Muslim Voice newspaper February 2013

Muslim Voice

february 2013

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

T

12

Continued on page

Kay Siblani’s Story is Our Story The June 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon that led to the occupation of its capital Beirut again exposed a glaring lack of Arab opinion in America’s mainstream media, and it became a breaking point later that year for three individuals from different worlds who wanted to make a change. The biased reporting on Arab issues that continued to dominate Continued on page

6

Continued on page 8

Al Jazeera Breaks into U.S. Market

Israel closes northern Jordan Valley

4

13

Arabic Yellow Pages 2013

Amy M. Pokora, Esq.

Free consultation

Vol.19 Issue No.198

he U.S. Senate set down the path toward the most significant shift in U.S. immigration policy in two generations. It has been more than a quarter century since the last significant immigration legalization passed. In the period since then, immigration laws have hardened and immigration enforcement has expanded beyond what even hardline immigration restrictionists dreamed.

So when a bi-partisan group of senators appeared on a Capitol Hill stage to declare 2013 the year of immigration reform, they restored a vision of a way forward for many. The senators released a document of guiding principles that provides a path to legal residency for many of the country’s estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants. It also creates avenues for new immigration, while bolstering immigration enforcement at the border and in workplaces. If these principles lead to a bill, as expected, it could transform the social and political fabric of the country.

Yet even as senators yesterday offered a genuine reform outline, with striking new areas of consensus, some worry they also wove into the agreement enough loose strings to cause its unraveling.

A New Political Landscape The framework released yesterday by four Republicans and four Democrats is a dramatic shift for the GOP. Republicans have repeatedly refused to support what many pejoratively call “amnesty,” demanding first that before creating legal residency for undocumented immigrants, the border must be fully secured.

Most observers agree that the 2012 elections changed the terms on immigration reform, shaking the GOP out of its entrenched obstructionism on the issue. Latino and Asian voters turned out by broad margin against Mitt Romney and it’s been widely noted that the Republican candidate’s hardline position on immigration helped lose him the election.

“As I’ve stated before, elections, elections,” Arizona Sen. John McCain said at yesterday’s press conference announcing the

By Fathiyyah Bashshar Marriage in Islam is very important and it is considered “Half the Deen” (an important part of our way as a Muslim). Yet we are seeing failures in marriages all around us. Family fights are on the rise, women and children are being abused and many families are falling apart. More and more marriages are ending up in divorce even amongst the most religious of families, and the Muslims are no exception.

The fact that divorce rate among Muslim communities is on the rise

SEE OUR AD INSIDE

it y

Immigration Reform, Is It Here?

Thinking well of your Spouse

602-889-6666

Year

rabi al awal/RABI ALTHANI 1434H

Monthly Newspaper

Robert K. Lewis, Esq.

19 th

Ser ving the o C m mu n

New Look

FREE Phone App

Daleelo

Now Available

for more information

602-258-7770

Now on your iPhone and Android

How Will Obama Take on Student Loans?

10

For the first time in Arizona

1819 W. Buckeye Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: 602-253-7427

See Ad Page 9

2

February 2012

19th

Serving the Co

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

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Attorneys

• Immigration Attorneys,

602-234-0782

Education • Arizona Cultural Academy, 602-454-1222 Grocery Stores • Haji Baba

480-894-1905 Investment

• Amana Income Fund, • Investology inc.,

888/37-AMANA 703-459-0969

Physicians • Inayat M. Alikhan,

480-945-2558

Real Estate • Noma Group INC.,

602-625-9357

• Shahnawaz Currim,

480-839-2600

• Heazy Realty

602-326-3552 Restaurant

• Krispy Krunchy

m mu nit y

Year

602-253-7427

Muslim Voice

AMERICAN MUSLIM Community Newspaper

Published Monthly by

Publisher Breek PUBLISHING INC. editor in Chief MARWAN AHMAD editor@azmuslimvoice.com Community Editor Janan Atiyeh commeditor@azmuslimvoice.com contributing writers

Sumbal Akhter • Mohamud Shalab • Fathiyyah Bashshar • Ahmad Daniels • Yousef Ahmad • Hasana Abdul-Quadir

Art DeSIGN eXPRESS DESIGN EXPRESS Advertisements

602-258-7770

sales@azmuslimvoice.com

Muslim Voice

1624 W. Thomas • Phoenix, AZ 85015 Phone: (602) 258-7770 Fax: 1(866) 859-8595 Email: info@azmuslimvoice.com 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.

CARTOON

www.AZMuslimVoice.co3

LOCAL

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

19th

Serving the Co

m mu nit y

Year

february 2013

3

Jan Brewer at a Crossroads Over Driver’s License Ban PHOENIX, Ariz. – Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is at a crossroads. At issue is whether to reverse her executive order that banned driver’s licenses for deferred action recipients, now that the federal government has clarified that they are “lawfully present” in the country.

In Arizona, a reversal would not only impact the lives of young people who were brought to the country illegally as children. Political observers say it could also change the immigration debate in the state.

Some Arizona Republicans think it’s time for Brewer to carve out a new position on the matter.

“I think it would be good for Republicans and Arizona’s image as a whole,”says Jaime Molera, a Republican political consultant who believes Brewer has the political capital to modify her stance.

Brewer earned a reputation nationally as a hardliner on immigration enforcement after she signed SB 1070 into law, which made it a state crime to be undocumented in Arizona. She fought to defend the law all the way to the Supreme Court.

“It was very helpful for her image when running for governor,” observes Molera. “It was good for her and her ability to galvanize more Arizonans.”

But the focus of the debate has shifted, Molera says.

“Now people come to the understanding that these ‘get tough only’ policies don’t get at the problem,” he says. “You have to have secure borders but you also have to have a manageable policy for people to get in the country and come back.”

In her Aug. 15 executive order, Brewer argued that recipients of deferred action are not legally in the United States so it would be a violation of Arizona law to give them any type of public benefits, including driver’s licenses.

She has remained silent on her position since Jan. 18, when the federal government published a clarification about recipients of Deferred Action

for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a twoyear deportation reprieve for youth that meet certain criteria.

“An individual who has received deferred action is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to be present in the United States, and is therefore considered by DHS to be lawfully present during the period deferred action is in effect,” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services states on its website.

Arizona, Nebraska and Michigan currently deny access to driver’s licenses to DACA recipients who are granted a two-year work permit and social security number by the federal government.

Last Wednesday, the Iowa state government backed away from that position.

The day after Iowa reversed itself, Matt Benson, a spokesperson for Brewer, said, “The governor and her legal team are reviewing the guidelines of the federal government and trying to determine how it impacts our state law, and what’s the path forward for Arizona.”

“What the Obama administration did,” says Mario Diaz, former deputy chief of staff and political consultant for former Arizona Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano, “is gave her on a silver platter the cover she needed to be able to do a decision.”

Arizona and Michigan are currently facing lawsuits from a coalition of civil rights groups including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for denying driver’s licenses to “Dreamers,” or undocumented youth, who have received a reprieve from deportation.

“The guidance from USCIS confirms the arguments we were making in the lawsuits in Arizona and Michigan,” says Michael Tan, a staff attorney for ACLU’s Immigrant Rights Project.

“People with deferred action are authorized to be here in the U.S. during the period of the deferred action.”

In the lawsuit they argue the state is violating the supreme clause of the

HEGAZY REALTY YOUR PHOENIX REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS

M OHAMED H EGAZY SOMAYA HEGAZY SOHAIB HEGAZY | | 602.326.3552 480.388.6972 480.277.1992

FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS INFO@HEGAZYREALTY.COM | WWW.HEGAZYREALTY.COM SELLERS: LIST AND SELL YOUR HOME FOR 4% BUYERS: USE OUR SERVICES TO PURCHASE A PROPERTY AT NO COST TO YOU RESIDENTIAL | LAND | COMMERCIAL

|

ASK US ABOUT ISLAMIC FINANCING OPTIONS

This is not intended as a solicitation from clients of other brokers.

U.S. Constitution that gives the federal government exclusive authority to regulate immigration and make decisions as to who is authorized to be in the country.

They also argue that Arizona is discriminating against DACA recipients by not granting them driver’s licenses, while other people with different types of deferred action have been able to receive them for years.

Tan explained that there are differences in the way the immigration system classifies people who are allowed to be in the country, which has led to some confusion on the part of the states. For example, those who have a green card or a student visa have an immigration status; those with DACA fall into the category of “lawfully present,” or authorized to be here, with no path to a green card.

Changing the tone of the debate from ground zero After a landslide of Latinos gave 70 percent of their vote to President Barack Obama the tone of the immigration debate shifted among conservatives. Republican Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake have joined a growing chorus of political figures speaking about the need for “comprehensive immigration reform.”

A bipartisan coalition of businesses, politicians, religious leaders and advocates put forth SANE, a platform for immigration reform in Arizona.

Brewer recently gave some signs that she might be moderating her stance on the immigration issue, says political consultant Diaz.

“She needs to moderate herself because the entire Republican Party machinery and system has moved away from the terrible Russell Pearce language,” he says, referring to the now- recalled Republican Senator and sponsor of SB 1070. “Brewer is a smart politician. She needs to come out with the rest of the governors in the country that are becoming more friendly towards immigration reform,” he adds.

During her state of the state speech,

the governor, who has been at odds with the Obama administration over a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit against SB 1070, put forth a conciliatory tone – without abandoning her focus on border enforcement.

“Once our border is secure, I pledge to work with all fair-minded people to reform our nation’s immigration system,” she said during her speech.

Dulce Matuz, president of the Arizona Dream Act Coalition and a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Arizona, says Brewer’s words have no meaning if she doesn’t put them into action.

“If she decides to say, ‘Let’s continue this in court,’ she’s going to do a disservice to the state of Arizona by wasting resources on this issue,” says Matuz. “At one point her party also needs to make a decision about what they’re going to do with a politician that is representing the party like this.”

Matuz sees this as an opportunity for moderate Republicans in Arizona to make their voices heard.

She is hopeful that Brewer might have a change of heart. After all, it has happened before. Brewer reversed her position on the federal healthcare law, announcing that Arizona would participate in the expansion of the Medicaid program as part of the Affordable Care Act. “The demographics of the state and entire nation are changing,” says Matuz. “You can no longer be a politician in power and continue to discriminate against our community without consequences.”

Political observers say a reversal on driver’s licenses could be an opportunity for Brewer to remain relevant in her party even as the winds are beginning to shift.

Diaz believes Brewer will change her mind because, he says, this is a chance to leave behind the “stigma of her legacy of SB 1070 by moderating her position on the immigration issues.”

4

February 2012

19th

Serving the Co

m mu nit y

Year

National

www.AZMuslimVoice.co3

Al Jazeera Breaks into U.S. Market with Current TV Deal Editor’s Note: Al Jazeera has reportedly purchased Current TV, the left-leaning television network owned by Al Gore, for $500 million. The move promises to expand the Qatarbased network’s programming to an American audience. NAM contributor Uchenna Ekwo writes that Al Jazeera and other global networks have faced obstacles in getting their content distributed in the United States. This commentary originally appeared at the Center for Media and Peace Initiativeswebsite.

The refusal of Time Warner Cable and other cable and satellite distributors to carry the services of Al Jazeera America – the giant pan-Arab news network that just purchased the struggling America channel, Current TV – has exposed the hypocrisy of advocates of free market, freedom of information, freedom of choice, and change in closed societies especially in the Middle East.

U n d e r s t a n d a b l y, a certain kind of stereotype among the American population persists today following the 9/11 attacks that poisoned the opinion of Americans towards the Qatar –based network. In fact, some Americans refer to Al Jazeera as a ‘terrorist network’ because it aired on a number of times Al Qaeda tapes and thereby earning the notoriety (though wrongly) of the terrorist organization’s propaganda tool.

But the coverage of the Arab Spring in 2011 demonstrated the network’s credibility as a major news organization with professional ethos and competence. At the time, Al Jazeera was the channel of choice for those seeking accurate information about dramatic, unfolding events in North Africa and Middle East.

Since its inception in 2006, American cable and satellite distributors have mostly refused to carry Al Jazeera English. The few exceptions are those distributors in New York City and Washington.

The same is true of New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV)—a Chinese satellite television station operating from New York. According my sources, the channel is unable to secure wider distribution because some of the distributors have business

interests in China and are afraid of supporting a network that challenges the communist regime in China. The authorities in China can potentially frustrate Americans who do business in China if they give any form of assistance to a news organization that scrutinizes the regime. To provide some perspective to the behavior of the government toward the news organization, it is an offence to be seen watching NTDTV in China. Most subscribers of NTDTV in China adopt clandestine methods to access the news organization considered

Jazeera and not by unnecessary regulatory and unhealthy business decisions of selfish officials.

Moreover, the continued blockade of rival channels limits the choices available to the American audience. While the television sets of White House officials and lawmakers were tuned to Al Jazeera channel during the Arab Spring in 2011, ordinary Americans who wanted to watch had to find a live stream on the Internet. In fact, former Secretary of State, Collin Powel was quoted as saying that he is permanently

to be credible and accurate in reporting the malfeasance in Beijing.

Put together, the travails of Al Jazeera America and NTDTV in the hands of cable and satellite distributors in the United States raise more questions about adherence to the principles of free market and basic freedoms including freedom of choice, freedom of information, and so on.

How does Time Warner Cable explain its decision to cut off Al Jazeera America a day after it acquired Current TV previously carried by Time Warner Cable?

Clearly, Current TV was not as popular in terms of ratings and professionalism as Al Jazeera America. Is Time Warner’s decision fuelled by fear that Al Jazeera might pose a formidable challenge to CNN where Time Warner has interests?

Regardless of whatever motive behind the decision to prevent Al Jazeera to reach millions of American homes, the station should be allowed to compete in the already crowded American media market. Just like Current TV fizzled out by itself, the market will determine the future of Al

tuned to Al Jazeera because of the kind of journalism they practice.

Let’s consider for a moment the concerns of many analysts regarding the independence of Al Jazeera. The news channel is owned by the Emir of Qatar. In other words, it is owned by the government and the history of press freedom in the Middle East is not elegant. Similarly, government interference in media content is common in societies where government owns, operates, and

Robert K. Lewis, Esq.

controls the mass media.

While these concerns are genuine, it is expected that the United States being a strong advocate of free flow of information should support visible attempts to change the culture of secrecy that have permeated the Middle East for too long. Providing all practical assistance to Al Jazeera might be an effective strategy to achieve just that. The channel has demonstrated in different occasions its readiness to open up closed societies of the Middle East through accurate and independent reporting of issues and events around the world.

Moreover, Al Jazeera will also help to open the eyes of most Americans who remain ignorant of international affairs and other civilizations.

Americans need to learn more about other cultures, events, and issues happening overseas.

Majority of US based news organizations are not able to cover the rest of the world effectively due to different reasons we cannot discuss in this piece. BBC America is no doubt filling that gap in the American media environment. The inclusion of Al Jazeera America with its vast financial power may just move the coverage of the world for US audiences to another level. By acquiring Current TV, the Qatar news service gains access to more than 40 million American homes.

This will be a modest start.

Amy M. Pokora, Esq.

Call today for a free consultation with Amy Pokora, a woman attorney who cares about your case!

602-889-6666

We are located at 2633 E. Indian School Road, Suite 360, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Visit our website at www.ucalllaw.com

LEWIS AND POKORA IS AN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES

NATIONAL

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

19th

Serving the Co

m mu nit y

Year

february 2013

5

Youth Speak on Gun Control Measures Editor’s Note: Last week, President Barack Obama issued proposals, including 23 executive actions, aimed at reducing gun violence and asked for help from lawmakers in making sweeping reform. His introduction of a $500 million plan to address this concern has received mixed reactions.

Many people expect fierce opposition to the possible changes, especially from groups like the National Rifle Association. However, stricter gun control is on the minds of many Americans in the wake of the Connecticut elementary school massacre. A recent New York Times/CBS poll found that 54 percent of Americans favored stronger gun control laws.

In California, bills have been introduced in an effort to curb gun violence statewide.

Senate Bill 53, introduced by Senator Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles), would require people purchasing any type of firearm ammunitions, either online or in a store, to hold a permit by 2014. Permit applicants would be subject to a criminal and

mental health background check.

Assembly Bill 48, introduced

by Assemblymember Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), would ban kits that covert ammo feeding devices into highcapacity magazines, in addition to establishing a registry of

HAJI BABA

ammunition sales in the U.S. Department of Justice.

The two bills will begin to make their way through the Legislature in March.

As the federal government and states act to reduce gun violence, The kNOw Youth Media (Fresno), a grassroots network of youth

and a community-driven media outlet, featured the voices of youth as they speak out on the two California bills. The youth voices include Antonio Flores, Vincent Salinas, Ashley Vargas, TeLona Love, Amir Adem. The discussion was moderated by Adriana Hernandez.

Internship with

Muslim Voice

MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD

Become a Reporter, Photographer or Marketer and earn school credit

RESTAURANT, GROCERY & DELI Fresh Quality • Low Prices • Cultural Needs

GIFTS • BOOKS • MAGAZINES HALAL MEAT

Owners Nabil Torfa & Zuhier Khatib

5% Discount Off groceries

for information please call 602-258-7770 or email us at intern@azmuslimvoice.com

480-894-1905

1513 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85281

ongoin

07

6

February 2012

19th

Serving the Co

m mu nit y

Year

NATIONAL

www.AZMuslimVoice.co3

The Arab American News: Kay Siblani’s Story is Our Story world affairs and accompanying twisted, distorted portrayals of Arabs had become too damaging and too much to bear, and they knew something needed to be done.

Myself, at the time a vice president of an export/import company based in Michigan and doing business mainly in the Middle East with an engineering background and no knowledge whatsoever in journalism; an old friend, a Lebanese national political writer/ commentator with no knowledge of American politics, media and culture with virtually no English skills, and a head nurse at St. John Hospital whose inclusion was at first purely coincidental, set out to change the media landscape for Arab Americans, especially in Metro Detroit, for decades to come.

The first Arab American weekly bilingual newspaper debuted on January 23, 1985. Marianna Kay Siblani, the latter member of the group, became instrumental in planning, implementing and producing the publication, first known as Sada Alwatan (The Nation’s Echo) which became known later in English as The Arab American News.

She was very attracted to the Arabic culture and language, amazed by the desert and the powerful message of Islam, with very little knowledge of Arab politics and in particular the Palestinian dilemma.

She was fascinated with the Islamic Call to Prayer (Azan). She was extremely smart and thirsty for knowledge. The more she knew, the more she became involved.

The injustices brought upon the Palestinians and their senseless suffering dominated her thinking and boggled her mind. She couldn’t understand nor could she accept the foreign policy of her nation that ran contrary to everything she was taught that America stands for. What made her angrier and perhaps more determined was the absence of Arab perspective on the issue and the lack of engagement

by Arab Americans to gather their strength and present their case to the American public.

Kay was a white, working class American single mother who hadn’t been outside the U.S., or further than Beaver Dam, Kentucky where her grandmother resided in a rural area, for that matter. She was on a mission and nothing was going to stop her determination to complete what the trio soon came to realize would be an extremely complicated and difficult adventure.

Soon, I became the translator between her and Sobhi Ghandour, the aforementioned old friend and editor of the Arabic section of Sada Alwatan. She threw herself into the job, developing an intense desire to learn everything she could about the Arab world and Arab communities, along with their tradition, culture

and religion.

The takeoff was extremely complicated, costly and time consuming. The fine details of bringing equipment and staff to launch the project were even harder and more expensive than originally predicted. But Kay was determined that it should and must be done.

Eventually, I had to quit my good paying job to manage the paper full time. Soon, she had to also quit her nursing job to attend to the English section of the paper and help me manage this seemingly impossible task. Through the challenges, she always remained determined and optimistic that the community would soon realize the importance of our mission and would join us in our efforts.

The first year flew by and the trio became a duo. Sobhi Ghandour departed, returning to Lebanon and then to Washington to establish what is currently known as Alhewar Center in the nation’s capital.

Kay and I continued with the help of a few dedicated, underpaid and overworked staff members under an extremely tight budget that continued to diminish, while the financial help that we were waiting for to arrive from the community was beginning to show itself as a mirage.

On the second anniversary of The Arab American News at the end of February 1987, as we put the special anniversary issue to bed around 3 a.m., Kay was following me with the keylines of the English section to a printing facility in Detroit. As she crossed the side street near our office on Michigan Avenue, a drunk driver slammed into her, throwing her meters away before a street sign forced the driver’s car to stop, sparing her life.

She was taken to Oakwood Hospital by ambulance that morning, begging me not to leave her side before falling unconscious. The keylines were scattered on the sidewalk and in the middle of the street. Attending to her situation at the emergency room she looked me in the eye, telling me to leave and take the paper to the printer: “It needs to be out on time!”

She had just finished writing the editorial for that issue; the headline read: ‘Challenges and Pride.’

Challenges were understating the state of her health and the financial hole that we were digging for both of us. Later a collapsed lung due to the accident helped physicians at Oakwood Hospital discover a tumor in her right lung known as Lung Carcinoma.

Two months later her right lung was removed at St. John Hospital and she underwent radiation treatment. During her recovery at both hospitals Kay insisted to write and edit the English section of the

paper; we obliged and brought the keylines to her hospital bed week after week.

Meanwhile the financial hole got deeper, with no income for both of us and few signs of hope. Very little ad income came in, and it was not enough to pay the bills and the payroll.

Soon, we had to write literally by candlelight after our electricity was shut due to non-payments.

Meanwhile the boiling Middle East was presenting us with more challenges and thus further responsibilities to maintain the paper and to respond to everincreasing demands for information, opinions and answering more inquiries from American national and local mainstream media, as well as international media.

In 1990, as we were in the middle of the U.S.-led coalition war on Iraq and the ultimate demand of media coverage of that unprecedented event; one that reflected on our community as well as on the Arab world, Kay lost her balance as she was walking and fell to the ground in her house. She was rushed to St. John Hospital and later was diagnosed with a brain tumor on the stem. After she was diagnosed at St. John Hospital we were told that local area hospitals are not capable of removing such tumors successfully.

On the verge of bankruptcy and marching toward financial ruin with no health insurance, we went home crying. But, the mighty Kay didn’t give up. She put her nursing hat on and searched for a solution.

The Mayo Clinic can do it, she said.

We borrowed some money to pay for her health insurance with hospital coverage (It was easier then). We packed our suitcases and of course the keylines of The Arab American News, and drove to Minnesota. There at the Mayo Clinic she underwent a one-ofa-kind brain surgery that lasted twenty-two hours.

In the recovery room as we were waiting for her to wake up, a warning came down from her chief surgeon that permanent damage to her sight, hearing or speech would be a possible consequence of such a complicated and rare surgery. She was fully aware of the consequences and the risks. A few minutes after she opened her eyes, she asked, “Did you deliver the paper to the printer before you came?”

Her incredible commitment has always shined through, and always put mine to shame. Her determination to make a success of this paper was unmatched, even by me.

The ride after that became very bumpy and the financial obstacles negatively affected our personal

relations, but never our friendship, as well as our determination to rescue the paper.

Years went by trying to make a success out of The Arab American News while working other jobsto make ends meet. She started her own public relations firm and dove into providing healthcare solutions for Muslims while working as hard as ever to continue helping me to publish the paper week after week. Eventually, I found a day job working for the Arab American and Chaldean Council in Lathrup Village. Through it all, she never wavered in her commitment to the Arab and Muslim community.

Her love of the culture and her admiration of Islam continued to grow.

She helped set up the local office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) and even managed it for a while during its most difficult times, after the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, helping to protect a community dealing with the unprecedented challenges of the resulting backlash. She also helped the Muslim Observer newspaper launch in the late-90’s.

In the mid-90’s she wrote a firstof-its-kind, comprehensive manual on how to treat Muslim patients in American hospitals. She held several seminars on Islam and the Muslim patient including, ‘Impact of Religion and Culture on Health Care Delivery,’ attended by medical staff of national and local healthcare outlets and hospitals.

Two years ago, she was faced with another vicious wave of cancer that became especially aggressive in the last few months. She fought with all her strength, and with our and her family’s support, and never surrendered until the last two weeks when she was told by the best medical doctors in the country that “she was at the end of the line.”

Her will was never broken, even though she admitted defeat this time.

Her last few words on New Year’s Eve were directed toward me while I was visiting her for the last time.

These words, I will keep to myself and remember forever. Her family told me she never spoke after that night.

She waited till everyone celebrated the New Year before she bid all of us a farewell. Kay is that kind of a lady.

Quietly, she passed away on January 1, 2013 at 6:15 p.m.

She will always be remembered here, and everywhere else she walked.

Goodbye, my dear friend. You are gone but never forgotten.

19th

OPINION

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

Serving the Co

m mu nit y

Year

february 2013

7

The Facade of Modesty

By Manar Hijaz We’ve all had bad hair days.

For some of us, bad means catastrophic. Luckily for me, I haven’t had to deal with a bad hair day in the last 10 years, since I started wearing the hijab at 15 years old. Trust me, it can be a great disguise sometimes.

Of course, that isn’t the reason I choose to wear it. Besides the religious requirement, the hijab provides me with confidence, selfesteem, and is my way of expressing pride in my religion. I love the fact that when I walk out the door, I’m shouting to the world, “I am a Muslim” without having to open my mouth. Recently, I’ve noticed that the hijab is more than just a religious requirement or a physical cover that provides modesty. It is a part of my identity that I cannot shake off.

It’s almost like another limb in my body.

This realization became apparent after I had received a call from a non-Muslim friend of mine at 8 o’clock in the morning. He had woke me up so I answered with a grumpy,“What do you want?” He replied, “Oh sorry, were you sleeping?” My response: “Kinda.” His next question was unusual to me. He asked, “Wait, are you not wearing your hijab right now?” To me the answer was so obvious. Of course I wasn’t wearing it. I was in bed, in the confines of my home, a space I share with my family. When I responded, “No, I’m not,” he said, “how weird.” At that very moment it dawned on me how much the hijab has become part of my identity. When people think Manar, a veiled woman will always appear in their head. The hijab becomes indispensable to my image. There is no Manar without the veil.

This newly realized identity got me thinking about the false perception this very identity can delineate—A fictitious perception that

would equate the hijab with a level of religiosity that is sometimes non-existent.

This perception becomes problematic as it contributes to the idea that women who choose not to wear the hijab are lesser Muslims or not “religious”enough. Let me preface the forthcoming statements by saying that not all individuals think this way; however, enough do for me to feel the need to discuss this topic.

Unfortunately there exists a false negative perception about women who choose to not wear the hijab, and that perception is that they are “lesser” Muslims. The opinion is even worse in many Muslim communities of those women who used to wear the hijab and decided to take it off. Let me be candid about my opinion on this: the preconceived notion that only a piece of cloth covering your head somehow makes you a “better” Muslim is, in my opinion, rather idiotic. I’m not trying to belittle the hijabor strip away its religious significance; however, modesty and iman are more than just a covering ofone’s head.

Plenty of women are proof of this. We all have had our fair share of acquaintances with hijabis who are “religiously scandalous,” if such a thing exists. I’m talking about the women who decided to cover their hair while at the same time neglect their prayer, fast only on “special” occasions, drink alcohol, and engage in premarital sex. Wipe that shocked expression off your face. Yes, nonreligious hijabis do exist and I’m not making a judgment here; I’m merely stating a fact.

On the other hand, there are plenty of women who decided not to wear the hijab (for whatever reason) but are righteous and well practicing Muslims. I’m not denying that the hijab is an Islamic requirement because I know it is. However, I believe that there is no compulsion in Islam and this opinion applies to all religious requirements. Every single human being on this earth should be provided with her/his own free will and at the end of the day, we must learn to respect the choices individuals have made.

The Muslim community needs to learn to respect every woman’s choice and not pass judgment on women who do not wear the hijab. We complain about countries that have dictated the way women should dress, like France that has banned the wearing of hijab in public places. We have deemed these laws violations of religious freedom. But this view is discredited when we pass judgment on non-hijabi Muslim women, because in a similar manner, we are trying to prescribe the way we feel they should dress too.

Freedom of religion is a two way street.

Every Muslim should be provided with the right to freely practice her/his religion AND not practice it if she/he chooses to do so.

Ultimately, the hijab can provide physical modesty that we can see on the outside; however, the more momentous modesty is a modesty of the heart which isn’t visible to anyone but God. If you believe, like I do, that God is the ultimate judge then it shouldn’t be hard to abandon false perceptions and ill advised opinions about Muslim women who do not cover.

8

February 2012

19th

Serving the Co

international

m mu nit y

Year

Continued from p. 1

principles he helped draft. McCain was part of previous attempts to reform immigration law. “The Republican Party is losing the support of our Hispanic citizens, and we realize there are many issues in which we think we are in agreement with our Hispanic citizens, but this is a pre-eminent issue for those citizens.”

The eight senators who drafted the principles now agree that ultimately, those living in the country without authorization who pass a set of tests and hurdles should be allowed to apply for citizenship. This agreement marks a significant shift in the debate.

“The fact that there’s no quibbling about citizenship is huge,” said Lynn Tremont, the deputy director of America’s Voice, a leading immigration reform group.

Tremont and others add that relative to what many advocates feared, the initial principles from the senators do not include significant investments in new kinds of enforcement or paths to deportation.

Past iterations of immigration reform have included more stringent enforcement provisions than what’s included in the senate platform, and certainly many Republicans will try to squeeze in more once negotiation begins on actual legislation. But “so far,” says Tremont, “I have not seen

anything in the principles that’s gratuitous.”

Few observers think immigration reform will have an easy journey to the president’s desk. Veteran Republicans like McCain and South Carolina Sen. Lindsay Graham can take a long view about the party’s future, as can Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who is staking his likely 2016 White House run on votes from Latinos. But many Republican members of Congress from conservative districts can’t get behind an immigration reform bill if they hope to keep their jobs. This is especially true in the House, where incumbents still tremble before the memory of the tea party’s 2010 sweep that pushed out moderate incumbents.

Still, there’s little doubt the landscape has changed. “For the first time ever there’s more political risk in opposing immigration reform than in supporting it,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer, a leading Democrat on immigration reform and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where a bill will first land.

Along with Schumer and McCain, the drafters include Democratic Senators Michael Bennet of Colorado, Dick Durbin of Illinois, and Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Republican Senators Jeff Flake of Arizona, Graham and Rubio.

www.AZMuslimVoice.co3

Printing specials ‫بطاقة عمل‬ Business Card $55 / 500 Color Business Card $85 / 1000 ‫بطاقة عمل ملونة‬ $ ‫نشرة إعالنية‬ Flyer 75 / 1000*

$

55

For 500 Full Color Business Card

* Price does not include the design

For more information call 602-258-7770

Arabic Yellow Pages

‫الدليل العربي‬

2013 EDITION NOW AVAILABLE www.ArabicDaleel.com For More Info call 602-258-7770

SM

ADVERTISEMENTS

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

19th

Serving the Co

m mu nit y

february 2013

Year

For the first time in Arizona

1819 W. Buckeye Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: 602-253-7427

Our Principles. Rewarded.

Four-time Lipper Award winner Amana Income Fund:

Amana Income Fund (AMANX)

• Conservative investment approach • Long-term outlook • Consistent results

10 Year

Following the Principles of Islamic Finance

Amana Mutual Funds Trust 888/73-AMANA

www.amanafunds.com

Best Fund For the 10-year period ended 12/31/2011 among 40 funds in the Equity Income Category.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

The Amana Funds limit the securities they purchase to those consistent with Islamic principles which limits opportunities and may increase risk. Current and future holdings, as with all mutual funds, are subject to market risks.

Lipper, a Thomson Reuters Company, is a nationally recognized organization that ranks the performance of mutual funds within a universe of funds that have similar investment objectives. Funds are chosen as the best fund in their category for demonstrating consistently strong risk-adjusted returns compared with peers.

Please request a prospectus or summary prospectus which contains information about the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Amana Funds which you should read and consider carefully. To obtain a free prospectus or summary prospectus, ask your financial advisor, visit www.amanafunds.com, or call 1-888/73-AMANA. The Amana Funds are distributed by Saturna Brokerage Services, member FINRA/SIPC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saturna Capital Corporation, investment adviser to the Amana Funds.

9

10

February 2012

19th

Serving the Co

m mu nit y

Year

EDUCATION

www.AZMuslimVoice.co3

How Will Obama Take on Student Loans?

Background: American studentloan debt now stands at nearly $1 trillion, surpassing America’s total credit card debt. Even more troubling, 2012 represents the first year in which the number of student-loan borrowers more than 90 days behind on payments has surpassed those comparably behind on credit card payments. Reports (pdf) have found that students of color are graduating with more student debt than their white counterparts.

During the 2008 campaign President Obama said, “I went to college having to take out student loans, went to law school having to take out student loans. Michelle took out student loans.

When we got married, I think together our total loan payments every month was more than our mortgage when we bought a house, and that lasted for about 10 years.”

He added, “As I said, what we are looking at potentially is being able to consolidate some of the loans, and if they are part of a broader pool, we may be able to lower interest rates on the debt that they already owe.

But the key is going to be going forward, making sure that young people in the future are able to afford to go to college.”

First-term accomplishments: Making college financing more economical for American college students has been a priority of the president’s first term. In 2011 he invested political capital in traveling the country and college campuses to rally support for preventing Congress from allowing student-loan interest rates to double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. The effort was a success. The interest rates did not double. The administration also increased the maximum amount of the Pell Grant, a primary source of financial aid.

Additionally, the administration made the government a direct loan lender, thereby eliminating the role of many banks, a move perceived to be more efficient as well as less financially cumbersome for students and families.

But perhaps the president’s most significant accomplishment

related to student loans is that he fast-tracked changes to the income-based repayment system, or IBR. The changes mean that instead of paying a minimum 15 percent of their income for student-loan

be administration oversight and enforcement of measures intended to prevent colleges from presenting misleading information to prospective students and their families.

Under the president’s direction,

students have complained that if they had known that their college’s 99 percent graduateemployment statistics used in promotional materials included students working as waitresses or bartenders or in other jobs

payments, borrowers instead pay only 10 percent, andafter 20 years of responsible payment, the remainder of the loan is forgiven.

Second-term hopes: Some of the president’s most ambitious rhetoric during the 2012 State of the Union focused on student loans. He said, “Let me put colleges and universities on notice: If you can’t stop tuition from going up, the funding you get from taxpayers will go down. Higher education can’t be a luxury -- it is an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford.” He also laid out specific policy goals tied to ensuring that more Americans can successfully pursue higher education: extending the tuition tax credit and increasing the number of work-study jobs over the next five years. The recent fiscal-cliff negotiations ensure that the tuition tax credit will be extended at least through 2018.

But perhaps even more important than continuing to pursue efforts to increase work-study jobs will

theConsumer Protection Bureau and Department of Education have pressed colleges to use one universal form to allow for comparison of financial-aid packages and to be transparent about the risks of debt.

The real question for a second term is how aggressive the administration is prepared to be about compliance. Many indebted

that don’t require degrees, they might have reconsidered going into debt to pursue a degree at that particular institution.

Obama put colleges “on notice” in his State of the Union address.

His second term will help show how many of them respond accordingly.

Ramadan Mubarak

SAFARI MARKET

HAL MEAAL TS

Here you can find all your shopping Date • Rice • Meat • Spices • Bread • Halal Products

Hours: Open 7 days a week - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Phone: 602-273-3255 2450 E. McDowell Rd.• Phoenix, AZ 85008

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

INTERNATIONAL

19th

Serving the Co

m mu nit y

Year

february 2013

11

Egyptian Revolution 2.0 As they did two years ago, Egyptians in their thousands poured out onto the streets on Friday to commemorate the second anniversary of their revolution. But this time they were divided. One section was celebrating the political gains it has made. The other believes things have gotten worse since the stepping down of Hosni Mubarak as president. One thing is for sure: Two years on and Egypt continues in its struggle to find stability, security and harmony.

The Egyptian revolution started off as a mass movement, composed mainly of a burgeoning population of young people hungry for jobs and opportunity and seeking change. There was unity in thought and goal, but then things degenerated into a tumultuous transition under the interim leadership of military generals which lasted until the election last June of Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Morsi’s first six months in office have been marked by political tension, an unprecedented number of strikes and sitins, deadly street clashes, and an economic crunch that has sapped the country, as well as his popularity.

Morsi has become a target for some who say he hasn’t been inclusive or true to the revolution’s goals and has tried, along with the Islamists, to monopolize power. But in truth Morsi was elected fair and square as president. The Brotherhood has also used the ballot box to make huge gains in parliament and in passing the constitution. These victories, however, are brushed aside by critics who describe the Brotherhood’s power at the polls

as emanating from the poor, ignorant and disenfranchised who know no better. The belief that the ballot box was the panacea for all Egypt’s ills has been shaken drastically. Egyptians have learned, and are still learning, that democratic practice is a process and is not just elections.

The situation is not confined to Egypt, but is visible in all countries of the Arab Spring, where Islamists are now in power, national dialogue is deadlocked, and tolerance is a thing of the past.

Hardliners on both sides of the political divide have developed an unhealthy tendency to denigrate their opponents, marginalize them, and then pretend they don’t exist. Should this tendency continue, Egypt and the region will descend into an abyss of sectarianism.

Indeed, people in this region in general have a tendency to view “the other” as a rival or an enemy. This is not a healthy way to view other cultures. The attitude must be examined in depth, its causes discovered, and ways to reverse it applied if bigotry is not to dominate our world view.

The dip in the Egyptian graph is clear. On the first anniversary there was almost no violence.

On the second, nine people were killed and hundreds more injured in clashes between forces for and against the government and not just in

Tahrir Square where it all began, but across the board.

The end result two years after the uprising: At least half the country is asking what went

wrong, while the other half believes Egypt is on the right track. It is this tug of war which has created Egypt’s deep polarization and fissures.

12

February 2012

Continued from p. 1

19th

Serving the Co

m mu nit y

Year

ISLAM

www.AZMuslimVoice.co3

Marriage: Thinking well of your Spouse

signals that more Muslims could not grasp the rights and benefits of marriage as stipulated in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

Allah says in the Quran: “And among His signs in this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy…”– Qur’an 30:21 Another verse in the Quran, Allah (SWT) says: And they [women] have rights similar [to those of their husbands] over them according to what is customary and good.”—Qur’an 2:228 The verse continues: But men have a degree [of responsibility] over them…” – Quran 2:228 And live with them honourably…” – Qur’an: 4:19 Having been married for 26 years (Al Humdulliah) I can offer some words of advice to my brothers and sisters.

Enter the Marriage with the Right Intention and Renew this Often Both spouses should enter the marriage with the pure intention of pleasing Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, in order to receive His grace and blessings.

The marriage itself then becomes an act of worship and one for which both spouses will be rewarded.

Allah will be pleased with them and this will be the most critical element in ensuring peace, stability and happiness throughout the marital life. It is also important to realize that when an act of worship is continued over a long period of time, it becomes necessary to renew one’s intention often to remain on the correct path and to obtain the most benefit.

Remember that Your Spouse is also Your Brother or Sister in Islam Too often Muslims treat other people outside the home with kindness and sincerity, but then behave in a very different manner when it comes to their own spouses. Muslims should always remember that one’s spouse is also another brother or sister in Islam and that the rights and duties that apply to the general brotherhood (sisterhood) of Islam, should also form the basis of the marital relationship. Obviously, a spouse has rights beyond these, but there should be a clear understanding of the rights of brotherhood (sisterhood) and adherence to these principles.

Do Not Hold Unrealistic Expectations Before marriage, people often have unrealistic ideas about their spouse-tobe, expecting perfection in all aspects.

This rarely, if ever, plays out in reality and can lead to unnecessary problems and concerns. We should recall that Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, created humans as imperfect beings, which means that many mistakes will be made throughout a lifetime. By turning the table and expecting imperfection, we will be pleasantly surprised and pleased when our spouse is much more

than we ever hoped for. This, in turn, will lead to contentment within the marriage.

Emphasize the Best in Your Spouse Since no one is endowed with all of the best qualities, emphasis should be placed on the positive qualities that a spouse possesses. Encouragement, praise, and gratitude should be expressed on a regular basis, which will strengthen these qualities and be beneficial in developing others. An attempt should be made to overlook or ignore negative characteristics, as the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, “A believing man should not have any malice against a believing woman.

He may dislike one characteristic in her, but may find another in her which is pleasing.” (Muslim) Be Your Mate’s Best Friend Try to think of what a best friend means and be one to your spouse. This may mean sharing interests, experiences, dreams, failures and upsets. It may involve understanding a spouse’s likes and dislikes and attempting to please him or her in any way possible. A best friend is also usually someone that can be confided to trusted, and relied upon. A spouse should be the kind of friend that one would want to keep throughout life.

Spend Quality Time Together It is not enough to share meals, chores and small talk together. Spouses should also find time to focus on strengthening the relationship. Often couples get busy with their own separate tasks and forget about working on one of the most important elements in life.

Quality time may be anything from having a quiet, profound conversation to going for a nice long nature walk, to sharing a special hobby or project. Both spouses should enjoy the particular option chosen and distractions should be kept to a minimum.

Express Feelings Often This is probably a very “Western” concept and one that some people may have difficulty fulfilling, but it is important to be open and honest about one’s feelings, both positive and negative. The lines of communication should always be open and any concerns should be brought to the attention of the other spouse as soon as they arise. The rationale of this is that what begins as a simple concern may grow into a major problem if it is not addressed quickly and properly.

The “silent treatment” has never been the remedy for anything.

Admit to Mistakes and ask for Forgiveness Just as we ask Allah to forgive us when we make mistakes, we should also do the same with our spouses.

The stronger person is the one who can admit when he or she is wrong, request pardon from the other, and work hard to improve his/her aspects that are in need of change. When a person is unwilling to do this, there will be little growth and development in the marriage.

Never Bring up Mistakes of the Past It can be very hurting for another person to be reminded of past mistakes. In Islam, it is generally not recommended to dwell on the past.

One may remember errors that were made so that they are not repeated, but this should not be done excessively.

Certainly, as humans, we are not in the position to judge another person.

Advice may be given, but not in a harmful manner.

Surprise Each Other at Times This may entail bringing home a small gift or flowers, preparing a special meal, dressing up and beautifying oneself (this is not only for women), or sending a secret note in a lunchbox.

A little imagination will go a long way here. The idea is to spice up the marriage and avoid getting into a dull routine that may negatively affect the marriage.

Have a Sense of Humor This particular aspect can go a long way in preventing arguments and brightening the atmosphere of the home. Life is a constant stream of challenges and tests, and to approach it in a light-hearted manner will help to make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. You may also find that your spouse enjoys this characteristic and looks forward to spending time with you because of it.

Quick Tips for Discussions and Disagreements Begin with the intention to resolve the issue. If both spouses have this intention and plan to consult together, it is more likely that there will be a successful resolution.

Remember that it takes two to quarrel.

If only one person chooses not to argue, there will be no argument. Generally, the one who is wrong does most of the talking.

Both spouses should not be angry at the same time. If one of the spouses becomes upset, it is best if the other tries to remain calm and collected.

Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. Of course, house fires do not occur very frequently; yelling should occur at about the same rate.

Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled. This is one of the worst things that can happen in a marriage and should be avoided as much as possible. This allows hurt feelings and thoughts to linger and generally exacerbates the problem.

I ask Allah to forgive me for anything wrong I have said. Anything good that I have written is from Allah. Anything bad is from myself and the whispers of the shaytan.

KEY DEBT REDUCTION KAMAL ERAKAT, NEGOTIATOR

"I can, when no one else can !!

You need the help, I can help !

• Drowning in Debt?

• Facing Foreclosure?

• Property value UPSIDE DOWN? Mortgage payment no longer affordable?

KAMAL ERAKAT

Cell 602-348-0056 Fax 480 773-7320 and 602-971-2155 Email: kamalerakat@yahoo.com.

P.O. Box 71104 • Phoenix, AZ 85050 Licensed by the State of Arizona and backed by the National Mortgage Licensing

System in the U.S. License number: LO- 0915840.

INTERNATIONAL

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

19th

Serving the Co

m mu nit y

Year

february 2013

13

Israel closes northern Jordan Valley RAMALLAH — Israeli occupation forces Saturday closed the northern Jordan Valley and declared the area a closed military zone.

Aref Daraghmeh, the head of Wadi Al-Malih village council and in-charge of Palestinian Bedouin affairs in the Jordan Valley, said that the Israeli forces barred Palestinians from entering or leaving the Palestinian communities in the area.

Daraghmeh added that Israeli forces closed the roads that connect the northern Jordan Valley with the cities of Nablus and Jenin. He added that the forces also closed the Tayasir checkpoint that connects the area with the town of Toubas.

The Israeli Civil Administration distributed eviction orders to some 250 Palestinian families in the area under the pretext that their homes are located in or near areas designated as “firing zones.”

According to Daraghmeh, around 18 percent of West Bank land is a closed military area for the purposes of military training, often termed “firing zones.”

He added that the majority of

these zones are located in the Jordan Valley and along the eastern slopes of the Bethlehem and Hebron Governorates.

More than 5,000 Palestinians reside in such areas in around 38 communities, many of which were existing before the areas were designated as closed military zones.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces closed the Palestinian village of Beit Iksa, to the northwest of Jerusalem, and barred Palestinians and their foreign supporters from entering the village.

Nabil Hababeh, the coordinator of the Beit Iksa Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements, said that the soldiers manned the only checkpoint leading to the village “as a punishment against the residents and their foreign supporters for re-erecting the AlKaramah (Dignity)” tent village.

On Friday, dozens of Palestinian activists re-erected tents at an Al-Karamah camp which was erected two weeks ago in the area between Beit Iksa and Lifta to protest Israeli settlement construction plans in the area.

The Israeli forces dismantled the outpost and forcibly removed activists from the encampment Monday.

Meanwhile, around 200 Palestinians demonstrating in solidarity with prisoners held

by Israel hurled stones at troops

in the West Bank Saturday and soldiers responded with tear gas, Palestinian security officials and the Israeli military said.

Palestinians said the confrontation erupted when protesters tried to set up tents adjacent to Israel’s West Bank security fence at Anin village, near the northern town of Jenin.

They said eight Palestinians suffered from gas inhalation but nobody was badly hurt. About 10

people were detained by troops but later released, the security officials added.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said soldiers used “riot dispersal means” to break up the protest and that nobody was injured on either side.

The challenge of building and protecting substantial wealth requires expertise, entrepreneurial thinking, and a commitment to personal services

Financial Services • Individual Services • Business Services • College Savings Plans

Wealth Management • Financial Planning • Estate Planning • Retirement Planning • Developing Client Investment Strategies • Invesment Process

703-459-0969 47436 River Crest St. Potomac Falls, VA 20165

February 2012

m mu nit y

Year

Jason The Plumber 623-512-8650 • Drains • Faucets • Toilets • Water Heaters • Sinks

• Leaks • Drips • Repairs • Remodeling • Water & Gas Piping

Real Estate

services

The Bazaar Market Place

www.AZMuslimVoice.co3

Arabic language teacher and Islamic law and the Quran for

INAYAT M. ALIKHAN, M.D. General Psychiatry

‫إنايات علي خان‬

all levels

‫دكتور عالج نفسي عام‬

480-945-2558

Giving lessons at home

For more information call 480-275-1538

New Office Location By Nov.19th

Airport Business Center 441 South 48th St. Suite 102 Tempe, AZ 85281

07

ongoin

14

19th

Serving the Co

SHAHNAWAZ CURRIM

MINI MARKET

Multi-Million Dollar Producer

Let my 24 years “Arizona” Experience work for you!

• Assisting buyers & sellers with all their real estate needs • Relocation • New and resale homes • Apartment complexes • Shopping centers Call Shanawaz Currim today!

• Mini markets Realty executives & convenient stations Bus. 480-839-2600 • Land & lots Mobile 602-245-1625

602-625-9357 See Ad Details Page

Pager 602-227-9994 Fax 480-491-0718 “And Experience the Difference”

8

CLASSIFIED AD Starting from

15 /mo.

$

advertise Here as low as $55/mon.

Essential Home Services • Commercial Energy • Electricity • Natural Gas • DIRECTV • CLEAR 4G • New Products & Services BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

John Akram 480-255-4009

Where you can find all your groceries Business Hours: Open 7 days a week - 8a.m. - 10 p.m.

Phone: 602-267-9720 • Fax: 602-267-9727 5058 E. McDowell Rd. • Phoenix, Arizona 85008

CLASSIFIED AD Starting from

15 /mo.

$

IR#: R1071417 john.akram@yahoo.com Visit our website http://johnakram.mymomentis.biz

Job opportunity

Breek publishing is looking for dynamic

sales associates

if you are interested send your resume to jobs@breekpublishing.com

for (3x2 inch) size ad

HALAL MEATS

advertise Here as low as $55/mon.

for (3x2 inch) size ad

Marrakesh Vegetable Curry Original recipe makes 6 servings Ingredients 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed 1 medium eggplant, cubed 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 1 onion, chopped 6 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 tablespoon sea salt 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained 1/4 cup blanched almonds 1 zucchini, sliced

2 tablespoons raisins 1 cup orange juice 10 ounces spinach Directions In a large Dutch oven place sweet potato, eggplant, peppers, carrots, onion, and three tablespoons oil.

Saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.

In a medium saucepan place 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, salt and pepper and saute over medium heat for 3 minutes.

Pour garlic and spice mixture into the Dutch oven with vegetables in it.

Add the garbanzo beans, almonds, zucchini, raisins, and orange juice.

Simmer 20 minutes, covered.

Add spinach to pot and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve!

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

CALENDAR / ANNOUNCEMENTS

Phoenix Prayer Times

19th

Serving the Co

m mu nit y

Year

february 2013

15

Tucson Prayer Times

February 2013 • Rabi Alawal/Rabi Althani1434 H

February 2013 • Rabi Alawal/Rabi Althani 1434 H

ISLAMIC WEEKEND SCHOOLS

Directions to the Islamic Cultural Center Cemetery

Islamic Community Center of Phoenix: Islamic Cultural Center: Muslim Community Mosque: Masjid Omar ICNEV Weekend Islamic School ACA Weekend School Sultan Education in Chandler Greenway Islamic Academy

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

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

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

Tel: (480) 346-2081Classes held on Sunday K thru’ grade 12 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Sunday 10:00 am-1:15 pm. www.azacademy.org/weekend Saturdays & Sundays - children/adults 480-593-7066 Tajweed, Islamic Studies, & Arabic Language 602-565-0500

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.

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

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

5648 N. 15th ave.

Phoenix, AZ 85015 602-413-5279

Al Rasoul Mosque 5302 N. 35th Ave. • Phoenix 602-864-1817

CHANDLER Masjid AsSalam 1071 N. Alma School Rd.• Chandler 480-250-7522

PEORIA Greenway Islamic Center 6724 West Greenway • Peoria, Islamic Center of East Valley AZ www.greenwaymasjid.com 425 N. Alma School Dr. • Chandler TEMPE 602-388-9900 Islamic Comnty Ctr of Tempe LAVEEN 131 E. 6th Street • Tempe 480-894-6070 Islamic Center of Laveen P.O. Box 1107 • Laveen Masjid Al Mahdi 602-361-4401 1016 S. River Dr. • Tempe MARICOPA 480-557-9699 Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabah Masjid Omar Bin Al-Khattab 44370 W. Arizona Ave. Maricopa Arizona 85138 6225 S.McClintock • Tempe contact# (602)312-7913 480-775-6627 MESA Masjid-el-Noor 55 N. Matlock • Mesa 480-644-0074 SCOTTSDALE Islamic Center of N.E. Valley 12125 E. Via Linda • Scottsdale 480-612-4044

CASA GRANDE Masjid Sajda is located c/o: The Legacy Suites 540 North Cacheris Court Casa Grande`, Arizona 85122 480.332.8618

Daleelo ‫دليلو‬

ADVERTISEMENTS

ADVERTISE

Click the advertise button on your phone to list your business in Daleelo! Or call us at 1-800-Daleelo

BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TO YOUR FINGERTIPS

Over 12,000 Businesses Listed!

Prayer Times & Compass Check prayer times and receive reminders. Use the compass to determine your Qibla.

Category Listings Over 40 categories listed provides you with the best place to list your business and ease in finding what you are looking for.

SPOTLIGHT

Find all new businesses and products .

Restaurants

Travel

Grocery

Clothing

Doctors

Auto

Attorneys

Real Estate

More

DEALS

Check out coupons, sales and promotions going on at your local businesses.

JAN

EVENTS

Stay up-to-date on the events happening in your community.

MASAJID

Locate the nearest masjids wherever you are.

CLASSIFIEDS

TRIP PLANNER

Plan your gas, food, rest and prayer stops all right here.

- Sell, buy & rent - Post & look for jobs - Volunteer opportunities

HASANAT

- Calculate/pay your zakat.

- Donate or give Sadaqa - Fundraising Events

FREE

Now onAPP your iPhone and Android COMING TO AN STORE/GOOGLE PLAY NEAR YOU To advertise your business2012 call 602-258-7770 RAMADAN