet’s admirable characteristics and that it is every Muslim’s responsibility to learn about him and follow him. Imam Faja also touched on the controversy over the Mawlid event and questioned why a gathering that remembers the Prophet is not part of Islam.

“Even if we don’t gather, Allah praises the Prophet,” he said. “Isn’t this also praise?”

Sheikh Durkee devoted much of his speech to the controversy as well, saying he thought there was no reason to apologize for mawlids and that calling it bid’aa, innovation, was “utter nonsense.”

“Our lives are based on the Prophet’s life.

This gathering is to educate and inform

ourselves on him,” he said.

He mentioned how everyone knew when the Prophet was born and cited a scholar Ibn Tamiyya, who is ironically often used to argue against the commemoration of the Prophet’s birthday.

“Ibn Tamiyya said honoring his [Prophet’s] day has immense reward when it is from sound reasoning and good intentions.”

The Sheikh then spoke on how if more people knew the Prophet and understood his mercy, there wouldn’t be the corruption and weakness that exists in Muslim countries today such as preventing girls from going to school and individuals blowing themselves up in masjids.

Sheikh Durkee ended with a cautionary, heavy message that Muslims need to examine and ask themselves if they are happy with the way they are treated and thought of in the world. His solutions to the problem was to make a conscious agreement like the Prophet did to “enjoin the good and forbid the evil” and to find the real Islam, which starts with celebrating and knowing the Prophet.

“It is worth celebrating him,” he said, “Because without him, we are nothing.”

The speeches were interspersed with local nasheed singers and the night ended with a dinner and du’a.

Know your rights Since the terrorist attacks of 9-11, the F.B.I. and Muslim and Arab-American leaders across the country have worked to build a relationship of trust, sharing information both to fight terrorism and to protect the interests of mosques and communities. Those relations have reached a low point in recent months, many Muslim leaders say. Several high-profile cases in which informers have infiltrated mosques and helped promote plots, they say, have sown a corrosive fear among their people that F.B.I. informers are everywhere, listening.

Muslims, Sikhs, Arabs and South Asians have endured particular scrutiny by law enforcement -and in some cases, questioning and searches that infringe fundamental rights at the core of the Constitution. In this climate, it is vital that members of our communities inform themselves about our rights as Americans.

“The justice system depends on all parties knowing and exercising their respective rights. While law enforcement authorities are obligated to understand the scope of their authority and its limits, all people, especially members of historically and recently marginalized communities, would be well-served to

empower themselves with the same information” Alexander Busansky, former state and federal prosecutor.

It is a duty of every Muslim to know his rights, and inform his family and friends, these are advices from the Muslim advocates; In case a law enforcement agency visits your home, or randomly searched at the airport (either leaving or entering the US after overseas travel): At home: 1. Always talk to an attorney before answering ANY question, anything that you say will be held against you in a court of law. You have the legal rights to have a lawyer present when speaking to a law enforcement agency even if you are not a US citizen.

2. Don’t let them into your home without a search warrant (if they have a warrant review it carefully to see what the court allowed them to search). Ask them what the visit is about, take their business cards and tell them that your lawyer will contact them, and remember that you don’t have to answer any question with or without a warrant, be polite and make sure members of your family do the

same.

3. The 1st and 14th Amendments to the Constitution of the United States gives you the right to express information, ideas, and opinions free of government restrictions based on content.

You have the freedom to practice your religion, or join a political group. Most importantly you have the RIGHT to be a Muslim and to practice your religion.

At the airport: 1. Be prepared for a search, especially if have been questioned in the past, pack knowing that anything you have could be searched and even seized including cameras, cell phones and laptops. Back up your files before you leave, make sure your friends and family have your exact arrival information, if you are not a US citizen keep in mind you could be denied entrance, so consider talking to an immigration attorney before you leave. If you do get pulled out for questioning remain calm and collected.

2. Ask why you’ve been selected for additional questioning or searches, racial or improper profiling is illegal, if you feel you have been treated unfairly, calmly and politely ask to speak to a supervisor.

3. Object to inappropriate questions, If an agent ask you about your political views or religions practice, calmly state these are inappropriate questions and you don’t feel comfortable answering them, religious and political views are protected under the first amendment, ask to speak to a supervisor .

4. Keep a record of what is happening and file a complaint later, ask if any your files have been duplicated and get receipts for any property seized, write down the names and badge number of each agent that questioned you or searched your belongings so you can file a complaint later if necessary with the department of civil rights.

Not speaking to law enforcement agencies doesn’t mean you did something wrong or that you are hiding something. If you let them inside your home, you can ask them to leave politely at any time, if they go overboard with their questioning or search warrant, you can even call 911.

Travel smart, don’t wear heavy coats, organize your bags and make sure to back up all your files.

For more information please visit www.muslimadvocates.org

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APRIL 2010

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Word on the Street- “Do Muslims give enough volunteering time to their community Masjids?”

By: Sumbal Akhter Muslim Voice

wonderful people that volunteer their time to upkeep the Masjid on a day to day basis by cleaning up, teaching at a madrasa, or helping out; but we can always improve on our condition. I think the best consistent way to volunteer time for the Masjid is to actually participate in coming for the five daily prayers as much as we can. The prayer

“Unfortunately, no. I personally have found it so hard to recruit members to joining the youth group at ICEV. I think it is important for masjids to start sponsoring more fun activities so that the youth will be more likely to be there to volunteer as well. There are so many volunteer opportunities in the Muslim community, and though Muslims need to make time for the masjid in their schedules, masjids need to promote themselves as well.

Having an organized group to promote anything that the masjid needs is necessary for Muslims to get more involved.” – Neekta Hamid Neekta Hamidi

Samah Mohamed

“If a Muslim is truly concerned about their community and about their mosques, I’m sure they will do what they can to make a difference by offering as much time as they find possible.

While the perception of what qualifies ‘enough’ is different for each individual, overall I’d say yes, Muslims do volunteer Nigah Mughal Pervaiz Akhter but there is always more to be done. Personally, I do what I can to help out and encourage of a Muslim is one of the most distinguishing others to do the same. If we don’t rise to help physical and spiritual experiences that separate us from other faiths. We don’t have ourselves, who will?” – Samah Mohamed to wait for a monthly or annual event to feel “Alhamdulilah we are fortunate to have associated with the Masjid, we can have

Book series for children slams Islam We trust the honesty of books to increase our knowledge on certain topics. But what if a specific book was implying that Islam is a horrible and hostile brainwashing religion? And what if thousands of copies of this book were being published and shipped across the nation? Well that is precisely what is currently happening with the “Word of Islam” books by Mason Crest Publishing.

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is set to begin what it calls a public awareness campaign against the “World of Islam” books by Mason Crest Publishing. “The overall theme of the books is that Muslims are inherently violent, that Islam is a second-rate religion and that one should be wary of Muslims in any society,”

explained Moein Khawaja, the chapter’s civil rights director. “These books do not fulfill the mission of a school, which is to educate.” The books state that Muslims immigrate to the United States in order to alter American society through terrorism.

One page in the book even reads “Security Threats” under an illustration of two young smiling girls wearing the hijab. The frightening issue is that all these books are targeted towards young children and are used as reference books in schools.

So if anyone were to be “brainwashed”, it would have to be the young minds around the world, seeking knowledge but being slammed with ignorance and bigotry instead. A representative from Mason Crest Publishing will meet with the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations on Wednesday, March 17 to further discuss the matter.

“You know, I can’t fully answer that because I don’t know if people do or not. Many people who do volunteer their time like to keep quiet about it because it is a form of charity. They are following the Hadith narrated by Bukhari, “The best of alms is that, which the right hand gives and the left hand knows not of ”. We may never know if Muslims spend enough time volunteering but each of us can make the decision to volunteer our time and that will make all the difference in the Osman Salim world.” – Nigah Mughal “The short answer is no.

I see a few of the same people volunteering long hours all the time. It may be due to the lack of an organized system, so that kids can use the volunteered hours for school requirements and such.” – Pervaiz Akhter “I think that the Muslims in our generation, especially the teenagers Umber Aulakh don’t give enough time for Allah (SWT) and the mosque and prayers. They all seem to make other activities a priority, especially when it comes to volunteering at the masjid.” – Umber Aulakh

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an everyday feeling of spiritual growth by willingly taking out the time to please Allah (SWT). We cannot imagine what reward the unsung heroes who take care of our Masjid are going to receive, and we should follow their example Insha’Allah.”- Osman Salim

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4 APRIL 2010 LOCAL / BOOK REVIEW Bosnian Community Grows Grandma and Prospers in Phoenix Nesima Aberra Muslim Voice In my visit to the Islamic Center of North Phoenix, I was greeted by a sea of colorful hijabs and flowing words in Bosnian interspersed with English.

The spacious masjid boasted beautiful artwork and spotless classrooms, hallways, prayer areas and Wudu rooms. I knew I was in a center that was well cared for and belonged to a strong community.

The Islamic Community of Bosniaks Phoenix was founded in 1995 and became a masjid under the leadership of Imam Sabahudin ef Ceman. The building where the masjid currently exists was bought from a church in February of 2007 and officially began using the facilities in August of that year. Though the land cost around $1 million, the renovations such as tile work, carpet installation, electric work, security cameras, furniture and other construction were virtually free, all done by the members of the masjid.

Families also volunteer to clean each week to keep the center presentable for members and visitors to enjoy.

“That’s something we are very proud of. All the renovating was done by the members for free, so there was no paid labor,” said Imam Sabahudin.

All that is left is to pay off the land purchased, which the members hope to do soon.

The Imam estimated 4-5,000 Bosnian families live in the Phoenix area and 290 families are members of the Islamic Community of Bosniaks Phoenix.

The masjid is accessible to everyone at all time, with prayers each day including Jumuah. There is Islamic school every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and teaches the principles of Islam, surah memorization, Quran recitation, akhlaq (manners) and the Arabic alphabet.

The Sunday school is free to all paying members of the community and around 100-120 students attend each week.

Alma Ceman, the imam’s wife and a teacher for beginning students, said the purpose of the masjid is first and foremost to teach about Islam and second to preserve the Bosnian culture, which is why classes are taught predominantly in the native Bosnian language.

“The parents prefer we teach in Bosnian, so their children will learn to speak,” she said, “even though most of the students understand what I’m saying in English better, so I often mix both.”

Outside of Islamic classes, the masjid also hosts a room for the Bosnian Cultural Club to practice their traditional folk dances and cultural traditions on Saturdays. The club performs at festivals and cultural events in the city. A potluck dinner is

held on the 1st Sunday of each month with presentations made to involve the youth and the community. The lectures are not always religious per se; the last one was on the fundamentals of economics, a topic the Imam felt was important for everyday life.

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lives with us

Refreshing and lavishly illustrated, Grandma Lives With Us by Nazli Currim s a first of its kind children’s book affording a peek into the life of an American Muslim family for Muslims and mainstream Americans. It focuses on the Islamic teachings of taking care of elderly parents, as five-year old Imaan’s parents do so lovingly. It shows a beautiful relationship between young Imaan and her grandmother, before and after her grandmother’s illness and the adjustments Imaan has to make to accommodate her ailing grandparent.

It acquaints the children to the wheel of life, smoothly tying together the emotions of love, empathy, and respect in fulfilling family responsibilities.

Muna Ali, Doctoral Candidate in Anthropology and contributing author on Arab and Muslim Americans in American History.

“In the story, we see a Muslim family as the Muslim Community sees itself: caring, instructive, and wise. At a time when the public face of Muslims is swathed in menacing scarves, curiously somehow from both sexes, a glimpse into the embracing heart of a humanized family is both welcome and crucial to our global cultural history.”

The Author has to be thanked for this unifying parable that is both realistic

This book is based on Nazli’s real life experiences of caring for her mother and the important emphasis Islam lays on caring for elderly parents. Nazli is active in her community, assisting the refugees from around the world. She is one of the founder members of the American Muslim Women’s Association (AMWA) and an Advisor and Facilitator of the Montessori wing at the Arizona Cultural Academy. Nazli, a member

G

Ramadan is an especially important time of social gathering for the community.

For almost 10 years, members eat iftar dinners each night at the masjid.

a m d n ra

“This beautifully illustrated, wisely told tale fills a much needed gap on the bookshelves of libraries, classrooms and families with young children. It is at once a child’s loving narration of her grandmother’s final years and a fine representation of a modern American Muslim family. Both Muslims and “mainstream Americans will enjoy it! “ Exclaims Michael Wolfe, the author of The Hadj, and Taking Back Islam: American Muslims Reclaim their Faith, and film producer of Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet.

Lives With Us

“Everyone is always so sad when Ramadan ends, because we spend 30 days seeing the same people, praying together, eating together-we’re like a family,” Mrs. Ceman said.

That familial bond is what draws the community of relatively new immigrants from a war-torn and former Communist-controlled country into the Islamic Community of Bosniaks Phoenix. Imam Sabahudin said there are three ways immigrants react to being in the United States- isolation, assimilation and lastly, adaptation, which he finds the best method.

“We as Muslims have to adapt the new ways, but also preserve our own faith and culture. The problem is that many parents become so focused on supporting their children financially and because of the language barrier, they are not able to provide the proper education for their children in the new environment,” the Imam explained.

But he says that Bosnians are hardworking people and by the looks of the impressive masjid they have run for three years now, they have a sincere effort and will to educate their children with Islamic knowledge while integrating into American society as well.

“Everyone is welcome to visit and see what we have to offer,” he said.

The Islamic Center of North Phoenix is located at 13246 North 23rd Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85029.

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Story by:

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and expressive of all human needs.”

Daniel Abdul- Hayy Moore, Poet: Laughing Buddha Weeping Sufi, The Blind Beekeeper, Underwater Galaxies.

Asim Ameer, contributor to The Arizona Republic, in his review of the book states, ”Mrs. Currim’s book is an excellent contribution to the fabric of American culture. It accurately reflects life in an American Muslim home. The Muslim Diaspora in North America from different nations has made and continues to make contributions that are adding to the culture and values of America” Nazli an experienced educator who understands young children and their thought processes, paints a warm portrait blending in the hues of Islamic values in this precious children’s books. “It teaches them about ethnic and religious diversity, about what Muslims believe and practice, “ states

Illustrations by:

Kadhima Ren Tung

of the Muslim Advisory Council to the Tempe Historical Museum, was a recipient of the MLK 2008 Group Award for Diversity, for the exhibit, Jewel in the Desert: Getting Acquainted with our Muslim Neighbors, presented by the City of Tempe, AZ Nazli hopes that her book will instill in the children at an early age, acceptance of those that are different than them and develop the importance of care and respect for their elders as much as they deserve in this fast paced life of today.

To purchase a book or to learn more about the Author, go to www.nazlicurrim.com or Email: shonzbooks@gmai.com Grandma Lives with Us ISBN 978-09814629-5-0 Hardbound 8 ½” x 11” Pick up orders US. $16.95, Ph.480 497-9616, Fax: 480 497-5326 Mailed orders in the US. Add $2.45 per book for S&H Canada $18.50.

Internship with Muslim Voice Become a reporter for Muslim Voice You can intern with the Muslim Voice Newspaper this semester. You can write, photograph, edit, copy write or do general administrative work.

This internship will count toward your credit hours at your college or university. Space is limited, for information please call 602-258-7770 or email us at inter@azmuslimvoice.com

OPINION

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APRIL 2010

5

Jumah Prayer: The Most Segregated Hour in America?

By Ahmad Daniels, M.Ed The pilgrimage to Mecca, mandatory for all Muslims whose health and means allow, is to be remembered for a life time. Millions of Muslims, clad in two pieces of white seamless undecorated woven fabric (Ihram), all undergo rituals that will remain deeply embedded in their minds and hearts for a lifetime. The donning of uniform attire for the purpose of rendering each pilgrim, regardless of economic status or nationality, indistinguishable from one another is of paramount importance and a display of unity before God. Surah 22:38 of the Qur’an acknowledges”…they will come unto thee on foot and on every [kind of] fast mount coming from every far-away point [on earth]…” There exists a unity during Hajj that is not only memorable but serves as a reminder that Muslims come in all colors and from many nations of the world. The eating together, sleeping together, and of course praying together during Hajj serve to cement a bond that would be profoundly commendable if those same practices continued when Hajj was over and all returned home. Sadly, such is seldom, if ever, the case.

Dr. Martin L. King, Jr, is noted for saying, “The most segregated hour in America is Sunday morning at 11:00AM. That is when whites go to their churches and Blacks to theirs.” That was true when Dr. King was alive and remains true today. For certain, segregation laws mandated the separation of Blacks and whites so very little choice existed during the era of Jim Crow (legal segregation). And, when segregation laws began to be disappear in the mid 1950”s (Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka), habits and customs, formed in the crucible of Jim Crow, continued virtually unabated.

It became increasingly obvious that there was something more than laws that kept whites and Blacks separated even though they shared the same religious faith. There existed a force that had an equal if not greater influence upon them that resulted in the creation of a void not bridged even by the most pious of the faith. That force is and continues to be culture, a system of behavior shared by members of a society.

The power of culture can be seen every Friday as Muslims, who may have prayed side-by-side in Mecca, all too often attend mosques that are predominately frequented by others of their native land or who share a common history. Bosnians, Nation of Islam, Middle Easterners, Somalis, African Americans, etc. are a few that have mosques principally attended by like kind. Not

exclusively, by any means. At any given Jumah prayer you can see those representing a mixture of different cultures and nations and the colorful attire they wear. Yet, these enclaves do exist and begs the question; how many Bosnian Muslims ever frequent Jumah prayer at a mosque with an African American Imam? Do Middle-Easterners make it a habit to periodically make Friday prayer at a mosque attended in large numbers by Somalis?

Making the pilgrimage to Mecca is in and of its self a heart-felt experience. Those fortunate enough to have done so hold it as one of the most pivotal experiences in their life. However, should the oneness of experienced on the pilgrimage be limited to the Holy City or should it provide a glimpse of what true brotherhood can and should look like at mosques around the globe? Diversity, the capacity for and practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs and practices of others, plays a major role in a world where Facebook and Twitter have enabled people to communicate in ways heretofore unheard of.

Imagine what is being lost by not experiencing the culture of a fellow believer? Greater yet are the benefits that await those who able and willing to bridge the cultural divide and dare to leave the comforts of their own mosque for the purpose of experiencing a khutbah delivered by an Imam from another culture.

The Hadith of the Palm Shoot and the Crisis of Islamic Work

By Anas Hlayhel One of the Hadiths that never cease to motivate me:

then let him plant it”

“If the Hour starts to happen and in the hand of one of you is a palm shoot or seedling; then if he’s able to plant it before the Hour happens,

No doubt, many lessons can be extrapolated from this short yet super-powerful Hadith.

One lesson is that we should contribute under all circumstances. Now, we all know that Judgment Day is the accumulation of the most difficult conditions to operate in. In such extreme circumstances, it may have been expected that the Prophet would have instructed to throw out that plant and concentrate on prayer or something. Rather, he draws a breath-taking picture of someone who’s racing against the Hour, it starting to

By Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh I am Palestinian American citizen who lived in the US for 29 years before deciding to move to Palestine nearly two years ago.

I received my higher education (Masters, PhD, medical genetics board certification) in the US and served as a faculty member in schools of medicine at the Universities of Tennessee (2.5 years), Duke (6 years), and Yale (5 years). I also helped start a private laboratory in New Jersey that now employs 20 people. I wrote several books and the last one to be published this year is titled “Hope and Empowerment: A History of Popular Resistance in Palestine”.

What attracted me to the US was the openness and welcoming attitude that allowed me to work not only in my profession as an academic, clinician, and researcher but also to advocate and speak out for human rights. I gave hundreds of talks and participated in many vigils and protests for example against the war on Iraq and for justice and equality in Israel/ Palestine. There was of course always a tiny vocal and rather aggressive minority of Jewish Americans who were attempting to suppress the truth and defend the indefensible. But as time passed by, more and more people of all backgrounds (Jews, Chrsitians, Muslims, etc.) got involved in the struggle for freedom. This is because they knew that freedom for Palestinians and challenging the delusional Zionist

happen and him trying to plant a shoot before it happens!! Not even the Hour is an excuse for one not to contribute to humanity.

But if we look at our condition today, it seems that we have become experts at manufacturing excuses. Moreover, this attitude has managed to encompass all spheres of Islamic work, from prayer to activism. Take for example the dawn prayer in congregation. In the summer, we say it is too early. In the winter, we say it’s too cold. When it comes to staffing community projects, you see meager participation. Even the 80/20 rule falls short from describing our condition. This rule simply states that 20% of people usually contribute 80% of work. I think it’s not an exaggeration to say that in our case it’s probably 5% of our community that is contributing 95% of work.

My intent here is not to highlight a negative trend as much as to contrast our condition with the extremely positive message of the Hadith at hand.

Many of the excuses are revolving around the difficult conditions that we are currently in. But, you find the

Hadith saying that you contribute regardless of the condition you are in. Otherwise, there may never be an ideal condition for you in this life that perfectly suits your liking. Listen to this poet who beautifully captured this type of mindset: If you are bothered by the heat of the Summer the dryness of the Fall and the cold of the Winter And you are overtaken by the beauty of the Spring Then seeking knowledge, tell me when?

In other words, it’s either not comfortable or it’s too comfortable, but it’s never just right! If you are waiting for the perfect condition to start working for Islam, it may never materialize! But wait a minute, this is the perfect condition. It’s in times of crisis that you can contribute the most, can cause change, and affect impact.

Lots of Muslims immigrated to this country for a better life. They came here to seek a degree or find a dream job. And for a while that seemed to work perfect.

Letter to editor

agenda is good for all people. This is true for US citizens who already paid a heavy price in blood and treasure in places like Iraq because of a special interest lobby in Washington that is now pushing for conflict with Iran. Iran will certainly cost us far more than the cost of Iraq (so far $3 trillion, few thousand dead Americans, tens of thousands injured for life).

Once I relocated to Palestine, I proceeded to do the same activities I was engaged in here in the US. I teach at two universities (Bethlehem and Birzeit) and helped establish a master’s program in biotechnology. I also pursue my passion of educating others on human rights and engaging in other civil resistance actions such as protests and vigils. Being a believer in civil nonviolent resistance is not easy in an area where there is an occupation and military rule. Recently, the situation deteriorated in my home town and we became more active in our nonviolent struggle. Concomitantly, the Israeli army decided to increase the repression.

The Bethlehem district is surrounded

by Israeli settlements and military installations on three sides. The 130,000 Bethlehem residents now have access to only 20% of the original land of the district. And more than half of those residents are refugees from the ethnic cleansing of 1948, or displaced people from post 1967 settlement activities.

Now the settlers, protected by the Israeli

military, want to build a settlement in the only remaining area of Bethlehem (to the east). The town people of Beit Sahour (the Shepherds Field) is known for a history of nonviolent resistance (including tax revolt in 1988-1989). We are 70% Christian and 30% Muslim town with limited resources but highly educated middle class (there are over 300 PhD holders among the population of 12,000).

It was thus not a surprise that the town people decided to resist nonviolently the additional Israeli encroachment on our town. We have already lost a lot of land.

The Israeli response was rather brutal. Our first prayer vigil was attacked while the Lutheran priest was leading us in prayer (see video at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4he1vayLrfo). Being a member of the committee that organized that vigil and another peaceful event a week later, I was targeted. An Israeli officer warned me not to participate and threatened me saying he knew I was leaving to the US for a lecture tour. the day after I left to the US, they invaded our neighborhood at 1:30 AM (Tuesday morning) and demanded to see me. My mother, sister and wife were terrorized for no reason. They told the military I was already out of the country but would be happy to go talk to them when I return if need be. The military left a paper that demands I show up at their offices. I came back here to deal with this through my lawyer but it looks like these were acts of intimidation and to scare

Many Muslims became successful and began to enjoy the American dream.

But, now that conditions have changed and are not as pleasant as they used too, it’s not time to get all depressed and negative. Now, it’s time to recapture and revive the spirit of our Muslim ancestors who operated under much harder conditions but with a very strong and positive attitude. Citing one example, Abu Yusuf, student of Imam Abu Hanifa, was on his deathbed and was losing consciousness when his student Ibrahim arrived. When Abu Yusuf woke up and saw Ibrahim he asked, “what do you say about this Mas’alah [religious issue]?” Ibrahim proclaimed shockingly, “while you are in this state?” Abu Yusuf replied, “We study so someone will benefit”. Ibrahim goes on to narrate that his teacher died few minutes later.

Can you imagine someone teaching till their last moment? They contributed selflessly even if they didn’t see results in their lifetime. Just like this man that the Prophet described. He’s planting the palm shoot, but he’s not sure if he or the plant will make it for the next hour.

But that’s ok since this man has fulfilled his responsibility. The rest is on Allah.

others. Mine is the mild case. There are far worst cases from holding activists in administrative detention to shooting and killing them. We now commemorate the seventh anniversary of the murder of peace activist Rachel Corrie (see http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHCJwUIPV0). Justice must be served and the oppression must end.

Being that Israel receives billions in our tax money, I as a US citizen ask our government to defend those of us (Americans, Palestinians, others) who engage in nonviolent resistance. I ask the US to finally put a stop to the Israeli colonial activities. The spit in the face of Vice President Biden by announcing new housing units in occupied Jerusalem cannot pass with no sincere apology and only about “timing”. The US can demand an end to settlement activity and even a removal of the settlements. We saw that US power when President Eisenhower demanded Israel end its occupation of Gaza and the Sinai in 1956 and Israel was forced to comply. The media editors can begin to cover reality of oppression here and how taxpayers contribute to it. People must declare where they stand for the tide is shifting and the day of reckoning is upon us just like in the civil rights movement or the anti-apartheid struggle. History will not be kind to those who stand and watch from the sidelines. Silence in this case is clearly complicity.

6

NATIONAL

APRIL 2010

Gaza Families Receive Water Tanks

Clean water is abundant in the Holy Land.

For Palestinians, however, access to that water is limited.

a campaign to purchase water storage tanks for residents of the West Bank and blockaded Gaza Strip.

the West Bank.”

Life has asked its donors to contribute all or part of the $800 that it costs to The tanks can store up to purchase and install a large ‫ﺣﻤﻠﺔ ﻣﻨﻈﻤﺔ اﻟﺤﻴﺎة ﻟﻺﻏﺎﺛﺔ واﻟﺘﻨﻤﻴﺔ ﻟﺘﻮﻓﻴﺮ اﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﻟﻸﺳﺮ اﻟﻔﻠﺴﻄﻴﻨﻴﺔ‬ Statistics from the World 1,320 gallons of water, which water tank for one family, Health Organization is either collected from the and according to Life indicate that the average rain, or is purchased ‫ﺗﺒﺎﺷﺮ‬ ‫ اﻟﺤﻴﺎة‬from officials, the response has Palestinian uses only 19 water delivery trucks. been encouraging. ‫ﻓﻲ‬ ‫اﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ‬ ‫ﺧﺰاﻧﺎت‬ ‫وﺗﻮزﻳﻊ‬ ‫ﺗﻮﻓﻴﺮ‬ gallons of water per day, ‫ﻏﺰة‬ “Alhamdulillah, 220 families Donors have also been given compared to 80 gallons a in Gaza have already the option of purchasing day for others. four months worth In many rural parts of the West Bank, Palestinians are not allowed to dig water wells, even if it is on their own land.

of water for families who receive a tank for $100.

Not only has this campaign provided families with the ability to store large amounts of water that will sustain them over time, it is also helping to boost the local economy since water tanks are purchased from local factories, thereby helping to fight the high unemployment that has crippled Palestinian society.

In Gaza, the situation is very dire as the water infrastructure continues to deteriorate after last year’s war and the international blockade that has been imposed on the coastal strip for the past three years.

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

MSU conference looks at Muslim, Arab health issues

Received by Associated Press

Relationship among Mental Health, Violence and Muslims.’’

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) _ A conference on how global terrorism and public perceptions affect the physical and mental health of Muslims and Arabs is scheduled at Michigan State University.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine is sponsoring the conference at the MSU Union ballroom.

April 3 is the date of the conference, which is titled ``Why it Matters: Addressing the Myths & Realities of the

The featured speaker is David Schanzer, co-director of the Institute for Homeland Security Solutions at Duke University. His talk is titled ``Anti-Terror Lessons of American Muslims.’’

Once-barred Muslim scholar to speak in NY Received by Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) _ A prominent Muslim scholar will speak in Manhattan next month _ his first U.S. appearance since a State Department ban was lifted.

received their water tanks, plus four months “For many Palestinians worth of water, thanks obtaining even poor- to the generosity of our Also, small farmers who quality, subsistence-level from‫ﺗﺘﻮاﺻﻞ‬ this project can ‫ ﻟﻐﺮض ﺗﻮﻓﻴﺮ ﺧﺰاﻧﺎت اﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ‬donors ‫ﻟﻺﻏﺎﺛﺔ واﻟﺘﻨﻤﻴﺔ‬ ‫أﻃﻠﻘﺘﻬﺎ ﻣﻨﻈﻤﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﺤﻤﻠﺔ اﻹﻏﺎﺛﻴﺔ‬ and ‫اﻟﺤﻴﺎة‬ partners” says‫اﻟﺘﻲ‬benefit quantities of water has Dr. Mujahid Al-Fayadh, use water from the tanks for ‫اﻟﺼﺎﻟﺢ ﻟﻠﺸﺮب ﻟﻸﺳﺮ اﻟﻤﺤﺘﺎﺟﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻏﺰة واﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﻌﺎﻧﻲ ﻣﻦ ﻧﻘﺺ ﺣﺎد وﺧﻄﻴﺮ ﻓﻲ آﻤﻴﺎت اﻟﻤﺎء‬ become a luxury that they president & CEO of Life for their animals and to irrigate ‫ﺑﺎﻟﺤﻴﺎة‬ ‫ﻳﺴﻤﺢ ﻟﻬﻢ‬ ‫ﺑﺸﻜﻞ‬a‫اﻷﻃﻔﺎل واﻟﻨﺴﺎء واﻟﺸﻴﻮخ ﻣﻦ اﻻﺳﺘﻔﺎدة ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﺎء‬their ‫ﻣﻤﺎ ﺣﺮم‬ ‫اﻟﻤﺨﺼﺼﺔ ﻟﻬﺎ‬ can barely afford,” states crops.

Relief and Development. . ‫ﻟﻠﻐﺎﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﺻﻌﺒﺔ‬ ‫وإﻧﺴﺎﻧﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﺣﻴﺎﺗﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﻇﺮوف‬ ‫ﻇﻞ‬ ‫ﻓﻲ‬ ‫اﻟﻜﺮﻳﻤﺔ‬ ‫اﻹﻧﺴﺎﻧﻴﺔ‬ report issued last October “This project will continue Those interested in making a

by Amnesty International. for several months, and by tax-deductable donation to ‫ﻟﺬا ﺑﺎﺷﺮ اﻟﻤﻜﺘﺐ اﻟﺪاﺋﻢ ﻟﻤﻨﻈﻤﺔ اﻟﺤﻴﺎة ﻓﻲ ﻓﻠﺴﻄﻴﻦ وﻓﺮﻳﻘﻨﺎ اﻻﻏﺎﺛﻲ اﻟﻌﺎﻣﻞ ﻓﻲ ﻏﺰة ﺑﺘﻮزﻳﻊ ﺧﺰاﻧﺎت‬

In response to this then insha’Allah, we will this project should call Life ‫اﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﻓﻲ ﺑﻴﻮﺗﻬﺎ وإﻣﻼﺋﻬﺎ‬ ‫إﻳﺼﺎل‬of‫ﺗﻢ‬water ‫اﻟﻤﺤﺘﺎﺟﺔ ﺣﻴﺚ‬ have‫ﺧﺰاﻧﺎت‬ given‫وﻧﺼﺐ‬ the gift crisis, the ‫ﺑﺎﻟﻤﺎء‬ Michigan-based for ‫اﻟﻌﺎﺋﻼت‬ Relief ‫ﻋﻠﻰ‬ and‫اﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ‬ Development ‫إﻟﻰ‬ ‫أدى‬ ‫ﻣﻤﺎ‬ ‫اﻟﻤﻠﻮﺛﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ‬ ‫ﻋﻠﻰ‬ ‫ﻳﻌﺘﻤﺪون‬ ‫ا‬ ‫آﺎﻧﻮ‬ ‫ﺑﻌﺪﻣﺎ‬ ‫اﻟﻨﻈﻴﻔﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ‬ ‫ﻣﻦ‬ ‫ﺗﺮﺗﻮي‬ ‫ﻟﻜﻲ‬ ‫ﻟﻠﺸﺮب‬ ‫ اﻟﺼﺎﻟﺢ‬or log on charity Life for Relief and to hundreds of Palestinian at 1-800-827-3543, ‫ آﻤﺎ‬. ‫اﻟﺨﻄﻴﺮة‬ ‫اﻷوﺑﺌﺔ واﻷﻣﺮاض‬ ‫وﻏﻴﺮهﺎ ﻣﻦ‬ ( ‫اﻷﻧﻴﻤﻴﺎ‬ ) ‫ﻓﻘﺮ اﻟﺪم‬ ‫ ﻣﺮض‬to ‫وﺧﺎﺻﺔ‬ ‫اﻧﺘﺸﺎر اﻹﻣﺮاض‬ families both in Gaza and Development launched www.lifeusa.org.

‫ﺗﻢ اﺧﺘﻴﺎر ﺗﻠﻚ اﻷﺳﺮ ﻻﻓﺘﻘﺎدهﺎ إﻟﻰ وﺟﻮد اﻟﺨﺰاﻧﺎت اﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ ﺑﻬﺎ وآﺬﻟﻚ ﻋﺪم وﺟﻮد ﻣﺤﻄﺎت ﺗﺤﻠﻴﻪ‬ ‫ إن ﻣﻨﻈﻤﺔ اﻟﺤﻴﺎة ﺳﺘﺴﺘﻤﺮ ﺑﻤﻠﻰء هﺬﻩ اﻟﺨﺰاﻧﺎت ﻟﻸرﺑﻌﺔ أﺷﻬﺮ اﻟﻘﺎدﻣﺔ‬.‫اﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻨﺎﻃﻖ ﺳﻜﻨﺎهﻢ‬ .‫ﺑﺈذن اﷲ وهﻲ ﺗﺮﺟﻮ اﺳﺘﻤﺮار هﺬا اﻷﻣﺮ ﻟﺴﻨﺔ آﺎﻣﻠﺔ ﺣﺘﻰ ﻳﺘﺤﻘﻖ اﻻآﺘﻔﺎء اﻟﺬاﺗﻲ ﻟﻸﺳﺮة اﻟﻔﻠﺴﻄﻴﻨﻴﺔ‬

Tariq Ramadan will appear on a panel April 8 at The Cooper Union college, according to The New York Times.

He was barred under the Patriot Act after donating money to a Swiss charity that the U.S. said supported Hamas. Ramadan said the charity had no connection to the Palestinian militant group.

In January, the State Department said Ramadan and another Muslim scholar could reapply to travel to the United States.

Ramadan, who is Swiss, teaches contemporary Islamic studies at Oxford University in England.

He’d been offered a professorship at the University of Notre Dame when his visa was pulled in 2004.

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NATIONAL

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

APRIL 2010

7

Health overhaul:

Immediate change, long term steps

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) _ When President Lyndon Johnson signed the Medicare law in 1965, seniors got their health insurance cards less than a year later.

President Barack Obama held his signing ceremony for his health care overhaul on, but the major expansion of coverage for uninsured workers and their families won’t come until 2014 _ after the next presidential election.

Parts of the plan won’t be fully phased in for a decade, but ultimately 94 percent of eligible Americans would have coverage.

_ Freezes payments to Medicare Advantage plans, the first step in reducing payments to the private insurers who serve about one-fourth of seniors. The reductions would be phased in over three to seven years. _ Boosts funding for community health centers, which provide basic care for many low-income and uninsured people. _ Requires employers to report the value of health care benefits on employees’ W-2 tax statements. _ Imposes $2.3 billion annual fee on drugmakers, increasing over time.

2012 _ Sets up program to create nonprofit insurance co-ops that would compete with commercial

2.35 percent from the current 1.45 percent. Also adds a new tax of 3.8 percent on income from investments. _ Imposes a 2.3 percent sales tax on medical devices. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and many everyday items bought at the drug store are exempt.

2014 _ Prohibits insurers from denying coverage to people with medical problems, or refusing to renew their policy. Health plans cannot limit coverage based on pre-existing conditions, or charge higher rates to those in poor health.

Premiums can only vary by age (no more than 3-to-1), place of residence, family size and tobacco use.

Here’s a timeline of some changes:

_ Coverage expansion goes into high gear as states create new health insurance exchanges _ supermarkets for individuals and small businesses to buy coverage.

People who already have employer coverage won’t see any changes.

THIS YEAR • Sets up a high-risk health insurance pool to provide affordable coverage for uninsured people with medical problems.

• Starting six months after enactment, requires all health insurance plans to maintain dependent coverage for children until they turn 26; prohibits insurers from denying coverage to children because of pre-existing health problems.

_ Provides incomebased tax credits for most consumers in the exchanges, substantially reducing costs for many.

Sliding scale credits phase out completely for households above four times the federal poverty level, about $88,000 for a family of four.

• Bars insurance companies from putting lifetime dollar limits on coverage, and canceling policies except for fraud.

insurers.

• Begins narrowing the Medicare prescription coverage gap by providing a $250 rebate to seniors in the gap, which starts this year once they have spent $2,830. It would be fully closed by 2020.

_ Initiates Medicare payment reforms by encouraging hospitals and doctors to band together in quality-driven ``accountable care organizations’’ along the lines of the Mayo Clinic.

Sets up a pilot program to test more efficient ways of paying hospitals, doctors, nursing homes and other providers who care for Medicare patients from admission through discharge. Successful experiments would be widely adopted.

• Reduces projected Medicare payments to hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, hospices and other providers.

_ Penalizes hospitals with high rates of preventable re-admissions by reducing Medicare payments.

• Imposes 10 percent sales tax on indoor tanning.

2013

2011

_ Standardizes insurance company paperwork, first in a series of steps to reduce administrative costs.

_ Provides Medicare recipients in the prescription coverage gap with a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs; begins phasing in additional drug discounts to close the gap by 2020. _ Provides 10 percent Medicare bonus to primary care doctors and general surgeons practicing in underserved areas, such as inner cities and rural communities; improves preventive coverage.

_ Limits medical expense contributions to taxsheltered flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to $2,500 a year, indexed for inflation. Raises threshold for claiming itemized tax deduction for medical expenses from 7.5 percent of income to 10 percent. People over 65 can still deduct medical expenses above 7.5 percent of income through 2016. _ Increases Medicare payroll tax on couples making more than $250,000 and individuals making more than $200,000. The tax rate on wages above those thresholds would rise to

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_ Requires citizens and legal residents to have health insurance, except in cases of financial hardship, or pay a fine to the IRS. Penalty starts at $95 per person in 2014, rising to $695 in 2016. Family penalty capped at $2,250. Penalties indexed for inflation after 2016. _ Penalizes employers with more than 50 workers if any of their workers get coverage through the exchange and receive a tax credit. The penalty is $2,000 times the total number of workers employed at the company. However, employers get to deduct the first 30 workers.

2018 _ Imposes a tax on employer-sponsored health insurance worth more than $10,200 for individual coverage, $27,500 for a family plan.

The tax is 40 percent of the value of the plan above the thresholds, indexed for inflation.

2020 zvz‫ئ‬ttt_ Doughnut hole coverage gap in Medicare prescription benefit is phased out.

Seniors continue to pay the standard 25 percent of their drug costs until they reach the threshold for Medicare catastrophic coverage, when their copayments drop to 5 percent.

10/09

_ Creates a voluntary long-term care insurance program to provide a modest cash benefit helping disabled people stay in their homes, or cover nursing home costs. Benefits can begin five years after people start paying a fee for the coverage.

11-10

• Provides tax credits to help small businesses with up to 25 employees get and keep coverage for their employees.

_ Medicaid expanded to cover low-income people up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line, about $29,300 for a family of four. Low-income childless adults covered for the first time.

8

NATIONAL

APRIL 2010

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

Chicago taxi driver accused of supporting Al-Qaida

By MIKE ROBINSON

withdraw from the case and another attorney would be appointed to defend Khan.

AP Legal Affairs Writer CHICAGO (AP) _ Federal prosecutors charged a Chicago cab driver with attempting to provide funds for explosives to al-Qaida and discussing a possible bomb attack on an unspecified stadium in the United States this summer.

U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said in the statement that there was no imminent danger to the Chicago area but ``these charges, once again, affirm that law enforcement must remain constantly vigilant to

with planning a terrorist attack in Denmark.

that led to protests in much of the Muslim world.

Prosecutors said the investigation that led to Khan’s arrest was unrelated to a separate investigation that produced charges against an American citizen, David Coleman Headley, and a Canadian businessman

Headley pleaded guilty last week to the charges. Rana has pleaded not guilty to conspiring to provide material support to terrorists in Denmark and India.

Raja Lahrasib Khan, 56, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Pakistani origin, was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

According to the complaint, Khan claimed to have known Kashmiri for 15 years and said he came to believe at some point that Kashmiri was receiving orders from Osama bin Laden. Prosecutors have said that Kashmiri maintains close ties with at least one al-Qaida leader.

The complaint said that Khan sent $950 from a currency exchange in Chicago to ``Lala,’’ a name meaning older brother and which he used in speaking of Kashmiri.

It said the money was sent after Kashmiri indicated to Khan that he needed cash to buy explosives.

Khan spoke with another man identified in the complaint only as Individual B on March 11 and appeared to be talking about an attack on an unspecified stadium within the United States, according to the complaint.

Khan allegedly said bags containing remote controlled bombs could be placed within the stadium and then, ``boom, boom, boom, boom,’’ prosecutors said.

On March 17, Khan accepted $1,000 from the undercover agent and assured him that the money would be used to purchase weapons and possibly other supplies, the complaint said.

The balding, bearded Khan, clad in a wrinkled nylon jacket, rumpled pants and sneakers, appeared briefly before U.S. Magistrate Geraldine Soat Brown. She ordered him held in the Metropolitan Correctional Center pending a status hearing set.

It said that at that time Khan discussed the possibility of sending the money to England with his son. Under the plan, he would meet his son in England, retrieve the money and proceed to Pakistan to deliver it to Kashmiri, they said.

He was represented at the initial appearance by Daniel P. McLoughlin, a staff attorney with the federal defender program.

McLoughlin declined to comment when approached by reporters after the hearing but told Soat Brown that he would probably

guard against domestic support of foreign terrorist organizations.’’

The complaint said that Khan claimed while speaking with an undercover agent to be acquainted with Ilyas Kashmiri, a terrorist leader believed to be based in the tribal areas of western Pakistan who is currently charged in a federal indictment in Chicago

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living in Chicago, Tahawwur Rana, in the November 2008 terrorist attacks that left 166 people dead in the Indian city of Mumbai.

Kashmiri is charged in that indictment along with Headley and Rana in connection with a planned attack on the Danish newspaper that published cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad in 2005

According to the complaint, FBI agents came into contact with Khan’s son at O’Hare International Airport on March 23 and that he was traveling to England with some of the money.

The son was not charged with any wrongdoing.

GOP congressman asks LA Sheriff about Muslim group Received by Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) _ A Republican congressman has questioned Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca’s relationship with an Islamic nonprofit during a hearing in Washington.

was ``un-American’’ and inappropriate to attack him through CAIR, and cited his service with the Marines and his support of Israel.

Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore says Baca has attended two CAIR fundraisers within the last four years.

Indiana Rep. Mark Souder asked Baca why he attended fundraisers for the Council on American-Islamic Relations during a subcommittee hearing on local law enforcement and homeland security on Wednesday.

According to a report by KPCC-FM, Souder said government officials shouldn’t associate with groups like CAIR whose speech is ``radical.’’

Baca bristled and responded that CAIR does not support terrorists. He says it

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Obama Names Muslim Envoy to OIC

By IOL Staff CAIRO — US President Barack Obama has named a new special envoy to the pan-Muslim Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), hoping to help improve ties and cooperation with the Muslim world.

“I’m proud to announce today that I am appointing my Special Envoy to the OIC — Rashad Hussain,” Obama said in a video message to the Seventh US-Islamic World Forum in Doha.

He was hopeful the Muslim envoy will give a new momentum to relations between America and the Muslim world.

“As an accomplished lawyer

and a close and trusted member of my White House staff, Rashad has played a key role in developing the partnerships I called for in Cairo.”

In a speech in Cairo last June, Obama vowed to forge a “new beginning” with the Muslim world to remove a decade of discord between the two sides.

“Since then, my administration has made a sustained effort to listen,” Obama said.

“We’ve held thousands of events and town halls— with students, civil society groups, faith leaders and entrepreneurs—in the United States and around the world.”

Hussain will replace incumbent Sada Cumber, a Texas businessman who was appointed in February 2008 as

the first US envoy to the panMuslim body by the president George W. Bush.

Obama admitted that the mission would not be an easy one.

The OIC, based in the Saudi city of Jeddah, groups 57 members and is considered the world’s largest Muslim assembly.

“None of this will be easy.

Hafiz Obama said Hussain’s good reputation and mastering of Arabic and Islam would help him in his mission, which the president admitted won’t be easy.

“As a hafiz of the Qur’an, he is a respected member of the American Muslim community, and I thank him for carrying forward this important work.”

Hafiz is a person who has mastered and memorized the Muslim holy book.

“Fully realizing the new beginning we envision will take a long-term commitment.

But we have begun.”

Hussain, a US lawyer of Indian parents, was named deputy associate counsel to Obama in 2009.

He has served as a trial attorney at the Department of Justice and as assistant on the House Judiciary Committee, where he reviewed legislation such as the controversial Patriot Act. Hussain, who has a master’s degree in public administration and in Arabic and Islamic studies from Harvard University, is a graduate of

9

Yale Law School.

“I am honored and humbled that the president has asked me to serve as his Special Envoy to the OIC.” He pledged to do his best to restore good ties with Muslim world.

“We have an unprecedented opportunity, through the framework laid in Cairo, for a comprehensive engagement with the Muslim world.”

Hussain hopes to strengthen ties with Muslim countries particularly in the education, science and technology fields.

“I look forward to deepening those partnerships.

The president has made it clear that we will be judged on our actions, on results.”

US Muslims Go Cyberspace for Soul Mates

By Dina Rabie, IOL Staff

people who just need help finding the right spouse.

WASHINGTON – In America, a growing number of single Muslims resort to matrimonial websites in their pursuit for life partners, seeing the cyberspace as a more accessible way to find Mr/Ms Right.

“Some of them just do not want to go for traditional marriage and want to try a different thing.”

She explained that interested people register online and provide

They follow up with those who approach them on proposing to other participants and provide them counseling as well.

“Even if participants do not find spouses, they get to learn abut marriage and what it is about.”

“We have people accessing our website from all across the US. We have people from Colorado, Missouri, Nevada,” Vaseem Ansari, executive director of the Companionships matrimonial website, told IslamOnline.net.

The website was established in 2004 under the direction of Mohamed Majid, the imam of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society, to help Muslims looking for marriage partners.

“I got so many requests from young people to help them find the right spouses,” recalls Majid.

“When it became so many requests, I reached out to young couples and established Companionships with me and my wife putting the program together.”

The goal in Companionships program is to provide a platform for young Muslims to meet and be introduced to Islamic matrimonial education.

“We work professionally,” said Ansari, adding that they get many professional, educated and articulate

especially young people, use them a lot,” he asserted.

“They even go to non-Muslim matchmaking websites and participate in it.”

Some Muslim organizations like the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) has realized that and created its own matrimonial website too.

Imam Majid believes that such websites help meet a need in the American Muslim community, estimated at nearly seven millions.

“They are very diverse, so scattered across the United States,” he noted.

“We are creating a virtual community that is more accessible for them.”

Matrimonial websites provide a platform for young Muslims to meet and learn about what they expect in a marriage.

Ansari agrees that matrimonial websites respond to the community’s needs.

background about them, where they are from and what they are looking for in a spouse.

“A lot of people are immigrants from different countries. They do not have big communities as back home and their families are not together,” she explained.

The matrimonial website then arranges for retreat events where soul-mate seekers get together in a kind of a workshop.

“They meet other participants, do activities together, we ask them provoking questions about social skills, religion and politics so that all participants know each other’s background and priorities in life,” explains Imam Majid.

“We are creating a virtual community that is more accessible for them,” imam Majid told IOL

Needed, Accessible Imam Majid says that like Companionships, there are many other matrimonial websites that attract US Muslims.

“There are many Muslim matrimonial websites nowadays and Muslims,

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She added that they get in their program many professional, educated and articulate people who just need help finding the right spouse.

“Some of them just do not want to go for traditional marriage and want to try a different thing.”

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Carter to discuss U.S.-Arab relations at forum

Muslim group: Hate incidents on rise in MN schools

Received by Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) _ Former President Jimmy Carter will discuss the future of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the Arab world at a two-day conference in Atlanta.

The Georgia Democrat will deliver the keynote address for the Malta Forum.

Received by Associated Press ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ A Muslim civil rights group is calling on the Department of Education to investigate reports of racial and religious tensions in Minnesota public schools.

The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations asked for the department’s help, following reports of anti-Muslim incidents around the state.

Muslim students have allegedly been

called names and faced harassment by students and teachers. In one case, CAIR says, two students shoved pork bacon in the faces of Muslim high school girls. Muslims do not eat pork.

In another case, CAIR says, a bus driver went past Muslim students waiting at a bus stop. And CAIR says a teacher told students to spray air freshener when Muslim students entered a room.

A message left with an Education Department spokesman wasn’t immediately returned.

Trinity students want diplomas without ‘Our Lord’

The conference comes as Washington has expressed rare public outrage over Israel’s plans to build new Jewish homes in a traditionally Arab part of Jerusalem.

It will also focus on President Barack Obama’s latest push for a long-sought peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians to end a conflict that has fueled anti-U.S. sentiment in the region.

San Francisco chief issues apology over comments Received by Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ San Francisco’s police chief is apologizing for comments he made during a breakfast meeting over an earthquake bond measure that upset members of the Arab American community.

While addressing city officials and members of the building trades during the gathering, Chief George Gascon made what some in attendance thought were controversial remarks about terrorism.

Received by Associated Press SAN ANTONIO (AP) _ Some Trinity University students are asking school trustees to drop the words ``Our Lord’’ from their diplomas, arguing that the reference doesn’t respect the diversity of religions on campus.

Sidra Qureshi, a Muslim student and president of Trinity Diversity Connection, is leading the charge to tweak the wording. The effort has won the support of student government, and trustees are expected to consider the request in May. ``A diploma is a very personal item, and people want to proudly display it in their offices and homes,’’ Qureshi told the San Antonio Express-News in Monday’s editions. ``By having the phrase In the Year of Our Lord,’ it is directly referencing Jesus Christ, and not everyone believes in Jesus Christ.’’

The school’s president and other students defend the wording, saying the school’s Presbyterian roots are appropriate and unobtrusive. Founded in 1869, Trinity has been governed by an independent board of trustees since 1969 but maintains a ``covenant relationship’’ with the church.

President Dennis Ahlburg said Trinity should continue to foster a diverse environment but should not ignore its cultural and religious roots. ``The fundamental issue is not so much what is on the diploma,’’ he said. ``The fundamental question is, ‘Is Trinity a place that is accepting and supportive of all faiths?’ `` The debate started last year when Isaac

The chief maintains he did not refer to Middle Easterners or Arab Americans, but instead said some residents of Yemen and Afghanistan could pose potential terror risks.

Medina, a Muslim convert from Mexico, noticed the wording on pre-made diploma frames.

The comments prompted a letter from local office of the Council on American Islamic Relations requesting the chief meet with the group and leaders from the Arab and Muslim community.

``I honestly feel like nobody actually noticed it before,’’ Medina said. ``Now that it has been brought up, the institution is trying to find its own identity. Are we or are we not a religious institution?’’

When Medina applied to Trinity, university staff told him it wasn’t a religious institution and that it maintained only a historical bond to the church. He said he’d always felt welcome at Trinity, where the campus chaplain caters to students of all religions and the university recently dedicated a Muslim prayer space.

So the reference on the diploma ``came as a big surprise,’’ said Medina, who graduated in December. ``I felt I was a victim of a bait and switch.’’

Qureshi and Medina initially sought a change only for students who desired it, but university staff told them the school would not print custom diplomas.

Ahlburg said he’s heard from many alumni and donors who oppose the change. Brendan McNamara, president of the College Republicans, also is against a change. ``Any cultural reference, even if it is religious, our first instinct should not be to remove it, but to accept it and tolerate it,’’ said. ``Once you remove that phrase, where do you draw the line?’’

Though Trinity has historically enrolled mostly white Christians, the university has taken pains to increase diversity.

Since 1999, the share of international students has increased from 1 percent to 9 percent.

In a written apology issued, Gascon said he did not intend to upset the Arab American community.

Arkansas prisons apologize for head scarf incident Received by Associated Press LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) _ The Arkansas Department of Correction has apologized to a Muslim woman who was banned from visiting an inmate because she was wearing a religious headscarf.

Department spokeswoman Dina Tyler says a staff member misunderstood prison policy, which calls for a private search of anyone wearing a wig or religious headscarf. The woman was trying to visit a relative at the East Arkansas Regional Unit on Dec. 26 when she was banned from the property.

Tyler says the department sent a letter to the woman ``apologizing for any embarrassment or inconvenience’’ caused by prison staff.

Tyler says there was no disciplinary action against the workers and that the department is making sure staff understands that headscarves and wigs are allowed in the prison, if they’ve been searched.

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US Terror Reviews Avoid Muslim Labels

By IslamOnline.net & Newspapers

CAIRO — Two reviews outlining the Obama administration’s defense and security strategy have avoided any mention of anti-Muslim labels, reported the Washington Times on February 12. “(President Barack Obama) had made it clear as we are looking at counterterrorism that our principal focus is al Qaeda and global violent extremism,” David Heyman, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Policy, said.

“And that is the terminology and language that has been articulated.”

Instead, the document used the terms of “Al-Qaeda”, “terrorist”, “extremist” and “violent extremism” in describing US enemies.

Similarly, a review by the Pentagon also avoided any reference to Muslim labels, using only terms such as “radicalism” and “extremism”.

The reviews go in line with recommendations by the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) in 2008 to avoid using the words “Muslim” or “Islamic” in conjunction with the word “terrorism”.

Former US president George W. Bush had angered Muslims at home and abroad for often using words “Islamists” and “Islamic fascists” in describing US anti-terror efforts.

Last August, the Obama administration snubbed Bush-era terms of being locked in fighting with “jihadists” and engaged in a “global war”, replacing the

11

Celebrating 10 years of Al­Awda

so-called “war on terror” with a new strategy more narrowly focused on AlQaeda.

Criticism

Commemorating 62 years of Al­Nakba

But the new approach triggered criticism that the Obama administration is turning a blind eye to the so-called “Islamist” threat.

8thANNUAL

“To understand a threat and counter it, we must know our enemy,” said Senator Susan Collins, the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.

The Republican senator said she was “struck” by what she called the “glaring omission” of words such as “Islamist”.

“While there are other threats to our national security from other types of violent extremism, the gravest threat comes from Islamist extremists,” she claimed.

“In a review such as this, it is critical that we identify and address the specific threat posed by Islamist extremism.”

Collins also criticized avoiding using the term “Islamist” in the Pentagon review while referring to the Fort Hood attack.

“We shouldn’t be reluctant to identify our enemy,” she said.

An army Muslim psychiatrist, who used to treat injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, went into a shooting rampage at the military base in November, killing 13 people and wounding dozens.

Patrick Poole, a counterterrorism consultant to government and law enforcement agencies, was also critical of the review. “(The documents reveal) a culture of willful blindness that continues to grow within senior levels of government.”

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A 108-page review by the Homeland Security Department has dropped any reference to words such as “Islamists” and “Islamic”.

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INTERNATIONAL

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www.AZMuslimVoice.com

Israel Annexes West Bank Mosques

IslamOnline.net & Newspapers CAIRO — The Israeli occupation authorities have decided to place two historic mosques in the occupied West Bank to a list of alleged Jewish heritage sites, drawing immediate rebuke from Palestinians and Israelis alike.

“This announcement is an act of aggression against the cultural and religious rights of the Palestinian people,” Hamdan Taha, director of the Palestinian Tourism Ministry’s Antiquities Department, told the independent Maan news agency on Monday, February 22.

Hawkish Israeli Premier Binyamin Netanyahu announced Sunday, February 21, adding Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil (Hebron) and Bilal Mosque in Bethlehem to a list of 150 so-called Jewish heritage sites that would be renovated to reconnect Israelis to their history.

The two Muslim sites were not included in the original plan which was first presented by Netanyahu on February 3.

But under pressure from right-wing ministers, Netanyahu decided to add the two sites to the plan.

Built in 635 A.D., Ibrahimi Mosque is one of the first Muslim worship

places in Palestine.

alterations to its features.”

But Jewish extremists claim the two sites, known to Israelis as the Cave of the Patriachs and Rachel’s Tomb, belong to historical Jewish heritage.

He asserted that the international law, including the Hague

“Instead of making use of heritage to promote peace, it is being used as a means to promote war,” lamented Taha, the Palestinian official.

Israeli peace activists also blasted the move.

“The heritage of Netanyahu and his government is a bi-national state and the continued development of the settlements,” Peace Now director-general Yariv Oppenheimer said.

Taha asserted that attempt to designate the two mosques as Jewish heritage sites “reflects an artificial history that solely serves Israel’s settlement policy.”

“A religious shrine respected by Muslims, Christians, and Jews should be respected as a cultural and religious symbol, not as an opportunity to obstruct international efforts to reach a peace agreement.”

Condemnation Palestinians in Al-Khalil declared a general strike Monday to pretest the Israeli decision.

Al-Khalil Mayor Kahled Al-Eseili urged UNESCO to act quickly to protect the status of the Muslim shrines. “(We urge UNESCO) to protect the Ibrahimi Mosque, prevent its desecration, and act against

that have been in existence for hundreds of years in both Al-Khalil and Bethlehem, and this decision of the Netanyahu-Barak-Lieberman government indicates that they plan to continue the occupation and the bloodshed in the region.”

“In the Cave of the Patriarchs and Rachel’s Tomb, Netanyahu is burying the two-state solution and making negotiations [with the Palestinians] irrelevant.”

“This announcement is an act of aggression against the cultural and religious rights of the Palestinian people,” Taha said.

conventions, obliges the occupation authority not to change the historical heritage of the occupied.

“International law forbids an occupying power to change the status quo in the occupied territory,” agreed Israeli Arab Hadash Party Chairman Muhammad Barakei.

“We are dealing with two mosques

UN rights body passes Islamophobia resolution Resolution condemns laws specifically designed to control, monitor Muslim minorities

The left-wing Israeli party Meretz also slammed the decision.

“This is another attempt to blur the borders between the State of Israel and the occupied territories,” Meretz party chairman Chaim Oron told the Hebrew-language daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

“All it needs is a bit of pressure from the right, and Netanyahu falls into line. This decision puts Netanyahu’s Bar-Ilan declaration of two states for two peoples in an absurd light.”

Funding Hinders Serbia Islamic Education

By Hany Salah, IOL Correspondent

BELGRADE – Facing a dearth of donations over government pressures, Muslim education institutions in Serbia are risking to shut down over the lack of funding.

“Our educational institutions are facing a financial crisis that hampers them from delivering their message,” Sheikh Muamer Zukorlic, the Grand Mufti and Head of the Islamic Sheikhdom of Serbia, told IslamOnline.net.

“The crisis facing our institutions is the result of a political standoff between the Sheikhdom and Serbian authorities.”

Zukorlic blamed the standoff on government attempts to restrict the expansion of Sheikdom institutions.

Middle East On Line

associated with human rights violations and terrorism.”

GENEVA - The UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution condemning Islamaphobic behaviour, including Switzerland’s minaret building ban, despite some states’ major reservations.

It “regrets the laws or administrative measures specifically designed to control and monitor Muslim minorities, thereby stigmatising them and legitimising the discrimination they experience.”

In a November referendum Swiss citizens voted to ban the construction of new minarets, a move that drew criticisms worldwide.

Putting forward the resolution on behalf of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, Pakistan’s ambassador Zamir Akram said that the specific references to Islam, the only religion mentioned in the text, “reflect the existing regrettable situation in some parts of the world where Muslims are being targeted.”

These measures “are manifestations of Islamophobia that stand in sharp contradiction to international human rights obligations concerning freedoms of religions,” said the resolution.

Babacar Ba, who represents the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, also told reporters that the resolution was a “way to reaffirm once again our condemnation of the decision to ban construction of minarets in Switzerland.”

Such acts would “fuel discrimination, extremism and misperception leading to polarization and fragmentation with dangerous unintended and unforeseen consequences,” it said.

“This initiative that breaches religious freedom and rights of Muslims to build their places of worship as they wish to,” he added.

The resolution “strongly condemns... the ban on the construction of minarets of mosques and other recent discriminatory measures.”

Some 20 countries voted in favour of the resolution entitled “combating defamation of religions”, 17 voted against and eight abstained.

The resolution also “expresses deep concern ... that Islam is frequently and wrongly

However, the European Union pointed out that the concept of defamation should not fall under the remit of human rights because it conflicted with the right to freedom of expression, while the United States said free speech could be hindered by the resolution.

Muslims abroad to provide help to the Sheikhdom to overcome the financial crisis.

“There is no other option but to rely on foreign help in order to keep our education institutions running.”

Serbia has a Muslim minority of nearly half a million, mostly ethnic Bosniaks and Albanians.

Urgent Help The Islamic Studies Faculty is one of educational institutions at the risk of closure over lack of funding.

“The faculty is facing financial problems that threaten it to get shut,” dean Almir Pramenkovic told IOL. “The faculty professors have not been paid for months,” he said.

The faculty has 300 students and 45 professors.

“The government has adopted a policy to dry financial sources feeding our projects and institutions,” he lamented.

“The crisis, which started two years ago, has escalated in recent months,” said professor Hajrudin Balic.

The government has suspended aid to the Sheikhdom though Serbian laws allow aid to religious organizations.

“The faculty staff could be forced to seek another job if the crisis continued,” he warned.

“It is also pressuring businessmen funding the Sheikhdom projects to stop funding, resulting in a dearth of donations as they fear harm to their businesses,” he said.

“Authorities are also launching media campaigns against the Sheikhdom to blemish its image and lose the people’s confidence.”

The Sheikhdom is overseeing seven kindergartens catering 1,000 children and three secondary schools catering 500 students.

It is also running a faculty for Islamic studies as well as the International University of Novi Pazar, which has 4,000 students.

“Though we need to expand our educational institutions to preserve our identity, the crisis has forced us to halt our new projects,” Zukorlic said.

The Muslim leader appealed to

The lack of funding is also leaving its impact on the GAZI ISA BEG secondary school.

“Many generations have graduated from the school,” said headmaster Mustafa Fetic.

Built in the 16th century, the school is considered the oldest in the Sanjak region.

It has 328 students and 95 staff.

“In order to allow the school to keep playing its role, it urgently needs help to pay teachers, who have not been paid for months,” said Fetic.

“The school is at risk of shutdown.”

Pramenkovic, the dean of the Islamic Studies Faculty, also appeals for help.

“We need urgent help in order to continue our educational role in accordance with moderate Islamic teachings.”

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Iran FM on Nuclear, Afghanistan

By Aamir Latif, IOL Correspondent TEHRAN – In an exclusive interview with IslamOnline.net, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki touched upon topics ranging from Iran’s nuclear program, to the presence of foreign forces in war-hacked Afghanistan to support for Palestinians resistance.

He gave a passionate defense of his country’s much-criticized nuclear program.

“They (US and West) have been raising this issue unduly. They know we are not going to develop nuclear bomb,” said Mottaki.

“It is nothing but a propaganda that Iran is going to make nuclear bomb and is a threat to regional security.

“We don’t believe in nuclear bomb.”

The West accuses Tehran of developing a secret nuclear weapons program.

Iran insists that its nuclear program only aims at procuring power to feed an increasing local consumption.

“We are like other countries which have energy needs. And we have the fundamental right to cope with our energy needs in line with other countries,” said Mottaki.

He asserts that nuclear weapons do not win wars nowadays.

“Nuclear bomb doesn’t matter nowadays. If it matters, then the US could have won the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Israel could have won the wars in Lebanon and against Hamas, and the USSR could have avoided disintegration.”

Assuring Gulf The top diplomat tried to assure the Arab world, especially Gulf neighbors, that Iran is not a threat to their security.

“This is merely propaganda. Our nuclear program is not at all a threat to any country, especially those which are located along the Persian Gulf,” Mottaki said, using the Iranian name

for the Arab Gulf.

Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan.

“Some Persian Gulf countries have been raising concerns about Iran’s nuclear program saying that they are merely 120 kilometers away from our main nuclear center,” he added.

The three countries held a conference in Islamabad last month to formulate a joint strategy to deal with the crisis following the proposed withdrawal of foreign troops.

“And I respond to them, that we are only two kilometers away from that (nuclear site).

“We are of the opinion that foreign forces are suffering from a political vacuum in Afghanistan. This vacuum may be widened in 2011. Therefore, we think that the regional countries can fill this vacuumed,” said Mottaki.

“There is no need to be scared of it.”

Mottaki offered the Gulf countries to send their own experts to visit his country’s nuclear sites.

“We ask them to dispatch their experts to see what our nuclear program is?

We have already made it clear to them that Iran’s nuclear program is not aimed at making a nuclear bomb.”

Afghanistan Mottaki reiterated Iran’s opposition to the presence of foreign forces in neighboring war-torn Afghanistan.

“When innocent people are being bombed in Afghanistan and a leader like Benazir Bhutto is killed in Pakistan, then we are compelled to say that the region is much more insecure and tense after eight years of foreign forces presence in the region,” he told IOL. “Our realistic judgment is that foreign forces have failed in Afghanistan.”

He cited the aggravating problem of opium cultivation as an example.

“Before the arrival of foreign troops the annual production of drugs was merely a few hundred tons, and after eight years it is over 8000 tons per year.”

Mottaki said his country supported the ouster of foreign forces from Afghanistan and the region.

“Iran has been calling for last eight years that there is no military solution of the Afghanistan problem. The ongoing policies have miserably failed to resolve this problem.”

He believes the solution for Afghanistan is a regional cooperation between

“The best strategy to resolve Afghanistan problem, is the regional strategy.”

Cancer Israel The Iranian foreign minister urged those Muslim states which have recognized Israel to sever ties with Tel Aviv.

“It has usurped the homes and hearths of Palestinians. It has a 60-year-old history of occupation, crimes, and aggression,” he said.

“Therefore, those Islamic countries should sever ties with this illegal state.”

On April 18, 1948, Palestinian Tiberius was captured by Menachem Begin’s Irgun militant group, putting its 5,500 Palestinian residents in flight. On April 22, Haifa fell to the Zionist militants and 70,000 Palestinians fled.

On April 25, Irgun began bombarding civilian sectors of the Palestinian city of Jaffa — the largest city in Palestine at that time, terrifying the 750,000 inhabitants into panicky flight.

On May 14, the day before the creation of Israel, Jaffa completely surrendered to the much better-equipped Zionist militants and only about 4,500 of its population remained.

Israel was created on the rubble of Palestine on May 15, 1948.

“Israel, for us, is like cancer in the body,” Mottaki insisted.

“It’s not Iran, but it’s Israel which poses a permanent threat to the entire region.”

Islamic scholar named Egypt’s new top cleric Received by Associated Press CAIRO (AP) _ Egypt’s president named a moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar the country’s new top cleric, the state news agency reported.

The appointment makes Ahmed elTayeb the new grand sheik of Cairo’s Al-Azhar, the pre-eminent theological institute of Sunni Islam, the faith’s majority sect. He takes over from Sheik Mohammed Sayed Tantawi, who died of a heart attack last week after heading Al-Azhar for nearly 14 years.

El-Tayeb, who was in his hometown of Luxor in southern Egypt when he received news of his appointment, said he ``highly appreciates the great trust’’ President Hosni Mubarak has bestowed on him, the Middle East News Agency reported.

The Sheik of Al-Azhar is highly respected throughout the Muslim world, offering guidance on issues of faith in Egypt and other Islamic

APRIL 2010

Jordan’s ambassador to Pakistan targeted by plot

By JAMAL HALABY Associated Press Writer AMMAN, Jordan (AP) _ Jordan’s ambassador to Pakistan was the target of a Taliban kidnap attempt foiled by authorities in Islamabad and is now safe, the Jordanian information minister said.

The incident followed calls for attacks on the Jordanian government by an al-Qaida double agent who killed seven CIA operatives and a Jordanian agent in Afghanistan last December.

Pakistani police announced the arrest of two highly experienced Taliban militants planning to attack top hotels and kidnap diplomats in Pakistan.

The militants’ identities and their targets weren’t disclosed at the time.

Jordanian Information Minister Nabil Sharif said ambassador Saleh al-Jawarneh was the target of plot and was now safe in Jordan. He said Jordanian security was in contact with Pakistan for detailed information on the probe under way. ``We have great confidence in the ability of the Pakistani authorities to protect the Jordanian embassy and its staff in Islamabad,’’ Sharif told The Associated Press.

Jordan’s Islamabad embassy has 12 staff, including

six accredited diplomats.

``They have confessed to having planned taking the targets,’’ Iqbal said. ``Officers are questioning them about details of their plan.’’

Jordan is a key U.S. Mideast ally and Israel’s peace partner.

The moderate Arab kingdom has often been targeted by Islamic militants, including alQaida, which is closely allied with the Taliban.

In a posthumous video message last month, al-Qaida double agent Humam Khalil Abu Mulal al-Balawi, a Jordanian, called for attacks on members of Jordan’s intelligence agency and the need to overthrow its government, citing Jordan’s strong support for Washington. ``There is no solution to the situation in Jordan other than mobilizing to the land of jihad to learn the arts of war and train in them, then return to Jordan and begin operations,’’ he said.

In 2005, al-Qaida militants from Iraq carried out near simultaneous attacks on three Jordan-based luxury hotels, killing 60 people.

Wedding Invitations

nations. He oversees an extensive network of Islamic schools, a university and religious institutes that open their doors to Muslims from around the world.

The sheik also advises the state on religious matters.

The French-educated el-Tayeb, 64, previously served as Egypt’s Mufti, the nation’s top religious law expert, for a brief stint before stepping down in 2003 to head Cairo’s AlAzhar University. He is an expert on religious philosophy and issues of faith, and has written books about science, Marxism, Islamic philosophy, and Islamic culture.

Viewed as a moderate Muslim who has encouraged dialogue with Western countries, el-Tayeb has outwardly criticized hard-line Islamists, saying the focus on rituals and outward manifestations of piety _ such as Islamic garb or beards _ comes at the expense of true spiritual development.

El-Tayeb also angered radical Islamists for once telling an Islamic conference that ``the logic of things is change.’’

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INTERNATIONAL

APRIL 2010

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Building West-Muslim Bridges

By Mohammad Sabry IOL Staff

CAIRO – Sitting firmly in his seat with a determined look in his eyes, American Imam Feisal Abdul-Rauf appears resolved to bridge the gap between the West and the Muslim world.

“My purpose is to spread harmony and peace between the West and the Muslim world,” Imam Abdul-Rauf, chairman of the Cordoba Initiative, told IslamOnline.net in an exclusive interview.

an adviser to the Interfaith Center of New York.

He authored three books on Islam and its place on contemporary Western society.

Support Imam Abdul-Rauf is currently on a State Department-sponsored tour to build bridges.

“This is part of it as the work is huge and can’t be done by one person or one organization,” he said.

“My role is to see how can my work help improve this relationship.”

“My Cordoba Initiative is supported by both the West and the Muslim world,” he insisted.

“My work has drawn the attention of governments of many countries,” he said, naming Malaysia, Qatar, the Netherlands and Britain.

“We are looking to get the initiative like the United Nations. The UN has the support of all countries but to serve a common purpose of peace.”

Protected Muslims

With that in mind, the American imam founded the Cordoba Initiative in 2003 to clear mutual mistrust.

As part of his bridges-building efforts, Imam Abul-Rauf is championing a project to build an Islamic Center two blocks from Ground Zero in New York.

“First (we seek) to identify the sources of conflict between the Muslim world and the West,” he said.

“We would like to have our center equipped with (state-of-the-art) technology,” he added.

“We have developed under this initiative a number of projects which we believe are effective in creating this discourse about these particular arenas,” he said, citing projects in political, religious and cultural arenas.

“We would like our center in some aspects to have this technology so we can display and show what Muslims today are doing in the common bonds of civilizations.”

“(They aim) to help reduce the conflict inshaAllah and solve it as well.”

“My purpose is to spread harmony and peace between the West and the Muslim world,” Imam Abdul-Rauf told IOL.

According to its website, the Cordoba Initiative aims to achieve a tipping point in Muslim-West relations within the next decade, steering the world back to the course of mutual recognition and respect and away from heightened tension.

“It is also to share people like yourself the work that we do. We need people in the media and we need people to talk to understand what we do.”

Born in 1948, Imam Abdul-Rauf is a well-known figure in the field of West-Muslim relations.

He defended the US government’s support for his organization.

In 1997, he founded the American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA), reportedly the first Muslim organization committed to bringing US Muslims and non-Muslims through programs in academia, policy, current affairs and culture.

“If I don’t have the ears of people in the political power, I would not engage in the issues of today,” he said.

An imam of Masjid al-Farah in New York, Abdul-Rauf also sits on the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Center of New York and serves as

Imam Abdul-Rauf does not think such relation with the US government could create suspicions about him or his initiative.

Imam Abdul-Rauf believes American Muslims are continually improving all the time and credits that to the system in America.

“This is the societal system of law, the principle of civil rights, the civil rights protection and the freedom of religions. These are things that are built in the legal American structure.”

Many believe American Muslims, estimated at between six to seven million, have become sensitized to an erosion of their civil rights since 9/11.

Imam Abdul-Rauf does not seem to agree.

“So if you want to solve the problems, you have to have the anchor of each place.

“The American legal structure and political structure is to ensure that these individual rights of the people are not breached or eroded.

“As an American citizen and as an American organization, we have to comply with American laws, not doubt. But unless I get involved in the big issues of today, we can’t solve them.”

“And because we enjoy these protections the situation of Muslim Americans are always improving.”

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YOUTH

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

APRIL 2010

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Youth Spotlight:Heba Haleem The true faith (Eemaan) Nesima Aberra Muslim Voice Heba Haleem is a smart and accomplished 14-year-old, confident in her identity as a Muslim and student. She is an eighth grade honor student at Rancho Solano Private School, where she is the captain and MVP of the volleyball team and member of the National Junior Honors Society. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and likes studying science and literature.

What is unique about Heba is the fact that she is one of only two Muslims at her school. Although she’s never attended a school with many Muslims, she believes it does make a difference to have Muslim friends.

and learn about Islam. The troop has participated in the Breast Cancer Race for the Cure, MLK Jr. parade, Friendship Day and of course cookie sales (Heba’s favorite cookies are Samoas.)

With all the activities and academic coursework to juggle, Heba finds her motivation from faith in her self to accomplish her goals as well as good time management and organizational skills. Her advice to other Muslim youth in finding success is to work hard in school and “have confidence in yourself as a Muslim.”

As of now, Heba aspires to be a doctor or perhaps an engineer like her mother. With the work ethic and drive she has shown already, both careers are very well in her reach.

“It’s nice because in Ramadan we fast together when the other students are eating,” Heba said.

She feels that she has a responsibility to be nice and respectful to the other students and apply Islamic values to her life everyday. Despite the lack of many Muslims, Heba still feels integrated and welcome in her school and has many friends, especially since it is a private school. There are only six kids in Heba’s class, which she believes allows more individual attention and closer feeling of community.

The word, Eemaan literally means, “to know,” “to believe,” to put one’s trust in something or someone.” In Islamic Sharee’ah (legislation), Eemaan means putting one’s entire trust in, and having complete faith in Allaah, His Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and His message.

Therefore, one who puts his entire trust in Allaah should not only testify to his faith by word of mouth, but must also accept it with all his heart and soul and then staunchly adheres to it physically.

Furthermore, he is obliged to do good works in keeping with the fundamentals of the faith, as coinciding faith with right action is absolutely vital.

Acceptance of Allaah as your Lord is like making a promise to place Him at the center of your life, so that He may become the pivot of your thoughts and emotions. It means entrusting yourself to Him entirely, and focusing all your hopes and aspirations, fears and entreaties upon Him. Then, instead of living for worldly things, you should live for the service of your Sustainer. He, Al-Mighty, will thus become all in all in your life.

A Muslim declares his faith by saying: “Ash-hadu Allaa Ilaaha Illallaah, Wa Ashhadu Anna Muhammadun Rasoolullaah” (testify that there no god (worthy of worship) except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah) Its recital is called the Shahaadah.

Outside of school, Heba enjoys scrapbooking and writing poetry. She began writing when she was around eight or nine and had one poem published in a newspaper in Pakistan called Dawn. Her favorite poet is Robert Frost.

For Muslims there are certain requirements, which have to be observed regarding the Shahaadah. They are as follows:

“I like to mostly write about nature,” she said,” but sometimes I have a sudden urge to put my thoughts down on paper.”

* It has to be uttered aloud, at least once in a lifetime.

Her scrapbooking hobby also began when she was younger, because she enjoyed being creative with photos taken from family trips.

* It should be believed in “with the heart.”

Heba is also a member of a Muslim Girls Scouts Troop, where she has made strong friendships with other Muslim girls like herself as they volunteer in the community

The six basic beliefs

* It’s meaning has to be fully understood. * It should be physically implemented. * It should be professed until death.

There are six things that are essential for a Muslim to believe in. These essential beliefs are pillars without which ones

faith is not accepted. They are called the articles (or pillars) of faith.

1. Allaah: To believe in Allaah, to believe that He exists, that He is One, and that He Alone is the Creator, and Lord over everything, and that He Alone is Worthy of worship. Additionally, one must believe in all the beautiful Names and Attributes with which Allaah described Himself or His messenger described Him with.

2. The Angels: To believe in the angels who always obey Him and are His creation of Allaah, and that Allaah created them from light.

3. The Revealed Books: Allaah revealed Books to His Prophets for the guidance of mankind. We must believe that all these Books mentioned in the Quran were revelations from Allaah.

4. The Messengers of Allaah: To believe in Allaah’s prophets. We must believe in all the prophets and give them due respect.

5. The Last Day: To believe in the Day of Judgment and to believe that life in this world will come to an end one day and that everything in this world will perish.

Then Allaah will bring all beings back to life and will judge them according to all that they did while they lived on earth.

6. The Predestination and Divine Decree: To believe that everything comes from Allaah. This means that Allaah knows everything that is going to happen, whether good or bad, Has predestined for it to happen and decreed it.

Man too often lives for worldly objectives which come to dominate his thoughts and emotions and thus resulting in him leading a heedless life. The life that is truly worth striving for is that which is lived for the sake of attaining the pleasure of one’s Lord.

Man should live in remembrance of Allaah. His name should be on his lips as he wakens and as he sleeps. As he halts or proceeds on his way, he should live in trust of Allaah, and when he speaks or remains silent, it should be for the pleasure of his Lord.

No Reason to Be Shy!

By Shiam El-Bassiouni Staff Writer - IslamOnline.net - “In my last school presentation, although I studied the subject very well, my performance was very bad, because of my extreme sense of shyness” - “ I don’t have many friends, as I’m too shy” - “ I don’t have the ability to say my opinion in front of many people” - “ I’m always worried about people’s opinion of me.”

These are some of the problems confronting various youth who suffer from a desperately feeling of shyness.

Several questions come to mind, such as: • Why is one shy?

• How to get rid of this shyness?

• How to discover if one is shy or not?

In fact, before answering these questions we first have to differentiate between the good shyness or hayaa’ , and the bad shyness.

Don’t Confuse Hayaa’ with ‘Bad’ Shyness!

Various young people misunderstand the real meaning of hayaa’, and believe that there is no difference between negative shyness and hayaa’.

In Islam hayaa’ is a very significant branch of faith. However, there is a great difference between the less preferred shyness and hayaa’. Hayaa’ is a word that shows how a person avoid committing a sin or at least ashamed to make a sin or something which is prohibited by Almighty Allah and His Messenger.

On the other hand, negative shyness, comes from lack of social communication, low self esteem, causing the shy person to become introverted and isolated.

This type of shyness is not encouraged, and can be considered as negative. However, there are various indications that can tell you if you are suffering from this shyness

due to lack of self confidence or not.

Indications Actually, shyness is an inner feeling that can appear through your actions in the different situations, especially ones that require dealing with a wide range of people.

Shyness is accompanied by some symptoms, such as feelings of embarrassment, panic, anxiety, speechless and insecurity. The shy person also might confront some physical problems, such as breathing difficulties and over sweating.

When feeling that you can’t speak out loud or in front of many people this means that you are confronting a deep feeling of shyness.

The shy person is more likely to have few friends, and is more apt to be an introvert, especially when meeting new people. They face obstacles in any situation that needs braveness. They react passively in various situations that requires their opinion, and so they prefer to keep silent.

They don’t have good presentation skills, that’s why they prefer having jobs that do not need this skill, for instance, rarely does one find a TV anchor who is shy.

Negative Impact Shyness can cause several problems for the shy person, and can act as an obstacle in reaching his goals. For instance, we might find a hard working student who might find themselves having lower grades lthan expected because of their poor presentation skills, - a significant part in many schools and universities.

Du’aa’ Megahed, a 25 year- old business analyst, said that she lost several jobs, and opportunities in life because of her shyness.

In fact, You might fail at applying for a preferred job because of shyness, due to poor presentation of self at the job interview, in spite of having a high profile and the necessary qualifications.

Shyness has also a negative obvious impact upon the shy person’s personal life. Perhaps you have good traits, but people around

you is not capable of discovering it because you are shy to show them. Consequently, the shy person also might be facing various psychological problems, such as anxiety and low self confidence.

Why Shyness?

In fact, there are various reasons behind shyness. In many cases it starts from the childhood period, because of several causes, such as, parents over protection, which leads to a shy dependent young man or woman, who is not capable of expressing him or herself or facing any situation with courage.

Lack of life experience is one of the shyness sources. In other words, facing new situations for the first time might result in feelings of shyness. Low self esteem is another reason behind shyness, as if you don’t trust your self and capabilities, these feelings can be converted into feelings of shyness.

Situations that exposed you to criticism or teasing can be a major reason behind shyness, as after confronting such situations you start to lose your courage, and capability of expressing yourself.

How to Overcome?

Understanding the problem. The first thing you should do is to fully comprehend your shyness problem, and how it influence your life negatively. In addition, addressing the reasons behind your shyness is another vital part of overcoming your shyness. Another significant step is to have the will and assertiveness to overcome your shyness.

Knowing your positive traits. Understanding your strength points helps you in gaining more confidence and getting rid of your shyness. In fact, everyone of us is not only has weak points, but also has strength points that he or she should discover and make good use out of it.

Bibi- Aisha Wadvalla a 28 year- old from south Africa, supported this point of view, “Drawing up a list of one’s positive qualities, and getting friends and family to affirm them helps too,” said Wadvalla.

Encourage Yourself to Speak Up. People around you, who are brave enough to speak up in the various occasions are not better than you. So you shouldn’t think of any consequences and don’t care so much about people’s point of view on you, and remember that committing mistakes is what makes you learn. In fact, you will never develop your skills unless you speak up and say your opinion freely.

Participate in Group activities. Being part of a group work or team activities, can help you greatly in overcoming your shyness, and this happens gradually.

Megahad said that her career work experience resulted in more interaction with people, the fact that assisted her greatly to overcome her shyness.

Duaa’ or Supplication. It’s very significant to ask Almighty Allah to give you more strength and braveness to overcome your shyness.

Wadvalla mentioned the significance of duaa’, as she added “Duaa’ is the most powerful tool for overcoming shynessspeaking with confidence.”

All in All! It’s not difficult to overcome your shyness.

In fact, it’s your decision whether to stay shy the rest of your life or to work on improving your skills and overcome your shyness that can influence your social and career life negatively.

So don’t lose hope and be patient, and don’t expect a rapid change. Now, It’s time to say “no more Shyness!”

16

APRIL 2010

ISLAM / FAMILY

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

How to achieve humbleness By: Shaykh Salmaan Al-’Awdah

Islam highly commends humbleness and simplicity and reckons that as one of the traits of a true believer.

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Al-Kibr (proud and arrogance) is rejecting the truth and looking down upon people.”[Muslim, At-Tirmithi and Abu Daawood]

why he was offered advice that was easy for him. Many times we find this characteristic in some pious people, as well as some callers to Islam. But when it reaches the small students who misbehave with their scholars and teachers, this really hurts inside! There is no objection if you differ in opinion or judgment with a scholar as long as you are qualified to do so. The problem occurs when this difference of opinion becomes a destructive element to the scholar’s dignity, diminishes his value, disregards

Humility is for one who is important and significant and he fears to gain notoriety or to become too great among people. As it was said, “Humble yourself, you will be as a glimmering star to the viewer on the surface of the water even if it is lofty.” We don’t say to an ordinary person, “Humble yourself.” But it is said to him, “Know the value of yourself, and do not place it in the wrong place!”

It was narrated by Al-Khattaabi may Allaah have mercy upon him in Al-Uzlahthat Imaam `Abdullaah ibn AlMubaarak may Allaah have mercy upon him came to Khuraassaan [in Persia] and went to a person who was known for his Zuhd and Wara’ [asceticism and cautiousness in piety], so when he entered where the man was, he (the man) did not turn around nor give him any consideration at all.

When ‘Abdullaah Ibn Al-Mubaarak left, some of the people who were inside with the man said to him, “Don’t you know who he was?!” He said, “No.” He was told, “This is the ‘Ameer of the believers...`Abdullaah Ibn AlMubaarak.” So the man was astonished and came out to ‘Abdullaah Ibn Al-Mubaarak in a hurry apologizing and absolving himself from what happened, saying, “O Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmaan! Forgive me and advise me!” Ibn Al-Mubaarak said, “Yes... whenever you come out of your house and see someone, assume that he is better than you!” He knew that the man was conceited. When ‘Abdullaah Ibn Al-Mubaarak may Allaah have mercy upon him inquired as to what the man’s profession was, he found out that he was a weaver!! Therefore, this educated Imaam noticed that this Mutazahhid (devoted pious person) possessed a kind of arrogance, conceitedness and feeling of superiority over others.

This disease sometimes envelops pious people; this is

and disrespects him.

One should humble himself with his companions.

Frequently when the spirit of competition and envy is agitated between companions and rivals, a person may feel superior over his companion, he may be pleased by harming him, degrading his value and importance, accusing him of defects or exaggerating his faults; faults that may have come to light when seeking advice, or correction. In reality this is called jealousy.

Humility is to humble oneself to one who is below you. If you find someone who is younger than you, or of less importance than you, you should not despise him, because he might have a better heart than you, or be less sinful, or closer to Allaah than you. Even if you see a sinful person and you are righteous, do not act with arrogance towards him, and thank Allaah that He

saved you from the tribulation that He put him through.

Remember that there might be some Riyaa’ (showing off) or vanity in your righteous deeds that may cause them to be of no avail, and that this sinful person may be regretful and fearful concerning his bad deeds, and this may be the cause of forgiveness of his sins.

According to Jundub may Allaah be pleased with him the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) mentioned that a man said, “By Allaah, Allaah will not forgive so-and-so,” and that Allaah said: “Who is swearing by Me that I will not forgive so-and-so? I surely have forgiven so-and-so and nullified your deeds.” [Muslim]. Therefore, do not act in arrogantly towards anyone. Even when you see a sinner, do not show superiority towards him, nor treat him with arrogance and domination. If you feel that the sinner may perform some acts of obedience which you do not, and that you may also posses some defects which the sinner may not, then deal kindly with him, and gently give Da`wah which will hopefully be the cause of his acceptance and remembrance.

Your deeds also should not become too great in your eyes. If you do a good deed, or attempt to get closer to Allaah through an act of obedience, your deed still may not be accepted. Allaah Says what means: “…Indeed, Allaah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].”

[Quran 5:27] This is why some ofthe Salaf (predecessors) said, “If I knew that Allaah accepted one Tasbeeh (saying “Subhaanallaah”) from me, I would have wished to die right now!”

The arrogant person never gives credit to anybody or mentions good about someone, and if he needed to do so, he would also mention defects of that person. But if he hears somebody reminding him about his own defects, he will not be flexible nor comply due to his inferiority complex. This is why it is among man’s moral integrity to accept criticism or comment without any sensitivity or discomfort or feelings of shame and weakness. Here he is, the ‘Ameer of the Believers `Umar may Allaah be pleased with him raising the flag and lifting the motto, “May Allaah have mercy on a person who informed us of our defects.”

Practical Methods of Solving Marital Problems Both spouses should have a realistic view of marital troubles, because, if tackled correctly, they may be a factor in enhancing dialogue and understanding.

Marital discord can either be solved or made further complicated, according to the way the couple chooses to deal with it.

Necessary Rules It is important to remember that uttering bad words and using abusive language in the course of an argument, has an undoubtedly negative effect that lasts even after the problem is over. Furthermore, it causes emotional wounds and distress that accumulates in the heart. Conversely, remaining silent instead of discussing a problem is also a negative and temporary solution, as it later leads to unexplained sudden and violent outbursts over trivial matters.

Hence, repressing feelings is the beginning of psychological complications and gives rise to impatience.

of the spouses feels superior to the other in terms of status, property, beauty or culture. Indeed, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Haughtiness is arrogant denial of the truth and contempt for people.”[Muslim] The solution must only be decided after the issue has been carefully examined. Otherwise, a husband, for example, would say something, then change his opinion over someone’s interference or resort to quibbling even though he knows he is wrong.

Steps to solve marital problems 1. There must be an attempt to discover whether the problem stems from a disagreement or a misunderstanding. Each of the spouses must express

Another witness to his character is Anas may Allaah be pleased with him who said, “I served the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, for ten years and he never blamed me for doing anything or questioned me about something that I did not do.” [Ahmad]

7. It is better to initiate a discussion with common points of agreement along with its benefits because this softens the heart, drives the devil away, draws both viewpoints closer and encourages both parties to offer concessions; Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And do not forget graciousness between you.} [Quran 2:237] If one of them, for instance, says to the other: “I have not forgotten your favor in such-and-such or your positive qualities. And, I can never deny whatever we see eye to eye on”; this would generate an atmosphere of willing compromise.

8. It is also imperative to not focus on one’s own rights, exaggerating them or demanding what is not due of others, especially while overlooking one’s responsibilities and duties toward others.

9. A person must also be able to admit a mistake he or she realizes has been made by him or her, without contention. Both parties should have the courage and self-esteem to do this. When either spouse has admitted to a mistake, the other must praise him or her for that and not persist in what is wrong. More importantly, this admission of guilt must not be used as leverage, but rather be counted as one of the other’s merits that should be added to his or her record of good deeds and virtues, which must be cited.

Therefore, either a person should pretend to forget the problem, overlook it and voluntarily forgive the other party or the problem must be tackled. In doing the latter, the solution should address whatever troubles one’s soul and be applied with satisfaction and willingness.

Both spouses should avoid any outcome that instigates feelings of victory or defeat in either one, as this only serves to deepen the rift. For example, they should avoid mockery, denial and rejection, and insistence on winning.

Further, one should watch his or her speech; ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn, may Allaah be pleased with them, reported: “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was never unseemly or lewd in his language; he used to say, ‘The best among you are those who have the best morals.’” [Al-Bukhaari]

or her understanding to be infallible or an uncontested fact, as that will destroy any chances to solve the problem.

his or her version of the problem and feelings regarding it. This should be done in a direct and clear manner that eliminates any probable misunderstanding, as sometimes that is all there is to what is assumed to be a serious disagreement.

2. Every person must call his or her own self to account and realize how greatly negligent he or she is toward Allaah The Almighty. In this way, other’s infringements on his or her right would seem trivial.

Indeed, we are warned by the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, from being “the worst person in the Sight of Allaah on the Day of Judgment”; that is“one who is avoided by people because of his evil.” [AlBukhaari]

3. It must be remembered that tribulations in life occur because of one’s sins and having problems with those a person loves, is considered an affliction. Muhammad ibn Seereen may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “I could see the effect of my sins in the behavior of my wife and also, in my animal companion.”

Comprehending the impact of the problem on both parties

4. Marital discord must never be disclosed to the public and kept among those it concerns, i.e., the spouses.

There is no doubt that women, especially those who are more sensitive, become confused, unsettled and worried when they have problems with those they love and appreciate.

5. One of the errors in resolving a problem is referring to previous mistakes of either spouse, as that only widens the scope of the conflict. The trigger of the disagreement must be defined and focused on.

Moreover, a relationship can be completely damaged because of it, as is the case when, for instance, one

6. Each of the partners should talk about the issue from his or her own point of view, without considering his

10. Some inherent female qualities, such as protectiveness, must also be handled delicately and patiently.

11. It is also of utmost importance to be satisfied with what Allaah the Almighty has bestowed on everyone. If the wife notices anything good in her husband, she has to praise Allaah The Almighty and if she finds otherwise, she must realize that faults are not particular to only him. On the other hand, the husband should know he is not alone in facing marital problems.

12. The husband should not hasten to solve a crisis in a fit of rage. He should wait until he calms down because any solution reached when angry, is usually far from being right.

14. Each of the spouses should be calm and never reckless or hurried. They should neither display boredom or annoyance. A good atmosphere is one of composure and deliberation to have a positive overview of the problem.

15. Both spouses should be aware and know for certain that money is not the cause of happiness and that success does not result from living in palaces and having servants. True success lies in leading a tranquil life that is free from worry and greed.

DEAR SISTER HANA / HEALTH

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

APRIL 2010

17

DEAR SISTER HANA

Sister Hana is a Certified Counselor from Arizona State University. She is a Muslim therapist who is able to provide guidance and support to my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters in an Islamic and therapeutic way. She has experience in a large range of concerns including depression, anxiety, identity crisis, relationships, life skills, coping skills, anger management, and trauma. Inshallah with this column she will be able to provide you with confidentiality and help to any concern you may have. Please feel free to write to us and anticipate my reply in the monthly edition of Muslim Voice to dearhana@azmuslimvoice.com Dear Sister Hana, I am a sixteen year old girl-born and raised here and my parents are Arab. We are very different when it comes to culture and we get into many arguments. I feel very confused sometimes and have a hard time identifying with Arabs and Americans. I can’t say I fit into either culture well and many times I am confused and lonely. I don’t fit in at school and I don’t fit in with my family. What should I do?

Thank you so much sister for writing to me. I appreciate your openness with your concern. Honestly I can say that I felt the same way when I was your age. The Arab and American cultures are different in many ways, but if you want to be positive, they are also similar in ways.

If you can learn to find the good in both cultures and adapt to those values and beliefs (of course keeping Islam your number one belief system) I think that way you will find yourself more accepting of the two cultures. No one has to have only one culture, and that is why they call us “Arab Americans” because we learn to be open-minded, orderly, and civilized as well as be good Muslims, value family, and have good morals. You will not loose if you take the best of both cultures create your own culture. Remember to always keep Allah first and if you feel like you do not fit in at school, it is okay. As long as you do what is right and follow Allah’s word, you will be just fine. Thank you.

Dear Sister Hana, Can you please give advice for Arab-Muslim parents of Muslim Arab American children born in the United States? As you know there are many parents that continue to use old school Arab tradition to raise their children in the United States and I have seen a lot of problems that are caused by this. What would you suggest for the children and mainly the parents to do in this kind of situation to prevent conflict and therefore children that are more western than Muslim and that might

not follow the true teachings of Islam in spite of their parents (which unfortunately I have seen happen). What is your advice.

Thank you so much brother/sister for this question as I know as well first hand how this problem can cause conflict and chaos in a family. What I would like parents to understand first and far most is that we must parent our children on the teaching of Islam (the Quran and Sunnah) and not Arabic tradition that is unnecessary and un-Islamic. For example, many families allow their sons to hang out with their friends and the daughters are always asked to stay home as if the daughter does not have the same need as the son of belongingness and acceptance among their peers. Islam strictly prohibits preventing daughters from doing what is allowed to be done by men if it Halal, and strictly prohibits allowing men to do things that are Haram, just because they are men. I know families that allow their son to date non-Muslim women and are okay with it, while the daughter is at home learning how to be a good house wife. Not that there is anything wrong with that, I support that girls stay home to learn how to cook, etc, but what I do not support, and neither does Islam support that boys go out and do what is Haram because “boys are boys” or “it won’t show on boys if they have done haram (pre-marital sex) or not, but it will show on girls, so they should stay home”. This dark age belief about women and men is unfortunately how many Arabs think, and to think this way while raising your children in America is not healthy. The answer to any parenting question to prevent any chaos, conflict or arguments is to follow what it says in the Quran. Allah mentions that what is haram is haram for both men and women, and what is halal is halal for both men and women. A sin done by either a male or female is the same in Allah’s eyes, not worse for women, or for men. Its that same. If parents remember this and create more consistency in the home, many problems would be eliminated.

Thank you.

Honey and cinnamon mixture It is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon cures most Diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a ‘Ram Ban’ (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side Effects for any kind of diseases.

Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients... Weekly World News, a Magazine in Canada, on its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient were found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol. By the way, if you’re taking cholesterol medicine, STOP! They all contain STATIN which weaken your muscles...including YOUR HEART and none has been shown to stop heart attacks or strokes!!!!

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast.. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this Process daily they are kept miles away from the next attack.

Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their

Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

TOOTHACHE: Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth.

This may be applied three times a day until the tooth stops aching.

CHOLESTEROL:

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient which kills the influenza germs and Saves the patient from flu.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts, cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

ARTHRITIS:

BLADDER INFECTIONS:

Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

SKIN INFECTION:

Flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, One cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.

In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, They found that within a week, out of the 200 people So treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

INDIGESTION:

CANCER: COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts.

Constant Use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

18

BAZAAR / CLASSIFIED

APRIL 2010

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Food Recipes Afghani Noni

Chicken Biryani

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 (.25 ounce) envelope active dry yeast

• 4 small potatoes, peeled and halved

• 1 tablespoon white sugar

• 2 large onions, finely chopped

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, or to taste

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root

• 1/4 cup corn oil

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 egg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 tablespoon caraway seed (optional)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions

• 1 teaspoon salt

1. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy.

• 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped

2. Place flour in a large bowl, and stir in salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the corn oil and yeast mixture. Add the

divide into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.

4. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball with a rolling pin so it is oval shaped, about 6 inches long, and 1/2 inch thick.

Use a fork or dull knife to draw three

• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom • 1 (2 inch) piece cinnamon stick • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken pieces cut into chunks • 2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 large onion, diced • 1 pinch powdered saffron • 5 pods cardamom • 3 whole cloves • 1 (1 inch) piece cinnamon stick • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 1 pound basmati rice • 4 cups chicken stock • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

remaining water in small amounts until you have a soft moist dough that can be handled. Turn out onto a floured surface, and knead for at least 5 minutes. Return to the bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Deflate the risen dough, and

lines on the top of each loaf. Place the loaves on a baking sheet. Mix together the egg and remaining tablespoon of water; brush the tops of the loaves with the mixture. Sprinkle caraway seeds over the tops, if using.

5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until the loaves are shiny and golden brown.

Directions 1. In a large skillet, in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or ghee) fry potatoes until brown, drain and reserve the potatoes.

Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet and fry onion, garlic and ginger until onion is soft and golden. Add chili, pepper, turmeric, cumin, salt and the tomatoes. Fry, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Add yogurt, mint, cardamom

and cinnamon stick. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes are cooked to a pulp. It may be necessary to add a little hot water if the mixture becomes too dry and starts to stick to the pan.

2. When the mixture is thick and smooth, add the chicken pieces and stir well to coat them with the spice mixture. Cover and cook over very low heat until the chicken is tender, approximately 35 to 45 minutes. There should only be a little very thick gravy left when chicken is finished cooking. If necessary cook uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the gravy.

3. Wash rice well and drain in colander for at least 30 minutes.

4. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil (or ghee) and fry the onions until they are golden. Add saffron, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, ginger and rice. Stir continuously until the rice is coated with the spices.

5. In a medium-size pot, heat the chicken stock and salt. When the mixture is hot pour it over the rice and stir well. Add the chicken mixture and the potatoes; gently mix them into the rice. Bring to boil.

Cover the saucepan tightly, turn heat to very low and steam for 20 minutes. Do not lift lid or stir while cooking. Spoon biryani onto a warm serving dish.

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CALENDAR / ANNOUNCEMENTS

Phoenix Prayer Times

APRIL 2010

19

Tucson Prayer Times

April 2010 • Rabi Al-Akhar / Jumada Al-Awwal 1431 H

April 2010 • Rabi Al-Akhar / Jumada Al-Awwal 1431 H

DIRECTIONS TO THE ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTER CEMETERY

ISLAMIC WEEKEND SCHOOLS Islamic Community Center of Phoenix:

Sunday at 9:45 am-1:20 pm.

Islamic Cultural Center:

Sunday at 10:00 am

Muslim Community Mosque:

Sunday at 10:00 am until 2:30 pm.

Masjid Omar

Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm.

ICNEV Weekend Islamic School

Tel: (480) 346-2081Classes held on Sunday

FROM THE ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTER (ICC):

Check our website for up to date information www.tempemasjid.com

1) Go South on Forest to University Drive. Turn right.

2) Go West on University to the I-10 highway.

Take I-10 East.

3) Proceed on I-10 East (~12 Miles). Exit at Queen Creek Rd. (EXIT #164).

4) Turn right on route 347 South. Proceed for about 14 miles.

5) Turn right on route 238 West. Proceed for about 8.7 miles.

6) Turn right on unnamed/unpaved street after you see the street sign which reads “36 miles” and proceed to the cemetery.

K thru’ grade 12 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

ACA Weekend School

Sunday 10:00 am-1:15 pm. www.azacademy.org/weekend

Sultan Education in Chandler

Saturdays & Sundays - children/adults 480-593-7066

Greenway Islamic Academy

Tajweed, Islamic Studies, & Arabic Language 602-565-0500

IN CASE OF DEATH • Call Sandy at Angel’s Burial, at 480-962-6435 • Total cost is $1,800.00

COLORING CONTEST March Winner Ali Hasen Send your coloring to the Muslim Voice to enter the drawing for the best picture.

Hint: If the paper is too thin to color, make a Xerox copy then color it.

Ages 3-12, please send a picture of yourself.

COLORING CONTEST FOR KIDS

ISLAMIC CENTERS IN ARIZONA

PHOENIX Arizona Cultural Academy 7810 S. 42nd Pl. • Phoenix 602-454-1222 Islamic Center of Arizona 9032 N. 9th St. • Phoenix

Islamic Center of N. Phoenix 13246 N. 23rd Ave. 85029 602-371-3440 Islamic Comnty Ctr of Phx 7516 N. Black Canyon Hwy. Phoenix • 602-249-0496 Muslim Community Mosque 1818 N. 32nd St. • Phoenix 602-306-4959 Masjid Al-Rahmah 2645 E. McDowell Rd. • Phoenix 602-275-5493 Masjid Muhammad Ibn Abdullah

:# Age:

Phone

Name:

April 2010

5648 N. 15th ave.

Phoenix, AZ 85015 602-413-5279

Al Rasoul Mosque 5302 N. 35th Ave. • Phoenix 602-864-1817 PEORIA Greenway Islamic Center 6724 West Greenway • Peoria, AZ www.greenwaymasjid.com

SCOTTSDALE Islamic Center of N.E. Valley 12125 E. Via Linda • Scottsdale 480-612-4044 CHANDLER Masjid AsSalam 1071 N. Alma School Rd.• Chandler 480-250-7522

TEMPE Islamic Comnty Ctr of Tempe Islamic Center of East Valley 131 E. 6th Street • Tempe 425 N. Alma School Dr. • 480-894-6070 Chandler 602-388-9900 Masjid Al Mahdi 1016 S. River Dr. • Tempe LAVEEN 480-557-9699 Islamic Center of Laveen P.O. Box 1107 • Laveen Masjid Omar Bin Al-Khattab 602-361-4401 6225 S.McClintock • Tempe 480-775-6627 MARICOPA Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabah MESA 44240 W. Maricopa/ Masjid-el-Noor CasaGranda Hwy 55 N. Matlock • Mesa Maricopa Arizona 85139 con480-644-0074 tact# (602)312-7913

.35th Ave

Serving the Valley for many years

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