Muslim Voice June 2010

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June 2010 Jumada Al-Akhirah / Rajab 1431H

Islamic Relief discusses collaboration with local leaders Muslim Voice

Last month’s results:

Do you believe SB 1070 will affect the lives of Muslims in Arizona?

9.5 % No 90.5 % Yes

Poll:

Should Islamic charities do more domestic work?

Yes No Visit www.azmuslimvoice.com to vote

Muslim Voice joins local ethnic media condemning SB 1070

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Mohammed Alzaidi Wins Million $ Case

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that “We put faith in action” in the work of IR. Saleem Khalid, Domestic Program Manager, spoke about various domestic programs the IR is heading. One of those programs is called “Day of Dignity” which is held in 19 different cities in the US. IR also supports health clinics one or two days a week in addition to Umma Clinic which serves 5 days a week in California.

“We don’t do Dawa –religious promotionin exchange for our health services” he said.

“Muslim community is a wealthy community” he added. Regarding refugees program Saleem said “There is a disconnect between refugees and our organizations”. “Some refugee families have resolved to prostitution for survival” he added. He then elaborated on IR’s refugee work by adding “We are the main sponsor for Alwaleed refugee camp in Syria, we send money to ACCESS California, and partner with State of Illinois” When Br. Abed was asked what are the expectations from the local community he said “Open the Masjids” to IR

Phoenix, Arizona - On May 3rd Islamic Relief (IR) of USA invited a number of local Muslim leaders to dinner to update and report them on IR’s work and to discuss with them future partnership.

The meeting was held at local restaurant Fatoush in the Phoenix area and attended by over twenty local leaders.

CEO Abed Ayoub and local IR Representative Imam Omar Shahin as well as a number of IR executives joined the meeting to address IR to local Muslim leaders. Br. Ayoub started by featuring a number of IR’s projects that are helping Muslims worldwide as well as nationally and locally. Some of these projects include Feed the Children campaign, National Aid, Gaza relief, Interfaith work, providing medicine programs as well as collaboration with other non-Muslim charities to send aid to places like Haiti, Katrina victims, Samoa, and other devastated regions. “Our core value is from out faith” Mr. Abed emphasized to the audience and assured them

Rights groups concerned over US ‘terror’ rules

work. “Please make our work easier to do our job and we will in return will give you back”.

He added that IR wants to “Form partnership with other Muslim organizations and communicate with national organizations”.

When Br. Saleem was asked about community division he replied that we need to have a “Collective interest to work together” and “It’s a tremendous mistake to do the same things yet think that things will change”. “One of our core values is to stay neutral, and we work with everybody” Br. Abed, IR CEO said. “We practice women empowerment” Abed added.

“If we work together in any project we will have success” Imam Omar Shain said when asked about local collaboration.

Later, all members of IR took questions from local leaders about IR’s work and type of support IR can provide. Most members of the local leaders left with positive feelings about the meeting and the hope this will open doors of collaborative work among each other and IR as well.

Zaki Aizaz Spotlight

Israelis: No halt to East Jerusalem construction

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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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CAIR-AZ holds a meeting on Implications of the New Immigration Law Muslim Voice Phoenix, Arizona - On May 15th the local chapter of the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR-AZ) held a meeting at Arizona State University to discuss the implications of SB-1070 on the local Muslim community.

The meeting was hosted by the ASU Human Rights Coalition and took place at the memorial Union on Main campus.

Speakers included Arizona House Representatives Ed Ableser, and Ben Miranda, Alessandra Meetze, Executive Director of local American Civil Liberty Union Chapter in Arizona Antonio, Antonion Bustamante, a local attorney.

Sister Tayyeba Amatulla MCed the meeting and started by introducing Oday Shahin from the ASU Human Rights Coalition who gave a brief introduction about the meeting and its purpose. Then Tayyeba introduced Alessandra from ACLU who spoke about SB 1070. “This bill rewrites the constitution, it ends the presumption of innocence” she said. “Middle Easterners and Asians are three times likely to be stopped in Arizona” she added. “Latinos are the largest group targeted by police in the State” Alessandra said. While the law has not been enacted yet there have been “complaints of officers stopping people and telling them they have 90 days to leave the State” she emphasized.

In addition there has been “Amendments providing police the power to ask for more immigration documents” proposed now. “The problem of 1070 is not for Latinos only but for all people of color” she added.

Representative Miranda said “The lies that were fabricated on the floor of the House are unbelievable” regarding the signed bill. “We have a law that puts officers on campuses” he added. “The constitution was not written for citizens but for people present” in the US he said.

He even went as far as comparing the new law to Nazi Germany when he said “There are lots of similarities to what happened to pre-war Germany and to what is happening here in Arizona”.

Representative Ableser accused the new law “It’s simple to enhance people’s basic fears”. “1070 tarnished Arizona’s reputation” and “It’s putting neighbor against neighbor” he added. Regarding enforcing the law he said that “The law puts extreme burden on law enforcement”.

The meeting that was attended by a number of Muslim Community members

as well as ASU students who expressed concern about the new law. This is the first time Hispanic leaders addresses a group of Muslims which highlights the importance of the issue and the need to collaborate efforts to address this new law.

3 Word on the Street: What Muslim Voice joins local ethnic are your thoughts about the media condemning SB 1070 new SB 1070 Bill that was just passed here in Arizona?

LOCAL

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

By: Sumbal Akhter I honestly do not think its REALLY going to make that big of a deal in reality even though the principal behind the bill is messed up and dumb. I think Obama even said Arizona is “misguided” after the government had signed it. But, in all fairness a big reason Jan Brewer signed the bill was due to Obama ignoring our immigration problem

Clearly there is a problem but this legislation is not the answer. Giving that much power to high school educated meat heads (cops) is not wise. – Hasan Chaudhry The new SB 1070 law is just a way of telling people that it is ok to racial profile people because of their color or origin. It is a ridiculous law that just legalizes what people think about people “going back to their own countries.” It is something that’s also

JUNE 2010

Phoenix, Arizona - On May 8th Muslim Voice newspaper joined over thirty local ethnic media outlets including Hispanics, African Americans, Asian and others in condemning the new bill SB 1070 singed

by Arizona Governor.

Local ethnic media held the meeting organized by New America Media last month in a downtown hotel to discuss the new bill and its implications on local Arizonans including ethnic communities.

They jointly issued a statement and a letter sent to President Obama stating their stands and asking him to take action to protect the civil rights of Arizonans.

Following is the statement the local ethnic media issued last month: ARIZONA ETHNIC CONDEMN SB 1070

MEDIA

JOINTLY

SB 1070 is a law that affects all of us, irrespective of ethnicity.

We, the ethnic media of Arizona, are coming together from across the State to oppose this discriminatory legislation and to protect our communities.

SB 1070 is an affront to human dignity, and if you are a human being you should be concerned.

Basil Ghafoor

Tasneem Turk

Shazim Fayyaz

As the media that serves Arizona’s diverse communities, including Latino, African American, Asian American, Arab American, Muslim, Jewish and Native American, we feel that we will all be subject to discrimination based on how we look. We feel that racial profiling is inevitable under SB 1070.

This law will hurt Arizona’s economy.

It will hurt relations between law enforcement and our communities. It has already led to a climate of fear.

Qammer Alzubaidi

for two years. I do not think it was meant to actually be a real solution, but rather a more tactful angle to bring national attention to maybe find a better and more allusive solution. – Basil Ghafoor The SB 1070 law has an impact on everyone that is labeled under the profile as “illegal” or “an alien”. They need to show documentation to ensure that they are legal; otherwise, they would be arrested. It can definitely affect Muslims and our community in many ways. -Tasneem Turk This law basically has an affect on all citizens of AZ; not only Muslims, but it obviously will have more of a negative affect on those who are illegal. It will make people more aware and remind them of carrying their ID with them whenever they go somewhere. I just don’t think that police should have the right to arrest you just because you have a valid ID, but forgot it at home. Being Muslims, we might be more of a target, and should be aware of this law and it’s affects. – Shazim Fayyaz

Amirah Ismail

pretty scary, because now it allows people to have a higher advantage over attacking the Muslim community. It was bad from the beginning, but now it makes it OK for them to verbally assault the Muslim community as well as the Hispanic community. I do not believe this law should have ever been passed and I’m sure there will be a law coming out that would reverse it. – Qammer Alzubaidi As President Obama has noted, SB 1070 threatens “to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and our communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.”

Since 9/11 and even before then, American Muslims have often found themselves faced with such challenges and an increased threat of profiling on the basis of religion and ethnicity. In response to SB 1070, our community should take the opportunity to stand in solidarity with other civil, religious, and ethnic organizations to peacefully protest this bill and work together to have it repealed. – Amirah Ismail

We call on President Obama to take action to protect the rights and civil liberties of all Arizonans.

11-10

Hasan Chaudhry

And it will do nothing to fix the broken immigration system. Instead, it will just wreak more havoc.

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Mohammed Alzaidi Law Firm

Wins another million dollar case for Muslims Muslim Voice Phoenix, Arizona Mohammed Alzaidi, a local Phoenix attorney who has been practicing law in Arizona for the past 17 years serving the Valley’s Muslim and Arab community, just added a new win for his wellknown and reputable practice.

Mr. Alzaidi has won several major injury and wrongful death cases in the past 17 years. Most recently, the Alzaidi firm has assisted East Valley Muslims whose loved ones were in a very tragic and catastrophic collision involving multiple motor vehicles.

A claimant in one of the several vehicles contacted and acquired the services of another attorney who rejected the case because he could not locate insurance for the driver at fault. However, Mr. Alzaidi, with his thorough investigation, located insurance for his clients’ claims and then worked to recover approximately one million dollars for his clients’ losses.

This particular case involved an at-fault drunk driver who had just left a bar that is well known for over-serving its patrons. Even though the DUI laws in Arizona are among some of the most strict in the country, hundreds of people are still injured and killed by drunk drivers in this state every year. Mr. Alzaidi pursued a “dram shop action” against the bar in this case because it knowingly served alcohol to an intoxicated person.

Arizona law recognizes that liability for the injuries

caused by a drunk driver does not necessarily end with the driver himself. Arizona allows those who have been injured by a drunk driver to hold all those who played a role in the accident responsible. Arizona’s liquor liability laws, or “dram shop” laws, also hold establishments who sell alcohol to patrons civilly liable.

Establishments that sell alcohol to patrons they know, or reasonably should know, are intoxicated can be held civilly liable for drunk driving accident damages. Under Arizona law, serving alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person creates a foreseeable risk to the public.

Mohammed Alzaidi searches out and investigates all possible sources of recovery in any type of injury or negligence claim. If it were not for the expertise of the Alzaidi firm in this tragic case referenced above, the bar would not have been held accountable and the injured persons would have been left without any compensation whatsoever.

Mr. Alzaidi’s experience and expertise has made a difference in the lives of many Arizona Muslims and Arabs residents who have come to him for legal help. He speaks their language, understands their culture and cultural challenges they face in the world.

The Alzaidi firm has won other significant cases including Federal police brutality cases, criminal charges, DUI, wrongful death cases, personal injury cases and others. You may contact Mr. Alzaidi at (602) 306-1111 for further information.

Q&A with author Randa Abdel Fattah Nesima Aberra Muslim Voice Few young adult novels feature a Muslim character on the front cover or are written by actual Muslims themselves, which is what makes Randa Abdel Fattah a breath of fresh air in the industry. Mrs. Abdel Fattah is only 29 and an award-winning novelist with books published around the world. Her approach to tackling the stories of young Muslims involves humor and honesty, making the experiences connect with both Muslim and non-Muslim readers. She works as lawyer and human rights advocate in Sydney, Australia and lives with her husband and two children.

1. Your background is in law-how did you transition to becoming a writer?

Well I started writing when I was very young. The writing came first- short stories, essays, poetry. I used to enter writing competitions when I was a teenager and wrote my first novel when I was fifteen.

2. Why did you write Does My Head Look Big in This and do you feel Muslim girls relate to Amal’s experiences?

It became apparent to me that the only time Muslim females appeared as heroines in books were as escapees of the Taliban, victims of an honor killing, or subjects of the Saudi royalty! I wrote Does My Head Look Big In This? because I wanted to fill that gap. I wanted to write a book which debunked the common misconceptions about Muslims and which allowed readers to enter the world of the average Muslim teenage girl and see past the headlines and stereotypes- to realize that she was experiencing the same dramas and challenges of adolescence as her nonMuslim peers- and have a giggle in the process!

3. You went to a Catholic primary school.

Did that experience open your eyes to interfaith issues or influence your idea of the relationship between Islam and other religions?

Not really. haha I was too young, in my primary years of school. Perhaps the interfaith relationships were simply part of my life and influenced me subtly. My best friend was Hindu and my circle of friends made up of Catholics and Buddhists. I grew up in my early years just enjoying friendships without judging people according to their religious labels. My interfaith experiences, in a more formal sense, came when I was in high-school and we participated in interfaith programs with other schools.

4. What was your life like growing up as an Australian born Palestinian-Egyptian Muslim woman? Similar to your books?

Throughout my teenage and university years I felt the challenges of straddling between my Australian/Muslim/Egyptian/ Palestinian identities. I did it by embracing all my identities rather than running away from them. By gaining self-respect, I gained the respect of others.

5. Do you find it difficult to write about Muslim characters and Muslim storylines without being overtly preaching or excluding non-Muslim readers?

I did when I gave it a try at the age of 15.

The first draft of Does My Head Look Big In This? was very preachy. When I gave it another try several years later I decided I would use humor to humanize ‘the other’, to avoid being didactic and to focus on the story, not ‘a message’.

6. Are you planning to always write about Muslim characters in your stories?

Not necessarily. Noah, in my fourth novel, is half-Egyptian, half-Anglo, but his religion is not mentioned. I just want to write good stories- whether the characters are Muslim or non-Muslim will depend on the story I am writing. But I don’t see myself writing about one particular faith or identity as a matter of course. The point for me it to be able to write about Muslim or non-Muslim characters without it being seen as a deviation from ‘the Anglo norm’.

7. Does My Head Look Big in This and Ten Things I Hate about Me both deal with identity crisis, peer pressure and the clash between Western culture and Muslim culture. Do you think Muslim youth have a harder time growing up?

For Muslim teenage girls who wear the hijab, and are therefore immediately identifiable as Muslims- the main struggle is to live against the perception that you are oppressed, down-trodden. It is not a natural state to live from a position of resistance.

It is exhausting and unnatural to always be on the defensive, resisting a stereotype of victimhood. I believe that is the most constant and frustrating challenge because the teenage exploration of identity is made even more difficult when other people’s stereotypes are thrown into the mix.

And then there is the larger issue for Muslim youth, male and female, of defining your identity and sense of belonging as a Muslim growing up, perhaps born in, the West. With the barrage of headlines about ‘Islam versus the West’ this surely has a cumulative effect on how Muslim teens in the West feel about their sense of place

and belonging. I guess the hard thing is you can sometimes feel like you’re in a zoo: locked in the cage of other people’s stereotypes, prejudices and judgments, on parade to be analyzed, deconstructed and reconstructed. I tell you it’s exhausting!

8. Your latest book, Where the Streets Had a Name, has just been short-listed for the 2010 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature. How excited are you for this recognition?

I’m thrilled. It’s a book that holds a very special place in my heart as it is dedicated to my grandmother who did not live to see her homeland free. I am so thrilled that it is being recognized and a Palestinian narrative is being given a voice.

9. Where the Streets Had a Name involves a clearly relevant issue-the Palestinian and Israeli conflict. Why did you choose to write a YA book about such a sensitive topic?

My visit to my father’s birthplace, Palestine, in 2000 had a profound impact on me. I suddenly understood the tragedy of my family, specifically my grandmother’s, dispossession. I also saw children and young adults trying to get on with their life despite the occupationattending weddings, gossiping with friends and neighbors, haggling at the shops, following favorite television sitcoms.

My observations of the way the children coped stayed with me. What I found most disturbing was the restrictions on travel.

It seemed a denial of such a fundamental human right. The idea of an adventure story started to form in my mind- the idea of a child trying to get from one part of the occupied territories to another, forbidden, part.

It took some years before I started writing the story. All my activism in the meantime was, I suppose, part of the planning process.

Deciding what to put in and what to leave out was a difficult task. The temptation to deal with all the human rights abuses, all the facets of suffering, all the political issues was overwhelming. The way I was able to avoid this was with the help of my wonderful editor with the first drafts and a realization that Hayaat’s story needed to drive the book, rather than my passion to raise awareness driving Hayaat’s story.

Ultimately I realized that I wanted to write a simple story set in complicated circumstances, looking at the sacrifices best-friends make for each other, sibling rivalry, nagging parents, sparring in-laws, ambitious wedding plans, helpless adults, children who dream big and an occupation that impacts on the minutiae of ordinary life.

10. You are a passionate human rights advocate. How does your writing side tie into that part of you?

It comes from a strong sense of social justice and a desire to write about issues and give voice to narratives that are often misunderstood, demonized or not given due exposure in the arts.

11. What has been people’s reception of your books-both Muslim and nonMuslims?

Alhamdulillah, I have received such wonderful support from readers from all different backgrounds. I have been able to validate the experiences of both Muslims and non-Muslims, people who grapple with their own identity issues, no matter what background they come from.

12. What is the writing process like for you? Do you find it painful or easy?

It is a joy but also hard work. A perfect combination because the challenge is pleasurable and worth it.

13. What advice do you have for Muslim youth who are interested in writing as well? Do you think they should look to their own lives as sources of story material?

The best writing, especially for those starting out, is to write about what you know. Stories that are drawn from one’s own world are more real and authentic.

14. What’s next?

I’ve just finished my fourth book which is a legal thriller/comedy set in Sydney and narrated by a boy called Noah. It’s a book which has allowed me to draw on my legal background and I’ve had immense fun writing it!

OPINION

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

JUNE 2010

5

I , as an American, condemn Terrorism

By Mohammed Alzaidi, Esq. In the wake of the failed terrorist act in New York City by Fasil Shahzad some Mosques in the valley in the past couple of weeks devoted their Friday sermons to that event.

The Imams ( clergy) gave an elaborate explanation of the occurrence and a Sharia lesson on covenant not do harm between Muslims living in the United States and the United States .They also spoke about covenants and treaties between Muslims , Christians and Jews and also addressed covenants between non- Muslims living in Muslim countries and those countries.

In those sermons the Imams explained

that Muslims who are citizens of the United States , permanent residence and those here on a Visa have an implied, moral covenant not to do harm with the United States . A violation of said covenant is a sin against Islam.

The Imams cited phrases from the Quran and the Hadith ( saying ) of Profit Mohammed, peace be upon him ( P.B.U.H ) on covenants and treaties.

Most of those sermons were spent on explaining in details the particular covenants and treaties under Sharia law citing events and the teaching of the Profit Mohammed (P.B.U.H ).

Now, bare in mind the audience in these Mosques already knew all that since they are all Muslims and learned this basic tenet of Islam , to fulfill promise and keep one’s word, as children. This after all is Islam 101.

One can only assume that the target of these sermons are people outside

the Mosques and not those inside it.

Unfortunately , those outside the Mosques may never hear what Islam teaches and what we Muslims believe and seek to uphold .The Imams failed to mention the most important thing about the tragic event in New York City : the failed attack was an attack on all of us living in this country, citizens or not, Muslims, Christians, Jews or any other religion.

I do not need Sharia law to tell me that the criminal and heinous act of Fasil Shahzad , that was intended to kill as many people as possible in New York City, is wrong. Its wrong and I condemn it because its an attack upon my country , the United States of America and directed at my fellow citizens.

I also do not have to apologize for my religion, Islam, every time some individual who happen to be Muslim commit a terrorist act .It should

be unnecessary to have to explain Islam’s stance on covenants, treaties or terrorism every time there is a terrorist act committed by a Muslim.

American Muslims should not have to be on the defensive and have to explain their religion to those Islamophobics who use such events to spread their hate and prejudice against Islam and Muslims. Every time there is such an event, they try to make Muslims feel inferior, unpatriotic and guilty .The immediate rhetoric in response to such event, especially in the media and some politicians put us on the defense as though we must apologize for our religion and, once again must explain that Islam against terrorism.

We have to condemn the failed attack on New York City by Fasil Shazad as Americans and not feel the need to explain our religion and apologize for it every time a Muslim commits a violent act.

Israel’s Newest (and Most Desperate) Talking Point – Quoting the Quran?

By Imraan Siddiqi

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ rtrs/20100512/twl-oukwd-uk-

As I was reading through some prominent news blogs the other day, I stumbled upon Rabbi Schmuely Boteach’s article on Huffington Post, where he praises writer and holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel’s position that ““For me, the Jew that I am, Jerusalem is above politics. It is mentioned more than six hundred times in Scripture—and not a single time in the Koran”. The excerpt from Wiesel’s writing was an introspective look at the meaning of Jerusalem to the Jewish people, through the eyes of one of their most revered voices, and a survivor of one of the greatest tragedies in history.

palestinians-israel-jerusal-13abf6c. html

It was also factually incorrect.

Boteach’s blog post continues onward, mainly focusing upon the austere reputation of Wiesel and how he is above reproach, which has even come from some Jewish voices out there. After reading through this, I felt troubled. It troubles me that this was misinformation, glossed over and being presented as fact. It bothers me that the discourse on the most heated political conflict in history has degraded to this level. I wasn’t sure if this was a singular event that would pass, or if it was my duty to set the record straight. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave me the answer I was looking for.

During a recent parliamentary session, Netanyahu mentioned that Jerusalem was mentioned over 850 times in the Old Testament. Additionally, he pointed out “As to how many times Jerusalem is mentioned in the holy scriptures of other faiths, I recommend you check. “ After a brief exchange from Arab minority lawmakers, Netanyahu continued: “ Because you asked: Jerusalem is mentioned 142 times in the New Testament, and none of the 16 various Arabic names for Jerusalem is mentioned in the Koran.”

The use of these kinds of examples is irresponsible on so many levels, primarily because it is a false premise.

If Wiesel, Boteach, or Netanyahu had a more responsible bunch that were in the back room filtering talking points, they would have surely stumbled upon the 17th Surah (chapter) in the Quran: Surah Isra. The entire underlying concept behind the surah is Jerusalem – the name Isra referring to a cornerstone event in the history of Islam, the Journey of Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Masjid al Aqsa, in Jerusalem. It doesn’t matter that the word “Jerusalem” or the “16 other words for Jerusalem” according to Netanyahu don’t appear when his staff does a CTRL+F on their Quran searches.

Every observant Muslim and every non-Muslim Islamic scholar understand that Jerusalem is being referred to both explicitly and implicitly.

Just for factual sake, what do these

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newly minted Quranic scholars interpret line 104 from the same chapter as?

104. And We said thereafter to the Children of Israel, “Dwell securely in the land (of promise)”: but when the second of the warnings came to pass, We gathered you together in a mingled crowd.

What other place on earth could be deciphered in the preceding line?

Secondly, it is unethical to use another faith’s holy scripture for political gain. What exactly is trying to be accomplished by this latest movement? Are Wiesel, Boteach and Netanyahu trying to show the world that Jerusalem is not as dear and vital to Muslims, because of what is written in their own holy books.

Since Netanyahu mentioned those 142 mentions of Jerusalem in the New Testament, what are you doing with the displaced Palestinian Christians who have suffered at the hands of your military? According to your logic, their holy book came in second place, but their houses have been demolished and their businesses all but shut down.

Israel has been touted as “the sole face of democracy” in the Middle East – however the irresponsible use of holy scriptures as any premise for oppressing an entire population, and depriving them of the most basic human rights is reprehensible. The Jews have suffered at the hands of one of the most brutal travesties in the history of mankind, which was backed by an unsound premise delivered by manipulation of public opinion. As we fast forward 70 years later – history must not repeat itself. With Israel

continuing its occupation, aggression and now an apartheid wall against the Palestinian people, public opinion is now turning against the Jewish state out of principle. As public opinion shifts, the newest act of desperation is to spread misinformation, and to isolate the Palestinians from a political and now a religious perspective. With these types of tactics emanating from the office of the Prime Minister, peace looks to be a dream eternally deferred.

The bottom line is that all Muslims – just like the Christians and Jews revere and want to protect Jerusalem.

The holy land is tied into the very fiber and our holy scriptures as they are in the other Abrahamic faiths, and this fact is indisputable. The path to peace in this area will not be paved through debunking the holy books of other religions, rather through diplomacy.

The supporters of the Israeli state must leave the sense of entitlement behind, because the holy land is for all faiths. The path of righteousness and achieving one’s religious goals cannot be accomplished through apartheid, ethnic cleansing and military might.

As a Muslim, I am well aware of that fact.

For Wiesel, Boteach and Netanyahu – it is time to stop romanticizing Israel’s quest for the promised land, while glossing over all the blood that has been shed to reach their endgame.

Imraan Siddiqi is a freelance writer and MBA from Arizona State University.

He writes on the topics of comparative religion, the Middle East conflict and issues concerning Muslims in the U.S. He can be reached at upbhavan@aol. com

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Congratulations Grads

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Graduated Summa Cum Laude from ASU with a BS degree in Conservation Biology and minor in French.

Graduated from ACA, and also from SMCC with her Associate of Arts degree, in May. May Allah guide and protect her.

Afshan Shahid

Shireen Ali Graduated from ASU with Majors in “Global Business Financial Management” from Arizona State University

Congratulations Javeria! From Ammi, Papa,Fahad, Aunty, Uncle, Sidra, Mustafa,Moji, Shiza, Aisha , Family & Friends!Wish you best of luck for the future!

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is graduating from North High School as a junior with honors. We wish her well in all future endeavors

Mikail is graduating from kindergarten. We wish him the best of luck!

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Congrats! Khalid’s graduating from ACA with Associate Degree from SMCC.

Family of Rasheed Ahmad would like to congratulate him on his 8th grade graduation and his good accomplishment for this school year.

Mabrook!

He’s entering ASU Barrett Honors College with Provost Scholarship, as a Junior, insha Allah.

Tariq Ali Graduated from ASU with majors in History and Political Science. He will be transferring over to NAU to study Masters’ in Political Science, and hopes to (Insallah) become a Professor one day.

Congratulation Muslim Voice congratulates all the graduates in all levels and wishes them the best in their life

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

Lebanese PM presses Obama on Mideast peace deal

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri told President Barack Obama that the ``clock is ticking’’ on Mideast peace and that failure to reach an agreement will lead to more violence and extremism in the region.

On his first official White House visit as premier, Hariri said he told Obama during an Oval Office meeting that Lebanon is hopeful about his efforts to secure a lasting peace between the Palestinians and Israelis. The two sides recently began participating in indirect peace talks.

But the prime minister said he told Obama about a ``pervasive frustration and skepticism’’ in the Muslim world regarding the issue and that the ``clock is ticking ... against all those who believe in a just peace.’’ ``Failure will nurture more extremism and give birth to new forms of violence,’’ Hariri said afterward. ``This poses great dangers to everyone in the Middle East and to the world at large. But the rewards of success are even greater.’’

Hariri said he also thanked Obama for the U.S. commitment and support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence, and for assistance for its armed forces and other security agencies.

Hariri’s visit came amid regional tensions over claims by Israel that Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group has acquired Scud missiles transferred from Syria.

Syria denied the accusations and Hariri has compared them to the false American charges that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction ahead of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

The Iranian-backed Hezbollah has refused to confirm or deny the claims.

Hariri’s government, formed in November 2009, comprises a coalition of Westernbacked factions and Syrian-supported groups led by Hezbollah. He recently reconciled with Syria, which he has blamed for the 2005 assassination of his father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri.

The State Department accused Syria of ``provocative behavior’’ in supplying arms to Hezbollah, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates accused the Shiite group of having far more rockets and missiles than most governments in the world.

The White House issued a statement saying Obama stressed with Hariri the importance of efforts to ensure that Iran complies with its international nonproliferation obligations.

Obama also commended the prime minister for carrying on his father’s legacy.

Reporters were not granted access to the meeting; only still photographers were allowed in for pictures.

Hariri also met during the day with George Mitchell, Obama’s envoy to the Middle East; national security adviser James Jones, and Dennis Ross, a deputy national security adviser on Iran.

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7

Muslim teenagers find support through teammates Received by Associated Press

``I took offense to that, because they’re part of our team and our school,’’ Muzny said. ``I tried sticking up for them during that.’’

By ANDY MARSO ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) _ It’s been half a year, but the St. Cloud Apollo soccer players can still remember the racial taunts they heard during some out-of-town road games this season.

Apollo senior Zach Muzny heard his African Muslim teammates called ``stinkies’’ and told to ``go back to your country.’’ Sometimes it was a whisper from an opposing player that was accompanied by a rough shove as they jockeyed for possession. Sometimes it was a voice coming from the opposing team’s stands, cloaked in the anonymity of a crowd.

Hoekstra isn’t the only Apollo coach who gets high marks from at least one of the school’s Muslim immigrants.

Apollo junior Ibrahim Abukar was born in Kenya. He’s a starting guard on the basketball team and is being recruited by several colleges. He said that coach Dean Kesler had been a great influence in his life. ``Coach Kesler is preparing me for college and not just to do well in basketball,’’ Abukar said. ``Outside of basketball too _ to be a man and do good in school, all that stuff.’’

It came as a shock to some of the Eagles.

Sheikh is from Egypt, Musse is from Kenya and Abdule is from Somalia. All three moved to the United States about four years ago. Sheikh said playing soccer had given them a support system that helped shield them from prejudice. A support system that new immigrants may not have. ``Because we know most of the players, we know a couple of people that we can talk to whenever we want to,’’ Sheikh said. ``But the newcomers, they don’t know anyone and it’s very hard for them to communicate with everyone.’’

Sheikh, Musse and Abdule said they had good relationships with Apollo soccer coach Robert Hoekstra and that Hoekstra fostered a sense of togetherness in his first year leading the team.

That team unity endured when the African players faced racism on the road.

``When we talked to him about the Ramadan stuff, he didn’t play us as much when we weren’t feeling strong,’’ Musse said. ``He communicated with us very well,’’ Sheikh added.

Hoekstra was one of many new faces on the Apollo soccer field this year. With most of the players from the previous varsity team graduated, it was a transition season and the players had to get to know each other on and off the field.

Sheikh said Hoekstra forced them to do everything together at practice, not allowing cliques to form along racial or ethnic lines. Hoekstra said he knew that was the only way the team would eventually be successful.

As with most young teams, wins were hard to come by. Apollo went 4-12-3, but there were highlights.

The Eagles won tight games against Fergus Falls and Alexandria. They thumped Sauk Rapids 6-0. Abdule _ a tall, lanky freshman _ established himself as one of the area’s most dangerous scorers.

``I didn’t think that would happen on the soccer field,’’ Apollo senior Ahmednasir Sheikh said. ``On the soccer field you don’t communicate by mouth, you communicate with your legs. I didn’t expect that from them, but it happens. This is life.’’

Sheikh said the taunting also surprised him because it was not something he had experienced at Apollo. Sheikh, Abdifatah Musse and Hamse Abdule are three of the many African Muslims on the team. They said they’ve heard complaints of the kind of racial bias that a group of local Muslims rallied against outside Apollo on March 29. But they’ve had never experienced it firsthand at the school.

way Hoekstra accommodated their religious obligations, even when it affected their stamina on the field.

Abukar said he was friends with all of his teammates, most of whom were born in Central Minnesota.

While the basketball team is mostly locally born, the Apollo soccer team is a veritable League of Nations. It featured players from Laos, Vietnam, Germany, Kenya, Egypt, Somalia and other countries this year.

Hoekstra, who teaches in Big Lake, had a lot to adjust to.

The Muslim holiday of Ramadan, for example, started on Aug. 22, which meant that many of his Muslim players were fasting during daylight hours for most of the first month of the season. ``This is the first experience that I’ve had with people of the Muslim culture, in-depth,’’ Hoekstra said. ``I sought out the Muslim players, they sought me out and we just communicated. After we communicated, it was like, ‘All right, everything’s fine.’ ... You can’t claim ignorance.

You can’t just not want to know about the other cultures.

It’s really important that you reach out and get to know that individual. It doesn’t matter what nationality they are, they’re still kids. The key thing is that you try to reach out to them and communicate.’’

Musse, Abdule and Sheikh said they appreciated the

Along the way, players with names that varied from Mohamed Abdi to Rambo Souriyavongsa to Jethro White, bonded. Sheikh said the team started hanging out more off the field _ going to movies, playing pool at Musse’s house, or wearing out their FIFA soccer video games.

Sheikh called being part of an athletic team ``a lifetime opportunity’’ because of the peer support it gave him as an immigrant. He recommended it to anyone, but admitted that because of religious restrictions, it was not an option for many Muslim women, including his sister. She had to find other avenues to build a support system. ``I don’t think anyone has come up to her and said something bad to her because she knows a lot of people who are non-Muslims,’’ Sheikh said. ``So I guess she isn’t treated badly. There are some people who are actually being treated bad. Those kids might be the ones that have some issues with the other students.’’

Muzny said that might change if more people came out to watch the Apollo soccer team. ``We came from all kinds of different nationalities,’’ he said. ``We fought together, we played together and we won a few games together. We set an example for others that you can get along with other nationalities.’’

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US condemns Sudanese offensive in Darfur

Rights groups concerned over US ‘terror’ rules

US urges Khartoum, rebel movements to refrain from endangering Darfur peace process.

US Attorney General urged to refrain from attempting to restrict rights of detained suspects.

Middle east on line

silent and have the right to an attorney.

WASHINGTON - A coalition of US civil rights groups urged US Attorney General Eric Holder to refrain from attempting to restrict the rights of people detained on suspicion of engaging in terrorism.

The exception to the Miranda rule was introduced in the early 1980s in a case involving a supermarket robbery, in which police wanted to recover the handgun the thief used and wanted information on any imminent threat before the suspect was read his rights and could potentially remain silent.

In the letter, 35 groups -including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Human Rights Watch -expressed “concern” over Holder’s recent call to “codify or expand the ‘public safety exception’” to rules that give suspects the right to consult an attorney before answering police questions.

“Current law provides ample flexibility to protect the public against imminent threats while still permitting the use of statements made by the accused in a criminal prosecution,” read the letter.

The source of their fears are recent Holder statements on a possible review, with help from Congress, that would expand the “public safety exception” to the so-called Miranda rights.

The Miranda rules, established in a 1966 Supreme Court ruling, forbids prosecutors from using statements made by suspects before they have been warned that they have a right to remain

Holder told members of the House of Representatives last week that the administration believes that “only in terrorismrelated matters ... modernizing, clarifying, making more flexible the use of the public safety exception” would be “something beneficial.”

“We’re now dealing with international terrorists,” the attorney general told NBC television on May 9.

“I think that we have to think about perhaps modifying the rules that interrogators have

and somehow coming up with something that is flexible and is more consistent with the threat that we now face,” he said.

Talk of expanding the exception rule follows the arrest of Pakistani-American Faisal Shahzad, suspected of trying to detonate the car bomb in New York’s bustling Times Square district on May 1.

Holder said that Shahzad was interrogated under a public safety exception to the Miranda rule, and that he provided investigators with valuable intelligence and evidence.

“He was Mirandized later and continued to cooperate and provide valuable information,” said FBI deputy director John Pistole, referring to when the suspect was informed of his Miranda rights.

Holder insists that the current system works well despite incessant criticism from opposition Republicans, for whom terrorism suspects should be treated as “enemy combatants” and not as ordinary criminals.

The US Department of Justice did not respond to a query whether the move to expand the use of the public safety exception was a change of position.

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Middle east on line WASHINGTON - The United States condemned a Sudanese army offensive against rebels in Sudan’s western Darfur region, saying the action endangered civilians and caused them to flee the region en masse.

Sudanese army forces said on Saturday they have seized control of a key Darfur rebel stronghold, killing 108 members of the Justice and Equality Movement in the restive Jebel Moon area.

“The United States condemns the recent offensive actions in Darfur, particularly the government of Sudan’s use of aerial bombings and local militias against Darfur rebel positions in the Jebel Moon area of West Darfur,” State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.

“Such operations endanger civilians and lead to mass displacement,” he said.

“Subsequent incidents of looting and attacks on infrastructure by the Justice and Equality Movement further endanger civilian populations and must immediately cease,” Crowley added.

“We urge both the government of Sudan and the Darfur rebel movements to refrain from any further actions that would undermine the Darfur peace process or endanger civilians,” the spokesman said.

The United States, he added,

urges “all parties to return to active negotiations” in the peace process mediated by the African Union and the United Nations in Doha, Qatar in order to reach a political settlement to the conflict.

“We also call on the government of Sudan to grant access to the affected areas to the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and to humanitarian organizations,” he said, reading a statement.

The government in Khartoum and the JEM have suspended peace talks after the rebel group accused Sudan’s military of attacking its positions last month.

It said that Khartoum was trying to impose a “military solution” to the seven-year-old Darfur conflict, which the United Nations estimates has killed 300,000 people.

Khartoum, which says 10,000 people died since Darfuri ethnic rebels took up arms in 2003, denied having launched an offensive.

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9 Massachusetts Muslims to meet governor, seek broader voice NATIONAL

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

By JAY LINDSAY Associated Press Writer BOSTON (AP) _ Massachusetts Muslim leaders, moving to transform their often marginalized community into a vibrant civic force, will meet face to face with Gov. Deval Patrick in what they’re billing as a landmark event.

Organizers say about 1,000 Muslims from groups around the state, including 15 mosques; plan to attend a Saturday forum with the governor at the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, in New England’s largest mosque.

Leaders plan to talk to Patrick about what Muslims can contribute, describe bias they face and ask the governor to make specific commitments to raise awareness about their faith.

It’s the first time such a large group of Muslims have had an audience with the state’s highest-ranking elected official, said Yusufi Vali, a community organizer at the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization. ``I think what is happening this night is exactly what needs to happen,’’ he said. ``What people will see that night is Muslims aren’t scary. ... They do want to have a stake in this country and make it better.’’

Boston College religion professor Alan Wolfe said the meeting could have lasting importance for area Muslims.

``I think there’s still a substantial reluctance on the part of non-Muslim Americans to accept Islam as part of the American religious rainbow. This is an important step to overcoming that,’’ he said. ``It’s a symbolic recognition that Muslims are a political community, and the only way you get accepted in America is through politics, really.’’

Estimates of the state’s Muslim population vary widely, from as high as 130,000, to a 2007 survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life that puts the number at no more than 33,000 out of a population of 6.6 million.

There’s a broad range of incomes, education levels and ethnicities within the group, from newer Somali immigrants, often in working-class jobs such as cab drivers, to established families from India and Pakistan employed as engineers and doctors. But their varied backgrounds mean local Muslim voices have sometimes been fragmented or muffled, event organizers said.

But Vali said Muslims share weariness and anger over being branded dangerous because of terrorism by Islamic extremists and the accompanying extra attention by law enforcement and airport security. There’s also a conviction the political class prefers to keep them at arm’s length.

Vali noted President Barack Obama has not visited an American mosque since he took office _ and did not during the campaign _ though the White House

cites several initiatives to reach out to Muslims, including briefings with more than 100 Arab-American leaders during the last two years to update them on various domestic and international issues.

Area Muslims came to realize nothing would change until they united and tried to engage elected leaders, said Suzan El-Rayess, a graduate student working with event organizers. ``We felt like now is the time,’’ ElRayess said. ``We don’t have a seat at the table. We want to be active decision makers.’’

Bilal Kaleem, executive director of the Muslim American Society of Boston and the event’s lead organizer, said research shows that getting groups involved in the political process combats extremism within them. Ahmed Salaad, who works with the Boston-area Somali community, added engagement can also ease fears about Muslims. ``If you don’t know me, there is always the fear of the unknown,’’ he said.

The governor agreed to the meeting about three months ago, and organizers began holding small group meetings throughout the state to learn what Muslims were concerned about and what they’d like to change, Kaleem said.

The result was a list of several commitments Patrick will be asked to make Saturday, including visiting at least two Muslim institutions in the next six months; arranging a meeting with

Update expected in probe of Detroit imam’s death

By Associated Press

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) _ An official in Dearborn says the police chief plans to give an update next week on the investigation into the fatal shooting of a Detroit mosque leader.

JUNE 2010

law enforcement agencies to discuss training for interacting with the Muslim community; and convening a meeting with the state education chief to improve awareness of religious requirements of Muslim students and teachers, such as fasting and prayer.

To show their concern for the broader community, they’ll also ask Patrick to fight usury by moving state money out of banks that avoid the state’s interest rate cap, Kaleem said.

The governor hadn’t made promises prior to the meeting. In a statement, a spokeswoman for Patrick, Kimberly Haberlin, said the governor ``is committed to listening to the concerns and good ideas of all Massachusetts citizens.’’ But event organizers said, no matter what, Saturday’s meeting was just a beginning. ``We don’t want to have this event and then rest on our laurels,’’ El-Rayess said.

State tea party won’t drop speaker for Islam views

awaiting the Dearborn report to determine if laws were broken in the shooting.

Detroit-area Muslim activists have been frustrated by the delay.

By ERIK SCHELZIG Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) _ Tea party organizers will not drop a speaker from a Tennessee convention this weekend despite calls from a national Muslim rights group that considers her anti-Islamic.

Luqman (LUKE’-mahn) Ameen Abdullah was shot 20 times last fall when the FBI tried to arrest him on stolen goods charges.

Agents say he was armed and fired a gun at a Dearborn warehouse.

Dearborn spokeswoman Mary Laundroche (LAN’-drosch) said Friday that Chief Ron Haddad will be distributing an update early next week.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations had urged that Pamela Geller be cut from the Tennessee Tea Party Convention in Gatlinburg over her views on Muslims. Washington-based CAIR said in a release Thursday that it objects to Pamela Geller’s presentation titled ``The Threat of Islam.’’

Haddad has been mostly silent since Feb. 1 when the autopsy report was released. He said the case needed more work.

Convention organizer Anthony Shreeve said in an e-mail Friday that Geller will speak despite those concerns.

The Michigan attorney general’s office is

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Geller heads a group called Stop Islamization of America. ``CAIR is trying to get good, decent Pamela Geller Americans in the Tennessee Tea Party to crush free speech by dropping me,’’ Geller wrote on her blog.

The ultra-conservative tea party movement is pressing for lower taxes and smaller government, and supporting candidates who espouse those views.

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European Muslims criticize Muslim nations urged to promote Islamic finance veil ban plans Fast-growing Islamic sector seen as profitable for all investors including non-Muslims

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia Wednesday urged Muslim countries to lead the way in advocating the Islamic finance sector, saying it expects the “positive trends” for the burgeoning industry to continue.

Malaysia has been promoting Islamic finance -- which follows religious laws prohibiting the payment and collection of interest -- and has emerged relatively unscathed from the global financial crisis.

Islamic banking, a booming trillion-dollar industry, prohibits the payment and collection of interest, and bans gambling, so highly complex instruments such as derivatives and other creative accounting practices are banned.

Transactions must be backed by real assets, while the customer and the institution share the risk of any investment and also divide any profits between them.

By VERONIKA OLEKSYN Associated Press Writer VIENNA (AP) _ Muslims who attended a conference in Austria’s capital criticized European countries for considering the possibility of banning face-covering veils, saying it is counterproductive and regressive.

Veil bans are being considered in Belgium and France, and lawmakers in other European countries have also raised the issue.

The roughly 100 imams and Muslim religious advisers from 40 countries participating in the meeting in Vienna agreed that Islam doesn’t make it a requirement for women to wear face veils and saw little need to discuss it because of consensus on the matter, said Carla Amina Baghajati, a spokeswoman for the Islamic Religious Authority in Austria, which hosted the meeting. ``Nevertheless, we are critical that it comes to a ban,’’ Baghajati said. ``Why? Because it’s counterproductive.’’ She was among about 30 women taking part in the meeting.

“The time is right for this,” Prime Minister Najib Razak said in opening the annual World Islamic Economic Forum at the Malaysian capital.

“We see positive trends prevailing for the development of Islamic finance. In some countries, growth is as much as 1015 percent annually,” he told the forum, describing the figures as “encouraging”.

“Muslim countries must continue to play a leading role in transforming this sector from being considered niche banking into something that’s widely accepted as central to long-term economic stability around the world,” he said.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Islamic finance is a fastgrowing sector, and that it should strive to attract all investors including nonMuslims.

“Muslim nations have a good opportunity to achieve greater growth,” he told the forum.

Moody’s Investors Service has forecasted Islamic finance has a market potential of five trillion dollars. The sector also shuns investments in gambling, alcohol and pornography in favour of ethical investments.

An extensive draft resolution presented at the end of the two-day conference called for programs to promote the education of Muslim girls and women and said every mosque should have a female contact person for women’s issues.

It also expressed concern about a Swiss referendum late last year to ban the construction of new minarets and stressed that the practicing of Islam encompasses the respect of people from other religions or who hold different world views. ``Muslims don’t want to be seen as a problem but rather as part of the solution for modern challenges,’’ the document said.

The laws proposing bans on face-covering veils give the impression there is a need to restrict Muslims because there is ``something dangerous’’ about them and that they don’t respect women’s rights and need to be taught, Baghajati said. This, she added, brings up the divisive ``we’’ and ``them’’ notion that Muslims in Europe are trying to overcome.

A discussion within the Muslim community has helped keep the number of women dressing this way in Europe to a minimum, she said. ``This inner-Muslim discussion helps that we have very, very (few) women wearing these kind of clothes.’’

Famile Fatma Arslan, a Dutch lawyer and fellow conference participant, warned that the bans, if approved, could backfire. ``By creating a ban, you’re not being preventive but you’re being regressive,’’ she said. ``If you raise children and say ‘this is something you shouldn’t do,’ my kid, or my kids, or my nephews are doing it.’’

Instead, Arslan added, the focus should be more on the empowerment and education of Muslim women.

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Facebook page that led to Pakistani ban removed and the Flickr photo-sharing site were also sporadically unavailable.

Associated Press Writer ISLAMABAD (AP) _ A Facebook page that was considered offensive to Islam and led to a Pakistani ban on the site has been removed, possibly by its creator.

Facebook said it has not taken any action on the page, which had attracted more than 100,000 users and encouraged users to post images of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, purportedly in support of freedom of speech.

Most Muslims regard any depiction of the prophet, even favorable ones, as blasphemous.

Najibullah Malik, the secretary at Pakistan’s information technology ministry, said earlier that the government had no option but to shut down Facebook after a court order to do so.

It was not the first time depictions of the prophet have angered Muslims. In 2005, cartoons of Muhammad appeared in a Danish newspaper, sparking protests and riots from Muslims around the world, including in Pakistan, where the protests turned violent.

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Others _ mostly members of the more secular, educated elite _ accused the government of blocking freedom of expression and hurting small businesses that use Facebook for marketing. Many questioned need for the entire Facebook and YouTube sites to be blocked, instead of individual pages.

``We know some people are suffering because of this blockade, but we have to obey the court order in letter and spirit,’’ Malik said.

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Pakistan said it would consider restoring Facebook and other sites with related content only if they took down pages considered offensive to Islam.

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The Facebook page, called ``Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!,’’ had declared Thursday as the day to draw Mohammed, so it was possible the creator took it down because the page had served its purpose.

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12

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JUNE 2010

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Israelis: No halt to east Jerusalem construction

By AMY TEIBEL Associated Press Writer USALEM (AP) _ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hawkish coalition partners vowed to keep building Jewish settlements and demolishing unauthorized Palestinian homes in contested east Jerusalem _ despite indications the Israeli leader has put the brakes on both.

Netanyahu spokesman Mark Regev had no comment. A U.S. government official in Jerusalem urged both sides to refrain from statements that could be considered incitement and actions that could prejudice the negotiations. He spoke on condition of anonymity because no official statement was made.

The United States opposes both at this delicate time, when indirect talks between Israelis and Palestinians have just begun. The remarks by Netanyahu’s partners show the thin tightrope he has to walk in trying to address the conflicting demands of his political allies at home and Israel’s strongest ally abroad.

Both the Jewish construction and the demolition of Palestinian homes have provoked sharp rebukes from the Obama administration.

Israel’s announcement in March, during a visit by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, that it planned a major expansion of an existing Jewish neighborhood caused a feud with the Americans and prompted the Palestinians to back out of U.S.-mediated talks.

In practice, however, Israel has imposed a de facto moratorium freeze on new Jewish construction in east Jerusalem since the Biden visit, and the last time Israel razed a Palestinian home in east Jerusalem was in October.

He was also quoted as saying he would convene a municipal planning committee soon to advance new projects.

The two Cabinet ministers did not disclose specific plans or dates, indicating that their statements were directed toward the Israeli public, not an international audience.

The eastern sector of the city, which Israel captured from Jordan in 1967 and immediately annexed, is home to a contested site that houses both the sole remnant of the biblical Jewish Temples and Islam’s third-holiest shrine.

Netanyahu maintains Israel has the right to build in all of Jerusalem and won’t share the city with the Palestinians. The international community does not recognize Israel’s annexation and presumes sovereignty would be shared between Israel and the Palestinians under any final agreement.

``We will build in every part of Jerusalem, the capital of the Jewish people’s homeland for eternity, and I made this clear to our American friends and colleagues as well,’’ Yishai, whose ministry approves Jerusalem construction, told a weekly newspaper published by his party.

``If there was a postponement, it’s no longer in effect,’’ he told parliament.

Sovereignty over Jerusalem is the most emotionally charged issue dividing Israel and the Palestinians.

About 263,000 Palestinians and 193,000 Jews live there.

On Thursday, Israeli Interior Minister Eli Yishai of the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party reasserted his claim that Israel would never freeze construction in east Jerusalem, the sector of the holy city that Palestinians want for a future capital.

A day earlier, Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich said demolitions of unauthorized Palestinian homes would resume within days after having been put on hold so they wouldn’t hobble efforts to renew peace talks.

``These statements could make Israel look like it is obstructing peace, and undermine its international standing.’’

Defense Minister Ehud Barak called on his fellow Cabinet members in a statement to avoid inflammatory comments about Jerusalem. ``These statements hurt Israel’s interests with the U.S. and the world in general,’’ said Barak, whose centrist Labor Party is the most moderate member of Netanyahu’s coalition.

The construction curbs have caused dissent among Israeli hard-liners, prompting the most extreme of them to attack Palestinians and their property. On Wednesday, the visiting U.S. deputy chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Paul J. Selva, told Israeli officials he was concerned about those attacks, an Israeli foreign ministry official said. Israel told him it was already taking steps, ministry spokesman Ashley Perry said.

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French cabinet approves burqa ban law PARIS - The French cabinet approved a draft law to ban the Muslim full-face veil from public spaces, opening the way for the text to go before parliament in July.

“In this matter the government is taking a path it knows to be difficult, but a path it knows to be just,” President Nicolas

13 Muslim anger prompts Pakistan to block Facebook

INTERNATIONAL

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

(180 dollars) or sent on a course to learn the values of French citizenship.

Anyone who forces someone through threats, violence or misuse of a position of authority to cover her face because of her sex will be jailed for a year and fined 15,000 euros, the law says.

JUNE 2010

By BABAR DOGAR

Associated Press Writer LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) _ Pakistan’s government ordered Internet service providers to block Facebook on Wednesday amid anger over a page that encourages users to post images of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad.

The page on the social networking site has generated criticism in Pakistan and elsewhere because Islam prohibits any images of the prophet. The government took action after a group of Islamic lawyers won a court order Wednesday requiring officials to block Facebook until May 31.

By Wednesday evening, access to the site was sporadic, apparently because Internet providers were implementing the order.

Sarkozy told the assembled ministers, according to his office.

While Sarkozy’s right-wing majority is expected to be able to push the law through parliament, constitutional experts have warned that it could be thrown out by judges and might fall foul of European law.

“We are an old nation united around a certain idea of human dignity, and in particular of a woman’s dignity, around a certain idea of how to live together,” Sarkozy insisted.

“The full veil that hides the face completely harms those values, which are so fundamental to us, so essential to the republican compact.”

According to the text of the law, noone in France will be allowed to wear a garment “designed to hide the face”.

Those who flout it will be fined 150 euros

The law defines public spaces broadly to include all thoroughfares, all premises -- such as shops, cinemas, restaurants and markets -- open to the public and all government buildings.

France’s highest administrative legal body, the Council of State, had warned the government that it might be legally impossible to impose and enforce such a ban, but Sarkozy and his supporters are determined to press on.

Some opposition Socialists have declared they will vote against a ban they feel will be impossible to enforce, and many Muslim groups oppose a ban they fear will stigmatise their religion.

Opponents of the ban point to official figures that estimate that only 2,000 members of France’s approximately fivemillion-strong Muslim population wear the niqab, or full-face veil.

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The Facebook page at the center of the dispute _ ``Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!’’ _ encourages users to post images of the prophet on May 20 to protest threats made by a radical Muslim group against the creators of ``South Park’’ for depicting Muhammad in a bear suit during an episode earlier this year.

In the southern city of Karachi, about 2,000 female students rallied demanding that Facebook be banned for tolerating the page. Several dozen male students held a rally nearby, with some holding signs urging Islamic holy war against those who blaspheme the prophet. ``We are not trying to slander the average Muslim,’’ said the information section of the Facebook page, which was still accessible Wednesday morning. ``We simply want to show the extremists that threaten to harm people because of their Mohammad depictions that we’re not afraid of them.

That they can’t take away our right to freedom of speech by trying to scare us into silence.’’

A series of cartoons of the prophet published in a Danish newspaper in 2005 sparked

violent protests by Muslims around the world, including Pakistan, and death threats against the cartoonists.

In an attempt to respond to public anger over the Facebook controversy, the Pakistani government ordered Internet service providers in the country to block the page Tuesday, said Khurram Ali, a spokesman for the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority.

But the Islamic Lawyers’ Forum asked the Lahore High Court on Wednesday to order the government to fully block Facebook because it allowed the page to be posted in the first place, said the deputy attorney general of Punjab province, Naveed Inayat Malik.

The court complied with the request and ordered the government to block the site until the end of May, Malik said.

Lawyers outside the courtroom hailed the ruling, chanting ``Down with Facebook.’’

Later in the day, the telecommunications authority ordered all Internet service providers to block Facebook, it said in a statement.

Facebook said Wednesday it is investigating the block. ``While the content does not violate our terms, we do understand it may not be legal in some countries,’’ the company said in a statement. ``In cases like this, the approach is sometimes to restrict certain content from being shown in specific countries.’’

It remains to be seen how successful the move will be at keeping people in Pakistan from accessing the site. Some countries, such as China, permanently ban Facebook. But citizens often have little trouble working their way around the ban using proxy servers and other means.

Pakistan’s minister of religious affairs, Hamid Saeed Kazmi, said the ban was only a temporary solution and suggested the government organize a conference of Muslim countries to figure out ways to prevent the publication of images of the prophet.

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New UK Cabinet criticized for lack of diversity

By SYLVIA HUI Associated Press Writer

LONDON (AP) _ Prime Minister David Cameron’s three-day-old administration was criticized by activists, the press and even his new coalition partners for picking an almost entirely white, male and upperclass Cabinet despite pledging that his Conservative party would no longer be an old boys club.

The participation of the left-leaning Lib Dems also raised expectations of more diversity, now dashed. ``Cabinet jobs for well-heeled school chums,’’ the Daily Mirror tabloid scoffed

. ``A huge step backward,’’ wrote gender rights activists in a letter to The Times. ``Awash with buddies, backslapping and in-jokes,’’ said a columnist for The Guardian newspaper.

Radio shows were inundated by complaints

Medvedev spoke Wednesday in Turkey, his second stop in the region after Syria where he said that Israeli-Arab tensions threaten to draw the Middle East into a

Sayeeda Warsi, the first Muslim woman to sit at Cabinet, has not been given a defined policy area.

``The numbers (of women in government) have certainly gone down, and so has the significance of the posts they hold,’’ said Margaret Beckett, who served as foreign secretary under Blair. ``(Cameron’s) rhetoric has been that we need to bring more women into the administration, but his decisions have not matched that.’’

Eight percent of Britain’s population consists of ethnic minorities, with Indians

Theresa May, the most senior female figure in the Conservative Party and the new Home Secretary, will also serve as minister for equalities.

Her appointment was questioned by some gay rights activists. Although praised as a Conservative modernizer, May voted against equalizing the age of sexual consent for gays and heterosexuals in 1998, and in 2002 she voted against letting gay couples adopt children. May did, however, vote in favor of civil partnerships.

Analysts say Cameron’s efforts to increase diversity in the party’s upper ranks by recruiting women candidates _ mockingly dubbed ``Cameron’s cuties’’ by the press _ didn’t work because the new recruits don’t yet have enough experience. ``Cameron _ and Clegg _ were acutely aware they have very few women on which they could credibly draw,’’ said Colin Hay, a politics professor at the University of Sheffield. ``The politics of the past was gender discriminatory ... the irony, in a way, is that the Cabinet remains a sort of last bastion of that old order.’’

Report: Jerusalem museum excavation damages bones

Russian president calls end to Gaza tragedy ANKARA, Turkey (AP) _ Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says there is a human tragedy in Gaza and although all problems can’t be solved, nations must do their best to end it.

``When you look at the negotiating teams, they were male and pale,’’ Liberal Democrat lawmaker Lynne Featherstone told the BBC, referring to senior leaders from both parties who cobbled together the power-sharing deal. ``We must do better.’’

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair had six women in his 2005 Cabinet. Gordon Brown, who resigned this week, had five in his team.

Twenty-two Cabinet members are white, and at least 16 went to top universities Oxford or Cambridge.

Associated Press

being the largest group followed by Pakistanis.

Other European nations have greater gender equity at the top. About half of Norway and Sweden’s Cabinets consist of women, and Germany has six women in its current 16-member Cabinet. Six of Austria’s 13 top ministers are female. In Switzerland, women make up less than a third of the parliament, but within Cabinet there are three women out of seven members.

Cameron and his deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats, both grew up in wealthy families and attended elite schools. The 23-member Cabinet they selected after forging a coalition government this week includes Britain’s first female Muslim to sit at Cabinet, but only three other women. Only two run government departments, the mark of influence and power.

Cameron has been trying to detoxify the image of the Conservative party as a small club of aristocrats hostile to minorities and indifferent to the poor. He’s been including more minority candidates and pledged in his campaign that a third of senior government jobs would go to women.

about the lack of women and minorities in the upper echelons of power.

new catastrophe, adding Moscow’s weight to a diplomatic push to ease antagonism between Israel and Syria.

On the Palestinian conflict, Medvedev says ``we are facing a human tragedy in Gaza.’’

Russia has been building up its influence as a Middle East mediator, pledged its assistance in pushing the region toward peace. Turkey is also pursuing a similar policy and mediated between Syria and Israel

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Received by Associated Press JERUSALEM (AP) _ An Israeli newspaper is reporting that excavators clearing ground for a museum dedicated to tolerance in Jerusalem have dug up more than 1,000 skeletons from a Muslim cemetery.

Haaretz reported that an investigation by the paper found that several of the skeletons were damaged during the excavations over the past five months for

the Museum of Tolerance. The project is being funded by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish organization based in Los Angeles.

Muslim groups have called for the project to be halted because it is being built on top of a Muslim cemetery.

Israel’s Supreme Court instructed excavators to carefully remove the graves to an alternative burial site. Experts cited in the report say this wasn’t done properly.

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Zaki Aizaz Spotlight

YOUTH

Nesima Aberra Muslim Voice

JUNE 2010

Children Training Parents: A New Form of Dialogue Nesima Aberra Muslim Voice

Most people would like to think they are good public speakers, but 17-year-old Zaki Aizaz has the awards to prove he is one.

“A Teenager’s Guide to Raising Good Muslim Parents in America” hosted

by Azra Hussein, advisor for MYAA, Muslim Youth Association of Arizona, was held at Islamic Center of the North East Valley on May 8.

A junior at Desert Vista High School in Ahwatukee, Zaki first joined the Speech and Debate club as a freshman. He was involved in theater during middle school and was recruited by the high school to join the program.

“I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the people that were involved with our team,” Zaki said.

He competes mainly in Public Forum debate, a type of debate that involves two teams of two debaters discussing a current pressing topic. His favorite topic that he debated was on civil disobedience, saying he enjoyed the emphasis on a more morality based discussion. Zaki has also competed in other events like Duo Interpretation, Student Congress, and Impromptu Speaking and plans to do Poetry and Oratory next year.

This year, Zaki and his debate partner made it to the octafinals round at the 39th annual Tournament of Champions in Lexington, Kentucky. They were part of the top 16 teams in the nation; Zaki was awarded the top speaker award in the nation, something he is really proud of.

“It was a really incredible feeling, especially because this year has been full of a great deal of adversity that limited the number of tournaments I was able to travel to/compete at,” he said, “ so this along with the State Championship have been really rewarding to see all of our hard work throughout the year finally paying off when it matters the most.”

The motivation to win helps Zaki “develop and hone” his unique skills through the competition.

“There’s nothing better than seeing the work that you put into something turned

into results,” he said, “and I think that speech and debate is a really good outlet for some of my natural talents and tendencies.”

Being involved in Speech and Debate takes up a lot of Zaki’s time with practice after school, regular tournaments taking up whole weekends and out of state tournaments spanning four to five days. Zaki says it’s difficult to balance everything, but he does his best to maintain a well-rounded life.

Although he says he doesn’t time for many other hobbies or activities, he likes playing and watching basketball, reading, writing and photography.

Although he doesn’t know what he wants to do as career yet, he believes that Speech and Debate is good training for the future.

“No matter what you do with your life, strong communication skills and the ability to convey what’s on your mind in an articulate manner can always get you a long way,” he said.

Overall, being on the Speech and Debate team has been an “incredible” experience for Zaki.

“I have always felt like I fit in really well with the team, and I have learned so many valuable skills through this program, but most of all I really value the friendships that I’ve formed through this team and will probably have my whole life,” he said.

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15

Hussein said she likes to “think outside of the box for the youth and come up with zany ideas” to engage Muslim youth and make Islam fun.

“I enjoyed being Muslim my whole life,” she said, which is why she feels it’s so important for youth to care about their religion, their families and the community. MYAA’s mission is “to provide, for Muslim youth of the Valley, spiritual enrichment, a forum in which to meet, socialize, and interact with one another in an Islamic environment, as well as perform community service.”

The current MYAA youth board members are Danya Kaakani, Hydar Hussaini, Rebia Khan and Umar Alzein.

The group’s monthly discussions often involve potluck dinners at different people’s houses or masjids with 1217 youth and their parents. Many discussions have been not just religious, but academic and social such as about scholarships and resume writing.

Attendants are asked to bring canned food to the free events to donate to the Cultural Cup Food Bank as part of the group’s volunteering service.

This event had a pancake breakfast before hand, but it didn’t have a huge turnout for the discussion due to the weekend being around AP and finals testing time for Valley students.

Instead, Hussein spoke on the topic of teens raising parents using her own experiences with her family and how to properly approach the idea.

“My children have been training me their whole lives, whether I like it or not,” she said.

She mentioned how one of her sons as a child would test her about the names of various Power Rangers and Optimus Prime characters, bringing her into his life and his interests. Her son made sure she was part of the conversation, so she made an effort to listen.

Hussein also talked about her 27-yearold daughter in Philadelphia who she talks to every day, but their conversations aren’t dominated by typical motherly worries or generic questions. Instead, Hussein talks to her daughter about her friends, hobbies, TV shows and classes. She does this because that’s what her daughter wants to talk

about. What’s of interest to the child should be of interest to the mother.

So if teens want to raise a good parent that’s involved, Hussein said her big rule is “Do ask, do tell.” Many teenagers refuse to talk to their parents out of fear or frustration, but Hussein says this is wrong. Nothing should be off limits and teens should feel comfortable asking their parents about anything and everything.

“If they [parents] shy away, bring it up again. And then bring it up again,” she said.

Teens can’t complain their parents don’t understand them if they don’t make an effort to talk to their parents and train them to listen and pay attention. Hussein said that parents are growing along with their children, so they are still learning and picking up information. With their busy lives, parents may not notice small behavioral changes or moodiness in their teens and unknowingly allow the problem to grow worse—especially if the teen don’t speak up and simply expect their parent to know what’s going on.

“Parents are so busy providing for and protecting their kids to notice when a kid winces. The kid needs to step up and confront his mother,” Hussein said. “Somewhere in her busy life, the mother will notice. Moms and dads will do everything to help their kids.”

Teens have to keep sharing their feelings with their parents, she told the group, because “you were doing it before you were 10. Why did you stop now?”

Both parents and teens need to be open and choose to have each other in their lives. She used the analogy of a patient who goes to the doctor, doesn’t explain all their problems and expects the doctor to figure out what the patient needs.

An important thing to note is that Hussein is not advocating being rude to parents, because the Quran teaches politeness and respect to parents. In order for this form of dialogue to work, it is most important for children to be patient when training their parents.

“Kids don’t know everything,” Hussein said. “The only thing kids know is what they like and dislike.”

Hussein said she would consider having the discussion topic of teens raising good Muslim parents again if there was demand, but she usually doesn’t repeat events because of lack of time. However, if other groups or individuals are interested, they can contact MYAA to host an event of this kind. For more information, visit http:// azmuslimyouth.org

Knowledge Blooms Where Seeds of Iman are Planted

By Sumbal Akhter

Nesima Aberra For her participation in Muslim Voice internship program the last few months And wishes her best of luck and prospers future.

When one thinks of blooming, we think of a bud blossoming into a beautiful, vibrant flower. But blooming can also include the blossoming of the mind, body and soul. The phrase “Knowledge Blooms Where Seeds of Iman are planted” can split into a myriad of different meanings for a myriad of different people. The word Iman translates into the manifesting humility or submission, and the accepting of the Divine Law and the firm believing there of within the heart.

Iman immerses the concepts of faith, trust, confidence, acknowledgment and utmost submission.

Not only does faith appease the soul but it increases the curiosity, thus expanding the horizons of the mind. Just like the Qur’anic text “I have faith in Allah and His Angels, His Books and His Messengers, and the Day of Judgment and that all good and evil and fate is from Almighty Allah and it is sure that there will be resurrection after death.”

Curiosity transitions into a brilliant learning process where one can discover the workings of the world by their own accord. The phrase “Knowledge Blooms Where Seeds of Iman are planted” is an inspiration and call-to-action for people all around the world. It encourages one to not be afraid of gaining information and asking questions; it is a beautiful learning process.

Once Iman is accepted fully and deeply in the heart, a miraculous change can encounter a person. An enlightenment of knowledge can strike a person with such force, beauty and power.

Knowledge can adapt to many different environments, but is far better-suited in the rich climates of the noble believer.

In conclusion, religion raises a series of topics, concerns and questions; all binding together to increase the knowledge one has of their surroundings, the world and their own existence. Knowledge not only blooms where seeds of Iman are planted; it flourishes.

16

ISLAM / FAMILY

JUNE 2010

www.AZMuslimVoice.com

Hijaab is a woman’s real beauty By: Salaah Brooks

It often occurs to me that many of our sisters in Islam are not properly encouraged once they begin to observe the requirements of Hijaab. It may be that a sister has been obliged to wear the Hijaab without truly pondering over its superiority.

Perhaps she has reached the age of puberty and her parents have instructed her to wear it. Perhaps she has recently accepted Islam and her close companions have told her of its obligation. Alternatively, perhaps her husband has commanded her to wear Hijaab.

A sister who does not truly know the superiority of Hijaab will always remain envious of disbelieving women.

Why? Because they observe these misguided disbelievers attempting to look beautiful for all to see. Hence, the Muslim woman then compares herself to that woman which causes her to feel ashamed of her own Hijaab.

my father (Abu Bakr), may Allaah be pleased with him, were later buried in without having my garment on me, saying it is only my husband and my father. But when ‘Umar bin alKhattaab, may Allaah be pleased with him, was later buried in (the same place), I did not enter the room except that I had my garment on being shy from ‘Umar.”

It can be quite difficult for the Muslim woman to go out wearing Hijaab in a society that mocks and torments her.

Indeed, she may feel strange and out of place. However, if she knows the status of those who are mocked by the disbelievers, then she would continue to wear her Hijaab with dignity.

Allaah Says in His Book (what means): “Verily! The criminals used to laugh at those who believed. And whenever they passed them, used to wink at one another. And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting. When they saw them, they said: ‘These have indeed gone astray!’

But they (disbelievers, sinners) had not been sent as watchers over them (the believers).

But on this Day those

Therefore, what follows is a reminder for my sisters in Islam.

It is a reminder of the true status of these so-called beautiful women. It is a reminder of the excellence of the women who wear Hijaab.

It is well known that the Muslim woman is a creature of modesty. Allaah loves for our Muslim women to be shielded by their Hijaab. It is their outer protection from the decadence of this life. Allaah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, (may Allaah exalt his mention), said: “Allaah is modest and covering. He loves modesty and privacy.” [Abu Daawood, AnNasaa’i Al-Bayhaqi, Ahmad].

Look at the regard for modesty that our mother, ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, possessed even in the presence of the deceased; she said: “I used to enter the room where the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and

We see from the above Aayah and Hadeeth that displaying oneself is indeed unlawful. Further, it is a quality of the most evil of women! Therefore, do not be envious of the disbelieving women. They only have this life to enjoy, while the believing women will have Paradise. There is nothing in your Hijaab to be ashamed of, as it is the garment of the righteous and pious female worshippers of Allaah.

These women who expose themselves are common among us today. These are women that even the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, did not see! Look around you and you will see those women who are clothed but naked! Look at the hairstyles of the women who expose themselves -- are they not high like the camel’s hump?

Thus, as modesty is a quality that is loved by Allaah, our sisters must take comfort in knowing that they are modest and that they are not like those women who show themselves off to the world. Such women will not be shielded from Allaah’s Wrath. Allaah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband’s home, has broken Allaah’s shield upon her.” [Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi)

The Muslim women must know that the disbelieving women who beautify themselves for the world to see possess no modesty, thus, they are void of any Eemaan. Instead of looking to the latest fashion models for guidance, you must look to the wives of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

Allaah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “The best of your women is the affectionate, the fertile, the comforting, the agreeable -- if they fear Allaah. The most evil of your women are those who expose and display themselves, and those who strut (to show off) and they are the hypocrites.

Those who enter al-Jannah (the Paradise) are like the red beaked crow.” [Al-Bayhaqi]. The simile of the red-beaked crow is to show that those who enter Paradise will be as rare as this kind crow is rare.

In order to truly show you how evil those women who expose themselves are, let us ponder over the following statement of Allaah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam : “Of the people of Hell there are two whom I have never seen, the one possessing whips like the tail of an ox and they flog people with them. The second one, women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others. Their hair is high like the humps of the camel. These women would not enter Paradise, nor will they smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be sensed from such and such a distance.” [Muslim]

Excellent Qualities of Those who Wear Hijaab:

Therefore, we see that the Hijaab of the Muslim woman is indeed part of modesty. Modesty accompanies Eemaan (faith). That is why Allaah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Modesty is part of Eemaan and Eemaan is in Paradise.” [At-Tirmithi]. Also: “Modesty and Eemaan are companions, when one goes away the other one goes away.”

[Al-Haakim and others]

themselves for others. Such a display is an attribute of ignorance. Allaah Says in His Book (what means): “And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves as you used to during the times of ignorance.” [Quran 33:33]

who believe will laugh at the disbelievers. On (high) thrones, looking (at all things). Are not the disbelievers paid (fully) for what they used to do?”

[Quran 83:29-36] Allaah’s Words should serve as a support for you my dear sister. Also, take comfort in being a stranger among these lewd and sinful women. Allaah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said (what means): “Islam began as something strange, and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange, so good news is for the strangers.” [Muslim] The Characteristics of the Exposed Women: Instead of practicing the Hijaab (covering), the disbelieving women expose themselves, making a dazzling display of

Perhaps we are the first generation since the time of Aadam, may Allaah exalt his mention, to witness such women. If one ponders over photos taken thirty to fifty years ago, one will see that the disbelieving women did not expose themselves in the manner that their offspring do today! These women are among the people of the Fire! Thus, how can you envy them?

Such lewd women will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise; so our women must avoid their path.

Another lesson from the above hadeeth is that it confirms that what the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, came with is indeed the truth! This is a prophecy that has come to pass in front of our very eyes. Hence, will we continue to envy these evil women, or should we be grateful to our Lord for the Hijaab, which brings modesty, which leads to Paradise?

To sum up, the Muslim woman should abandon all of the ways of the exposed women, and adopt the ways of those who are modest through their love and practice of the proper Islamic Hijaab.

Restoring and maintaining intimacy in marriage Islamweb.com Couples can return to the state of intimacy from conflict, if, and only if, they stop hurting each other and return to meeting each other’s emotional needs again.

What is intimacy?

Intimacy is closeness to each other. In an intimate state, spouses communicate smoothly, rush to do whatever it takes to make each other happy, and avoid what might upset or annoy the other. Couples can achieve this state only through meeting each other’s psychological, emotional and physical needs.

Reviving and maintaining intimacy: Mainstream-counseling perspective From Dr. Harley’s research and experience in trying to save marriages through counseling, he concluded that couples negotiate from one of three states of mind, each having its own unique negotiating rules and its own unique emotional reactions. He called these states of mind, ‘intimacy’, ‘conflict’ and ‘withdrawal’.

Couples can return to the state of intimacy from conflict, if, and only if, they stop hurting each other and return to meeting each other’s emotional needs again. The first and most important concept that Dr. Harley produced to help couples understand the rise and fall of romantic love is “the Love Bank Account”. In his study of what it takes to build love bank accounts, he learned that habits were much more important to consider than isolated instances of behavior. Habits that deposit love units build very large love bank balances because they are repeated over and over almost effortlessly. Isolated behaviors, on the other hand, usually do not affect the love bank much. Similarly, habits that withdraw love units tend to destroy love bank balances because they are also repeated almost effortlessly. In marriage, one of the most destructive behaviors is an angry outburst, where one spouse intentionally tries to hurt the other one, causing massive love bank

withdrawals.

As a starting point to build the love bank balance, dr. Harley encourages spouses to get into the habit of doing whatever it takes to make each other happy (deposit love units), and avoid habits that make each other unhappy (withdraw love units). Through his counseling experience, he proved the success of his approach in saving marriages and restoring intimacy. As soon as he realized that a large love bank balance triggered the feeling of love, he tried to discover what spouses could do for each other that would make the largest love bank deposits. “What could your spouse do for you that would make you the happiest?” He asked each couple that he counseled, and then he compiled the answers he had in a set of audiotapes that teaches what a husband needs from his wife and what a wife needs from her husband.

Reviving and maintaining intimacy: Islamic perspective As committed Muslims who believe that the Islamic message is the absolute final truth that provides the cure for every ailment and grants the ultimate happiness in both this life and eternal life, we weigh any information or research findings with the message of Islam to accept what is compatible and reject what contradicts any of Islam’s teachings.

Dr. Harley’s recommendations in the twenty first century were not any different from what Allaah Almighty, and his Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, taught us fourteen hundred years ago.

Marriage unites the souls The Quran emphasizes the essential unity of men and women in the most beautiful metaphor for intimacy. Allaah Says (what means): “…They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them…” [Quran 2: 187] Just as a garment hides our nakedness, so do husband and wife, by entering into the relationship of marriage, secure each other’s chastity, and cover each other’s faults. The

garment gives comfort, grace and beauty to the body; so does a husband find comfort in his wife’s company and she in his.

The Quran has given the comprehensive description of intimacy in marriage, and considered it one of His Signs. Allaah Says (what means): “And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy.

Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” [Quran 30: 21] Islamic tips to restore and maintain intimacy in marriage Islam gave us detailed instructions that identify rights, responsibilities and characters of both husband and wife to build their relationship on mutual love, respect, and mercy. Here are the most important tips that lead to a successful and happy marriage.

1. Faith: Common faith binds the couple strongly. Since Islam is a way of life, it becomes an integral part of a Muslim’s life.

Couples with strong faith will share the same values and the frame of reference and communicate smoothly and effectively. Faith plays an essential role in developing a loving relationship.

Couples who work on strengthening their faith, for example by performing the Prayer, reading Quran, and seeking Islamic knowledge together, become closer. They love and please Allaah through loving and pleasing each other. The commitment couples make to Allaah are excellent facilitators for enhancing their family’s spiritual development and commitment to Allaah and His Religion.

2. Forgiving: When the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said to his Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them: “Do you wish that Allaah should forgive you?” They said, ‘of course, O Prophet of Allaah.’ He, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, responded: ‘Then forgive each other.’”

One of the main components of a happy

marriage is forgiveness. It is a challenge not to blame and to move past an incident when one hurts the other. This can only happen if we are not too proud to ask for forgiveness and we are not too stingy to forgive.

3. Friendship: A relationship based on friendship is more able to withstand outside pressures. We mean the friendship that is based on honor, trust, respect, acceptance and care for each other, in spite of our differences.

4. Feelings: The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, stated that Allaah forgives all sins if we repent but not those we have committed against others, i.e., hurt their feelings unless the person we have hurt forgives first. Couples must be very careful not to hurt the feelings of each other and if they inadvertently do, they should apologize as soon as possible. Since one does not know when someone they love will leave this world, is it not better to make amends when we have the time?

5. Openness: Marital relationship is where the partners must feel safe to speak their mind honestly with due consideration to the other’s feeling, without compromising their own views. When the communication is not sincere it hinders the development of closeness and deep understanding of each other’s inner self.

6. Flattering: Paving compliments and indulging in honest flattery is a very inexpensive way to win your spouses heart. Everyone likes to be appreciated and noticed. So being scant with compliments is actually depriving one of being appreciated in return.

7. Unconditional giving: The heart does not put conditions or make stipulations. It gives without expecting anything in return, but such selfless giving is always rewarded tenfold.

8. Fallibility: When couples start to demand the impossible they must remind themselves that only Allaah is Perfect.

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DEAR SISTER HANA / HEALTH

JUNE 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: Alsalamu Alikum, I wanted to ask you about improving my self confidence.

When I was younger and in school I used to always get bullied and I would always think bad things about myself. I feel like this has affected me negatively still after I have grown up. Is there any way that I can get the negative thoughts about myself out of my mind and feel better about myself?

Dear Brother/Sister: I have the perfect advice for you and all others who read my column. As I may have mentioned before, there is a four part cycle that all people experience everyday of our life. That cycle consists of events that happen in our life that lead to automatic thoughts that directly affect our feelings which then will manifest in out behaviors. This cycle can be applied to all emotions, however in regards to your question; I will explain to you how it relates to low self esteem.

In your situation, the first part of the cycle, the event, is people in school that were bullying you, and the things that they said to you. Events are situations in our life that we cannot control and cannot change. We cannot control how other people think and we cannot control how other people act and behave. So there is no point in wasting our efforts and energy to change people.

However, we can directly control how we feel about certain situations and that is by controlling how we think. For example, if someone says, “You are stupid” we will have an automatic thought that happens in our mind. That thought can be many things like, “I must be stupid, that is why people call me stupid” or “I hate myself, why do people always make fun of me” or “I have my life and people, I just want to be alone” and many other examples and I am sure you get the picture. If we are thinking thoughts like this then we will automatically feel bad about ourselves, helpless, hateful, lonely and sad. Those feelings cause low self esteem. If we decide to believe the mean things people tell us and take them personally we should understand that this is what causes low self esteem.

We can chose to not let the things people tell us personally. For example, if someone says, “You are stupid” you automatic thought could be, “I know I am not stupid and they are just saying that to make me feel bad” or “I will not let my self get affected by what they say” or “They are trying to hurt me because it makes them feel good to bully and I will not let them control my emotions, only I can control my emotions. When you say statements like this you can see that your emotions will not be sadness, helplessness and hate for yourself, it will be a neutral feeling that will not affect your self esteem.

Bottom line, we will only be affected if we believe what other people tell us about our self, if we take things said to us personally and if our thoughts about our self are negative.

People use have low self esteem for two reasons, 1) negative wordsas mentioned above, things that people or the media says to us about ourselves. And 2) traumatic experiences and losses in our life that make us feel helpless, hopeless and incapable of being strong and making it on our own. Either way the solution is the same. If we look at our life using this four part model: Events thoughts  feelings behaviors We will never get hurt or affected by anything or anyone. We can control our thoughts 100% and Islam promotes taking control of our thoughts.

When we understand that our thoughts are in our control our moods will change, then our self esteem will improve and we will feel happier and more at peace.

Try to remember this rule when you start feeling sad or bad about yourself.

Ask yourself what was I just thinking and telling myself in my mind that caused me to feel so sad and try to replace and substitute those thoughts with more positive and truthful thoughts to help you feel better and happier.

Thank you, Sister Hana

Health in Islam Quran is a Healing Description: Quran contain guidance that promotes good health and healing

By Aisha Stacey

or book of medicine, but it does contain guidance that promotes good health and healing.

Islam takes a holistic approach to health. Just as religious life is inseparable from secular life, physical, emotional and spiritual health cannot be separated; they are three parts that make a completely healthy person. When one part is injured or unhealthy, the other parts suffer. If a person is physically ill or injured it may be difficult to concentrate on anything but the pain. If a person is emotionally unwell, he or she may not be able to take care of him or herself properly or find their minds distracted from the realities of life.

“O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Quran), and a healing for that which is in your hearts.” (Quran 10:57) “And We send down from the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe...” (Quran 17:82) There is no doubt that the words and verses of Quran

When speaking to his followers Prophet Muhammad spoke of the strong believer being better than a weak believer, in the eyes of God.[1] The word strong here can mean strength in faith or in character, but it can equally mean health. Our bodies are a trust from God and we are accountable for how we look after our health. Although physical and emotional health is important, spiritual health needs to be the first priority in our lives. If a person is in spiritual difficulty then life can begin to unravel and problems may occur in all areas.

He also said: “There is a remedy for every malady, and when the remedy is applied to the disease it is cured with the permission of Almighty God.”[5] Quran is a healing for the body and the soul.

Whenever life becomes too difficult or we are beset by injury, illness or unhappiness Quran will light our way and lighten our burdens. It is a source of solace and ease. In the world today many people have untold wealth and luxury but little contentment. Those of us in the West have access to doctors and medicine, to traditional healing, medical breakthroughs and alternative cures but many lives are full of emotional pain and listlessness. What is missing is belief, faith in God.

And with Him are the keys of the unseen; no one knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that is [written] in a clear record. (Quran 6:59)

Accepting a trial does not mean that we do nothing, of course we try to overcome it and learn from it.

Accepting means facing the trial patiently armed with the weapons God has provided for us. The greatest of these weapons is the Quran, a book of guidance, filled with mercy and healing. The Quran is not a textbook

It is important to seek a cure from the Quran, in the manner prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad, but it is equally important to understand that it is permissible and at times obligatory, to seek help from medical practitioners. Our bodies are ours, only in trust; we are obligated to treat them with respect and to maintain them in the best way. In accordance with the holistic approach Islam takes to health, there is no contradiction in seeking a cure from both medical science and permissible spiritual means.

The Prophet said: “There is no disease that God Almighty has created, except that He also has created its treatment.”[4]

Injury and illness can happen for many reasons, however it is important to acknowledge and accept that nothing happens in this world accept with the permission of God.

This world is but a transient place, beautified for us by the things we covet, spouses, children, wealth and luxury. Yet these are just passing pleasures and temporary joys compared to the contentment and extreme beauty that is Paradise[2]. To help us secure a place in Paradise God places trials and obstacles in our way. He tests our patience and gratitude and provides us with ways and means of overcoming the obstacles. God is also merciful and just, so we can be sure that whatever trials we face God designed them to help us secure a place of eternal bliss. Injury and ill health are trials and tests that we must face with patience, forbearance and above all acceptance.

story of the man whom the Prophet sent on a mission.

He camped close by to some people who did not show him any hospitality. When the leader of the nearby camp was bitten by a snake, they went to Prophet Muhammad’s companion for help. He recited the opening chapter of the Quran over the afflicted man and he arose “as if released from a chain”.[3]

contain a healing for humankind’s woes and ills. It was narrated in the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, that certain verses and chapters by God’s will could bring about healing from disease and distress. Slowly over the years, we have begun to rely more on medicines and physical remedies rather then the spiritual remedies prescribed by Islam. If faith is strong and unwavering, the effect of spiritual remedies may be fast and efficient.

From the traditions of Prophet Muhammad comes the

In the past several decades, it has become widely accepted that religious belief and practices have a significant impact on both physical and emotional health.

Medical and scientific research has demonstrated that religious commitment aids in the prevention and treatment of emotional disorders, disease and injury and enhances recovery.[6] Belief in and submission to the will of God is the most essential part of good health care. The words and recitation of Quran can cure hearts and minds, as well as overcome illness and injury, however complete trust in God does not negate the healing effects of medical science provided we use them only in lawful ways. Indeed, God has power over all things, therefore we need to put our trust in Him, develop a lasting relationship with His book of guidance – the Quran, follow the authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad and seek a cure, wherever it may be.

18

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JUNE 2010

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Fata

(Lamb and Bread Soup) Description: A great Egyptian main dish Servings:6 Ingredients: 1 1/2 pound lean lamb meat without bones 2 medium onions, chopped fine Fresh ground black pepper 6 c. plus 3/4 c. water, divided 1/2 c. rice 1/4 c. plus 2 T ghee or butter, separated 3 large cloves garlic, crushed 1/4 c. wine vinegar 2 rounds Khoubiz, toasted * Instructions: Cut lamb into 1 inch cubes and place in a large pot with 6 cups of the water. Bring slowly to a boil, skimming occasionally. Add onion, salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender yet not falling apart. Meanwhile wash and drain the rice. In a medium saucepan boil one cup of water add 1 Tablespoon of ghee and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, than the rice. Bring back to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Cover and simmer over low heat 15-20 minutes until tender.

Using a slotted spoon remove meat from cooking liquid. In a separate skillet melt 1 Tablespoon of ghee, add

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Food Recipes Moroccan Couscous

the meat and fry it a few minutes.

Remove from heat. Set aside and keep it warm.

In the same frying pan used for the meat melt 1/4 cup of ghee over medium high heat. Add the garlic and sauté until it begins to take on color. Remove skillet from heat. Stir vinegar into the skillet. Return to heat and boil a few seconds. Set this mixture aside.

Place 1 round of toasted khoudiz in a large casserole or soup tureen. Spoon some of the garlic mixture over the bread then add half of the cooked rice. Pour some of the soup broth over top of this. Place second round of toasted bread then the remaining rice. Place fried lamb cubes on top the fried lamb. Top this off with the remaining garlic mixture.

Pour the remaining soup broth over this. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Note: adding a clove to boiling water will help to cover the aroma of boiling lamb if desired

Description: This is not for the faint of heart, just for those seeking the pleasures of life. Spicy and hot, and you will cook it over and over. If nothing else, we owe Morocco a thank you for this one.

Servings: 6 Ingredients: chicken, 3.5 pound, cut in 6 pieces butter, 3.5 T vegetable oil, 1/4 c onion, 1 large, cut into wedges

Instructions:

plum tomatoes, .5 pound quartered

Combine chicken and broth in a large Dutch oven. Simmer until chicken is cooked through,turning occasionally, about 20 minutes. Using tongs remove chicken from cooking liquid: reserve cooking liquid.. Skin and bone chicken; cut into bite size pieces.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the oil in large heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion,sauté until tender,about 10 minute. Add tomatoes and next 8 ingredients and stir 30 seconds. Mix in reserved cooking liquid, turnips, carrots, squash, zucchini and garbanzo beans with liquid. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are almost tender about 15 minutes. Uncover and cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add chicken pieces to sauce and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes. Discard jalapeno.

Meanwhile bring 2 1/4c. Water and 1- 1/2 T butter and salt to boiling.

Stir in couscous. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 10 minutes; fluff with fork. Arrange couscous in center of serving platter. Drizzle couscous with 3/4 c sauce. Spoon chicken and vegetables atop couscous. Serve, passing remaining sauce separately.

parsley, 1 c fresh chopped ginger, 1.5 t ground black pepper, 1.5 t ground turmeric, 1 t ground jalapeno chili, 1 whole cinnamon stick, .5 cayenne pepper, 1/4 t saffron threads, 1/8 t crushed turnips, 5 small, peeled, quartered carrots, 4 large peeled, quartered lengthwise and crosswise acorn squash, 1 large peeled, seeded, cut into 2 inch pieces zucchini, 3 small cut quartered lengthwise then crosswise garbanzo beans, 16,ounce, canned water, 2 1/4 c salt, 1.5 t couscous, 3 c about 18 ounces chicken broth, 4 c, canned Note: Buy couscous from a Middle Eastern store, or you maybe can buy it at health stores.

CALENDAR / ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Muslim Community Mosque:

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Masjid Omar

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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.

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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

20

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